Details on Financial Aid at Northern Illinois University?

I'm considering Northern Illinois University, but the financial aspect is really important to me. I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with financial aid at NIU? What kind of packages do they typically offer and how generous are they? Thanks!

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is recognized for its commitment to making education affordable and accessible. Financial aid at NIU comes in diverse forms—you may qualify for grants, loans, work-study, or scholarships.

Many students at NIU receive financial aid, including need-based aid and merit-based scholarships. According to the most recent data, about 72% of full-time undergraduates were awarded some kind of need-based financial assistance. If you fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early, you'll have the most possible options available for aid.

As far as merit-based scholarships are concerned, NIU offers a variety of scholarships including the Presidential Scholarship, Huskie Academic Scholarship, and more, depending on your academic achievements. Remember, merit-based scholarships depend on your academic and extracurricular profile, so focus on keeping your grades high and staying engaged in your community.

The exact amount of financial aid you receive will depend on your financial situation (as determined by the SAI in your FAFSA), and any merit-based scholarships you win will depend on your academic and extracurricular achievements.

Before making a decision, I suggest using NIU's net price calculator (https://www.niu.edu/financial-aid/process/netprice/index.html). This tool is designed to estimate your out-of-pocket expenses and the financial aid you could be awarded at NIU. Although it's just an estimate, it can give you a general idea of the cost of attending NIU.

Finally, if you're accepted to NIU, your financial aid award letter will give you a clear picture of how much aid you're receiving. Be sure to review it closely to understand all the details.