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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.

Types of Aid

From grants and scholarships (aid you don’t pay back) to educational loans (aid you do pay back), North Central provides a variety of options to help make your education as affordable as possible.  

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Grants

Federal, state and North Central grants are need-based and don’t have to be paid back.

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Loans

Grants and scholarships account for most of the assistance awarded to our students, but loans can also play a key role in making college affordable.

Campus employment opportunities

Tour guide, radio host, teaching assistant and more: 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.

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Tuition & Fees

The financial aid team can customize a package for you that helps offset the out-of-pocket costs (tuition, fees and other expenses) associated with paying for a college degree. One of the largest sources of aid comes from North Central scholarships and grants. It’s an investment the College makes in you. Almost 60% of aid that students receive comes from North Central.

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Undergraduate costs.

Estimate your expenses (minus scholarships and grants) using the Net Price Calculator. Note: This tool is intended for first-time undergraduate domestic students only. It is not meant for transfer or international students. Review the official tuition and fees page for undergraduate degree programs.

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Graduate costs.

Tuition varies depending on which graduate program you choose. Review the tuition and fees for graduate programs.

Apply for Financial Assistance 

When you are admitted as a degree-seeking North Central student, you can also apply for financial aid. The process requires just a few steps and a little bit of time. 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.

Application Deadlines (starts a year in advance of enrollment)

  • October 1: We recommend you submit your FAFSA as soon as the form is available to ensure you meet all deadlines.
  • April 1: Financial aid files completed by this date receive primary consideration for the upcoming school year..
  • June 1: Files completed after this date will be classified as late and will be considered for reduced funding.

If you’re ready to file for financial aid, follow the links below to get started. Our FAFSA code is 001734.

Applying for Aid

We are here for YOU!

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Financial Aid Resources

Here are a few helpful resources as you plan your investment in your future at North Central College:

Financial Aid Forms

College Scorecard (from the U.S. Department of Education)

Net Price Calculator - Financial aid estimator tool

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Policies

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Questions?

Our financial aid counselors are here for you.

630-637-5600

finaid@noctrl.edu

HEERF Grants - CARES, CRRSAA, APR

CARES Act Funding

North Central College disbursed $1.2 million to eligible students in Spring 2020 for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The institutional portion was used to provide refunds to students for room and board.

CRRSAA Funding 

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2020. One aspect of the act was the creation of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). Although HEERF II is similar in general structure and purpose to the original HEERF funding under the CARES Act, it also has some important differences, including additional flexibility for the use of certain institutional funds by mandating the priorities under which student grant amounts are determined, and by permitting the application of student grant awards to outstanding balances under specific conditions.

CARES Act Reporting

Student Portion

Institutional Portion

CRRSAA and APR Reporting 

Student Portion

Institutional Portion

HEERF provides aid to help students with academically related expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and childcare. For more information, visit our FAQs below.

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