Financial Aid
Financial aid is money to help pay for college including grants, work-study and low-interest loans. Aid can come from the U.S. federal government, the state or the college.
Getting Started
We understand financial aid can be complicated, unfamiliar and even cumbersome. You may be asking a lot of questions about financial aid such as: What is financial aid? How do I apply for grants? Why apply? NDSCS wants to help you understand the process of budgeting and your financial aid offer so you can feel confident about your college funding.
Steps to Apply
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.
Financial Aid Offer Information
Understanding how financial aid works—including eligibility requirements, academic progress standards, cost of attendance, and available funding options—is key to making the most of your college experience and avoiding unexpected surprises.
Forms & Documents
Access Financial Aid forms & documents, and find instructions on how to submit documents to the Financial Aid office.
Types of Aid
Educational loans must be paid back with interest, regardless of course completion. You do not have to pay back the loan until you complete your education or cease attending at least half time, whichever occurs first.
Alternative funding sources are available for students who may not qualify for other types of financial assistance or who need additional funding to meet the cost of education.
Scholarships are a valuable asset in your college investment. They not only reduce the cost of your education – since they don’t need to be repaid – but also acknowledge and celebrate your hard work and dedication.
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Grants do not have to be repaid if you complete the enrollment you were paid to attend.
Students enrolled in at least 6 credits may be eligible for summer financial aid.
Additional Information
Satisfactory Progress
Federal regulations require that schools participating in federal financial aid programs determine if students, whether they are receiving financial aid or not, are progressing through their programs of study in a satisfactory manner.
Special and Unusual Circumstances
We recognize that the FAFSA may not always accurately reflect your financial situation and/or dependency status. Although considerations for specific situations are limited, we may be able to give additional consideration for certain situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Check our frequently asked questions to see if we’ve answered it.