How to Apply
You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available regardless of financial need. Using the FAFSA results, our Office of Student Financial Aid will prepare a Financial Aid Notification for you detailing the total amount of financial aid you’ll receive.
If you're an Illinois resident who isn't otherwise eligible for federal financial aid, you can submit the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
Types of Aid
We assist you in paying for your UIUC expenses in many ways:
- Scholarships and grants (68%) are awarded based on factors like academic achievement, talent, leadership, geographical location, field of study, and financial need.
- Loans (27%) must be repaid, usually with interest.
- Student employment (5%) is easy to find at UIUC through Federal Work-Study as well as university hourly and non-university employment.
Hop, Step, & Jump
Samuel, one of the first Illinois Commitment recipients, talks about what the scholarship means to him and his advice to future Illini.
A Game-Changing Scholarship
Julissa’s journey at UIUC was made possible by a single transformative opportunity.
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.
27% of incoming students received Illinois Commitment in 2021-2022
Estimating Your Aid
Our net price calculator can give you a better idea of how much college may cost you after receiving financial aid. This estimate is based on full-time enrollment and doesn't include merit-based or outside scholarships.
How We Compare
UIUC strives to keep costs affordable. Not only have merit and need-based aid increased in recent years, but our students also take out fewer loans and graduate with less debt than the national average.
Institutional Scholarships Paid to Undergraduates
Percent of Graduates Who Borrowed a Student Loan
National Graduates
$29,096 average loan debt
(per borrower)
State of Illinois Graduates
$28,552 average loan debt
(per borrower)
UIUC Graduates
$21,947 average loan debt
(per borrower)
International Students
No need-based financial aid is available to international undergraduates, and F-1 visas allow very limited opportunities for students to work at the university. For this reason, you must have sufficient funds for your entire period of study. However, limited scholarships and loans exist through International Student and Scholar Services.
Student Feature: Arnoldo
After receiving a full ride to UIUC, Arnoldo decided to pay it forward by helping to implement a brand-new scholarship on campus. He hopes it will give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to attend UIUC.
More Info
The Office of Student Financial Aid has details on all things financial aid.