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Financial Aid Workshops and Appointments

Let us help you complete your FAFSA, MAP Alternative Application (RISE), the Verification Process or answer any Student Finance or financial aid questions!

Student Finance is here to assist you virtually with all things student account and financial aid related including questions about your student account, completing or making changes to your financial aid application (FAFSA), completing or making changes to your State of Illinois MAP Alternative application (RISE), and completing the verification process.

Workshops

Our FAFSA workshop schedule is below. Please RSVP (at least one hour before the start of a workshop) if you wish to attend a virtual workshop by signing up here:

Sign Up Here

NLU Financial Aid Workshops

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

  • Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Virtual
  • Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Virtual
  • Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 9:30 – 11:00 AM | Virtual
  • Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM | Virtual
  • Friday, July 31, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | In-Person – Chicago Campus (Lab 4036)
  • Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Virtual
  • Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Virtual

Check back for more times in future.

What You Should Bring

Be prepared, bring your documents, and get the support you need to complete your FAFSA, RISE Alternative Application, verification issues, and/or anything else student-finance-related. Whether you have your taxes completed or not, you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible using estimated tax information. You can update your FAFSA with actual tax information once you file your taxes. We look forward to helping you secure financial aid for the upcoming school year!

    • 2024 Tax Information to use as an estimate if you don't have your 2024 Taxes yet;
      2024 Taxes (if completing the 2026-2027 FAFSA);
    • W-2 Information (or last 2024 pay stub(s) if you do not have 2024 taxes filed yet);
    • FSA ID Information for Yourself and Your Parents

 

Why Attend?

  • Expert Assistance: Get one-on-one help from financial aid experts.
  • Avoid Mistakes: Ensure your FAFSA is filled out correctly.
  • Maximize Aid: Increase your chances of receiving the maximum financial aid available.

On-Campus Locations and Times: (see virtual workshops)

 

APPOINTMENTS
Students
should schedule an appointment within the Navigate app.

Resources:


Prospective students or those who have not yet registered for their first term
at NLU should email studentfinance@nl.edu to schedule an appointment OR attend one of our workshops (link above). Please include the following in your email:

  1. First and last name
  2. NLU student ID number if you have one (You should have one if you have been admitted)
  3. Telephone number
  4. Whether you will be an undergraduate or a graduate
  5. The name of your program
  6. Whether you are transferring to NLU from another college

Announcements

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE ILLNOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REGARDING THE IL MAP GRANT FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS:
On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive financial assistance from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) for the 2026-2027 school year. The court’s ruling is the result of the Trump Administration suing the State of Illinois to deny college access to undocumented students who have graduated from Illinois high schools. We know this court decision brings tremendous uncertainty and financial challenges for Illinois undocumented students. This is a developing situation as the state explores options and students and families should check back for updates from ISAC as they become available.

 

Financial Aid Applications

2026-2027 FAFSA: is now available. Complete ASAP if you plan to take classes during Summer 2026 - Spring 2027.

2026-2027 MAP Alternative Application: is now available. Complete ASAP if you plan to take classes during Summer 2026 - Spring 2027.

 

Scholarship Spotlight

Donor-Funded Scholarships: We are now accepting applications for 2026-2027. Each scholarship has specific requirements.  Learn more.  Deadline 9/13/26.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship: Designed to reward the accomplishments of members by providing financial support to high-achieving community college students to pursue their education. Learn more.

Banyan Scholarship: Offers $1,000 to support students in healthcare fields (including medical, mental health, addiction treatment, clinical, and social care). Deadline 12/8/26.  Learn more: https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/resources/student-scholarship/

Your Next Step is Within Reach.

With over 135 years of excellence and 70,000 alumni, we provide an extraordinary education that’s within your reach.