students walking on campus

Awarding and Grants for Undergraduates

Financial Aid

General guidelines for grants

  • To be considered, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit other requested documents annually.
  • Grants are need-based, meaning they are based on the results of your FAFSA
  • They do not require repayment after graduation.
  • If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible. 
  • Enrollment requirements may apply.
  • You must be meeting satisfactory academic progress.

Grant Types

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant ((FSEOG))

  • Annual amount cannot exceed $4,000
  • Amount awarded is based on need, available funds or limit set by North Central College
  • Priority given to students enrolled at least half time (4 credit hours per term) and receiving a Federal Pell Grant
students studying outside

Federal Pell Grants

  • Annual awards up to $7,395 based upon FAFSA results and enrollment
  • Additional eligibility is available to students enrolled in the summer of the same aid year. 
     
Student studying

Illinois Student Assistance Commission ((ISAC)) Monetary Award Program ((MAP))

  • Must be an Illinois resident
  • Enrolled at least 3 credit hours per term
  • Awards range from $720 to $3,600 each semester based upon FAFSA results and enrollment 
  • Applies toward tuition and fees only
  • Award not available in summer 
students in class talking

North Central College Grants

  • Must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits per term)
  • Awarded for a maximum of four academic years
  • Amount may change each year based on the FAFSA results
     
students in class

Awarding

The type of aid offer you receive depends on your demonstrated financial need, academic standing and financial aid history. We award as much grant or gift assistance as possible, but are restricted by the limits (annual and cumulative) and available funding of these programs. The remainder of your need is met by a combination of loan(s) and/or work and the limits (annual and cumulative) dictated by each program. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee all your financial need will be met. Your financial aid offer generally stays the same year to year, but is subject to revisions based upon FAFSA results. For example:

Examples

  • Academic, Achievement, Dean, Honor, Presidential, Excellence, Merit, or Success Scholarships remain the same if you maintain the appropriate cumulative GPA and meeting satisfactory academic progress toward your degree. You must also be a full-time undergraduate student each semester.
  • Departmental scholarships (music, art, etc.) depend on your participation and departmental funding.
  • Need-based assistance (North Central Grant, Supplemental Grant, Pell Grant, ISAC Monetary Award) depends on your financial need, federal and state funding, and whether you are making satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.
     
student looking at handouts
You can expect to receive a similar level of funds if:

 

  • Federal and state funding and eligibility criteria do not change.
  • There is not a change to your FAFSA results 
  • Your living arrangement remains the same.
     

 

Your FAFSA results could change if the following occurs:

 

  • There is a change to the parent’s income and assets from the prior year.
  • There is a change your income and assets from prior year.
  • Family size change from the prior year.
     

 

Award Letters

New students will receive award notification packets via postal mail. Current students will receive an award letter or email award notification message requesting you to view your awards in our internal system, Merlin, after a student file is complete and our office has processed your information.

It’s important to remember the following:

 

  • Accept or reject your loans offered through Merlin.
  • Carefully read all documents, including the Terms and Conditions. You are responsible for all the information provided.
  • Return any other requested items included in your award letter package.
  • Notify the Office of Financial Aid if your living arrangements or enrollment have changes.

 

Award Revisions


If your original aid offer changes, we will notify you via email. Revisions may occur for the following reasons:

  • Changes in your financial circumstances. You may request a revision in your aid offer by completing one of our appeal processes. 
  • You withdraw from the College. Please contact your success coach.
  • You receive outside aid. 
  • There is a change in your enrollment status.
  • You fail to respond to letters or requests for information.
  • There is a change in living arrangements.
     

Appeal Procedures

  • If you wish to appeal, we recommend you contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the available appeal options. Students are able to appeal changes to your FAFSA, changes to your cost of attendance, your satisfactory academic progress, requesting additional semesters of aid, and general request for additional assistance. Please call 630-637-5600 or email finaid@noctrl.edu. 
  • Appeals are reviewed by a committee and we notify the student via email of the appeal decision. 
  • All appeal decisions are final and can only be reconsidered with new documentation. 

students in class outside

Important Notice

Many decisions we make are based on federal and state laws or the College’s statutes. Therefore, the decisions are not eligible for review, since no discretionary authority exists. If this proves to be the case, we will notify you.

student walking into the wentz science center

Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

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. We with you and your family to maximize affordability through a number of financial assistance options and are dedicated to making sure cost is never a barrier to a comprehensive liberal arts education.

financial aid paperwork