Financial Aid Photography at Northwest College of Art Washington
Many of Northwest College of Art’s students receive financial assistance from one source or another. You need to apply for financial aid before we can tell you exactly what you will qualify for. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all forms correctly and in a timely manner. Allow at least two months for financial aid to be processed. Errors, omissions and corrections will cause delays.
A packet of materials will be mailed upon the student’s acceptance to the college. To see if you qualify for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please call Heidi Townsend at (360) 779-9993 or e-mail her for additional information.
The NCA Federal school code is — 026021
Eligibility Requirements For Financial Aid
You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
You must be registered with the Selective Service if you are male and between 18 to 25 years of age.
You must maintain satisfactory progress as defined by Northwest College of Art.
You must not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal education loan.
You must have “financial need” as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
Grant Programs
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The student may apply for ACG by Completing the FAFSA. The federal grant program is only available to needy 1st and 2nd year college students who successfully completed a “qualifying rigorous course of study” in high school. For students to be eligible for ACG they must qualify for Federal Pell Grant, be a U.S. citizen (eligible non-citizens do not qualify), and attending school full-time in their 1st and 2nd years in a post-secondary degree program. ACG is a grant and, like the Pell grant, does not carry repayment provisions like loan programs.
Federal Pell Grant
The student may apply for a Federal Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA. This grant program is designed to assist needy students who desire to continue their education beyond high school. Eligibility is determined by the student’s need, the cost of education and the amount of money appropriated by Congress to fund the program. Federal Pell Grants are grants and do not carry repayment provisions like loan programs.
Federal Work Study
NCA does not currently participate in Federal Work Study.
State Grants
The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board administers these state aid programs for resident students. Students must have applied for a Federal Pell Grant using the FAFSA form. Family income and assets are a factor for eligibility. The Washington State Need Grant and other state aid programs are available to students who qualify. NCA does not currently participate in State Work Study. For more information on State grants log onto: www.hecb.wa.gov.
Loan Programs
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
The Stafford Loan is a need-based loan. The federal government subsidizes the interest while you are in school. If you are eligible, you can borrow up to your full need but not more than $3,500 for the first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years. Repayment is deferred until six months after graduation, withdrawal, or dismissal from school.
Federal PLUS Loan
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS) provides loans up to the cost of education less other financial aid to qualifying parents of undergraduate students. Repayment starts sixty days after the loan is fully disbursed. FPLUS is an option for parents of students who may not qualify for other forms of aid or to provide additional funding for those who need other assistance.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan provides up to $6,000 for 1st and 2nd year students and $7,000 for 3rd and 4th year students who do not qualify for all or part of the funds available under the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program. Funds from this loan program may be borrowed in addition to the funds available through the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. You may defer payments on this loan until six months after you graduate, withdraw, or are dismissed from the school. You are responsible for the interest accruing on an unsubsidized loan.
NOTE: You do not need to complete the FAFSA if the following apply:
You do not want to see if you qualify for need-based aid (i.e. Pell grant, State grants).
You do not want to apply for low-interest federal education loans (i.e. Stafford, FPLUS).
You intend to apply only for private (non-federal) education loans.
You intend to make only tuition cash payments.
Private Loan Programs
Private loans are available through various lenders. These are flexible loan programs, which can either supplement federal programs or be used as a sole means of financing college costs. Loan limits are greater than those available for the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Private loan borrowers can defer repayment while in school at least half time. Normally, repayment begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops to less than half time. Most of the private loans offer flexible repayment terms with no repayment penalty. Students are usually required to have a creditworthy co-applicant. Loan fees and terms are outlined in each individual lenders brochure. The following are some lenders who offer private, undergraduate education loans:
Private loans available:
Wells Fargo—Collegiate Loan
Key Bank—Key Alternative Loan
Sallie Mae—Signature Loan
US Bank—No Fee or GAP education loans
Wachovia—Zero Fee Education Loan
Campus Door—Alternative Loan
Citibank—CitiAssist Undergraduate Loan
Loan applications are available online at the lenders’ websites. Paper applications may be requested by contacting the lender, or NCA’s financial aid office.