Principia works with the College Scholarship Service (CSS) in evaluating a student's need for assistance. This service offers an impartial, confidential evaluation based on information you provide on a financial aid PROFILE form, the primary form required when applying for aid at Principia College.

In order for Principia to respond promptly to your individual need, you are also asked to submit a Principia Application for Financial Aid (along with a signed copy of both your tax return and your parents' tax return) directly to Principia's Financial Aid Office. Unusual family circumstances that may not be covered on the PROFILE form — such as loss of employment or an unexpected financial loss or indebtedness — could also make a difference and can be described in a letter sent directly to the Financial Aid Office.

After you have completed the PROFILE and it has been evaluated by CSS, a "need analysis report" will be sent by CSS to our Financial Aid Office where it will be reviewed, along with the information you sent directly to Principia.

Since it takes up to three weeks for processing by CSS, the sooner you submit your PROFILE and Principia Application for Financial Aid, the sooner you will have a response. Principia's Director of Financial Aid, Julia Conant, is happy to discuss your special circumstances and to answer your questions by telephone. She is also ready to help you understand the process and your role in it.

1. Send in your application for admission by March 1 at the very latest. Applying for admission and financial aid are two separate processes. While acceptance for enrollment is not based on your finances, your financial aid award is contingent upon your being admitted for enrollment. Therefore, submitting your financial aid application as soon as possible will enable the Financial Aid Office to process your application as soon as you've been accepted.
2. Complete your College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE online (www.collegeboard.com) or call 800-778-6888. It is best to complete the PROFILE after completion of your parents' and your most recent Federal income tax returns since that information is necessary to answer the questions.
3. Fill out a Principia Application for Financial Aid and mail it along with signed copies of your parents' and your most recent federal tax returns (Form 1040) to the Director of Financial Aid, Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028.
4. During the summer before your senior year and the first half of your senior year of high school, check into and apply for non-Principia sources of financial assistance. (See Outside Resources page.)

When the Admissions Office notifies you of your acceptance to Principia, it will also inform the Financial Aid Office. Then, as soon as the completed applications for financial aid are processed, you will hear from the Director of Financial Aid about your financial aid award.

Our Financial Aid Office is always ready to show you that you really can afford a Principia College education.