Student Finances
Money management is a huge part of success both on campus and after graduation and I-Promise is teaming with the Financial Wellness Office to ensure scholars are prepared.
Financial Wellness
Helps with budgeting and organizing money, using credit wisely, repaying debt, and saving.
Cashier’s Office (USFSCO)
Helps with receiving a refund check or student employment earnings, paying your student account, and arranging a payment plan.
Financial Aid (OSFA)
Helps with receiving your FAFSA, determining I-Promise eligibility, and generating your award letter.
Student Money Management Center (SSMC)
Provides online resources and additional tools related to financial literacy.
The Lifeline Grant is available to Chicago Scholars experiencing an unexpected situation that requires immediate attention and support.
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers a Short-Term Loan program for students in need of temporary funds for unexpected emergencies or other immediate expenses. Please take caution before borrowing a short-term loan and discuss with a financial aid counselor any other alternatives/amendments to your financial aid package before accepting a short-term loan.
If you have an outstanding balance on your Student Account, you may wish to investigate a payment plan. Before doing so, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to make sure that your account balance is accurate and there are no amendments that can be made to your financial aid package to reduce the amount you owe. If, in fact, you do have an amount due at that point, you can read more about payment plan information; visit Cashier Operations in person at Room 162 Henry Administration Building to discuss.
IUB Pay-It-Later: I-Promise has an arrangement with the Illini Union Bookstore which allows I-Promise Scholars to charge up to $600 in books at the start of each semester. Remember, you will have to pay back what you borrowed before a specific deadline at mid-semester. This is especially helpful for students who don’t have the money just yet and plan to use their wages from their part-time Federal Work Study position to cover this expense. Read more about Pay-It-Later.
Non-IUB Options: Buying new books when you don’t have to is a very costly mistake! There are many alternatives for textbooks, such as buying used, buying online, renting, and more. Click here to learn more.
The health insurance offered through the university may not be the cheapest option for you with premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you currently receive Medicaid, you can opt out of student insurance. If you do not currently receive Medicaid, consider applying to minimize your costs. There are currently no age restrictions for Medicaid.
Show your i-card at participating merchants and receive a discount. Click here for a full listing of participating business in Champaign-Urbana.