Explore UIS tuition help options in the recently launched Financial Aid 101 video series

Springfield State Journal- Register
·4 min read

The University of Illinois Springfield recognizes the importance of making a college education accessible and affordable to all of our students. As the financial aid director at UIS, I am committed to helping educate students and parents about the resources that are available to support their educational journey.

UIS recently launched our Financial Aid 101 video series, which is designed to answer some common questions about financing a college education. Many of the topics we discuss in the series are not only applicable to UIS but to higher education in general. In the series, we discuss ways to save for college, the types of loans available to students and the return on investment of a college degree. You can find the videos at go.uis.edu/FA101.

Laci Engelbrecht is the director of financial assistance at the University of Illinois Springfield
Laci Engelbrecht is the director of financial assistance at the University of Illinois Springfield

While the cost of college is an investment, at UIS approximately 80 percent of our undergraduate students receive financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and/or student employment opportunities. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked UIS as a best-value school in its 2024 rankings.

At UIS, we offer generous scholarship and gift aid packages to eligible first-year and transfer students. In fall 2024, we are excited to debut the Prairie Promise, a new aid program that guarantees full coverage of tuition and mandatory fees to eligible first-year, first-time Illinois students. Students must be eligible for the State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), confirm their enrollment, and submit their 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid by May 1, 2024.

UIS awards merit scholarships for high-achieving first-year students through the UIS Star Scholar Award and the Capital Scholars Honors Program scholarships. The University of Illinois Presidential Award Program offers scholarships to students of underrepresented groups, such as rural students, minority students, and those with financial need. Transfer students may be eligible for a Transfer Merit Scholarship. In addition, all students may apply for scholarships made possible by UIS alumni and friends. Each year, UIS awards more than $600,000 in donor-funded scholarships!

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The State of Illinois AIM HIGH program helps full-time UIS students who are seeking a first bachelor’s degree and meet certain criteria. Due to greater investments by the state, UIS can help more Illinois students achieve their educational goals.

Graduate students may apply for graduate assistantships and the popular Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program. Both of these offer tuition and fee assistance to students while gaining important and relevant experience to complement their graduate coursework and enhance their resumes. Graduate students may also apply for institutional, donor-funded scholarships.

Many UIS students are recipients of military and veteran education benefits. Illinois offers generous veteran and Illinois National Guard grant programs, among other Illinois military-connected educational programs. These programs are offered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Other students are utilizing federal Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits such as the post-9/11 GI bill. Many of these programs are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

To take advantage of this aid, students need to fill out a FAFSA or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid as soon as possible. The 2024-25 FAFSA is expected to be available sometime in December. The new application is designed to be more applicant-friendly and simpler to complete. Our office suggests that students file the FAFSA, or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, no later than Feb. 1 for priority consideration of all sources of financial aid. The financial aid application must be completed annually.

At UIS, we firmly believe that financial considerations should not stand in the way of achieving your dreams. Through our commitment to transparency, guidance, and a wealth of resources, we aim to empower you to embark on your educational journey with confidence.

Remember that accessing financial aid is not just about numbers; it’s about unlocking the doors of opportunity and transforming potential into reality. By taking advantage of the resources available, such as our Financial Aid 101 series, you are taking a significant step toward a brighter future.

I invite you to explore our resources and reach out for assistance. For more information about financial aid at the University of Illinois Springfield, please visit uis.edu/financial-aid/.

Laci Engelbrecht is the director of financial assistance at the University of Illinois Springfield and has more than a decade of experience helping students finance their college education.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: UIS Financial Aid 101 videos answer questions about tuition help