Financial Aid, Student Accounts and Student Employment at Dominican

Financial Aid

One of the most practical ways parents can assist their son or daughter in college is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. Students who are Illinois residents must file their FAFSA by March 1. The Illinois MAP grant deadline for the 2012-2013 academic year was March 19. A FAFSA form must be completed each year for students to be considered for and/or remain eligible for grants and loans.

The financial aid process often marks the first time a student will be accepting a long-term financial commitment. Parents and students should sit down and complete the FAFSA together, as the process will illustrate the educational and financial partnership that exists between parent and student. Investing in their education is one of the most important, life altering decisions that students may ever make, and they rely on their parents for support and guidance.

Federal student loans are often a source of confusion and anxiety for families. Parents express that they don't want their son or daughter to be burdened with loan debt after college. However, as with most private colleges, the majority of our students are funding their education by utilizing this valuable resource. Students often need help in realizing that the loans they are offered will be their financial responsibility, and not the responsibility of their parents. From the completion of the loan data sheet, to the required Stafford entrance and exit counseling, and the signing of the master promissory note, students must acknowledge their role as being responsible for financing their own education. We do recognize your desire as parents to assist them in this process; the financial aid office is available for counsel in understanding the loan process.

Just as we look forward to working with your son or daughter, we want parents to recognize that the financial aid office is a place to have questions or concerns addressed. For example, a change in family circumstances can often affect the ability to keep up with tuition payments. We will do our best to offer guidance and support during those times.

Finally, we urge you to remember two very important financial aid web sites:
FAFSA and Illinois Financial Aid. The first web site is for completion of the financial aid application, and the second offers a wealth of financial aid information. The Financial Aid Office is located in Lewis Hall, Room 120. Contact us at (708) 524-6809 or via email at finaid@dom.edu.

Student Accounts

All students should be aware that their accounts are due in full by the first day of classes. The amount due at the start of each semester will be the charges less financial aid (but excluding work study amounts). Tuition bills will be published through CASHNet and an email will be sent to each Dominican email address when they are ready to view. If your student has not received a bill by the first day of class please contact Student Accounts.

Student Accounts accepts payments for bills by cash, check or money order. Payments by MasterCard, Discover and American Express must be made on-line and will incur a 2.75% convenience fee. Payments by eCheck can be made on-line as well for no additional fee. Accounts that are not paid in full by the first day of class will be charged a non-refundable $90 deferment fee. Accounts are also subject to a 1% monthly finance charge on past due balances. If you are unable to pay in full you can either initiate a payment plan or explore additional loan options through the Financial Aid Office. Failure to make payment or to arrange a payment plan could result in the cancellation of classes.

Student Accounts offers a payment plan each semester. During the fall semester payments are due August 5 - December 5 and in the spring they are due January 5 - May 5. Please inquire with us if you plan to take classes in the summer and we can explain the summer payment plan. There is a $45 fee to enroll in the payment plan each semester. Missed payments will result in a 1% monthly finance charge.

Student Accounts is located in Lewis Hall, Room 119, next to the Registrar's Office on the first floor or by calling (708) 524-6791.

Student Employment

Students may earn a portion of their educational expenses during the school year through the student employment program. Priority is given to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for determining student award packages, which may include Federal Work Study (FWS) or Dominican Employment (DE). Students who receive a FWS or DE award are eligible for employment, but are not guaranteed positions on campus. Students that do not receive a FWS or DE award can obtain an on-campus position, but must wait until October 1 before applying for any available positions.

Positions are available in a variety of offices and departments on campus. Position information and application procedures for all on-campus student employment are available through the Human Resources website. Students must complete employment paperwork with Human Resources before beginning work. Once a job is secured, students receive monthly paychecks, which they may choose to use towards tuition or other expenses.

For additional information, contact Human Resources at
studentjobs@dom.edu or (708) 524-6984.