As an online student, you’re eligible for consideration for financial aid offered by the university and federal/state governments. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office administers the financial aid process at NIU.
Have a question about financial aid? Connect with our online student success team.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of gift aid you don’t have to repay. You can search and apply for NIU scholarships and learn about scholarships offered by other groups/organizations.
Grants
Grants are another type of gift aid you don’t have to repay. They’re generally given to students who demonstrate financial need. Federal, state and NIU grants are available.
Loans
Loans must be repaid and are available from many sources, including the federal government and private financial institutions.
Applying for Financial Aid
Aside from the transfer merit scholarship (which we automatically consider undergraduates for when they apply for admission), you need to apply for financial aid. To apply for financial aid, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
After you submit your FAFSA and any required documents, we’ll send you a financial aid offer letter that details the aid you’re eligible to receive.
Learn more about the financial aid process.