Figuring out how to pay for college can be challenging. But there are resources to help! The FAFSA, scholarships, grants and programs like the Prairie Promise can help make college more affordable. Students can significantly reduce their expenses by exploring financial aid options. Financial aid is available from the University of Illinois Springfield, federal and state programs, and outside private scholarships. First-year UIS student Evelyn Martinez explored all these options to become a Prairie Star. 

Spring 2025 Financial Aid FAQs

Students have a lot on their plate, especially at the beginning of each semester. Understanding your financial aid can make life a lot less stressful and give you confidence that you’re starting out on the right foot. Here are some of our top FAQs to keep you informed and on top of your financial aid game. 

Q. How do I check my financial aid status or disbursement? 

A. To review your financial aid:  

When people talk about college, they usually mention the fun parts—making new friends, attending events or starting fresh. However, for some people, there's a side to college that isn’t talked about as much, such as struggling with loneliness, worrying about money or questioning your ability to make it to graduation. If you're feeling this way, you're not alone—and there are ways to get through it to ensure your time at UIS is positive!

College is an investment, and understanding the full cost of college is important. When researching the cost of different colleges, most do a simple Google search and accept the first number that appears as the cost. The real cost varies depending on several factors: location, program, financial aid and scholarships.

Fall 2024 Financial Aid FAQs

Students have a lot on their plate, especially at the beginning of each semester. Understanding your financial aid can make life a lot less stressful and give you confidence that you’re starting out on the right foot. Here are some of our top FAQs to keep you informed and on top of your financial aid game. 

Q. How do I check my financial aid status or disbursement? 

A. To review your financial aid: