Adult Degree Financial Aid

Not sure about the difference between a grant and a scholarship? Here are the basics: federal and state grants are based on the information provided on your FAFSA. Scholarships are typically based on high academic achievement or special talent, and given by a variety of different organizations. We’re here to help you find scholarships that may be right for you.

GRANTS

Federal Pell Grant

Undergraduate students can receive a Pell Grant up to $9,517 ($3,172 per semester) per academic year based upon their level of need as determined by the FAFSA.

Federal TEACH Grant

Grants up to $4,000 are awarded to students who are pursuing a degree that leads to teaching in a high-need field in a low-income district. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater to qualify.  Service obligation is required, please contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@nwcu.edu) for more details.

Oregon Opportunity Grant

Grants of up to $3,300 are given by the State of Oregon to students who are Oregon residents, enroll at least half-time at a College or University in Oregon, and demonstrate need as determined by the FAFSA.

SCHOLARSHIPS RESOURCES

NCU maintains a list of more than 100 outside scholarships on our outside scholarships page.
The Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC).
The Ford Family Foundation
Student Scholarships
Fastweb

When it comes to borrowing money for school, a Federal Stafford loan is a good place to start. There are even private loans designed to work with your monthly budget.

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS

Available to all students who enroll at least half-time (6 credits/semester). Loan amounts range from $3500-$7500 depending on the student’s year in school.

Subsidized loans are based on need as determined by the FAFSA. Interest is subsidized while the student is in school.

Unsubsidized loans are not based on need and the interest is not subsidized while the student is in school. An additional $4000-$5000 in unsubsidized loans is available to independent students or students whose parents are ineligible for the PLUS loan.

Payments do not begin until six months after a student graduates, withdraws from school, or falls below half-time status. A Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview are required before your first semester at NCU. For additional information regarding terms and conditions of the Federal Stafford Loan Programs, please visit Federal Student Aid.

PRIVATE LOANS

Students seeking to borrow additional funds but have exhausted all resources from the Federal Stafford program may wish to consider borrowing from a private lender. This loan requires a credit check and often a cosigner. A student may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. Interest rates are variable and other rates, terms, and conditions will vary by lender. We encourage students to shop around for the best loan to fit your needs.

2020-2021 COST OF ATTENDANCE

Please note estimated costs for room and board/housing ($5,025 per semester) transportation ($675 per semester), books and supplies ($35 per credit hour), and personal expenses ($675 per semester), are not paid directly to the University, but are included in the overall Cost of Attendance for financial aid budgeting purposes and actual expenses will vary widely among students. Costs are subject to change annually.

Eligibility begins with enrollment. Federal and State Grants require at least half-time enrollment per semester, with the exception of the Federal Pell & TEACH Grants that can be awarded for less-than-halftime enrollment (3 credits per semester). Federal Loan programs require students to be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester). Withdrawing or changing your schedule during the semester may change your financial aid. Continuation of financial aid requires Satisfactory Academic Progress.