October 2025 Government Shutdown

NOTE: Student financial aid will remain unaffected during the government shutdown. All Federal financial aid programs—including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study—will continue to operate as normal. Students will receive aid on time, and do not need to take any additional action.

Figuring out how to pay for college is difficult. You can save thousands of dollars by choosing College of DuPage.

The Office of Student Financial Assistance can help you understand your financial aid options, direct you to the steps to apply for financial aid, inform you about deadlines and award and process your financial aid. Free financial aid workshops are also available.

If you have additional questions about applying for financial aid, contact financial aid.

Apply for Financial Aid

Steps to Apply

General Eligibility Requirements

Understanding Your Offer Letter

Attendance and Financial Aid

Types of Financial Aid

Grants, work-study programs, loans and scholarships are among the financial aid options available to students.

Illinois Map Grant

The Illinois MAP Grant is available to Illinois residents who attend approved Illinois colleges and demonstrate financial need.

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Under the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity Act (RISE), undocumented students are eligible to apply for all forms of state financial aid.

Other Illinois Grants

The State of Illinois offers grants specifically for state residents.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

Students who demonstrate the greatest need are awarded the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant on a first come, first served basis.

Military Grants

Various government and non-profit organizations provide funding for college to veterans, active duty personnel or those related to veterans or active duty personnel.

Scholarships

Scholarship are awarded based on merit, need, community service, academic program and population.

Federal Work Study

Under the Federal Work-Study program, students with financial need can earn income to help pay for their educational expenses by working as student aides.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Students who qualify for Federal Direct Loans receive low interest loans that need to be paid back to help cover the cost of higher education.

Federal PLUS Loan

Students with dependent parents may apply for a federal PLUS loan to help pay for their education.

Emergency Funding

COD's Emergency Funding Program helps students secure immediate financial support when urgent or emergency situations threaten their education.

Contact Information

Office of Student Financial Assistance
Enrollment Center
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2280
(630) 942-2251
Email: financialaid@cod.edu
Fax: (630) 942-2151

Regular Hours

• Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Instagram: @CODFinancialAssistance

Facebook: CODFinancialAssistance

Twitter: @CODFinancialAid