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How to Apply

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

Financial aid is made up of loans, grants, and scholarships. The Financial Aid Department is committed to assisting students through the Financial Aid process. The Financial Aid team is available on campus, in person, or over the phone to assist students through their Financial Aid application and process.

Contact a Financial Aid Advisor today at:

(708) 237-5050 ext. 2697
[email protected]

1. Create Your FSA ID

The financial aid process starts with creating a FSA ID. Students and a parent can apply online through the Department of Education’s website: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm. Your FSA ID is used to electronically sign your FAFSA application, additional financial aid forms, make corrections, etc. 

2. Complete Your FAFSA

After verifying your FSA ID, you can now complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA application will require your basic demographic, school, and tax information. When completing the FAFSA form make sure you list Northwestern College as your school of choice (our federal school code is #012362) as this will ensure we receive your information in a timely manner. The information that you provide will help the college determine if you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, or other federal student grants and loans. 

3. Complete Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note

The next step is completing and signing the Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. This process can be done quickly and easily on the Department of Education’s website located at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/ and https://studentaid.gov/mpn/. Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note are required for student loans. 

4. Meet With Your Financial Aid Representative

If you have not done so by step 3, please make an appointment with your financial aid advisor as soon as possible. It is critical for you to work with our financial aid office to review your FAFSA, make any necessary corrections, turn in any outstanding documents required by the Department of Education, and have any questions you may have answered as soon as possible. Please contact the financial aid office at 708.237.5050 ext. 2697 or email us at [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important that all of your financial aid paperwork is completed as soon as possible so that your financial aid can be processed and completed in a timely manner.