financial aid books

Tuition and Aid

Freshman Scholarships Transfer Scholarships Graduate Student Aid

The Value of a North Central Education

A degree from North Central College is an investment with lifelong returns. It’s a commitment to your career, a decision to study the world around you and an opportunity to make friends for life. North Central partners with you and your family to maximize affordability through a number of financial assistance options. Of new students, over 95% receive a form of financial assistance. From need-based aid to merit-based scholarships, our financial aid team will work with you to customize an aid package central to the needs of you and your family. If you have drive and curiosity, a North Central degree is within your reach. We’re dedicated to making sure cost is never a barrier to a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Applying for Aid

When you are admitted as a degree-seeking North Central student, you can also apply for financial aid. To be considered, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Once submitted, your eligibility will be determined for financial aid, including grants, loans and federal work-study.

Important Deadlines

  • October 1: AcademicWorks scholarship portal opens for the upcoming school year.
  • December: FAFSA becomes available for the upcoming school year. We recommend you submit your FAFSA as soon as the form is available to ensure you meet all deadlines.
  • February: Priority deadline to be considered for earliest aid offering

Types of Assistance

From grants and scholarships to loans and student employment, North Central students have a variety of options to finance their education. Our office will help you explore your options and find the right combination of resources to make your time at North Central affordable.

Scholarships

Students may be eligible for a number of merit scholarships based on academics, program of interest, and more. Scholarship awards go directly to your tuition expenses and do not need to be repaid after graduation. 

Grants

Grants provide need-based assistance for students to cover their educational expenses. Grants can come from the federal, state, and college level, and they do not need to be repaid after graduation. 

Undergraduate Grants

Loans

Education loans are an additional resource for students who need financial assistance to meet the costs of college. Loans can come from the federal government and private lenders; this type of assistance must be repaid after graduation.

Undergraduate and graduate Loans

Employment

A campus job is a great way to help pay for college and gain valuable professional experience at the same time. Federal work-study is also available for qualifying students.

Undergraduate Positions

Graduate Assistantships

Cost of Attendance

When considering the financial cost of attending college, one number doesn't tell the whole story. Cost of Attendance (CoA) provides a more complete picture of total direct and indirect costs of one academic year at North Central College. Note that CoA is only an estimated number and will change based upon your specific circumstances.

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

Graduate Cost of Attendance

Additional Resources

HEERF Grants - CARES, CRRSAA, APR

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) provided financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to help students with academic-related expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare. 

student wearing a mask in class

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information, or contact the Financial Aid Office by emailing finaid@noctrl.edu or calling 630-637-5600. We look forward to meeting you!