Eligibility
Do you know if you're eligible to receive financial aid? Most students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college or career school. Your age, race, or field of study won't affect your eligibility for federal student aid. While your income is taken in consideration, it does not automatically prevent you from getting federal student aid.
Eligibility Requirements for Federal and State Aid
- Must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (see below).
- Male students, ages 18-25, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) high school equivalency diploma.
- Must be working towards a degree or certificate.
- May not be in default on any federal educational loans or owe an overpayment refund on a federal grant.
- Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Citizen or Eligible Non-citizen
You are considered a citizen or eligible non-citizen if you fit into one of the following categories:
- U.S. citizen
- U.S. national (the Federal States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands).
- U.S. permanent resident with an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151,I-551, or I-551C).
- Have an I-94 or I-94A with one of the following designations:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Indefinite Parole
- Humanitarian Parole
- Cuban-Haitian entrant, status pending
- Conditional entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
International Students
College policy requires international students to have adequate resources to cover their educational expenses. Students holding J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa or F1 or F2 student visa are not eligible for federal or state aid but may still be considered for departmental awards and alternative loans. F-1 visas allow very limited opportunities with the College for students to work at the college. Please see our International Section for more information. (See International Students for more information).
Determining Financial Aid
Financial aid programs were established on the premise that the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses is that of the student and his or her family. Students and families who lack the necessary resources to pay these educational expenses are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This information is used to determine your financial aid eligibility. The following formula is used to determine whether you are eligible for need based financial aid:
Cost of Attendance (COA)
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Financial Need
Cost of Attendance (COA)
The Financial Aid Office establishes student expense budgets that are used to calculate financial aid eligibility as well as to provide students and their families with a reasonable estimate of the cost of attendance at North Idaho College. These student budgets include allowances for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. These budgets are based on what are considered reasonable, but modest, costs after surveying segments of our student population. Additional information is available from the Financial Aid Office. If a student has unusual expenses that should be considered please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Financial Need
The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution is considered financial need. The Financial Aid Office will assist students and their families in trying to meet their financial need by offering a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities. Students who have no financial need are eligible to be considered for non-need based scholarships, loans, and employment through the job location and development program. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.