Types of Aid
Looking for resources to help pay for college? Completion of a FAFSA and the UNI Scholarship Application each year will allow you to be considered for various types of aid.
Ninety percent of new UNI students receive some form of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and/or work-study. While the amount given to each student depends on their unique situation, there’s comfort in knowing students have the support to kickstart a successful future. What’s more, we have financial aid counselors ready to assist you through the process. So, let’s check out your options and help you chase – and catch – those dreams.
Grants
Grants are considered "gift aid" and do not have to be repaid. Eligibility for grants is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as calculated on the FAFSA. Visit the Grants page to learn more about the various federal, state and institutional grants available to UNI students.
Scholarships
The University of Northern Iowa offers scholarships each year to deserving students on the basis of merit and/or achievement. Many scholarships consider financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can learn more about scholarships on our Scholarship page.
Loans
There are a variety of federal and private loan options available for students and parents, and we encourage you to review our loan pages carefully before making any decisions about your loans. If you have previously borrowed federal student loans, you should begin by reviewing your borrowing history on the Federal Student Aid website. This will give you a better idea of how much you have borrowed and what repayment might look like after graduation. Most importantly, remember that these are loans and must be repaid, so borrow only what you need.
Federal Work-Study
Wanting to earn some extra money or find a job that will provide an opportunity to expand your skill sets? The UNI Job Board is your one stop search tool, designed to assist students in their search for student employment opportunities, both on and off-campus. Wage rates are competitive and students are paid on a bi-weekly basis. For more information about federal work-study, be sure to look at our work-study page.
Learn About Federal Work-Study