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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.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (BFA) with a concentration in Illustration

Illustrators, along with other professional artists, can expect continued growth in employment opportunities according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But competition for positions will remain keen, with employers selecting only the most qualified and talented candidates. Although not required for some positions, a college degree in fine arts can help ensure success in securing employment in this highly competitive field.

The Visual Communication program at AIU is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for a wide range of careers in the fields of art and design. The program emphasizes the development of the thinking process and the ability to solve design problems creatively. Students can learn the principles, practical applications, technologies, and methodologies used in solving complex design problems in a creative and unique manner.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication includes a career-relevant concentration in Illustration that allows students to focus their studies and prepare for a career in this field. Students in this program will be exposed to a range of topics, including figure drawing and painting, narrative illustration, 2D animation, 3D illustration, and computer illustration.
Career Opportunities

The BFA in Visual Communication with a concentration in Illustration can help prepare students who are interested in developing or advancing a career* as a/an:
Art Director
Art Editor
Illustrator
Animator
Practicing Fine Artist

* Additional experience may be required for some positions.
Challenging, Relevant Coursework

The BFA in Visual Communication features industry-relevant coursework taught by faculty members with experience in their respective field. Key topics addressed in this degree program include the history of visual communication; illustration (several levels), graphic design, for print- and screen-based applications; web design and multimedia; fine art and animation; and various aspects of photography.
Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:
Demonstrate broad knowledge of their chosen specialty area and its relevance within the wider context of Visual Communication, in a business environment.
Understand the cultural, aesthetic, historical and theoretical issues relevant to the studied specialization and to the students’ desired areas of work or postgraduate study.
Demonstrate knowledge of the wide range of organizations that use the services of artists and designers, towards their business objectives.
Employ their knowledge of a range of experimental and speculative strategies with which to test and develop ideas and push beyond the usual towards original innovative design solutions.
Demonstrate knowledge of the range of contemporary media and appropriate technical skills from which to select towards design solutions.
Demonstrate ownership of and responsibility for a self-directed professionally executed portfolio of work.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (BFA) with a concentration in Photography

The life of a photographer can be as varied as the subjects they capture. But all successful professional photographers share certain traits: they must posses both a keen eye and technical expertise. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the most successful photographers are those with business savvy, creativity, and an ability to take advantage of emerging technologies. Real-world experience and a relevant Bachelor’s degree are two key qualifications for those beginning a career in the field.

AIU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with a concentration in Photography that can help prepare students to become creative and technically proficient professional photographers. This degree program integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

lbright believes that students should make their enrollment decisions based on the quality of our academic and extracurricular opportunities, and on the warmth and friendliness of the Albright Community, and not on finances.

Our substantial program of financial aid provides assistance to eligible students and their families through grants, loans, and on-campus employment programs. These programs are funded through the College, the federal government, and state government.

If you feel that your family will be unable to meet the cost of an Albright education with family resources alone, you should apply for financial aid. Financial aid is awarded to students based on their family’s demonstrated financial need. Students who receive scholarships are also eligible for financial aid; in fact, most scholarship and award recipients also receive need-based financial aid.

At some colleges, admission decisions are influenced by whether an applicant applies for financial aid. Albright’s admission decisions are independent of requests for financial aid.

To apply for financial aid from Albright, you must complete only one form — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will provide information about your family’s income and assets on the form, which you will then send to the U.S. Department of Education. A formula set by the Federal Government is applied to these figures to determine your family’s financial strength and calculate the amount your family can contribute annually toward your educational expenses. This information is sent to you and to each college you designate to receive the information.

You may obtain a FAFSA form in guidance offices, libraries or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. It is available each year in November for students entering college the following fall. You should submit the form as soon as possible after January 1. You may submit your FAFSA over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov . In order to qualify for the full range of financial aid programs, we recommend that students complete the FAFSA by March 1.

When you complete the FAFSA, be sure to indicate that the form be sent to Albright College, code number 003229.

Financial aid awards are made after the offer of admission. You will be notified of your financial aid package two weeks after Albright receives your financial aid information from the Department of Education.

At Ringling College of Art and Design, we realize your college education represents a significant investment in your future and a fulfillment of your dreams.

Although the primary responsibility for financing a college education lies with you as a student and your family, the Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping make your Ringling College education as affordable as possible. We are here to help you navigate through the many financial aid options available if you qualify.

You should know that more than 70% of our students receive some form of financial aid each year.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment. You can be confident in knowing the Office of Financial Aid will treat you with personal service taking into consideration your individual needs. Each student who applies for financial aid receives a financial aid “package,” incorporating one or more forms of assistance.

Most financial aid at Ringling College is awarded to you based on demonstrated financial need, which is the difference between the cost of attending Ringling College [tuition, fees, supplies, etc.], and what you and your family are able to contribute. Demonstrated financial need for federal funding is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] with the U.S. Department of Education.