Financial Aid Application Process

There is only one application to be considered for financial aid. The application needs to be completed each year if you are interested in receiving aid. Here are the steps you will need to take to ensure your financial aid experience is easy.

STEP 1: Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is the application you need to complete. This can be done at Federal Student Aid. You will need to create a Federal Student Aid user name (called a FSA ID) and password. You can create the FSA ID at the time you fill out the FAFSA. There is no charge to complete the form. And to send the information to NSCC the school code is 002173.

READ: 
FAFSA Simplification, the first major redesign of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid process in 40 years!

STEP 2: Check Your myNorthshore Account

Once you complete the FAFSA the next step is to stay in contact with the school. This means checking your myNorthshore and NSCC email frequently, even while you are in school. In myNorthshore, you can review any unsatisfied requirements, see your financial aid award and current financial aid status. It is your responsibility to provide us with the documents we request in a timely fashion as it may delay your financial aid award.

STEP 3: Financial Aid Award

You can view your financial aid award through myNorthshore after your file has been reviewed. This takes about 3 to 4 weeks after completing the FAFSA form and if you provided any additional documentation. The awards list the different types of funding you are eligible to receive. The financial aid awards are based on full time enrollment (12 or more credits) and will be prorated based on the number credits below 12.

STEP 4: Review your Bill

You should review your bill to make sure the financial aid will cover the cost to attend for the semester. This will help you make a decision on the Direct Loans and if you are eligible for a book store credit.

FAFSA Appointments

The office of Student Financial Services has partnered with the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) to provide assistance with the FAFSA application. Eligible participants are low income and first-generation prospective and returning students. To request an appointment please click the link below. You will be assisted by an EOC representative. Your application will be received and processed by the office of student financial services. 

 

Click Here to Schedule a Video Appointment with the EOC

 

All accepted and current students can schedule an appointment with Student Financial Services through Navigate!

Download the Navigate App or access Navigate via MyNorthshore and schedule an appointment with Student Financial Services @ NSCC!

Find out more about what navigate has to offer here.

Required Information Needed for FAFSA Appointments

Please be sure to have all information listed below ready for your appointment. 

  • Obtain a FSA User ID (you should complete this step 3 days before you attend one of the sessions).
  • Social Security Number
  • Alien Registration number or Permanent Residency Card (if applicable)
  • Driver’s License (if applicable)
  • Any information about investments or assets.

If you are under the age of 24 we will need additional information from your parent(s):

  • FSA User ID for your parent.
  • Social Security Number(s) and Birth Date(s)
  • Alien Registration number or Permanent Residency Card(s) (if applicable)
  • Any information about investments or assets.

Video Tutorials

How to Create a FSA ID

FAFSA Overview Video

Determining Your Dependency Status

Myths About Financial Aid

Common FAFSA Mistakes

7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA

Changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA - new! 

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