HOW TO

PAY FOR
COLLEGE
The cost of attending college can be daunting. You may
wonder how you’re going to pay for your education, or even
if it’s worth it. If these thoughts are running through your
head right now, we’re here to help! Let’s look at four ways
you can make college more affordable.
 #1
FINANCIAL AID

The most important step toward paying for college is applying

for financial aid. Financial aid offers help in paying for
educational expenses through grants, scholarships, loans, and/
or employment. To apply, you’ll submit the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* at fafsa.ed.gov your senior year.

Pro Tip: You can estimate the amount of financial aid

you may receive at UIUC at go.illinois.edu/npc.

*Illinois residents who aren’t otherwise eligible for federal financial aid can
submit the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. Please note that
need-based financial aid isn’t available to international students.
 FOUR YEARS. FREE TUITION.

If you’re an Illinois resident whose family makes $67,100 or less, you

may be eligible for the Illinois Commitment financial aid package,
which covers the cost of tuition and campus fees. In fact, 33% of
incoming students received Illinois Commitment in its first year!

Learn more at go.illinois.edu/commitment.

 #2
SCHOLARSHIPS

Many scholarships exist outside of financial aid, including

from colleges themselves and private sources. It’s just a
matter of finding them! We suggest beginning your search
your junior year. You can start by talking to your high school
counselor. Don’t just go after large scholarships; apply for
everything you can. Every little bit helps.

Pro Tip: Look into scholarships available through area

businesses, your employer, your family’s employers, the
government, financial institutions, educational organizations,
civic groups, and faith-based organizations.
 #3
LOANS

You can also pay for college through loans. When you
take out a loan, this means you’re borrowing money and
it must be slowly paid back later—typically beginning
six months after you graduate. You’re eligible for federal
student loans if you fill out the FAFSA. You can also apply
for student loans through private sources.
 #4
COMMUNITY COLLEGE

If the cost to attend a four-year college still isn’t feasible

for you, community college can be a great way to save
money. You can spend two years at a community college
to receive your associate’s degree and then transfer to
another school to earn your bachelor’s degree.

Pro Tip: UIUC offers some great Pathway programs for

students interesting in taking a nontraditional route to
college. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/pathway-programs.
 QUESTIONS?

Contact the financial aid offices of the schools you’re

interested in! Ours is the Office of Student Financial Aid.
You can email them at finaid@illinois.edu or call them
at 217-333-0100. They’re experts on the subject and
more than happy to help!