Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) assists students by awarding financial aid to help pay for educational expenses. Financial aid is available from federal, state, University, and private resources. Many options are available to help pay for college, such as:
- Grants and scholarships
- Student employment
- Loans
Read more about:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The process of applying for financial aid at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is simple. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for financial aid using our school code of 001775. All students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance as soon after January 1 as possible, and before the priority filing date of March 15.
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Financial Aid Packages
There are four primary types of financial aid programs.
- Grants-Gift aid that is awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships/Waivers-Gift aid that is awarded based on a variety of factors such as academic achievement, talent, athletic ability, leadership, geographical location, field of study and/or financial need. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
- Loans-Funds that are borrowed to help pay for educational expenses. Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
- Employment-Funds that can be earned by working in exchange for wages. Employment earnings do not have to be repaid.
If you are an international student, financial aid is generally limited to institutional aid programs provided by the University and outside scholarships obtained by you through private sources. International students are not eligible for government grants, loans, or scholarships. International students can visit www.osfa.uiuc.edu/aid/international for assistance with funding options.
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Merit-Based Scholarships and Outside Scholarships
By submitting your application to Illinois, you are automatically considered for University-awarded merit-based scholarships. Many scholarships are offered and awarded through a variety of sources outside the University and are referred to as “private” or “outside scholarships”. For more information regarding scholarships awarded by the University of Illinois, visit the scholarship database. Visit the OSFA Web site for a list of some private scholarships, as well as links to free online scholarship sites.
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Student Employment
Part-time student employment opportunities on- and off-campus are available to help students earn money towards educational expenses. Each year, many students take advantage of a variety of employment options which include the following:
- On-campus and off-campus opportunities
- University hourly student employment – non need-based
- Federal Work-Study (FWS) – need-based
- America Reads/America Counts Tutoring Program – need-based
For more information regarding part-time employment, visit the Virtual Job Board.
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Loans
Loans represent borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. OSFA manages two main loan programs:
- Federal Direct Student Loans
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loans – need-based
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans – non need-based
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans (enables parents to pay for educational expenses through borrowing)
Loans may be used in conjunction with other gift aid and employment programs to help cover the total cost of attendance.
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Evaluating Your Resources and Expenses
Starting in March, OSFA sends out financial aid award letters to new students indicating the amount of financial assistance applicants will receive. This document may not include merit-based scholarships.
Not all institutions report expenses and assistance in the same way. Here are some recommendations for comparing your financial aid offer to those from other schools.
- Do estimated costs include all educational expenses or just tuition, fees, and room and board?
- Are expenses projected for the academic year or just one semester?
- Do the total projected expenses include such items as books, supplies, and transportation?
- Have you taken into account any difference in the cost of living between your hometown and where the institution is located?
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Estimated Freshman Expenses For 2007-2008 (Subject to Change)
| |
Residents |
Nonresidents |
| Tuition and Fees |
$11,244 - 15,036* |
$25,330 - 29,122* |
| Books and Supplies |
$1,200 |
$1,200 |
Room and Board
(most popular meal plan) |
$8,196 |
$8,196 |
| Other Expenses |
$2,510 |
$2,840 |
| Total |
$23,150 - 26,942* |
$37,566 - 41,358* |
* The low end of the tuition range indicates the base rate for students initially enrolled after May 2007. Students enrolled in the Colleges of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences; Business; Engineering; Fine and Applied Arts; or the biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer science, integrative biology, mathematics, molecular/cellular biology, physics, and statistics programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may be assessed a higher tuition rate up to the high end of the range shown. Get tuition details.
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Financial Aid Application Checklist
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 15 to meet the priority filing date. You can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- When indicating the college and address on the FAFSA, use the University of Illinois school code 001775 and the following mailing address:
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
620 E. John St.
Champaign, IL 61820
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Tips
- Make and keep copies of your FAFSA, tax records, and any supporting documents you used to complete your FAFSA.
- Complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. The priority filing date is March 15.
- If your tax returns will not be completed until March 15, we suggest you use an estimated income on your FAFSA and provide exact figures later.
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Contact Information
Office of Student Financial Aid
Student Services Arcade Building
620 E. John St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Web site: www.osfa.uiuc.edu
E-mail: finaid@uiuc.edu
Phone: 217.333.0100
Fax: 217.265.5516
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