The Huskie Advantage Program works to assist students and families to meet the cost of tuition. In conjunction with state and federal gift aid for those who qualify, it puts an NIU education within reach for all Illinois residents.
To be eligible a student must:
Based on the 2008-2009 Federal Aid Methodology, students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 4000 or lower should qualify for assistance through the Huskie Advantage Program.
Incoming Freshmen who qualify for MAP and Pell may receive funds from Huskie Advantage if the cost of their tuition is not met though a combination of gift aid: MAP, Pell, and Huskie Advantage Program funds.* We believe this will provide many middle income working families with access to a four-year research university. We know that many families who qualify for need based aid do not receive enough assistance to consider NIU. This program is designed to give those students the opportunity to pursue their education at NIU.
We strongly recommend early FAFSA submission. Although the deadline to be considered for the Huskie Advantage Program is May 1, families who submit a completed and correct FAFSA by our March 1 priority filing date, will be notified of their financial package including their Huskie Advantage Program Award when they have completed the aid process. Huskie Advantage awards are based only on initial aid eligibility. Huskie Advantage is not available if aid eligibility is modified through professional judgment or reconsideration.
* Awards are based on anticipated state aid and full funding of federal Pell and State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP Grant) at the 2008 - 2009 funding levels. Reductions in these programs would not result in additional funds awarded through the Huskie Advantage program.