Wondering about how to pay for college? Your questions are important.
How much does it cost to attend Oakton? Our in-district tuition ($136.25 per credit hour) is about one third of the cost of the average four-year school. What does this mean?
Let's say you take four classes that are 3 credits each (considered full time).
4 x 3 = 12 credits total.
12 x 136.25 = $1,635 (plus fees).
Check out more information about tuition, fees, and the full cost of attendance.
We're here to help you explore your options for financial aid and scholarships. Start the process early; here's what we recommend: 1) submit FAFSA 2) submit a scholarship application 3) verify your FAFSA 4) set up a payment plan.
We offer several interest-free payment plans that allow you to break up your bill into manageable amounts over time.
Aid that you do not have to repay
Grants are money from the federal or state government that do not require repayment.
Aid that you earn and do not have to repay
This program is funded through the federal or state government and helps students find on-campus or community service employment. The aid that you receive in these programs comes in the form of wages from an on-campus job.
Aid that you do not have to repay
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.
Aid that you do have to repay
The federal government offers a number of student loan options including subsidized and unsubsidized loans. These programs help a student borrow money in the form of a student loan. These programs are loans and must be repaid.
No matter your financial situation or college goals, you should submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your federal and state financial aid. Every student should fill out a FAFSA every year. Learn more at studentaid.gov.
Illinois offers financial aid to students who are undocumented and do not qualify for federal aid. This is known as the alternative application. Learn more at isac.org/alternative-application
Explore Financial AidOur costs are among the lowest in the region. Here’s how they break down.
A student's cost to attend college, "cost of attendance," includes tuition and fees, as well as living expenses such as food, housing, and transportation.
The Net Price Calculator can give you an estimate of your net price and aid eligibility. The financial aid office will have the final word on your financial aid award.
Pay your tuition all at once, or spread out your payments over the course of the academic term—the choice is yours.
There are a variety of need- and merit-based scholarships as well as awards for students enrolled in specific programs. Scholarships are available for first generation students, single parents, international students, and many others. The Oakton College Educational Foundation scholarship application opens every January for the upcoming academic year. It has three short questions about your achievements and goals that will be used to match you with scholarships.
If you live in-district, one way to be proactive is to prove your residency before your first bill is due. Check out how to prove in-district residency here.
Oakton strives to honor learning that occurs outside of our classrooms. Your ability to earn college credits for relevant academic and professional experiences is one way we live our value of equity. Check out Credit for Prior Learning to learn more.
It's always worth it to see if your employer will cover some of the costs of returning to school. Check with your employer to see if they would reimburse you or if their process is to pay Oakton directly.
Student Technology Help - borrow mobile WiFi hotspots and/or Chromebooks for credit classes
Student Employment - see if you're eligible and apply for on-campus jobs
Caring Closet - receive nonperishable food and self-care items, at no cost
Student Success Fund - assists students who encounter unforeseen emergencies persist in studies
Other grants available:
For questions about the processing of payments:
Des PlainesNote: Oakton limits connections from outside the U.S. to many of its systems, including myOakton. If you plan to be out of the country for part or all of a term, you cannot pay your bill, check your grades, register, or perform other transactions usually accessible through myOakton. In addition, some online classes are not accessible from outside the U.S.
For general questions and understanding tuition, proof of residency, course refund eligibility: