Who should apply for financial assistance?
Entering, continuing, or returning Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) students who require assistance in meeting their educational related expenses should apply for financial assistance.  

What are the educational related expenses at NEIU?
NEIU's educational related expenses include tuition, fees, books/supplies, room/board, transportation, and personal items. These items are updated annually and are commonly referred to as the Cost of Attendance (COA).   See:  Estimated Cost of Attendance for 2005-2006 Award Year

How are students considered for need-based assistance?
Consideration begins with the completion and submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA requires annual submission.  See  2006-2007 Financial Aid Application Process  to understand the steps you need to take to apply for Financial Aid.

When is the FAFSA available?
The FAFSA is available on the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Submission of the FAFSA is encouraged as early as possible after January 1 of each year.  Use the 2006-2007 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to help guide you through the Web online application process.  Paper applications are available in the Financial Aid Office, high schools, community colleges and libraries after January 1.

Who completes the FAFSA?
Students and parent(s) and/or spouse depending on the student's response to questions on the FAFSA about dependency.

What does the FAFSA accomplish?
The FAFSA evaluates information reported by the applicant and parent(s) or spouse and generates the Student Aid Report (SAR). The results on the SAR are transmitted to schools designated on the FAFSA and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

How does NEIU treat the FAFSA information?
NEIU uses the FAFSA results to determine eligibility for need-based assistance. The Student Aid Report (SAR) displays the FAFSA results through an Effective Family Contribution (EFC) that appears on the Student Aid Report (SAR). The EFC is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance and the result of this computation determines the applicant's level of eligibility for need-based assistance.

Are there any other forms I need to complete to receive Financial Aid At NEIU?
Yes, students must complete an NEIU Financial Aid Application. The Application is available at the Financial Aid office or you may download it from our web site by clicking on the above link.

Do I need to submit my SAR to the Financial Aid Office?
You do not need to submit the SAR if NEIU is listed as one of your school choices on your SAR  and you have reviewed the data on your SAR and it is all correct. If corrections are needed, you may need to submit the SAR to our office.

What happens after I apply for Financial Aid at NEIU?
The processor will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR), and they will send your data electronically to NEIU.

Are there different types of financial aid offered at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)?
The types of financial assistance offered at NEIU include grants, loans, scholarships, and employment.

What is the difference between grants and scholarships?
In general grants are based on financial need and scholarships are based on academic achievement, special skills or talent. Neither requires repayment upon completion of an academic program.

What are the need-based financial aid programs?
The need-based programs include the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program Grant, the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the Federal Work-Study Program,, and the Subsidized Stafford loan. Need-based graduate and undergraduate Tuition Waivers are also included in this group of programs.

Are part-time employment opportunities for students available on campus?
Yes, Federal Work-Study and Student Aide represent two such employment opportunities for students on campus. Federal Work-Study is a need-based award and would limit the amount that a student can earn. Student Aide is not dependent on financial need and is only limited by the employer's budget.

Do loans have to be repaid while the student is in school?
In general no, loans do not have to be repaid while the student is in school. Exception to this would be unsubsidized Stafford loans or Parent loans that may require payment on the interest and/or principle while the student is enrolled.

Should students wait to be admitted to NEIU before applying for financial assistance?
No, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible so that once they are admitted their application is not further delayed. Applications can be submitted in paper format or electronically.

Will I need to provide copies of my and or my parents income information?
You may or may not receive a request for additional information, after we receive your data from the central processor, or you turn in your SAR. The request could ask for items like tax returns, W2's, or proof of untaxed income.

How do I know how much aid I'm receiving?
After a review of your application has occurred, you will be mailed an award letter if you qualify for financial assistance.

Is it possible to attend NEIU if financial assistance does not cover the full cost of attendance?
Yes, tuition, fees books and supplies constitute the basic educational cost of attendance.

How do I know if I'm not eligible for Financial Aid?
After your file is reviewed and completed by the Financial Aid Administrator he/she will send you notification by mail.