2014-2015 Financial Aid Guide

FINANCIAL AIDyour guide to

Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, and certificates in career education. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA, 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in employment, programs, or provision of services. Compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act is coordinated by Mr. Michael Dottorey, Disability Support Services Coordinator, McLendon Student Center, P.O. Box 5555, Highway 51 North, Senatobia, Mississippi 38668, telephone number 662-562-3309, e-mail address mldottorey@northwestms.edu. Compliance with Title II of the Age Discrimination Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is coordinated by Mr. Gary Mosley, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, Mississippi, 38668, telephone number 662-562-3216, e-mail address gtmosley@northwestms.edu.

The safety and security of students, faculty, and staff are very important to Northwest Mississippi Community College. A copy of “Preventing Campus Crime,” published annually by the Campus Police Department, details Northwest policies and procedures regarding campus safety. A copy of the brochure, which contains the annual crime statistics report, is available upon request from the Campus Police Office (662-562-3214) in printed form. “Preventing Campus Crime” is published in compliance with all applicable federal laws regarding campus safety and security.

Although tuition at Northwest ranks among the lowest in Mississippi, scholarships, loans, grants and work-study are available to qualified students through the college’s financial aid program.

This booklet is designed to make your application for financial aid an easy step. We will answer any questions you have whether you are beginning the financial aid process or are a returning student. The major responsibility of the Northwest Financial Aid Department is to inform students of financial opportunities in order to meet post-secondary costs through a program of grants, loans, work-study and scholarships.

The secret to an easy financial aid application process is meeting deadlines and taking care of paperwork in a timely fashion. So, let’s get started!

NWCC $2,250

AVerAge MS four-yeAr

uNiVerSity $5,466

AFForDAbLeCompare tuitionper year.

LoCAL teChNiCAL CoLLege $13,725

SCHoLArSHIPS

APPLICATIoN DeADLINe: APrIL 1, 2014

Each scholarship applicant must have the following on file at NWCC:• Application for Admission • ACT score report

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA - www.fafsa.gov)• Complete High School transcript after graduation

These scholarships are awarded to students who make a 20 or above on the ACT. Recipients must be full-time fall-entering freshmen and must maintain the required cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Awards will be made as long as funds are available.

These scholarships are awarded to in-state high school valedictorians and salutatorians. Recipients must be full-time fall-entering freshmen and must maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.5. Awards will be made as long as funds are available.

These scholarships are limited in number and are awarded to students who exhibit leadership abilities, have special skills or talents, have an ACT score of 15-19 and a B average, and/or have strong academic qualities. Recipients must be full-time fall-entering freshmen and must maintain the required cumulative GPA of 2.5.

These scholarships are limited in number and are awarded to Mississippi residents. Applicants must be 25 years of age and a full-time student. Scholarship applications are reviewed by a committee and awarded based on financial need, credit hours previously earned and academic achievement. Scholarships are awarded each semester.

These scholarships are awarded to the residents of the Northwest district who have scored 500 or above on the GED test. Awards are for full-time entering freshmen. Recipients must maintain the required GPA of 2.0 during their enrollment. Application information must be completed prior to the start of a semester.

Other scholarships are available through chosen majors and other departments such as Cheerleader, Athletic, Band, Art, Speech/Theatre, Music Performance, Student Publications, and Scholarships for Children of Employees. Refer to the latest Northwest Bulletin for a detailed list of these scholarships and their requirements.

Presidential Scholarships

June S. gardner Scholarships

Leadership Scholarships

Adult Student Scholarships

howard Carpenter geD Scholarships

Through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and civic organizations, scholarships are available through the Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation. You must submit a Foundation Scholarship Application Form, available from either the Recruiting or Foundation Office. Criteria vary by each scholarship. Look in the current Northwest Bulletin for more information, or contact the Foundation Office.

foundation ScholarshipsDepartment Scholarships

A number of students who attend Northwest Mississippi Community College every year receive aid whether it be through scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Below are listed a number of the scholarships available to students.

Traditional Students

Non-Traditional Students

www.northwestms.edu/academicscholarships | www.northwestms.edu/foundationscholarships

•GETORGANIZED!Itisrecommendedthatyouhaveafoldertocollectallofyourcollege information in one place.

•CompletetheFAFSAatwww.fafsa.govusingtheaboveinformation.

•ItisstronglyrecommendedthatyouutilizetheIRSDataRetrievalToolwithintheFAFSAtoretrieve your 2013 income tax data directly from the IRS. If you do not utilize this tool, the Department of Education may require an official IRS transcript of your 2013 tax return which could delay processing of your financial aid by 2-4 weeks. Incomplete or inaccurate information creates delays in processing your financial aid.

*If your file is flagged for verification by the government please provide the requested documents ASAP to avoid any delays in receiving your award.

•CreateaPINandelectronicallysigntheFAFSA.

•Ifyouareadependentstudent,aparentmustalsocreateaPINandelectronicallysigntheFAFSA.

