Financial Aid

Grant funds are awarded based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. You may qualify for federal and state funding to help cover your costs. If eligible, they will appear in your award as grants or scholarships. Your grant eligibility may change based on your enrollment and the types of courses you take. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for grants.

For more information about the specific criteria for the grants, please visit the Federal Student Aid website or visit the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance website.

Scholarships are free money that you don’t have to repay. They may be awarded based on academics, financial need, or other achievements. NSCC offers a variety of scholarships for both new and current students.

View available scholarships and how to apply →

Work-study allows you to earn money through a part-time job while attending school. Positions are often on campus and can help you build valuable skills and experience.

Learn more about work-study opportunities →

Loans are included in your financial aid offer and can help cover remaining costs, but should be used carefully. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in at least 6 credits. Before borrowing, you are required to complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). When you graduate, withdraw, stop attending, or drop below 6 credits after borrowing federal loans, you must complete Exit Loan Counseling, which provides important information about repayment and your responsibilities as a borrower. Repayment begins 6 months after you leave school or drop below half-time. Remember, only borrow what you need!

Types of Loans

• Subsidized Loan
  This is a need-based loan through the Federal Government. The government will pay the interest while the student is attending school at least half-time. The federal government limits the amount you can borrow.

• Unsubsidized Loan
  This is a non-need based loan. Interest will accumulate (accrue) while the student is in school. All students, regardless of need and grade level, are eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds.

Accept Your Loan

To accept, decline, or adjust the amounts of your current loan please follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your myNorthshore account
2. Select Registration, Schedule, Financial Aid & Payment icon
3. Enter your username and password
4. Click on the Financial Aid link
5. Select Award
6. Choose the appropriate aid year and submit
7. Click the Accept Award Offer tab, where you can choose to:   
8. Accept the full amount of all awards
9. Accept a partial amount (enter your desired amount)
10. Decline awards

Once a decision has been submitted through myNorthshore, it is final and cannot be modified within the system. If a student needs to adjust their loan amount or request additional funds, they must complete and submit a Federal Direct Loan Change Request Form to make those changes.

Free Community College

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow most Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend North Shore Community College for free. No tuition. No fees. Learn more about Free Community College →

Veterans Benefits

NSCC has a variety of education benefits and support services available to veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents. To access guidance on using VA benefits, applying for assistance, and other resources to help you succeed, visit the Veterans Services page →

Tuition Assistance

Several of the Human Services pathways offer grant funded coursework and tuition assistance. Please email humanservices@northshore.edu for more information.