Financial Aid and Scholarship Office

File Your FAFSA

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. File your FAFSA as soon as possible.

Federal Student Aid Changes

The newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” overhauls federal student loan repayment, changes the amount of money that can be borrowed through student federal loans, and slightly restricts who would be eligible for Pell grants. Importantly, these changes will not be effective until July 1, 2026. More guidance from the Department of Education and Federal Student Aid will be issued in the coming months.

At NIU, we understand that these federal changes may cause concerns about the potential for rising repayment costs and shifting financial pressures. Our commitment is to support our students every step of the way. We’re here to help you explore all repayment options, maximize financial aid, and access personalized advising from our staff so you can keep your education affordable and stay on track toward your goals.

Please reach out to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office to review your options and budgeting strategies. We’ve partnered with Ascendium Education Solutions, whose Student Loan Success Center (833-707-1220) can provide personalized service and help you prepare for and transition to student loan repayment.

FAFSA Workshops

For Prospective Students

 

For Current Students

 

For Parents

 

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Contact Us

Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
Swen Parson Hall 245
815-753-1395
finaid@niu.edu

For scholarship-specific questions
scholarships@niu.edu

Additional Contact Info

Schedule an Appointment

Attend a Virtual Presentation

Programe una cita virtual en español

Protecting Your Information

NIU School Code

Use NIU's School Code when completing the FAFSA.

001737

MyNIU Shared Access

Share financial information with parents, family or guests with MyNIU Shared Access.

Disclosures