STeP oNe

STeP TWo

STeP THree

•JustbecauseyouhavesubmittedtheFAFSAdoesnotmeanthatyourfinancialaidhasbeenawarded. The Financial Aid Office may need additional documentation in order to finish your file.

STeP FoUr

•ListNWCCschoolcode:002427•Answerallquestions;don’tleaveanythingblank!•FileyourFAFSAassoonasyoufileyourtaxesandbeforeApril1,2014.

DoN’T ForGeT!

FAFSA What do I need?

• Copyofyour2013Federal1040,1040Aor1040EZ.• Copyofyourparents’2013Federal1040,1040Aor1040EZ.• Your W2 forms.• Yourparents’W2forms.

every student must complete the fAfSA form online to be eligible for any type of federal aid such as loans, grants, work- study, etc.

What is a “dependent” student?

• If you are under the age of 24, unmarried and do not have a child that you are actively supporting, you are typically considered “dependent”.

• If you believe you have extenuating circumstances that would warrant a review of this, you can visit the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation.

HoW Do I APPLY For FeDerAL STUDeNT AID?

PrIorITY DeADLINe APrIL 1, 2014

CHeCKLISTNWCC

www.fafsa.gov

Apply for admission to Northwest

Apply for the 2014-2015 free Application for federal Student Aid (fAfSA)

If the Financial Aid Office needs more information, respond immediately to avoid delays in receiving your financial aid.

Your Student Aid Report, or SAR, will be sent to the school and to you within 2-3 weeks. If you haven’treceivedyourSARinsixweeks,contacttheCentralProcessingSystemat 1-800-433-3243 to check the status of your application.

Apply online using the steps on the previous page. Be sure to electronically sign with your PIN or theformwillnotbesenttotheschoolsyouwant.Northwest’sschoolcodeis002427.

Before you can be awarded Financial Aid, you must apply for admission.

You will receive an award letter telling you the amount offered. You must sign and return it to the Financial Aid Office accepting or declining the award.

You must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward your degree objective. Your class atten-dance and performance will be monitored.

respond immediately to the Northwest financial Aid office

Waiting Period

Determine if your file is complete

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The work-study program provides on-campus jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Positions are available in many locations on campus.

NWCC Work-Study: www.northwestms.edu/workstudy Personal identification Number (PiN): www.pin.ed.govfree Application for federal Student Aid (fAfSA): www.fafsa.govPre-Application Worksheet for the fAfSA: www.studentaid.govState grants (MtAg, MeSg): www.riseupms.com

HeLPFUL WebSITeS

You must complete the FAFSA and indicate that you are interested in work-study to be considered. Unfortunately, you cannot work as many hours as you want. The amount of money you earn cannot exceed your total work-study award, which ranges from 30-40 hours per month. If a student has remaining eligibility, work-study will be awarded.

Wages are $7.25 an hour. You will be paid by the school directly once a month. It is your responsibility to pick up your check from the Business Office or endorse it to the school to credit to your account. For more information, such as how to apply and what jobs are available, visit our Work-Study tab on our website (under the Future Students tab then click on Financial Aid) where you will find the printable documents needed to start your new on-campus job.

PrIorITY DeADLINe JUNe 1, 2014

WHAT IS WorK STUDY?

Direct Stafford loans are a major form of self-help aid. These funds are to be used for education purposes, which include tuition, books, supplies, room, board, and transportation. Unlike scholarships and grants, these funds do have to be paid back. There are several repayment schedules, but most begin six months after graduation or withdrawal from school or when the student becomes less than half-time, falling below six credit hours. Interest rates also vary.

Loans through the U.S. Department of Education are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Borrowing limits vary according to classification and dependency status. The federal government pays the interest for the student until repayment begins. The interest rate is fixed at 3.86 percent.

Parent loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow to pay the education expenses of their dependent undergraduate children. Annual eligibility is limited to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student receives. Financial need is not a requirement for this program. Repayment and accrual of interest begins immediately. Students must file the FAFSA to establish eligibility for the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.41 percent.

Loans through the U.S. Department of Education are available to students without regard to financial need. Borrowing limits vary according to classification and dependency status. Annual eligibility is limited to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student receives. Even though repayment does not begin immediately, the student is responsible for interest charges that begin to accrue immediately. The interest rate is fixed at 3.86 percent.

Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

Direct Parent Loan (PLuS)

Direct unsubsidized Stafford Loan

WHAT TYPeS oF LoANS Are AVAILAbLe?

PrIorITY DeADLINe JUNe 1, 2014

Grants are federal aid that, unlike loans, do not have to be paid back as long as you are enrolled more than 60 percent of the semester. They are given based on financial need determined by questions you answer on the FAFSA. Below are listed some of the types of grants you can receive while attending Northwest.

This grant is available to any student working on his or her first undergraduate degree. Amount awarded is determined by information provided on the FAFSA and is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the number of hours the student is enrolled. The maximum award for the 2013-2014 school year was $5,645.

FSEOG is awarded to the student with exceptional financial need or the lowest EFC. Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. There is no application for this grant. Grant size varies, but it typically ranges from $100-$400.

