Financial Aid

College is expensive, but we can help!

What Will It Cost?

• View a quick rundown on what it costs to be an aviation student at SIUC.
• All SIUC Aviation programs require the standard SIUC tuition and fees.
• In addition to tuition and fees, the flight program also has lab fees ranging from approximately $3,500 to $10,000 per flight course.

What kind of programs are available to help me?

• Grants: These are "free" money often paid out by the federal government on a need based scale.
• Loans: There are two types of loans, federal and private. Federal loans often offer lower interest rates and much more favorable repayment options including loan forgiveness in certain situations, such as for teachers and public servants.
• Scholarships: This is where many students can really earn their education. Scholarships are available in almost any amount and for almost any reason. Amazingly, many of them go unclaimed due to lack of interest.

How can I get the money?

• First, you must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the start of determining eligibility for nearly all forms of student aid including loans, grants, and scholarships.
• After you submit the FAFSA, you will have to wait for a response. When you receive a response it will contain instructions for further action, or you may contact the SIUC Financial Aid Office for more help.
• Both before you fill out the FAFSA, while it is being processed, and after you find out your eligibility, APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!

Are there other options?

• The US Military is a great source of college funding with programs such as
  • The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
  • The National Guard and Reserves
  • The Illinois Veterans Grant
  • The GI Bill
• Many students also work on campus and throughout the community in various jobs.

Unsure what you might need? Try the SIUC cost calculator.