Paying for College

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.

Adult student gazing out the window.

We're here to support you every step of the way. 

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. 

Grants

Aid that you do not have to repay

Grants are money from the federal or state government that do not require repayment.

Work-Study Programs

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.

Scholarships

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.

Loans

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. 

Explore Oakton's value

Our costs are among the lowest in the region. Here’s how they break down.

Tuition and Fees

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.

Cost of Attendance

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. 

Calculate an estimate net price 

Pay your tuition all at once, or spread out your payments over the course of the academic term—the choice is yours.

 Check your balance and set-up a payment plan. 

Apply for 500+ scholarship awards with one application

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.

More ways to pay for college

District Residency

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.

Credit for Prior Learning

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.

Employer Tuition Assistance

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.

Support services

Students sitting and laughing in Des Plaines student center.

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:

Contact Us

Cashier

For questions about the processing of payments:

Des Plaines
Room 1860
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
847.635.1639
cashier@oakton.edu

Note: 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.

Enrollment Center

For general questions and understanding tuition, proof of residency, course refund eligibility:


Des Plaines
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Room 1860
847.635.1700
enrollmentcenter@oakton.edu

Skokie
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Room A100
847.635.1700
enrollmentcenter@oakton.edu