Financial Aid: How to Apply

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Step 1: Register for a PIN:

• Register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. PIN is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Sign your FAFSA with your PIN. If you are providing parents' information, one parent must also apply for a PIN.

Step 2: Gather the following information:

• Your social security number and your parents' social security numbers (if you are providing your parent information).

Use your legal name as shown on your social security card and make sure your social security number is correct.

• Your driver's license number if you have one.
• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen.
• You and your parents' most recent Federal Tax Return (if you are providing your parents information) and all W-2s.

It is recommended that you (and your parents) file your current year's Federal Tax Return before completing the FAFSA so the correct information is reported.

• Your (and your parents if providing their information) untaxed income such as Social Security Benefits for each family members, welfare benefits, veteran's benefits, etc.
• Your (and your parents if providing their information) information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets.

Step 3: Begin filling out your FAFSA:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA (for continuing students), must be completed each school year.

The FAFSA worksheet and application are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

NPC's school year is Fall 2007, Spring 2008 and Summer session 2008.

• It is recommended that you print and complete the FAFSA on the web worksheet first.
• Once you have completed the FAFSA worksheet you may complete the FAFSA application on line.
• NPC's Federal School Code is 011862.

When will I receive the FAFSA results?

Results are received in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you applied online, you should receive this in approximately one week; if you mailed in a paper FAFSA application, it will take 2 - 3 weeks. Keep the SAR for your records and review the information carefully.

If there is a problem, follow instructions and act immediately. If there are no problems with your SAR, the NPC Financial Aid office will receive the information electronically at about the same time you receive your SAR.

Step 4: Check your FAFSA status on line:

• You may check your status of a submitted FAFSA.
• Print a signature page if you did not sign with your PIN.
• Make corrections to your FAFSA if needed.
• View and print your SAR for your records.

Who can receive financial aid?

• You must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program approved by the Department of Education.
• You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).
• You must be a US Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen as defined by federal regulation.
• If you are a male student (between the ages of 18-25 and have not registered) you must be registered with Selective Service. You may register online at www.sss.gov
• You must not have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
• You must be in good standing and not in default of student loans and not owing a Federal Pell Grant overpayment to any college/university.

If you have any questions regarding your student loan you may call the Department of Education at 1.800.621-3115 or 1.800.433-3243 or log on to www.1800iwillpay.com.

• You must have resolved any drug conviction issues.
• You must not be currently incarcerated.
• You must meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.

How do I know if I'm an independent student?

You are an Independent Student if you meet one of the following criteria:

• Born before January 1, 1984.
• At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, you will be working on a master's or doctorate degree, etc.
• You are married, as of today refers to the day that you submitted your FAFSA.
• Have children who receive more than half of their support from you, and can provide proof if required.
• Have legal dependents (other than children or spouse) that live with you and receive more than half of their support, now through June 30, 2008, and can provide proof if required.
• (a) Both of your parents are deceased or (b) you (or you were until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court, and can provide proof if required.
• You are currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training.
• A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

If you do not meet one of the criteria listed for an Independent Student, you are a Dependent Student, and must provide your parent's information.

What documents are required to complete my NPC Financial Aid file?

• Once FAFSA results are received by NPC Financial Aid Office electronically from the federal processor you will be contacted.
• Applicants are required to file a degree plan/audit through an NPC Academic Advisor. You must request the degree plan/audit be sent to the NPC Financial Aid Office.
• Complete and submit 2007-2008 NPC Financial Aid Information Sheet, available from Financial Aid Office, an NPC Academic Advisor or download.
• Supporting documents may be required to verify the following:
  • Family income
  • Family size
  • Number in college
  • Untaxed income

What types of financial aid does NPC Offer?

NPC participates in the following federal financial aid programs as authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (LEAP)
• Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (FACG)
• Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP): job listing is available online.

Check the NPC website for other scholarship opportunities, such as:

• Institutional/Private Scholarships
• Tribal Scholarship information is available online.

Does NPC offer student loans?

Please note that NPC does not participate in any Federal Student Loan Program, including Stafford, PLUS, Perkins and Direct Loans.