How to Apply for Aid
College is a fantastic investment in your future, but the cost might seem scary at first glance. That's where student aid comes in! Financial aid is more than just loans – it's like a toolbox filled with resources to help you cover college expenses. We're talking grants, scholarships, and work-study programs that can seriously reduce the financial burden.
The best part? You might be surprised by how much aid you qualify for. Don't assume you won't get help – completing the FAFSA application is the only way to find out! Not only could you receive grants that never need to be repaid, but scholarships based on merit or need might also be within reach. Plus, financial aid can open doors to work-study programs, where you can earn money while you learn. Keep reading to learn how to get started and unlock the resources waiting for you!
FAFSA Filing Tips:
- Annual Application: Remember to file the FAFSA each year (fall to summer) to keep receiving financial aid.
- Apply Early: Starting October 1st (mid-December for 2024-25), you can get your FAFSA started. Here's the most important part: Be sure to enter NWTC's School Code: 005301. Don't forget it!
- Tax Time Travel: Use your income information from two years ago (for example, 2022 taxes for your 2024-25 FAFSA).
- Be Prompt: The faster you file and submit any requested documents, the smoother the process goes.
- Processing: The NWTC Financial Aid Office will begin processing applications in early spring. They'll contact you through your student email to confirm they received your FAFSA.
- Financial Aid Offers: Keep an eye on your student email in early June. That's when they typically send out student aid offers to eligible students. Remember, filing the FAFSA doesn't guarantee aid, but it's a crucial first step!
- Degree Program Requirement: To be eligible for financial aid, you must be enrolled in a degree program at NWTC.
Is This Your First Time Filing a FAFSA?
Step 1: Create an account
Create a free StudentAid.gov account (you and your parents/guardians too) before starting your FAFSA to easily access and complete your application.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Need to Renew Your FAFSA?
What Happens After You Submit Your FAFSA?
Confirmation:
- The U.S. Department of Education will send you a an email confirming they received your FAFSA. Once they've processed it, you'll get another email.
- If your FAFSA gets bounced (rejected), check your FAFSA Submission Summary for the reason. Need help figuring it out? Our NWTC Financial Aid Office is here for you!
Processing Complete:
- If everything goes smoothly, your FAFSA will be sent electronically to NWTC (if you used our School Code: 005301). We will send a confirmation email to your NWTC email account.
- Financial Aid Offer Time! As long as you don't need to send any extra documents** and meet eligibility requirements, you'll get an email with your financial aid offer in about 1-2 weeks.
Still have questions? No problem! The NWTC Financial Aid Office is always happy to help.
** FAFSA Verification
Verification is just a fancy way of saying we need to make sure the information on your FAFSA is accurate.
If you're chosen for verification, don't panic! We'll reach out and let you know exactly what documents we need. The documents will also be listed on your Financial Aid To-Do list in the student portal.