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.

When your budget is tight, we have resources to help:

Have you completed your 2025-26 FAFSA?

The 2025-26 FAFSA will be is now available. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for assistance completing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. All students eligible for financial aid who plan to enroll next year should complete a new FAFSA or Alternative Application each year, as soon as possible, to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid. 

Huskies, be sure to mark your calendars! Ellington’s Restaurant reopens its doors Tuesday, Feb. 25. Each week, BADM 303 students will create and prepare themed meals for you, your friends and your colleagues to enjoy. Service takes place every Tuesday through April 29 except for spring break. Menus are posted to both our Ellington’s website and NIU Events Calendar. We thank you in advance for your continued support as our students gain hands-on experience. No reservations required. Dining Dollars, Huskies Bucks and debit/credit accepted.

NIU Recreation offers friendly cooking competition

Bring on your best cooking skills for some friendly competition in the Rec’s Chopped Challenge! Sign up as a team of two or more or be paired up with new friends. Work against the clock to create your best dish in our teaching kitchen from a selection of mystery ingredients. The clock starts
5 p.m. Monday, March 24. Claim your spot — registration ends Monday, March 17.  

Save the date: Conference on Undergraduate Research

The Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) provides NIU undergraduate students from all colleges with the opportunity to showcase their research, artistry or engagement projects they are completing or have completed. These can be part of a capstone or senior project; community engagement project or course; independent study; or funded research and artistry program through posters and exhibits for a chance to place in their respective award category. CURE is the culminating event for Undergraduate Research month and will mark NIU's 15th year of highlighting the contributions undergraduate students have had on the knowledge in interdeisciplinary fields, communities and society.

This year's event will be held in person at the Holmes Student Center  Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Presenter registration is open until March 25, 2025.

NIU faculty members, staff members and students are invited to attend open forums with the finalists for dean of the College of Education.

Open forum sessions with the candidates will be in person with a virtual attendance option, and are as follows:

Contact the provost's office at provost@niu.edu for more information on the open forums.

President’s Student Service and Leadership Awards Application is Live

The Presidential Student Service Leadership Awards Ceremony honors students who have made a significant contribution to our NIU community. We recognize the students in a variety of categories including class standing (freshman through graduate level), Steven Agee II award, our multiple student organization awards and our Presidential Student Service and Leadership Award.

Students interested in applying for any of these awards should visit the awards page on our Student Involvement website to review the different awards as well as complete the application process. Those looking to complete a recommendation for a student or nominate a student can do so on our application page.

If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact studentinvolvement@niu.edu.

Applications and nominations are due no later than 11:59 p.m. March 7.

Registration is now open for Summer in the Arts at NIU 2025!

Campers live the life of an artist at NIU in DeKalb this summer exploring creativity, experiencing residence hall life, meeting mentors, making lifelong friends and more.

Summer arts camps at NIU fill quickly — register early to guarantee your spot.

NIU staff, faculty, students and returning campers receive a camp fee discount, and early-bird registrants save an additional $50.

Eligible families are encouraged to apply for need-based scholarship assistance through May 1.

Call our Summer in the Arts camp office at 815-753-1450 and visit our website for more information. 

Breastmilk Feeding Awareness Level Measurement Tool 

You are invited to participate in a significant research project by Stephanie D. Uhr, Ph.D.: Examination and Validation of the Breastmilk Feeding Awareness Level Measurement Tool. Your contribution will be invaluable in quantifying previous exposure/experience of breastmilk feeding. You do not need any breastmilk feeding experience to participate.

This study began in fall 2024 with focus groups to develop the measurement tool. This second phase will collect responses on the newly created Breastmilk Feeding Awareness Level measurement tool (16 questions). An additional 17 questions will measure breastfeeding attitude. This survey is designed to be brief, taking only five to 10 minutes of your time.

Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw at any point by simply stopping the online survey without any negative consequences.

If you have any questions about this study, don't hesitate to contact Professor Uhr at suhr@niu.edu or 815-753-6556.

Take the survey.