Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions that you might have when applying for financial aid. Below are some of the frequently asked questions that many students have. Please look by the topic of your questions.
If you are having trouble finding the answer to your questions, please ask our Virtual Advisor which is located underneath the Huskie Logo on the left navigation screen. Don't forget that we are here to help!
Applying
- How do I apply for Financial Aid?
- If I don't apply by March 1 can I still apply?
- If I applied for financial aid last year, do I need to apply for financial aid this year?
- How do I apply for a Federal Work-Study job?
- How do I apply for loans?
- I just want a Student or Parent Loan. Do I have to apply for financial aid?
- What forms and other materials will I need to complete to be able to apply for financial aid?
- What tax forms are accepted and what are not accepted?
Deadline
- When do I apply for Financial Aid?
- If I don't apply by March 1st, can I still apply for financial aid?
Eligibility
- Who is eligible to apply for federal and state financial aid?
Enrollment
- Are their enrollment regulations that I must follow to maintain my financial aid?
- How do I cancel my financial aid if I decide not to attend NIU?
Forms and Applications
- What forms and other materials will I need to complete to be able to apply for financial aid?
- What tax forms are accepted and what are not accepted?
- What is a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and where do I need to mail it?
Funding
- How will I know how much money I owe the university?
- How will I know when NIU has received my loan funds?
- If I am expecting a refund from the Bursar's Office, when will I receive it?
- How do I use my financial aid money to purchase books?
- Can Federal Work-Study money that I earn be automatically credited to my Bursar's bill?
Grants
- How do I apply for a federal or state grant?
- Do I need to repay funds if I recieve a federal or state grant?
Loans
- How do I apply for loans?
- I am a first-tim Federal Stafford Loan borrower. What steps do I need to complete for my loan to dispurse to NIU?
- Why hasn't my Federal Stafford Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
- How do I reinstate a Federal Stafford Loan that I reduced or canceled?
- How do I increase my Federal Stafford Loan once my transfer credit hours post and I become eligible for additional loan funds?
- Why wasn't I offered a Federal Perkins Loan?
- Why hasn't my Federal Perkins Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
- I just want a Private Alternative Student Loan or a Parent PLUS Loan. Do I have to apply for financial aid?
- Why hasn't the Parent PLUS Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
- My parent was approved for the Parent PLUS Loan but wants to know how to cancel the application.
- My parent was denied the Parent PLUS Loan. How do I access the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan I am now eligible for?
- Why hasn't my Private Alternative Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
Scholarships
- Where do I mail my scholarship checks once I have received them?
- Why was my scholarship check split between two semesters?
- How do I apply for scholarships?
- Will I be eligible for scholarships?
Veteran's Benefits
- What types of benefits do I qualify for as a Veteran?
Work-Study
- How do I apply for Federal Work-Study and find employment?
- Can Federal Work-Study money that I earn be automatically credited to my Bursar's account?
Award Notification
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Applying
1. How do I apply for Financial Aid?
Applying for financial aid begins with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Remember that a new FAFSA must be completed for each academic year. Students may begin filing the FAFSA after January 1. Students and parents will be using information from their federal tax returns and W-2 forms when completing the FAFSA. When possible plan to have your taxes completed as soon as you receive your W-2 statements to allow for early in FAFSA completion. The FAFSA does allow for ‘estimated’ amounts if you have not yet completed your tax returns but would like to file a FAFSA. NIU has a priority filing date of March 1st each year for completing the FAFSA.
Once a student has completed the FAFSA they need to regularly monitor MyNIU for important updates from the Student Financial Aid Office. We will post on the student’s ‘To Do List’ any additional documents that we need to continue the processing of their financial aid.
Students will see their award notification posted on MyNIU at Campus Finances once the application and review process has been completed by the Student Financial Aid Office.
You should apply for financial aid as soon as you file your Federal Tax Returns each year. The best and earliest time to do this is in January and February. NIU has a priority application date of March 1. Students who apply by March 1 will have their aid processed first.
