Student's Rights and Responsibilities
It is important for students to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as they relate to applying for and receiving financial aid from Northern Illinois University.
It is important to note that financial aid eligibility is determined in accordance with the laws, regulations, and appropriation of the U.S. Congress, the State of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University, and is subject to adjustment or cancellation in the event of changes to these laws or your eligibility.
Student's Rights
As a student, you have the right to receive the following information:
- You have the right to privacy. All records and information submitted with your application for financial aid are confidential, and subject to legal requirements concerning disclosure of such information.
- You have the right to request a reduction or cancellation for your Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Perkins Loan within 14 days of its disbursement, unless a refund of loan funds has already been issued by the Bursar’s Office. Remember that a student loan is a debt that must be repaid; borrow only what you need.
- You have the right to know what financial aid programs are available to you, including information on all federal, state, and university financial aid programs (see page 2).
- You have the right to know the application procedures, priority filing dates, and deadlines for each of the available programs.
- You have the right to know how your financial aid eligibility was determined. This includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal and miscellaneous expenses were determined in your estimated cost of attendance. It also includes what resources were considered in the calculation of your financial aid eligibility (such as the expected family contribution and other financial aid).
- You have the right to know how and when financial aid is disbursed. Make sure to check your MyNIU account for more information on these processes.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for financial aid, you must:
- be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- be registered with Selective Service (if male)
- attend a participating college or university
- be working toward a degree or certificate
- be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- not owe a refund on a Federal Grant
- not be in default on a Federal Educational Loan
Enrollment Requirements:
- Students must be enrolled in courses for credit. Coursework taken on an audit basis does not qualify for Title IV financial aid. Students can apply for Private Alternative Loans to help offset the cost of attendance.
- Undergraduate students taking a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework will only be eligible for financial aid based on undergraduate coursework.
- Graduate students taking a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework will only be eligible for financial aid based on graduate coursework.
- Financial aid is offered based on full time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours per semester or in the case of the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant, 15 credit hours per semester). Following the add/drop period each semester, the Student Financial Aid Office will recalculate your awards based on your level of enrollment.
- Visiting students are not eligible for financial aid at NIU. Students may consider pursuing a consortium agreement with their home institution, or applying for Private Alternative Loans.
Student's Responsibilities
As a student, it is your responsibility to:
- It is your responsibility to obtain and complete any necessary financial aid application forms and submit them in a timely manner. You must read and understand all forms you are asked to sign and keep a copy of each. You are also responsible for knowing the financial aid reapplication deadlines.
- It is your responsibility to regularly check your MyNIU and NIU student email account for correspondence from NIU and the Student Financial Aid Office.
- It is your responsibility to keep your parents informed of all financial aid requirements and deadlines, as well as the status of your Bursar’s Office student account (dependent students).
- It is your responsibility to provide complete and correct information. Purposely reporting false or misleading information may result in you being fined up to $20,000, sent to prison, or both.
- It is your responsibility to notify the NIU Office of Registration and Records (and any lenders with whom you have loans) if there are changes in your name or permanent mailing address.
- You must accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign. You must read and understand all forms you are asked to sign and keep a copy of each form.
- It is your responsibility to contact the Student Financial Aid Office if you want your loan reduced or canceled. Once you have completed the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note, and completed Loan Entrance Counseling if you are a first-time borrower, the semester portion of the requested loan amount will disburse to your NIU Bursar’s Office student account. You must contact our office in writing within 14 days of the disbursement if you want the loan reduced or canceled, unless a refund of loan funds has already been issued by the Bursar’s Office.
- It is your responsibility to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies and standards of NIU in order to maintain financial aid eligibility.
Major Financial Aid Programs:
State of Illinois Grants
Northern Illinois University Grant
Federal Work Study
Federal Grants
Federal Loans
