Financial Aid Awareness Month will provide many different ways for students at NIU and other colleges to get help with financial aid and other related financial problems.

Illinois Student Assistant Commission Director of public information Robert Clement said a financial aid hotline will be set up to allow students to get answers to questions regarding financial aid. He said families of future college students can get advice on how to start saving money for their child’s college education through the hotline.

The number of the hotline is 1-800-628-7939. It will be in effect from Feb. 10-14, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

During this time, six telephones will be operated by representatives from the ISAC and the Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administration, cosponsors of the hotline.

Clement said the hotline is not only for college students. Anyone can get information about financing a college education.

“Parents with younger kids all the way from pre-kindergarten age will be advised on how to start saving for their child’s education much earlier in their children’s life,” he said.

The ISAC has grant, loan and scholarship programs which award money to students annually.