Eligibility for Financial Aid

To be considered for federal, state and institutional need-based programs, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st (priority filing date).

• Eligibility for State and Federal Aid
• Satisfactory Academic Progress for Graduate and Students-at-Large

As a graduate student, you only qualify for certain types of Financial Aid. Grants are not available to graduate students, but their our many other types of ways to help fund your education.

Types of Aid for Graduate Students

• Graduate Assistantships
• Tuition Waivers 
• Private Loans 
• Scholarships

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Obtain a Personal Identification Number from the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 (priority filing date).
   •  NIU's School Code is 00173 
3. Check your NIU e-mail account for important information regarding your application and other messages from the NIU Student Financial Aid office.
4. Check your MyNIU account for awarding to be applied to your Bursar account. (You will be notified about how much of an award you will be receiving)

Resources for Graduate Students

• Your Reference and Resource Guide to Financial Aid at Northern Illinois University
• Important Dates
• Types of Financial Aid
• Forms and Applications
• Cost of Education
• Student's Rights and Responsibilities
• Guide to Federal Student Aid
• Guide to Illinois Student Assistance Commission

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Fall 2009/Spring 2010 - On Campus Graduate Budget

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Illinois Residents: 2009-2010

$8,690    Tuition and Fees

$1,400    Books and Supplies*

$790       Insurance

$2,528    Personal*

$9,072    Room and Board*

$700       Travel*

$23,180  YEARLY TOTAL

*Estimated Cost

Out-of-State Residents:

$15,266    Tuition

$1,400      Books and Supplies*

$790         Insurance

$2,528      Personal*

$9,072      Room and Board*

$700         Travel*

$29,756  YEARLY TOTAL

*Estimated Cost