Note to Current Students:
It is not too late to apply for financial aid for the current academic year. While some grant funds may be exhausted you should complete a FAFSA to determine grant and Stafford Loan eligibility. Please see a Financial Aid Advisor for assistance in determining your eligibility once the semester has begun.
2. If I don't apply for financial aid by March 1, can I sill apply?
Students can apply for financial aid throughout the academic year until July. Check the FAFSA for specific dates. Some funds run out quickly, so it is important to apply as early as possible.
3. If I applied for financial aid last year, do I need to apply for financial aid this year?
Yes, students must apply for financial aid every academic year. Even if your income should stay the same or you did not file Federal Tax Returns, you are still required to apply for financial aid every year.
4. How do I apply for a Federal Work-Study job?
For more information about this program see Federal Student Work-Study.
5. How do I apply for loans?
There are a variety of loans options for students and parents to assist with college expenses. Federal Student Stafford and Perkins Loans are awarded to students on their NIU award notification. Students apply for these federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting any requested documents to the Student Financial Aid Office.
Students may also choose to apply for Private Alternative Loans through private lenders. Students should contact a lender of their choice to apply for this type of loan. It is highly recommended that students maximize the lower interest Federal Stafford Loan and then take out from an Alternative Student Loan the remaining balance needed to fund their college expenses.
Parents of dependent undergraduate students applying for the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan) need to complete the Parent PLUS Application.
Graduate and Law Students - in addition to the Stafford Loan may also apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the Grad PLUS Application.
Student-at-Large (SAL) - a determination of eligibility for participation in the Federal Student Stafford Loan Program needs to made for this academic classification. SAL students must complete the Student-at-Large Stafford Loan Eligibility Form
Post Baccalaureate Students - a determination of eligibility for participation in the Federal Student Stafford Loan Program needs to be made for this academic classification. Post Baccalaureate students must complete the Post Baccalaureate Stafford Loan Eligibility Form.
6. I just want a Student or Parent Loan. Do I have to apply for financial aid?
NIU strongly encourages all students who want need-based and non-need-based loans to apply for financial aid first before applying for higher interest rate loans.
7. What forms and other materials will I need to complete to be able to apply for financial aid?
Documents you may need to complete the FAFSA:
- Federal Income Tax Return(s)
- Federal W-2 wage statement(s)
- Amount of untaxed income such as workers' compensation, disability, child support received, etc.
- Drivers License
- Social Security Card
8. What tax forms are accepted and what are not accepted?
If needed, NIU will accept the tax forms below. Make sure to sign the form before sending it to NIU.
- IRS 1040
- IRS 1040A
- IRS 1040EZ
- IRS Computerized Transcript Summary
The following tax forms are unacceptable:
- Form 8453
- Handwritten IRS listing
- Unsigned tax returns
Deadline
1. When do I apply for Financial Aid?
NIU has a priority filing date each year of March 1st for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the upcoming academic year students may begin filing the FAFSA after January 1. Students and parents will be using information from their federal tax returns and W-2 forms when completing the FAFSA. When possible plan to have your taxes completed as soon as you receive your W-2 statements to allow for early FAFSA completion. The FAFSA does allow for ‘estimated’ amounts if you have not yet completed your tax returns but would like to file.
2. If I don't apply for financial aid by March 1, can I sill apply?
Students can apply for financial aid throughout the academic year until July. Check the FAFSA for specific dates. Some funds run out quickly, so it is important to apply as early as possible.
Eligibility
1. Who is eligible to apply for federal and state financial aid?
- Citizens of the United States.
- U.S. permanent residents who have an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551).
- Conditional permanent residents (I-551C).
- Other eligible noncitizens with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service showing any one of the following designations: "Refugee," Asylum Granted," "Indefinite Parole," "Humanitarian Parole," or "Cuban-Haitian Entrant."
- Students convicted under federal and state law of sale or possession of drugs who successfully complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program.
