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  4. Applying for Federal Financial Aid

Applying for Federal Financial Aid

To be considered for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year you attend NDSCS. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1 for the following academic year. 

Follow these steps to begin the financial aid process: 

1. Visit the FAFSA Website: Go to StudentAid.gov and create an account. 

  • Every contributor who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form (you, your parent or parent’s spouse, your spouse) needs a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing their section of the online form. For more information on contributors, click here. 

2. Complete the FAFSA Form: 

The North Dakota state scholarship/grant office uses your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. 

3. Complete Verification, if Required 

  • Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be selected for review process known as verification. This process is required by federal regulations and requires institutions to confirm the accuracy of the information provided on your FAFSA. If selected, the financial aid office will compare your FAFSA data with details from your verification worksheet and any other required documents. If discrepancies are found, your FAFSA may need to be corrected to reflect the accurate information. Verification worksheets can be found here. 

4. Review and Accept/Decline Your Financial Aid Offer 

  • Students who submit the FAFSA by the end of April, will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office between late May and early June with instructions on reviewing and accepting their financial aid offer. Students who submit the FAFSA after the initial batch will be notified on a rolling basis as the Financial Aid Office receives their FAFSA information. Click here for information on your Financial Aid Offer. 

5. Research Additional Aid Options If Your Federal Aid & Other Sources Do Not Pay Your Charges in Full 

 

What Else You Should Know About Financial Aid 

To receive federal aid, state and NDSCS-sponsored aid, students must be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. Most aid requires at least half-time active enrollment. Additional eligibility requirements are that you must:

  • Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate;
  • Demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs;
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
  • Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
  • Sign the certification statement on the FAFSA form stating that you’re not in default on a federal student loan, you do not owe money on a federal student grant, and you’ll only use federal student aid for educational purposes.