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Tuition and Financial Aid

College Tuition and Financial Aid Services in Oak Lawn, IL

A college degree is vital for individuals to pursue many career paths, but the cost associated with higher education sometimes deters prospective students from enrolling in a program and realizing their professional goals. At Northwestern College, we aim to help make college affordable for more students in Oak Lawn, IL, and the greater Chicago area through our financial aid tools and services. We also strive to enhance student success rates by helping you navigate the numerous options you have to pay for school.

For more information about tuition please review the College Catalog

Comprehensive Financial Aid Services

Just as Northwestern College takes a comprehensive approach to providing an education, we also encourage our students to consider multiple paths to how they finance their investment in education. Our goal is to make your career training affordable, using a variety of options that fit your individual needs.

To this end, we participate in both federal student aid programs and the Illinois State MAP Program, along with other funding from various sources, including veterans programs, Federal Work-Study, and FSEOG. That way, you have many sources of funding available to make college affordable.

We want you to succeed and we want you to feel good about your education. For us, that means helping you devise the perfect plan for covering your college tuition and expenses in a way that feels right for your lifestyle.

Financial Aid consultant with student

Northwestern College takes a student-first approach to higher education and maintains the same mindset when offering guidance on financial aid. Every student has different aspirations and financial needs, and our financial aid office works diligently to craft personalized payment plans for each person that enrolls in our career programs.

We participate in several federal and state student aid initiatives, such as the Illinois State Monetary Award Program (MAP). Managed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), this program helps students who enroll at participating higher education institutions in the state. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid for eligibility. A person’s financial need, not grades or test scores, dictates whether they receive aid through this program.

Students may explore financial aid from other sources, as well, such as Federal Work-Study, veterans programs, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Some financial aid overlaps, meaning students may obtain assistance from multiple sources to pay for their education.

Types of Financial Assistance

One of the first processes students go through when they enroll at Northwestern College is a meeting with the financial aid office. During this meeting, we will discuss the following:

  • Federal programs: Federal student aid is often awarded to students attending private and community colleges and career schools nationwide. A noteworthy example of federal student aid is the Federal Pell Grant
  • Illinois programs: These initiatives are reserved for students enrolled in participating higher education institutions in Illinois.
  • Student loan programs: People may also seek loans to pay for their education. Common student loans include Federal Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct Plus, and the Tuition Flex Program. Unlike grants, loans need to be repaid.
  • Scholarship opportunities: This financial aid comes from various organizations and is extended to students meeting certain criteria. Our office will help you locate scholarships that apply to your situation.
  • VA assistance and other veterans programs: Veterans enrolling at Northwestern College may also seek financial aid through the GI Bill® and similar programs. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Another resource we offer is the net price calculator. This tool gives you a better idea of your aid eligibility and out-of-pocket cost for receiving an education.

Application Assistance

Understanding the different financial aid opportunities available to you is just one part of the process. Once you know what programs you qualify for, you may need guidance on how to apply. The financial aid team at Northwestern College is here to assist on campus and over the phone.

While the process may look slightly different for each person, most students will follow these four steps during the application process:

  • Create a Federal Student Aid ID
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Fill out the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note
  • Connect with a financial aid representative

Student Rights and Responsibilities

College is a significant investment, not only of money but time. Sometimes, students do not pursue higher education out of cost concerns because they are unaware of available financial aid. Conversely, some students realize in the middle of their studies that the program or school is not the right fit for them, or an emergency may arise where they must put their education on hold.

When these situations occur, Northwestern College wants to ensure you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities as a student. We will detail what opportunities you are entitled to explore and review the repayment terms and conditions on your financial aid package once you secure assistance.

Trust Northwestern College’s Financial Aid Office

From scheduling to payment plans, college is a unique experience for every student. If you plan to enroll in one of the certificate, associate, or bachelor’s programs at Northwestern College, know you will have access to ample financial aid services to figure out how to invest in your goals.

Founded in 1902, our mission is to help students in Oak Lawn, IL, and the greater Chicago area obtain a career-focused education and timely graduation to seek various opportunities in their field. For answers to questions about scholarships, grants and loans, and other financial aid resources, request information online from Northwestern College today.