If you're wondering how you'll pay for college, you're not alone. Most people don't know how it works until someone explains it. So here it is, step by step.
Financial Support at NHCC
Choose a College With Lower Tuition
The amounts shown are estimated annual tuition and required fees for 2026–27, before grants and scholarships.
Start With Money You Don't Have to Repay
Grants
Grants award you money for tuition that does not need to be repaid. Completing the financial aid application (FAFSA) is how you find out which federal, or state grants you may receive.
Scholarships
NHCC scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic and career goals, community involvement, life experiences and other qualifications, not only grades. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $5,000 and do not need to be repaid.
Apply for Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application is how you find out whether you qualify for grants, work-study, loans, and certain scholarships. It does not require you to accept a loan.
Complete the FAFSA
For U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens.
NHCC school code: 002370
Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid
For qualifying Minnesota residents who cannot complete the FAFSA because of immigration status.
Consider Student Loans Carefully
Loans can help cover a remaining gap, but they must be repaid, usually with interest. Review the amount, terms and future monthly payment before borrowing. You do not have to accept every loan you are offered.
Other Ways to Cover College Costs
Use these options to cover costs beyond grants and scholarships and to minimize the amount of loans you need.
Student Employment
Work study allows you to earn money and gain experience through convenient on-campus jobs. Complete the FAFSA to find out whether you qualify and how much you can earn through work-study.
Payment Plans
Divide your remaining tuition balance into smaller payments.
Additional Benefits
Check whether your employer offers tuition assistance and if you're a veteran, explore your veteran's education benefits.
Make Your Plan
You don’t have to figure everything out at once. Follow these four steps and ask for help whenever you need it.
- Understand your costs: Review tuition, fees, books and other expenses. Review College Costs.
- Apply for financial aid: Apply even if you don't want loans because you may be eligible for grants and student employment. Learn how to apply for financial aid.
- Apply for scholarships: Complete the scholarship application when the scholarship window is open. Explore NHCC Scholarships.
- Reach out with questions: We're here to help you understand your financial aid options. Contact faid@nhcc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for grants, work-study (student employment), and other assistance.
Part-time students may qualify, but the amount and type of aid can depend on eligibility and enrolled credits. Some aid, like work-study, requires at least 6 credits.
Not for everyone. Minnesota's North Star Promise program has covered tuition for some students with family income under $80,000, but its future is uncertain. For the 2026–27 school year, students had to apply for financial aid by June 1, 2026. Filing the FAFSA (or the Minnesota Alternative State Application) is how you're considered for every grant, including North Star Promise, if it continues.
Depending on the award and total cost, yes, financial aid covers books and other eligible educational expenses.
Yes. Many students combine grants, scholarships, earnings, benefits, payment plans and loans.
Apply as early as possible and submit a new financial aid (FAFSA) application each academic year.
Talk to a Real Person
Questions are normal. Asking them is how most students figure this out.
Our team is here to help you determine your next step.
Location & Contact
Location
Educational Services (ES) 70
Phone
763-424-0728
Email
faid@nhcc.edu
Hours
In-Person and Virtual
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday Services
Sunday: Closed
Campus Hours