Financial Aid: Steps to Pay for College
Students need to fill out a FAFSA or MN Dream Act application once every school year. One application covers the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters for that year.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most popular form of financial aid for college students. Make sure to apply early to maximize your award!
MN Dream Act
Students who are ineligible to apply for the FAFSA, but are MN residents, may be able to apply for state financial aid through the MN Dream Act application.
1. Apply for Financial Aid
Complete a FAFSA or MN Dream Act application! NHCC’s Federal School Code is 002370. Start your FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
2. Check Application Status
We may request more information to process your award. Requested items will be in your “Aid Application Status” in eServices.
3. Review Award Offer
Once your application is complete, you will receive an award offer. Your award offer will be available to view in eServices, under “Awards by Credit Level”.
4. Refund Preference
Financial aid is applied 3 weeks from the start of the semester. You may have an overage if your financial aid award is greater than your cost. Select your refund delivery preference here: RefundSelection.com.
5. Request Loans (optional)
If your award includes Federal Direct Loans, you can request loans in eServices. To receive loans, you must complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling (LEC).
6. Student Employment
A job on campus can be a great way to earn your financial aid. Look for student employment opportunities.
You've Submitted Your FAFSA, Now What?
Watch a short video to help understand your next steps after submitting the FAFSA.
How to View Your Award Offer
Watch a short video to help understand your award.
What is Work Study?
Watch a short video to help understand what is work study and how to apply.
Deadlines
NHCC's priority aid application deadline is March 1. Students who complete their file by the priority deadline are given first consideration for SEOG grants and student employment for the following academic year.
- MN State Grant & North Star Promise deadlines:
- 2025-2026 Academic Year: The Federal processor must receive your 2025-2026 FAFSA before the 30th day of the term for which you are applying for aid.
- 2026-2027 Academic Year: Your 2026-2027 FAFSA or Dream Act application must be submitted by June 1, 2026 for the North Star Promise program and before the 30th day of the term for MN State Grant.
- Pell Grant enrollment deadline - You must be registered for all classes by the Pell Grant enrollment date. Classes added after the enrollment date are not eligible for Pell grant. The Pell registration deadline for each term is published on the NHCC calendar.
Contact Us
Location & Contact
Location
Educational Services (ES) 70
Phone
763-424-0728
Fax
763-493-0589
Email
faid@nhcc.edu
Financial Aid Hours
In-Person and Virtual
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (virtual)
Saturday: Saturday Services
Sunday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Once your aid application is processed, you can check your award letter in eServices. Students must be admitted to see their awards.
If one of your first classes starts during the first week of the semester, your aid will be disbursed 3 weeks from the start of the semester. However, if all courses start at a later date, financial aid will be disbursed 10 days before the beginning of your first class.
No. One FAFSA covers Fall, Spring, and Summer
It depends on the length of your course and how much of your courses you've already completed. Each situation is unique, so it is best to call our office to speak to a financial aid advisor: 763-424-0728.
Most likely, yes. If you received grant aid and received an overage, you may be required to pay back the allocated grants as your credit level will be updated. To discuss your unique situation, please call our office at 763-424-0728.
If your scholarships and grants do not cover your tuition balance, you may consider other options such as student work study, federal loans, and third party loans. If you are experiencing other hardships, please contact the CARE center.
You may have additional items that are pending completion. Please check your student aid letter in eServices. If additional information is requested, please upload it using our secure portal.
If your circumstances have changed, please call our office at 763-424-0728. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a special circumstance appeal.