Student Resources

Schools in Chicago consistently rank highly for business, healthcare, design, the culinary arts, and a bevy of other disciplines. Learn more about the top-ranked schools in Chicago, find financial aid options in Illinois, and discover the other resources you as a student in Chicago will need.

Financial Aid in Chicago

Financial Aid in Illinois
In 1957, state lawmakers created the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to "ensure that financial considerations did not prevent Illinois students from realizing their postsecondary educational goals."

Win scholarshipos in Chicago

Scholarships
Loans -- either private or state-funded -- do play a major role in education funding, but don't ignore private scholarships for Chicago-area schools. Millions of dollars worth of private scholarships can be found on sites like Fastweb.com.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Financial Aid
Don't know a Perkins from a PLUS? Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org and Fastweb.com, explains your federal loan options.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

All About the FAFSA
Illinois has an abundance of state aid available to students attending private and public schools. But most schools still require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Find an internship to start your career in Chicago

Internships
Internships, paid and unpaid, are one of the most valuable ways to get your foot in the door in a variety of Chicago businesses.

Architecture history of Chicago

Chicago's Architectural History
Exponential growth, avant-garde design, and a diversified population have helped constitute Chicago as a symbol of the modern city.

Pizza is just one cheaper dining option for students

On the Cheap: Top Eats in Chicago
Although Chicago tends to be an expensive city for tourists and residents alike, there are tons of budget dining options for students.