Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

When you complete and submit the FAFSA you are considered for all federal and state financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA every year to be considered.

The best time to complete the FAFSA is as soon as you have completed your federal income tax return. The priority consideration date for NIU is March 1. Applicants that apply by this early date and have a complete file will be awarded funds before those that apply after this date. Some funds do run out, so apply as early as possible.

Get the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Documents you will need to complete the FAFSA:

• Federal income tax returns
• Verification of any untaxed income such as
  • social security benefits
  • workers' compensation benefits
  • welfare benefits (TANF)
• Driver's license
• Social security card

Paper FAFSA

Beginning with the 2008-2009 student's wanting to complete the paper FAFSA will need to request an application by calling the federal processor at 1-800-433-3243 .

If you completed the paper FAFSA, mail it to the address on the envelope provided with the form.

If you completed the FAFSA online, submit it using your PIN (available from www.pin.ed.gov).

If the Financial Aid Office requests documentation, mail it to:

Northern Illinois University
Student Financial Aid Office
245 Swen Parson Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115