At Oakton, we understand that affordable, quality education is a game-changer. We also know that you are unique and your goals are important, so our dedication to providing accessible and equitable education extends beyond the classroom. From affordable tuition and fees and payment plans to grants, loans, student employment and scholarships, we are here to help you pay for college so that you can focus on what matters: forging your path to success.
Most financial aid options require a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have any questions as you get started, please contact our financial aid offices on the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses.
Receive your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) from the U.S. Department of Education. The FSS estimates the amount you and/or your family are able to contribute toward college expenses; your aid award is based on the difference between the College’s cost of attendance and this amount.
Complete financial aid verification using Oakton's Verify FAFSA tool.
Check application procedures for any additional scholarship programs. For instance, some Illinois financial aid programs require separate applications. Check ISAC's Website for more information.
These programs are grants: They are gift monies and repayment is not required.
Oakton Grants
Name
Minimum Award
Maximum Award
Repayment Required
Federal Pell Grant
$330
$7,395*
No
Federal SEOG
$100
$600*
No
Federal G.I. (Veterans) Benefits
$41
$1,075/month*
No
ISAC MAP Grant
$250
$3,900*
No
ISAC-IVG Grant
$42
$2,520*
No
Oakton College Scholarships
$100
$3,500*
No
SGA Tuition Assist (Student Government Association)
$90
$2,160*
No
*Subject to change based on federal, state, or institutional funding.
Like grants, scholarship funds don't require repayment. They are provided through the generosity of businesses, associations and individuals who are as invested in your success as we are. These scholarships reward student achievement and encourage student leadership and accomplishment.
Build your professional experience and get involved with the college while making money for your education with a paid position offered through the Student Employee Program.
The financial aid awarded in this program comes in the form of wages from an on-campus job.
Student Employee Program
Name
Minimum Award
Maximum Award
Repayment Required
Federal Work-Study
$500
$3500*
No
*Subject to change based on federal, state, or institutional funding.
Individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard) may be eligible for federal or state benefits.
Eligible undocumented students who are disqualified from federal financial aid may apply for state financial aid through the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 allows a student to receive Federal Pell Grant funds for up to 150 percent of the student’s Pell Grant Scheduled Award for an award year. This provision is effective beginning with the 2017-2018 financial aid award year.
To be eligible for the additional Pell Grant funds, the student must meet all general eligibility requirements to receive financial aid for the payment period and must be enrolled at least half time in the payment period for which the student receives the additional Pell Grant funds in excess of 100 percent of the student’s Pell Grant Scheduled Award.
Important Note: The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal law to be 600 percent. If a student's lifetime eligibility used (LEU) equals or exceeds 600 percent, the student may no longer receive Pell Grant funding. Students can log online to view their Pell Grant LEU.
Oakton College will review student records in the spring semester to determine eligibility for a summer Pell award. Summer awards will be based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours) and award amounts will be adjusted or canceled once enrollment is confirmed and academic progress is reviewed.
Oakton financial aid is only available for students who are seeking a degree or certificate at Oakton. If a student only registers in summer courses at Oakton, the student is not eligible for financial aid at Oakton.
Please review the following examples to help with determining eligibility for an additional Pell Grant award.
Pell Grant Award - Scenario 1
Scenario 1
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Enrollment
12 hours
12 hours
6 hours
Pell award
$2960 (50%)
$2960 (50%)
$1480 (25%)
Pell Grant Award - Scenario 2
Scenario 2
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Enrollment
12 hours
12 hours
3 hours
Pell award
$2960 (50%)
$2960 (50%)
$0 (0%)
Pell Grant Award - Scenario 3
Scenario 3
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Enrollment
12 hours
12 hours
12 hours
Pell award
$2960 (50%)
$2960 (50%)
$2960 (50%)
Pell Grant Award - Scenario 4
Scenario 4
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Enrollment
12 hours
9 hours
6 hours
Pell award
$2960 (50%)
$2220 (37.5%)
$1480 (25%)
Pell Grant Award - Scenario 5
Scenario 5
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Enrollment
9 hours
9 hours
6 hours
Pell award
$2220 (37.5%)
$2220 (37.5%)
$1480 (25%)
Dates and Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is an important part of the financial aid process. Applicants must meet particular dates to be considered for the most financial aid options.
Important Information for Financial Aid Recipients
All scholarship, veterans, and financial assistance recipients must enroll in the Financial Aid EZ Pay Payment Plan–even if tuition and fees are covered in full–because any change in enrollment status may result in decreased eligibility for financial aid. Students expecting financial assistance to pay their tuition and fees also must enroll in EZ Pay.
Change in Your Financial Situation
Has your financial situation significantly changed since you completed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
If so, you (and your parents, if dependent) should file your taxes as soon as possible. This information is needed to determine if a special circumstance qualifies you for more financial aid.
Examples of changes to your (or your parents, if dependent) financial situation:
Loss of job.
Marital status change (divorce, separation, widowed).
Extremely high medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Dependency status change (documented proof of no relationship with parents).
Personal choices that cannot be considered for a special circumstance are:
Voluntarily decreasing work hours to attend college.
