The Federal Pell Grant Program provides federal aid to eligible students. The anticipated maximum grant for the 2009–2010 award year is $5,350; the anticipated minimum grant is $976. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program provides up to $200 per academic year to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and have exceptional financial need. To apply for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1.
The Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant program provides up to $1,200 per academic year to Iowa residents enrolled in a vocational/technical or career option program. To apply for an Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to July 1.
The Iowa Grant program provides up to $1,000 per academic year to Iowa residents with exceptional financial need. To apply for an Iowa Grant, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students in a diploma or degree program who are U.S. citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. First or second year status is determined by the college. Second-year students also must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the end of the first academic year. The program is available for first-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The ACG award is in addition to the student’s Pell Grant award. To apply for an Academic Competitiveness Grant, complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the ACG questions on the FAFSA, if applicable.
Priority is given to students who participated in the Federal TRiO Student Support Programs, graduated from alternative high schools, and to homeless youth. To apply, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also complete an application which is available on the Iowa College Student Aid Commission’s website or by calling 800-383-4222. The maximum individual award for 2007-2008 was $6,269 which was the average tuition rate for students at Iowa Regent Universities.
These programs provide grants to students who have been in Iowa foster care and who plan to enroll in approved training programs in Iowa. The grant programs can cover up to the full cost of attendance. To be eligible, applicants must be an Iowa resident, have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED), be 18 to 23 years of age, and be in foster care, or were in foster care, or were adopted from foster care after age 16. To apply, applicants must complete a FAFSA and obtain an application which is available on the Iowa College Student Aid Commission’s website or by calling 877-272-4456.
The College Work Study program provides employment opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need. College Work Study provides part-time employment for students at a rate of $7.25 per hour. Community service work experience may be available. To apply for College Work Study eligibility, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility does not guarantee a work study position.
The Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized) provides federally insured loans to students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions. The maximum yearly loan limits are $3,500 for first-year students and $4,500 for second-year students. The actual amount a student receives may be dependent on financial need and the length of the program of study. To apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) AND a Master Promissory Note.
Federal regulations require all first-time borrowers to complete a loan counseling session prior to receiving the first disbursement of their loan funds. Students may complete this loan entrance counseling online.
Students will also be required to complete a mandatory exit interview session shortly before their departure from the institution.
The Federal PLUS Loan Program is designed for the parents of dependent students in order to assist students with the costs of a college education. The loan amount is limited to the cost of attendance minus your other financial aid. To apply for a Federal PLUS Loan, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your parent(s) must also complete and submit a separate Federal PLUS loan application.
This grant provides awards to Iowa National Guard members. The amount of benefit awarded is based on the student’s cost of tuition (not fees). Eligibility is determined by the Iowa Adjutant General and a new application must be completed each year prior to August 31. Eligibility requirements include being an Iowa resident, a member of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit for each term the member receives benefits, satisfactorily completing required Guard training and maintaining satisfactory performance of Guard duty and pursuing an undergraduate degree and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30), the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), the Reserve Educational Assistance Program – REAP (Chapter 1607), Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31), Veterans Education Assistance Program—VEAP, and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) provide educational benefits for veterans attending NCC. Information concerning veterans’ educational benefits and applications may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) provides financial assistance to eligible persons with disabilities to overcome impediments to employment. For more information contact a DVRS counselor in your area (Sheldon Office—1022 3rd Avenue) or the Financial Aid Office.
The Iowa Workforce Investment Act provides assistance to people experiencing significant barriers to employment. Funding may be available for retraining eligible students. For more information, contact the Workforce Investment Act counselor in your area (Sheldon Office—NCC-Building C, Room 308, 603 West Park Street) or the Financial Aid Office at the College.
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 created several new benefits for families paying college costs or repaying student loans. Beginning in 1998 taxpayers may be eligible to claim a HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit (up to $1,800 for the 2008 tax year) against their federal income taxes. Contact a tax accountant for additional information.
The Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation offers many scholarship opportunities for students attending Northwest Iowa Community College. Complete information regarding individual scholarships is found in the current Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation Scholarship Opportunity Guide. Hard copies are available through the Foundation Office or Admissions Office at NCC.
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