Frequently Asked Questions - Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid assistance administered by the NSCC Financial Aid Office includes a variety of federal, state, and local programs made available to qualified students who might otherwise find it difficult or impossible to attend NSCC.

Financial aid is administered in conjunction with the nationally established policy and philosophy that the student and his/her family have the primary responsibility for financing a college education. Financial assistance is designed to fill the gap between the family’s potential resources and the student’s expenses.

Who should apply?
Students who are seeking federal/state grants, federal work-study, federal student loans, and various scholarships should make application for financial aid. You can review federal/state general eligibility by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Student Aid on the Web site.

How do I apply?
To apply for Federal and State aid you must submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Application. You may apply on line using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov

How is need determined?
The financial information that you (and your parents, if applicable) provide on the FAFSA is analyzed by the federal processor to determine your ability to pay for education. “Need” is the difference between the “cost of attendance” established by NSCC and the amount you are expected to contribute resulting from the FAFSA application. The primary responsibility for paying for your educational belongs to you and your family.

When to apply?
The priority date to complete the FAFSA is March 15. You must reapply for financial aid each year. The NSCC school code for the FAFSA is 007534.

How do I pay for books and supplies?
Students may charge books and supplies at the NSCC Bookstore if they meet the following requirements:

1. The student has been awarded aid 10 days prior to classes.
2. The student has registered for classes 10 days prior to classes.
3. The student has estimated aid remaining after tuition and fees have been paid.

In order to charge books at the NSCC bookstore the student must present a valid NSCC Student ID and must have a minimum of $15.00 of aid remaining. Students who are only eligible for student loans and who will have received their total loan refund on the first day of classes will not be eligible to charge books.

When will I receive my financial aid refund check?
If Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TSAA, and scholarship awards exceed the amount owed for registration fees, students will receive a refund check after it has been verified that students have been attending class (approximately four weeks into the semester).

Students may sign up for direct deposit with the Bursar’s office. Otherwise refund checks are mailed to the student’s local address.

Do I qualify for a Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship?
You can check for the most up-to-date Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship by clicking here. The first step in applying for a lottery scholarship is to complete the FAFSA form; you can do that at www.fafsa.ed.gov