Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much money will I need for college?

    • You can use NMC's Net Price Calculator to make an early estimate of your total annual cost of attending Northwestern Michigan College.
  • When should I apply?

    • The FAFSA opens every year on October 1st for the upcoming aid year. The State of Michigan's priority deadline for state aid is March 1st. NMC opens our scholarship application in January and our priority awarding deadline is March 1st.
    • Students must apply for financial aid each academic year of their college attendance.
  • What makes me eligible for financial aid?

    • Once the eligibility requirements are met, student financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need and/or academic merit and various qualifying criteria as outlined by each scholarship committee or guidelines. Financial aid is issued in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study.
    • Financial aid is awarded non-discriminately without regard to age, color, disability, handicap, height, marital status, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran's status, or weight.
  • How is my financial aid determined?

    • Complete and accurate financial aid applications will be reviewed for funding through all Federal, State, and Institutional programs awarding gift-aid first (scholarships and grants) with self-help (loans and work-study) second. Depending on availability, every effort will be made to award sufficient funds to cover direct educational expenses (tuition, fees, books, and required supplies). Generally, gift aid will not exceed one-half of the cost of attendance.
    • Once you've completed the FAFSA, you can complete an EFC appeal if you have experienced a change in household size, income, or something similar. Learn more abour an EFC appeal here.
  • Do I have to include parental information?

  • How is financial aid dealt with during summer semester?

    • Each academic year you are eligible to receive a certain amount of financial aid. This amount is determined from the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount of financial aid you were awarded during the Fall and Spring semesters will affect eligibility for Summer semester.
    • Starting in April, students who are registered for Summer semester will be reviewed regularly for additional aid eligibility. Students who were enrolled full time Fall and Spring semester may be eligible for an additional Pell Grant for Summer semester.
    • For Federal Student loans, if you have not already used your annual eligibility in Fall and Spring semesters, your account will be reviewed to offer any additional loan eligibility you may have for Summer.
    • If you have any questions regarding your Summer semester aid please contact the NMC Student Financial Services office at 231-995-1035
  • What if I need to drop a class or totally withdraw?

    • Review the following information: Withdrawals Implications for Students Who Receive Federal Title IV Financial Aid
    • Order of refund distribution:

      1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
      2. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
      3. Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
      4. Federal Pell Grant
      5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
      6. Other Title IV aid
    • Student financial aid recipients may receive the portion of their financial aid based on the Federal Return to Title IV Funds Policy. Sample calculations may be obtained in the Student Financial Services office.
    • The student aid recipient who withdraws from all classes after the start of the semester will be placed on financial aid probation as outlined in the NMC Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. If that student is currently on financial aid probation at the time of withdrawal, he/she will be ineligible to receive further aid until Satisfactory Academic Progress can be demonstrated, pending mitigating circumstances.
    • The dropping of classes may result in a financial aid adjustment for the semester and could also affect the student's Satisfactory Academic Progress. A student's credit load is established at the end of the refund period for the full semester.
  • When are refunds distributed?

    • Financial aid disbursement happens after enrollment is confirmed for the semester. Disbursement means NMC will apply aid funds to your student account to cover all eligible charges. If you have a credit balance after charges are covered, we have 14 days to provide a refund. For first-time borrowers, first-year students, we can not disburse aid until 30 days after the start of classes. You can look up your disbursement dates on MyNMC Self Service, Financial Aid, Awards, Award Payment Schedule.
  • How do I access my 1098-T Form online?