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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

How to Apply Online

To be considered for financial aid administered by the college, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA).

• Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Complete the steps in column 1 and wait until you have received your PIN before you fill out the online FAFSA in column 2. Completing the FAFSA on the web and signing it electronically with your PIN is the fastest way to receive results.
• Once you have received your PIN and have gathered all required documents and information, then complete the online FAFSA.

Financial Aid Links

The Student Federal PIN Registration Guide: A quick reference to federal student aid programs and how to apply; the rest of the publication provides more of what you need to know.

The Student Guide Information and registration for the Federal PIN needed to electronically sign your on-line FAFSA and Master Promissory Note (MPN).

FAFSA on the Web. The Department of Education's free on-line financial aid application.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education Information on state financial aid programs, reciprocity, child care and SELF loans.

Financial Aid Estimator This program will help give you an estimate of your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant. This calculation is based on your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance at the Minnesota institution you select.

Social Security Administration Information on how to change the name on your social security card or request a replacement card.

Selective Service System On-line registration with the Selective Service System. Any male between ages of 18-26 must be registered with selective service.

The Smart Student Guide A wealth of information about financial aid, including and EFC Estimator, College Cost Projector, Savings Projector, Scholarship information and links to scholarship searches.

Internal Revenue Service

How to request a copy of your federal tax form.

Who must file a tax return

Resolving Defaulted Student Loans This site gives students information on how to resolve their default status. (Defaulted student loans must be resolved and documentation provided to the college before they will be eligible to receive financial aid.)


Information Resource Guide

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAAFSA)- 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

Minnesota Office of Higher Education - 1-800-657-3866

Direct Loan Applicant Services - 1-800-557-7394

Internal Revenue Service - 1-800-829-1040

Selective Service - 1-847-688-6888

Social Security Administration - 1-800-772-1213


Types of Financial Aid

Grants (Do not need to be paid back):

Federal Pell Grant: A Federal Grant available to qualified students.

Minnesota State Grant: Available to qualified students.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Available to students with great financial need. Funds are
limited and early applicants receive priority.


Other sources of Financial Aid

Work-Study: Part-time employment available to students who have financial need and a desire to work. Please contact your campus Financial Aid Office for information on positions available and eligibility.

Scholarships: Scholarship information is available on each campus.

Loans (Must be paid back): Almost every student can borrow some type of student loan. Please refer to enclosed award letter for process. All loan requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the student's last day of attendance.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Eligibility is based on financial need. A first-year student may borrow up to $2625 depending upon eligibility. The maximum loan amount for a student in the second year of a two-year program is $3500. Interest is variable but will not exceed 8.25%. The Federal Government pays interest while the student is in school. Interest and loan repayment begins six months after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment. Loans are disbursed by term. Federal regulations require that the first loan disbursement after enrollment cannot be made until 30 days have passed in the initial enrollment period. Student must be enrolled for 6 credits or more per semester to receive this loan. Single term loan periods must be disbursed in two disbursements.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Similar to the subsidized loan, but the difference is that the student is charged interest while in college. The borrower can accrue and capitalize the interest, which will increase the amount borrowed. Repayment of interest begins during school enrollment unless deferred. Student must be enrolled for 6 credits or more per semester to receive this loan. If a student does not qualify for a subsidized loan then will likely qualify for an unsubsidized loan.

Federal Direct Plus Loan (PLUS): Parents of a dependent student may borrow up to the cost of education minus any financial aid received by the student. Repayment begins immediately with the first payment due within 30 to 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Interest is variable and is capped at 9%. Credit worthiness of the parent/step parent is required. Student must be enrolled for 6 credits or more per semester to receive this loan.

Student Educational Loan Fund (SELF): This loan is unique to Minnesota. Residents and non-residents are eligible to borrow. The lender is the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. They require a credit-worthy co-signer. The borrower must pay the interest every three months from the time of disbursement. Applications are available from your campus Financial Aid Office. Student must be enrolled for 6 credits or more per semester to receive this loan. Freshman limit $4,500; Sophmore limit $4,500.

Post Secondary Child Care Grant:
This is a State of Minnesota program. If you are a resident of Minnesota and you will not receive TANF/MFIP benefits while attending college you may be eligible for benefits to offset your costs of childcare. An application is required and can be obtained at your campus Financial Aid Office. Student loses eligibility after 4 years of full time enrollment.
Agency Funding:

Outside Funding: Many organizations fund students who attend our college. Most of this funding is not controlled by the individual college, we merely communicate and coordinate with these agencies. Some of these include: Veteran's Educational Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, JTPA, Motivation Education Training, Workman's Compensation, Indian Scholarship Assistance Program, Rural Minnesota CEP, etc. For more information, contact the appropriate agency directly.

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