Different Types of Student Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the following categories: grants, scholarships, loans and student employment, graduate assistantships, as well as other opportunities.
Scholarships, Awards & Grants
Grants are need-based aid that does not need to be repaid.
Scholarships are merit- or specific category-based aid that does not need to be repaid.
- Institutional: scholarships offered from your college or university
- Merit-based: academic history, athletics, etc.
- Specific category-based: intended major, employment, project-based, etc.
Learn more about Scholarships, Awards & Grants
Loans
Low-interest loans for a student or parent must be repaid. Loans can be obtained from the federal government through the FAFSA or through a private lender of the borrower’s choice.
Student Employment
Students can obtain a part-time job on campus, working up to 28 hours per week and earning a paycheck which can be utilized in whatever manner the student wishes.
Graduate Assistantships
Employment opportunities for graduate students to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant or general assistant. Students earn a stipend and receive a tuition waiver.
COVID Relief
Learn about appropriated funding to ensure continuous learning for students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.
Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI)
The DFI program provides awards of up to $14,000 for a full-time graduate student.
