Navigate Your Finances

Like other Huskies, you want to earn a degree in a way that’s affordable—and each student’s path to that goal will look different. We’re here to share resources and help make sure you understand your options.

Financial Advising Services

It can be challenging to understand financial aid and manage your finances. Student Financial Advising Services is here to help you and your family interpret financial aid, plan for expenses and more. Our staff members can:

  • Explain your financial aid offer
  • Estimate out-of-pocket cost after aid applies to charges
  • Clarify how your student account works and discuss payment options
  • Help you develop a multi-year financial plan for educational expenses
  • Assist you in building your personal financial skills

Financial Aid

You should apply for financial aid each year you’re in school by filling out the FAFSA as soon as it opens on October 1. By doing so, you’ll make sure you’re taking advantage of the best student loan options. But remember, the FAFSA isn’t just for students looking for federal loans. It also helps determine aid you won’t have to pay back, like scholarships, grants and work-study funding.

Scholarships

If you’re a current student, you can search and apply for scholarships in MyScholarships. The deadline for most scholarships is January 31. You can also check with your academic department to see if they have any additional scholarship opportunities. 

Employment

Having a job during the academic year can be a good way to help with expenses and gain work experience. Huskies Get Hired is your go-to resource for finding on- and off-campus jobs.

Assistance

Budgets can be tight, and we have resources to help:

Huskie Spotlight

Emma Hazen

"The financial support I received from NIU allowed me to focus on earning a degree, rather than worrying about affording classes."

Emma Hazen, political science and nonprofit and NGO studies major

Have a Question?

Take a look at frequently asked questions about financial options and resources.

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