How to Apply for Aid – LEAP

1. To apply for all federal, state, and institutional awards and tuition credits, two forms are required:

  • Northwest University Financial Aid Application
    This Application is needed because it tells our office a few things, like: Are you eligible for tuition credits or discounts? (i.e. A/G minister dependent discount, sibling tuition credit) Are you receiving any other aid? When do you plan to graduate? This information is important for us to award you accurately. Please submit this form to the Financial Aid Services Office after completion.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    The FAFSA is required by all schools that offer federal or state aid. To complete the FAFSA, visit www.fafsa.gov. (The Northwest University School Code is 003783. You will need to include this code on your application to ensure that we get a copy of your FAFSA).

These applications must be completed every year – your applications do not carry you into the next academic year. Students are awarded on a first come first serve basis, and applications can take up to six weeks to process. It is highly recommended that students complete these forms at least six weeks before the start of a semester.

Financial Aid Glossary of Terms

Tips for Completing the FAFSA

Financial Aid Application Timeline (LEAP)

  • March/April:
    Complete FAFSA and NU Financial Aid Application for next academic year’s financial aid
  • May/June:
    Receive next year’s Financial Aid Award Letter & Packet
  • June/July:
    Complete and submit financial aid documents to the Financial Aid Services Office

Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule (LEAP)

  • Spring: (End of February or April)
    Aid is disbursed to student’s account.
  • Fall: (End of August or October)
    Aid is disbursed to student’s account.

Notes:

  • Fall Semester begins in August/October (six-month term).
  • Spring Semester begins in February/April (six-month term).
  • One academic year is August-February term OR October-April term.

After the Application Process – What’s Next?

2. If you are Selected for Verification…

The Department of Education selects about 30% of applicants for a process called verification. You will know if you are selected when you receive your Award Letter or your SAR. During verification, financial aid administrators request, then review various documents (i.e. tax returns) to document that the information provided on the FAFSA is correct. Verification must be completed before aid can be disbursed onto a student account.

3. Turn in your Award Letter and Other Documents.

An Award Letter will be sent to you once our office has received both your FAFSA results and your NU Application for Financial Aid. The awards on this letter make up your “award package”. To accept your award package, remember to first read all the terms and conditions of your award (located on the back page), then sign and date the bottom. Submit the signed copy to the Financial Aid Services Office.

Your Award Letter will also list any additional documents that our office will need from you before your financial aid can be disbursed onto your student account. Keep in mind that new requirements may appear based on information we receive that impacts your eligibility after an initial award offer is made. Turn in your paperwork ASAP so our office can process your financial aid fully!

4. Report Funds from Other Sources.

Aid received from outside sources may affect your aid eligibility. Additional aid sources may include:

  • Outside Scholarships
  • Stipends
  • Veterans Education Benefits, etc.
  • Private Alternative Loans

If you are expecting funds from these or other sources, let us know immediately to avoid any surprises if we have to recover funds already disbursed to you. Your awards will be revised to reflect any changes.

5. Awards may Change; Know the Requirements.

Some awards are estimated…

  • based on preliminary information from the funding source, or
  • because your enrollment determines the actual amount, not to exceed the estimate; or
  • based on awards you received during previous semesters.

Your awards may be revised if we receive updated information that requires it. Federal regulations prohibit you from receiving more financial aid than your cost of attendance.

6. Estimate Your Costs.

Once you have been awarded financial aid you can use this information to compare with your Cost of Attendance (COA) and come up with an estimate of your total costs. The Student Accounts Office handles your account and the charges accrued. Visit the Student Account’s website to access the Financial Estimate Calculator and plug in your numbers, or contact Student Accounts to receive an estimate for your bill.

7. Determine a Payment Plan.

If your financial aid does not cover all of your charges you will need to work with Student Accounts to come up with a payment plan. There are a few options for covering remaining balances including:

8. Receive Your Aid.

Payments you owe to the University are charged to your student account. If all of your financial aid paperwork is completed at least six weeks before the start of the semester, all available financial aid funds will be disbursed to your student account after the add/drop period ends each semester, to go towards covering your balance.

If all of your charges have been paid, you owe the University no money, and a credit balance results, the remaining funds will most often be issued to you in the form of a refund check from the Cashier’s Office. If you would like the funds to remain on your account to go towards covering future charges please contact the Student Accounts Office.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes the FAFSA may not reflect the true financial situation your family is in – cases where your family has had a change of employment, additional expenses, or emergency situations, for example. We recognize that each situation is unique, so please communicate your circumstance to the Financial Aid Services Office.