Northern Illinois University

Student Financial Aid

Prospective Students

Deciding to attend college can be a bit overwhelming. We are here to help guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Attending college is a great investment in your future and many families need assistance to help off-set the cost of education. Financial Aid is aimed at helping students pursue their college education by helping families meet educational expenses that they are not able to meet through their own resources. If you have any questions about the financial aid process, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Never assume that you will not qualify for financial assistance. There are many types of financial aid available to help manage the cost of education. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions that you might have.

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). To make sure that you are considered for the maximum amount of aid, make sure to file by the March 1st priority date. 

Types of Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 (priority filing date).
    • NIU's School Code is 001737
  2. Check your NIU e-mail account for important information regarding your application and other messages from the NIU Student Financial Aid Office.
  3. 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 Prospective Students


 Fall 2009/Spring 2010 - On Campus Undergraduate Budget

Illinois Residents: 2009-2010

$9,390     Tuition and Fees

$8,112     Room and Board*

$1,400     Books and Supplies*

$790        Insurance

$2,522     Personal*

$700        Travel*

$22,914   YEARLY TOTAL

*Estimated Cost


Out-of-State Residents:

$16,648     Tuition and Fees

$8,112       Room and Board*

$1,400       Books and Supplies*

$790          Insurance

$2,522       Personal*

$700          Travel*

$30,172     YEARLY TOTAL

*Estimated Cost