For more information please see the Eligibility Requirements for State and Federal Aid
Enrollment
1. Are their enrollment regulations that I must follow to maintain my financial aid?
Yes, please carefully review the enrollment requirements for each aid program you are awarded at Types of Financial Aid as well as the Eligibility Requirements for State and Federal Aid.
2. How do I cancel my financial aid if I decide not to attend NIU?
If you are enrolled: NIU requires the student to formally withdraw from the college. Once you have formally withdrawn from all your classes you will need to e-mail us at finaid@niu.edu or write to the Student Financial Aid Office to cancel your financial aid. If you applied for a Private Alternative Loan, you must notify your lender that you will not be attending NIU as planned.
If you are not enrolled: To cancel your financial aid e-mail us at finaid@niu.edu or write a letter to the Student Financial Aid Office indicating you will not attend. Cancel any loans you applied for. If you applied for a Private Alternative Loan, you must notify your lender that you will not be attending NIU as planned.
See Withdrawal Information for more information.
Forms & Applications
1. What forms and other materials will I need to complete to be able to apply for financial aid?
Documents you may need to complete the FAFSA:
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Federal Income Tax Return(s)
-
Federal W-2 wage statement(s)
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Amount of untaxed income such as worker’s compensation, disability, child support received, etc.
-
Drivers License
-
Social Security Card
2. What tax forms are accepted and what are not accepted?
If needed, NIU will accept the tax forms below. Make sure to sign the form before sending it to NIU.
- IRS 1040
- IRS 1040A
- IRS 1040EZ
- IRS Computerized Transcript Summary
The following tax forms are unacceptable:
- Form 8453
- Handwritten IRS listing
- Unsigned tax returns
3. What is a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and where do I need to mail it?
A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is an on-line promissory note that must be completed before Federal Student Stafford, Federal Student Perkins, Federal Graduate PLUS, and Parent PLUS Loans will disburse to NIU. Students and/or parents will be sent notification of the need to complete an MPN. Typically, a MPN is valid for 10 years, so in most circumstances, it is only necessary to complete it once for a student's academic career.
Funding
1. How will I know how much money I owe the university?
To check the status of your account, contact the Bursar's Office automated system at (815) 753-1878 after classes have begun or visit their website or you can even check your MyNIU account.
2. How will I know when NIU has received my loan funds?
You will see the expected disbursement date for Federal Stafford, Perkins, Grad PLUS, and Parent PLUS funds detailed on the award notification. The actual funds will not disburse to NIU until you have completed all first-time loan borrower requirements such as completing the Master Promissory Note and The Entrance Counseling. MyNIU will post anticipated funds as ‘pending aid’ and disbursed funds will show as a payment towards charges.
Anticipated Private Alternative Loans will also show as ‘pending aid’ and disbursed funds will show as a payment towards charges.
3. If I am expecting a refund from the Bursar's Office, when will I receive it?
The Bursar's Office begins the refund process 2 to 3 weeks after classes begin each semester. Contact the Bursar's Office for Direct Deposit Forms for the quickest refund.
If you will need funds to pay for "off-campus" expenses before the refund period, such as rent for an apartment, plan ahead. You will need to pay those expenses on your own. Students can view their Bursar's account on-line for the most updated information on their MyNIU accounts.
4. How do I use my financial aid money to purchase books?
NIU has a bookstore charge system at the Holmes Student Center Bookstore and the Village Commons Bookstore which allows students receiving financial assistance to charge up to $700 in books and school supplies for the Fall and Spring Semesters and up to $350 for the Summer Semester to their university tuition account at the Bursar's Office. There is a limited time for the charge system.
Holmes Student Center Bookstore
E-mail: universitybookstore@niu.edu
phone: (815) 753-1081
Village Commons Bookstore
E-mail: books@vcbs.com
phone: (815) 758-0613
5. Can Federal Work-Study money that I earn be automatically credited to my Bursar's account?
The money you earn from payroll cannot be applied directly to your Bursar's account through direct deposit; however, you can apply your earnings toward payments for your bill at the Bursar's Office at any time.
