Frequently Asked Questions

You can schedule a live video appointment with a Student Financial Services staff member to complete your FAFSA. We’ll guide you through the entire process.

Before your appointment, have the following ready:

• Your FSA User ID
• Federal Tax Return (2023 for 2025/26 courses, 2024 for 2026/27 courses)
• Social Security Number
• Proof of eligibility for federal student aid (if non-U.S. citizen)
• Alien Registration number or Permanent Residency Card (if applicable)
• Investment or asset information

If under 24, unmarried, and without children, also provide parent information:

• Parent FSA User ID
• Parent name, date of birth, Social Security number (varies by FAFSA year)
• Parent tax returns
• Parent investment or asset information

Schedule an Appointment:

All students can schedule appointments with Student Financial Services through Navigate via the app or MyNorthshore.

Massachusetts allows certain non-U.S. citizen students, including undocumented students, to qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid if they attended a Massachusetts high school for at least 3 years.

Steps to apply:

1. Complete the MASFA Application – Online at MASFA. School code: 002173. Parents may need to create an account.
2. Complete Tuition Equity Eligibility Form & Affidavit – In person at the Lynn Campus (McGee Bldg LS134) or Danvers Campus (Health Prof. & Student Services).
3. Register for Classes – Your aid award will be based on your semester enrollment.
4. Review Your Bill – Confirm your financial aid is applied correctly.

Schedule an Appointment:

All students can schedule appointments with Student Financial Services through Navigate via the app or MyNorthshore.

North Shore Community College uses ProVerify (powered by ProEducation Solutions) for FAFSA verification. If selected:

• You’ll receive an email from ProVerify.
• Set up an account, confirm your identity, and complete online forms.
• Submit all required documents; you’ll receive notifications if additional information is needed.

Need tax documents?

• Request an IRS Tax Return Transcript by phone, online, or mail (Form 4506-T).
• Non-filers can request an IRS Verification of Non-filing Letter online or by mail.
• Submit the transcript or letter to Student Financial Services with your NSCC student name and ID number.

Questions:

Contact ProVerify at 978-716-8001 or SFS at sfs@northshore.edu / 978-762-4189.

Massachusetts DCF provides tuition and fee waivers for eligible adopted or foster students.

Eligibility requirements:

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen
• Completed high school or equivalent
• Applied for financial aid
• Not in default on loans or owe a refund
• Enrolled in an eligible program
• Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Age 24 or under at the start of the academic year
• DCF custody or eligible Massachusetts state employee/foster family

Note: This assistance covers tuition and mandatory course fees only; other fees, books, and supplies are not included.

More information:

• Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance
• DCF: (617) 748-2000

NSCC Email and myNorthshore: All financial aid communications are sent to students' NSCC email and myNorthshore.

myNorthshore: View financial aid awards, bills, alerts, and missing documents. Check it frequently.

Financial Need: Calculated as Cost of Attendance minus Student Aid Index (SAI). 

Dependent vs. Independent: Parent information may be required based on federal guidelines.

Freeze Date: During Fall/Spring semesters, credits are “frozen” one week after the add/drop period to determine aid eligibility. Summer semester is modular so it doesn't follow typical freeze rules.

Verification: Certain FAFSA applications are selected for verification to confirm accuracy.

Change in Income: Contact Student Financial Services if your income changes drastically; documentation may be required.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Grades, withdrawals, and program completion affect aid eligibility.

Summer Aid: Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans may be available; submit FAFSA. Students can also get Free Community College over the summer.

Delayed Aid: May be due to missing documentation, attendance alerts, or enrollment changes.

State Grants/Scholarships: May be added after the add/drop period.

Refunds: Issued after tuition and fees are covered. eRefund allows faster direct deposit.

Bookstore Credit: If eligible, issued in $150 increments for every 3 registered credits, up to $600/semester.

No Paper Bills: Bills appear electronically in myNorthshore.

Payment Methods: Online (ACH, credit card), checks, money orders, or authorized users via myNorthshore.

Authorized Users: Allow parents or others to view/pay your bill online.