Financing Your Education: There Is a Way
We believe that money should not be a barrier to your pursuit of an excellent college education. There are many student financial aid resources out there, and we're here to help you take advantage of them. Eighty-five percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance. Our Financial Aid Office is here to help you create a financial plan that works for you.
Getting Started on a Financial Plan
The first step is to fill out the Free Application for . Even if you're still deciding where you want to study, we urge you to go ahead and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form including the school ID number for Northeastern, 001693. The deadlines for scholarships are often earlier than deadlines for admission, so it's good to start the application process early. Read more about .
Four Types of Aid
Northeastern offers four basic types of financial aid you can seek to help fund your education. With the help of the Financial Aid Office, you can find many options within each category. Eligibility and conditions differ depending on the type of aid.
- Need-based grants and scholarships. Free money; you do not need to pay it back. Based on your FAFSA results.
- Merit-based grants and scholarships. Free money; you do not need to pay it back. Based on grades, tests and other criteria.
- Student employment. Compensation for work, while enrolled, that you can use to help pay for your education. Sources include the Federal Work-Study Program and local opportunities.
- Loans. Not free money; loans will need to be paid back, with interest. Federal need-based student loans with relatively good terms are available.
Many Sources, Many Recipients
The different types of student financial aid can come from various sources – federal and state government as well as institutional and private sources. You can review comprehensive lists of available scholarships, with eligibility criteria, deadlines, and helpful tips for applying.
If you are a veteran there are resources for veterans. Are you planning to become a teacher? There are resources for education majors. We can help you find the sources that meet your unique situation.
Further Help
The Financial Aid Office offers ongoing workshops on financial aid and provides support for you to do your own research on grants and scholarships. We can also answer questions by phone at (773) 442-5016 and by email at financial-aid@neiu.edu.
