Navigate Your Finances

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 each year. 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.

NIU students who receive financial aid have a convenient method of buying books and school supplies at the beginning of each semester with the Book Charge Program. 

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:

• The Huskie Closet provides free casual and business clothing.
• The Huskie Food Pantry offers free, quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
• Computer labs provide access to computers and common programs.
• Founders Memorial Library and the Music Library allow you to check out laptops and power cords.