Pell grant

federal Supplemental education opportunity grant (fSeog)

Visit www.northwestms.edu/grantsfor more information

PrIorITY DeADLINe JUNe 1, 2014

WHAT Are GrANTS?

There are a few grants specifically for residents of Mississippi. These are grants awarded by the state and do nothavetobepaidback.It’sagoodideatoapplywellinadvanceofthelisted deadline. The requirements listed should not be considered as the only requirements for participation in these programs. All dates are subject to change.

•Freshman,sophomore,junior,orsenior•ResidentofMississippi•Enrolledfulltime•AttendaneligibleMississippicollegeoruniversity•CumulativeGPAof2.5andACTof15orSATof720•Thisgrantcoversupto$500peryearforfreshmenandsophomores.

•Freshmanorsophomorewhograduatedfromhighschoolwithintheimmediatepasttwoyears•ResidentofMississippi•DemonstratesneedasdeterminedbytheresultsoftheFAFSA•Documentsanaveragefamilyadjustedgrossincomeof$36,500orlessoverthepriortwoyears•CumulativeGPAof2.5anda20ACTscore•Meetsaspecifichighschoolcorecurriculum•HELPcoverstuitionandrequirementsfornomorethan10semesters.

•ResidentofMississippi•AchievedaGPAof3.5afteraminimumofsevensemestersinhighschool•Scored29ontheACTor1280ontheSAT,orisaNationalMerit/NationalAchievementScholar•EnrolledfulltimeataneligibleMisissippicollegeoruniversity•Thisgrantcoversupto$1,950peryear.

Mississippi resident tuition Assistance grant (MtAg): Sept. 15 deadline

higher education Legislative Plan (heLP): March 31 deadline

Mississippi eminent Scholars grant (MeSg): Sept. 15 deadline

IMPorTANTDeADLINeSMTAG..............sept.15MESG.............sept.15HELP............march 31for more information, contact the Mississippi office of Student financial Aid at 601-432-6997 or 800-327-2980.

WHAT TYPeS oF beNeFITS Are AVAILAbLe For MISSISSIPPI reSIDeNTS?

TIMeLINeApply for admission for the upcoming school year. If you have taken the ACT, send your scores along with your application for admissiontotheRegistrar’sOffice.Ifyouhavenot,prepareforand take the ACT this fall. Look into what NWCC scholarships you are eligible for, as well as search online for scholarships from outside sources.

Thetimeofdeadlineshasarrived!IfyouareaMississippiresident,apply for the heLP grant by March 31. Deadlines for scholarships and early deadlines for FAFSA submission are coming up in April, socompleteapplicationformsandstartsubmitting!

MakesurethattheRegistrar’sOfficehasallnecessarydocuments such as your application for admission, official transcripts with final grades from your high school and all colleges/universities attended. Check the progress of your financial aid on the FAFSA Web site.

Attend a Summer orientation session to complete any necessary forms, attend information sessions, finalize financial aid, meet with your adviser, register for classes, and take care of any other necessities for the upcoming school year.

September 15 of your fall semester of college is the deadline to apply for MtAg and MeSg.

Deadlines! April 1 - Scholarship application submission deadline April 1 - FAFSA priority deadline

January 1 is the first day to apply for the fAfSA online. Do not signorsubmittheformbeforethisdate!Gatheralloftheformsnecessary to complete the FAFSA form. If you are a Mississippi resident, January 1 is also the first date to apply for MtAg and MeSg. Also, take this time to get a head start on applying for scholarships and grants, whose deadlines are coming in early spring.

September

January

March

April

May

July

September

Deadlines! June 1 - Workstudy deadline June 1 - Loan / Pell application June 1 - All documents must be in Financial Aid office in order to be processed in time for registration.

June

With all this talk of aid to help pay for college, you are probably wondering how much itwillactuallycost.Fortunately,we’vecreatedatableoftheaveragecostofattendingNorthwest Mississippi Community College for a semester. Costs and fees vary from student to student, so be sure to check with the current Northwest Bulletin for the most up-to-date information. When planning for college, be sure to include costs such as travel, food outside the meal plan and other personal expenses.

*This is only an estimate of an average semester. Costs are subject to change. In addition to these costs, many classes require specific fees. Be sure to check the Bulletin for exact prices.

Housing & Meal Plan (avg.)

Books & Supplies

total

$900

$3,579

$900

$4,679

General Fees/Tuition(Full-time per semester)

Expenses In-State Out-of-State

$1125 $2,225

$1,554 $1,554

So HoW MUCH WILL IT CoST?

CoNTACTS

662.562.3200

financial Aid office

foundation office (foundation Scholarships)

recruiting office (Academic Scholarships)

registrar’s office (Admissions)

Main NWCC telephone Number

school code002427

Suite 103 Yalobusha Hallfin_aid@northwestms.edu

662.562.3271

srcanon@northwestms.edu662.560.1103

P.O. Box 70474975 Hwy. 51 N.

Senatobia, MS 38668662.562.3219662.562.3220

recruiting@northwestms.edu662.562.3222