Awarding Guidelines

It is important that Oakton students be awarded fairly and equitably. The following procedures help ensure that funds are distributed to all types and categories of students (i.e.; independent/dependent, male/female, full-time/part-time enrollment) based on need, while taking into account that campus-based funds (FSEOG, FWS) are limited. Students who complete their financial aid documentation requirements on or before May 1 will receive first consideration for campus-based funding.

All students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit necessary verification paperwork before financial assistance is awarded. Students must meet all general eligibility requirements and be in compliance with the academic progress requirements for financial aid recipients (PDF) (58 KB).

Students who start in the second semester will be considered for campus-based funds, if funds are still available. Awards may be provided after the beginning of the term if funds become available due to transfers, attrition, enrollment, and/or compliance with academic progress requirements.

Requirements

To receive "need-based" financial assistance, a student must:

Ineligible Majors

Some Oakton majors in our credit program do not meet the U.S. Department of Education financial aid eligibility guidelines. The list of ineligible majors can be found on the General Eligibility page.

  • Determined from the Student Aid Index (SAI) as processed by the Department of Education.
  • The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by a new federal law to be the equivalent of six years of full-time Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100 percent, the six-year equivalent is 600 percent.  If a student's lifetime eligibility used (LEU) equals or exceeds 600 percent, the student may no longer receive Pell Grant funding. Similarly, a student whose LEU is greater than 450 percent but less than 600 percent may only be eligible for a partial Pell Grant award. Any Pell Grant awarded to a student is an estimate and will be adjusted or canceled based on information received from the government. Students can log on to studentaid.gov to view their LEU.

  • The Illinois Student Assistance Commission determines this award.
  • Students who are receiving Oakton scholarships that provide only for the cost of tuition and fees may not also receive a MAP grant.

  • Awards provided to Pell-eligible students.
  • First consideration is given to students who complete their applications by the priority date.
  • Maximum award: $600 for the year (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Manager of Student Financial Assistance).
  • Award is adjusted based on the student's enrollment.

  • Available to students who demonstrate financial need.
  • Maximum award: $3,500 for the year (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Manager of Student Financial Assistance).
  • Students would apply for open positions in the Career and Transfer Center.
  • Employment is available on- or off-campus as a reading tutor in a local elementary school.

  • Provided to students who need funding for primary educational expenses and have no other financial assistance available.
  • Student must be in good academic standing with financial aid and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of 100-level or above coursework.
  • Approved on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applications may not be approved.
  • Amounts may be reduced.
  • Extensive loan counseling is required.

  • Provided to parents of Oakton students.
  • Student must complete a FAFSA form and submit any necessary verification paperwork before eligibility is determined.
  • Parent must provide the Enrollment Center with the Direct Parent PLUS Loan Request form and Master Promissory Note.

Private loans are non-federal educational loans. These loans are typically offered by private lenders (educational financing institutions, guarantee agencies, banks) to assist with educational and living expenses not covered by other financial aid. Interest rates, terms, and conditions are set by the bank/lender. Before considering a private loan, make sure you have taken advantage of all other financial aid resources available to you. Oakton College does not have a preferred lender list for private loans.  

  • Provided to students who demonstrate need and are not eligible for other grants or scholarships or to students who do not receive enough in grants or scholarships which pay for tuition and fees.
  • First consideration given to students who complete their applications by the priority date.
  • Maximum award: $2,160 for the year, not to exceed tuition and fees, or amount on award letter.
  • Award adjusted to $90 per credit hour.

Student Financial Assistance Information 2024-25 (PDF) (1 MB)

Student Financial Assistance Information 2023-24 (PDF) (1 MB)

*This is a copy of the document that is included with your Financial Assistance Decision and Notification letter.