Grants
1. How do I apply for a federal or state grant?
To apply for a federal or state grant you need to file out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By doing this, you will be considered for all types of financial aid, not just grants.
2. Do I need to repay funds if I recieve a federal or state grant?
Not necessarily. Grants are financial aid that dosen't have to be repaid, unless, for example, the student withdraws from the university and will then owe a refund on the money they were given.
Loans
1. How do I apply for loans?
Federal Student Stafford and Perkins Loans
There are a variety of loans options for students and parents to assist with college expenses. Federal Student Stafford and Perkins Loans are awarded to students on their NIU award notification. Students apply for these federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting any requested documents to the Student Financial Aid Office.
Private Alternative Student Loans
Students may also choose to apply for Private Alternative Student Loans through private lenders. Students should contact a lender of their choice to apply for this type of loan. It is highly recommended that students maximize the lower interest Federal Stafford Loan and then take out from an Alternative Student Loan the remaining balance needed to fund their college expenses.
Parent PLUS
Parents of dependent undergraduate students applying for the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan) need to complete the Parent PLUS Loan Application.
Grad PLUS
Graduate and Law Students, in addition to the Stafford Loan may also apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan by completing the Graduate PLUS Application.
Important Note: Student-at Large Students
Student-at-Large (SAL), a determination of eligibility for participation in the Federal Student Stafford Loan Program needs to made for this academic classification. SAL students must complete the Student-at-Large Stafford Loan Eligibility Form.
Important Note: Post Baccalaureate Students
Post Baccalaureate Students, a determination of eligibility for participation in the Federal Student Stafford Loan Program needs to made for this academic classification. Post Baccalaureate students must complete the Post Baccalaureate Stafford Loan Eligibility Form.
2. I am a first-time Federal Stafford Loan borrower. What steps do I need to complete for my loan to disburse to NIU?
First-time borrowers need to complete an on-line Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling. Students will use their FAFSA Pin Number to complete each of these requirements.
3. Why hasn't my Federal Stafford Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
Federal Stafford Loans will not disburse unless students are properly enrolled for the semester. This loan program requires half-time enrollment. Per federal regulation, audit hours do not count towards enrollment hours for Federal Stafford Loans.
First-time borrowers need to complete an on-line Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling. Students will use their FAFSA PIN Number to complete each of these requirements.
4. How do I reinstate a Federal Stafford Loan that I reduced or canceled?
Contact the Student Financial Aid Office. You may send us an e-mail from your NIU Z-ID e-mail, write us a letter, or stop by the office to request that the loan be reinstated. Be sure to include in all communication your full name, Z-ID, sign and date the request.
First-time borrowers need to complete an on-line Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling. Students will use their FAFSA PIN Number to complete each of these requirements.
5. How do I increase my Federal Stafford Loan once my transfer credit hours post and I become eligible for additional loan funds?
Before Add/Drop
Contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office. We will update on MyNIU all students’ loan eligibility on the final day of Add/Drop. If your transfer hours have been evaluated and posted by Registration and Records prior to the end of Add/Drop, we will be able to update your Federal Stafford Loan to reflect your academic status.
After Add/Drop
Contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office. You will be responsible for notifying us once the transfer credit hours have posted on MyNIU. You may send us an e-mail from your NIU Z-ID e-mail, write us a letter, or stop by the office to request your Stafford Loan be increased. Be sure to include in all communication your full name, Z-ID, sign and date the request.
6. Why wasn't I offered a Federal Perkins Loan?
NIU has a limited funding for the Federal Perkins Loan to award to eligible students. Federal Perkins Loan typically is awarded to students who demonstrate high financial need and complete the financial aid application process early.
7. Why hasn't my Federal Perskins Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
Federal Perkins Loans will not disburse unless students are properly enrolled for the semester. This loan program requires full time enrollment of 12 credit hours. Per federal regulation, audit hours do not count towards enrollment hours for Federal Perkins Loans.
First-time borrowers need to complete an on-line Perkins Master Promissory Note and Perkins Loan Entrance Counseling.
