Here are the steps to begin your federal student aid process:
Step 1: Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Federal school code for Northcentral University is 038133 (OPEID)
Please note the following FAFSA deadlines
- Federal: For the 2021-22 academic year, the FAFSA must be submitted by June 30, 2022.
- State: For many California financial aid programs, the FAFSA must be submitted by March 2, 2021. The Cal Grant program also requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2021.
- School: Northcentral University (NCU) does not have priority dates or deadlines for submitting the FAFSA. NCU students may submit the FAFSA at any time
Step 2: You must be accepted to NCU before your financial aid process may begin. If you haven't started the application process, you may contact an Enrollment Advisor at 1-866-776-0331 or admissions@ncu.edu.
Step 3: Once your FAFSA is processed by the Department of Education, both you and Northcentral will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which lists your official expected family contribution (EFC) as well as other important information. This information allows us to evaluate your eligibility for financial assistance. Note: It is VERY IMPORTANT to review ALL information and comments on your Student Aid Report (SAR). There may be additional documentation needed from you to complete the process. The Office of Student Financial Services will contact you regarding any additional documents required of you so that we may begin the packaging process.
Step 4: Once you have completed your FAFSA and are awaiting a response from the Office of Student Financial Services, you should complete the following two additional financial aid requirements:
- Complete your MPN (Master Promissory Note) at studentloans.gov. A MPN is completed by anyone who seeks to take out a loan through the Federal Direct Loan Program. The MPN is required to disburse any loan funds. A MPN is good for 10 years, so if you have taken out loans prior in your education, you may already have a MPN completed. The MPN website is able to help you retrieve your MPN in case you don't remember if you've completed one or not.
- Complete your Federal Student Loan Entrance Counseling.Why is counseling important? First, it is required. Second, it helps you understand the rights and responsibilities as a Direct Loan borrower. And third, it provides information and terms to help you make the right choices.
What types of federal aid programs are available to you?
For Undergraduates:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Federal Direct Lending Program)
- Federal Parent PLUS Loan (Federal Direct Lending Program)
For Graduates (master's or doctoral Students):
- Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Federal Direct Lending Program)
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (Federal Direct Lending Program)
General Eligibility
Most of the financial aid programs we offer do have some common eligibility rules. To qualify for aid you must:
- be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen;
- be admitted to the University in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral program.
- not be in default on a previous student loan or owe a repayment on a grant or loan for which you were not eligible;
- not have loans in excess of the aggregate limits of the aid programs;
- not be disqualified based on a conviction for a drug-related offense while you were enrolled in school and receiving federal student aid;
- be registered with the Selective Service (if required); be making satisfactory academic progress towards a degree; and
- provide financial information as required.
Please contact a Start Team Academic and Finance Advisor (AFA) by phone, toll-free, at 1-888-896-5112, Extension 3594, or email at advisingstartteam@ncu.edu to receive additional guidance on how to finance your NCU education. Many qualified start team AFAs are available to assist you. You will be assigned a dedicated AFA after the first week of your first course. We are here to assist you in every way possible.
Additional Resources
Direct Loan Entrance Counseling
Federal Student Loan Limits: Interest Rates
National Student Loan Data System: Check your aggregate amount of Federal Student Loans
Federal Student Aid Forecaster: Information from the forecaster may be transferred to your FAFSA!