We understand that by pursuing your graduate studies at Erikson you are making one of the most important investments in your career and professional future.  We also recognize the importance of realistic and careful planning as you consider the options available to you for financing your Erikson education.

Each year, approximately three-fourths of Erikson students receive financial assistance in the form of need-based grants, competitive scholarships, and fellowships. Eligible students may also qualify for low-interest federal student loans to help cover tuition, living expenses and other education-related expenses.

Aid for master’s degree and certificate students
Erikson grants
Need-based grants, valued at 5 to 20 percent of tuition, are awarded annually to master’s degree students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Grant awards are based on demonstrated financial need, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and are limited by the availability of funds. They are not awarded for summer term enrollment.

Master's scholarships and fellowships 
Erikson awards a limited number of generous fellowships and scholarships to master’s students each year. Award recipients are selected by the Scholarship Review Committee based on demonstrated financial need, a record of academic success, potential for leadership in the field, and the specific criteria for each respective scholarship or fellowship.
Details » 

Certificate program scholarships
While scholarships and grants are generally not available for students enrolled in the graduate certificate programs, Erikson is extremely fortunate to have generous partnerss at the local, state and national level who may fund such scholarships on a limited basis from time to time.  As these opportunities arise, the availablity of scholarships is communicated through our web site, our community partners and direct communication with prospective students.

State of Illinois scholarships for teacher candidates
Erikson participates in the Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) and Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) scholarship programs. Administered through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, these scholarships are available only to Illinois residents seeking teacher certification. The MTI scholarship is limited to minority students. Both programs require recipients to sign a commitment to teach in Illinois and a promissory note. If the teaching commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship is subject to repayment with interest.

The deadline for applying is March 1. For more information about eligibility and applying, please visit www.collegezone.com.

Federal student loans
Erikson participates in the William D. Ford Direct Loan program, which allows for federal loans to be disbursed directly through the Institute without the need for students to go through a lender such as a bank. Eligible students may borrow under three different loan programs: Stafford subsidized loans, Stafford unsubsidized loans, and Graduate PLUS loans. The interest rate for all federal loans is established by Congress and is subject to change every year.
Student loan details »

Aid for Ph.D. students
Erikson awards a limited number of competitive doctoral fellowships and assistanceships each year. These are awarded to new students at the time of admission to the program on the basis of academic promise, experience, and research interest.

All other types of financial assistance for doctoral students—e.g., federal or private student loans—are handled through Loyola University Chicago. Questions regarding eligibility for and availability of aid should be directed to Loyola at (773) 508-2984 or gradfinaid@luc.edu

Financial aid deadlines
For priority consideration for fellowships, scholarships and need-based grants, you should submit financial aid materials by March 1. We will continue to award financial aid to students who apply after this date; however, awarding of fellowships, scholarships and need-based grants is contingent upon funds available after March 1.
How to apply »