8. I just want a Private Alternative Student Loan or a Parent PLUS Loan. Do I have to apply for financial aid?
It is not required that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for these particular loans. NIU recommends that students maximize the lower interest Federal Stafford Loan and then take out from an Alternative Student Loan and/or the Parent PLUS Loan the remaining balance needed to fund their college expenses.
Private Alternative Student Loan borrowers will have their Federal Stafford Loan eligibility held against their private loan.
9. Why hasn't the Parent PLUS Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
The parent who submitted the Parent PLUS Application must also complete the on-line Parent Master Promissory Note (MPN). Until the MPN is completed funds will not disburse to NIU.
10. My parent was approved for the Parent PLUS Loan but wants to know how to cancel the application.
You can cancel the loan, as long as it has not disbursed to NIU, on MyNIU. If it has disbursed the parent borrower will need to contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office.
11. My parent was denied the Parent PLUS Loan. How do I access the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan I am not eligible for?
If you indicated on the Parent PLUS Application that you wanted the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan processed in the case of a denial, we will process it for you as requested. Otherwise, you will need to contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office to let us know you would like this loan. You may send us an e-mail from your NIU Z-ID e-mail, write us a letter, or stop by the office to request a loan be processed. Be sure to include in all communication your full name, Z-ID, sign and date the request.
12. Why hasn't my Private Alternative Loan disbursed to my Bursar's Office account?
Processed Private Alternative Loans
If NIU has processed your Private Alternative Loan you will see it posted on MyNIU. You may contact your lender to see if additional information is needed before they will disburse funds. If the lender informs you the loan funds were disbursed to NIU but they are not showing on MyNIU you need to contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office.
Unprocessed Private Alternative Loans
During busy processing cycles it may take NIU one to two weeks to process a Private Alternative Loan request. Please contact the NIU Student Financial Aid Office if your loan has not been processed within this time period. Please include the lender contact information.
Scholarships
1. Where do I mail my scholarship checks once I have received them?
All scholarship checks are to be mailed to:
Northern Illinois University
Student Financial Aid Office
Attn: Scholarships
Swen Parson 245
DeKalb, IL 60115
2. Why was my scholarship check split between two semesters?
Unless otherwise specified by the donor, scholarship checks are split between two semester to evenly distribute the resources to the student. If the scholarship is for $1,000, there will be $500 for the fall semester and $500 for the spring semester.
3. How do I find scholarships?
Visit the NIU Scholarship Coordination/Scholarship Services page to utilize free search engines that can help assist you in finding additional resources to help fund your education.
4. Will I be eligible for scholarships?
There are many different types of scholarships available. Some scholarships are merrit based, while others are need based. It takes time to search for scholarships, but make sure to use all available resources available to you.
Veteran's Benefits
1. What types of benefits do I qualify for as a Veteran?
Veterans qualify for many different types of benefits. Make sure to visit the Veteran's Assistance homepage for more information.
Work Study
1. How do I apply for Federal Work-Study and find employment?
For more information about this program see Federal Student Work-Study.
2. Can Federal Work-Study money that I earn be automatically credited to my Bursar's account?
The money you earn from payroll cannot be applied directly to your Bursar's account through direct deposit; however, you can apply your earnings toward payments for your bill at the Bursar's Office at any time.
Award Notification
1. I completed the FAFSA and submitted the requested froms on the MyNIU "To Do List". When should I expect to receive my award notification?
During busy processing cycles it takes close to two weeks for documents to be reviewed. Please continue to check the MyNIU ‘To Do List’ as additional information may be needed to complete the verification process. You can always contact us to check on your status.
2. I completed the FAFSA some time ago and I have still not recieved an award notification.
Please check the MyNIU ‘To Do List’ as additional information may be needed to complete the verification process. You can always contact us to check on your status.
3. I received my award notification but need more financial assistance. How do I applu for additional aid?
You may want to consider a variety of loan options. Please visit Private Student Alternative Loans, Parent PLUS Loans for dependent undergraduates, or Graduate PLUS Loans for graduate and law students.
