Federal & State Aid
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides federal aid to eligible students. The maximum grant for the 2022-2023 award year is $6,895. The minimum grant is $692. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
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.
Federal Direct Loan Program
The Federal Direct Loan Program (subsidized and unsubsidized) provides federally insured loans to students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions. The maximum yearly loan limits are $5,500 for first-year students and $6,500 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 Direct Loan, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) AND follow the 3-step loan application process.
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.
Direct PLUS (Parent) Loan For Undergraduate Students
The Direct 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 (the student’s) other financial aid. To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your parent(s) must also complete and submit a separate Direct PLUS loan application and Loan Agreement (MPN). For further instructions, click here to access the Parent PLUS Loan Application Process.
Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
When you hear FREE TUITION this is the program they are referring to. The Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship is a state-funded program for Iowan’s who enroll in programs that lead to high-demand jobs in Iowa. The intent is to cover any remaining gap between federal and state grants/scholarships and tuition. Students must be Iowa residents and be enrolled in a program at NCC that is designated as a high-demand career and technical program. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline that is determined each year. It is recommended that the FAFSA be completed by July 1 preceding enrollment which is the deadline for other state grant aid.
Find a list of eligible programs and how to apply at nwicc.edu/future-ready-iowa .
Federal Work-Study
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 $9.75 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. If awarded College Work-Study it is the student’s responsibility to apply, arrange for interviews, be offered and accept any work study opportunities. Once hired, appropriate documents must be completed such as I-9 forms, W-4’s, etc. View Work-Study options here.
Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant
The Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant program provides up to $900 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.
Kibbie Grant (Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant)
This grant is for Iowa residents enrolled in specified vocational-technical or career option programs. Your FAFSA must be received by the processing center by July 1st preceding enrollment. The Kibble Grant requires enrollment in at least 3 credit hours per semester.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
Priority is given to students who participated in the Federal TRiO Student Support Programs, graduated from alternative high schools, or alternative high school programs. To apply, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also complete an Iowa Financial Aid Application which is available on the Iowa College Student Aid Commission’s website or by calling 877-383-4222. The maximum individual award is up to the average of tuition and fee rates established for students at Iowa Regent Universities. First priority will be given to students whose applications are received on or before March 1.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Programs
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 Iowa Financial Aid Application which is available on the Iowa College Student Aid Commission’s website or by calling 877-272-4456.2
