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Applying for Aid and Student Eligibility

Students applying for aid at the One Stop Center

Apply for Financial Aid Today!

Financial Aid can make earning your college degree a reality. There are many types of aid you can receive, and it can help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. We have outlined the eligibility requirements and the application process below, and we are here to help if you have any questions – contact us!

You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, but apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first- basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

You must complete a FAFSA each academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you must also meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need (for most programs).
  • Be accepted to and enrolled in a degree or certificate program at NECC.
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Not owe a refund on Title IV money, or be in default on any previous student loan.
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or graduate from an approved home school in program.
  • Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds.

FASFA Application Process

Create a FSA ID

STEP 1 Create an FSA ID

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, made up of a username and password, is used to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to authenticate your identity when accessing your financial aid information. If you are a dependent student your parent must also create an FSA ID.

Complete the FAFSA

STEP 2 Complete the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA for the current academic year. If you completed a FAFSA for the previous academic year, you can complete a Renewal FAFSA.

When completing the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA, you will be asked a series of questions that determine if you are dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. If you are a dependent student, you are required to report parental income and other information. If independent and married, you are required to report all information regarding your spouse.

Important: Be sure to list NECC’s school code 002174 in the “Schools to Receive Information” section of the FAFSA. 

Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) after your FAFSA has been processed. If you provided a valid e-mail address on your FAFSA, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online copy of your SAR. Otherwise, you will receive a paper SAR via postal mail. Make sure to review and make any changes or corrections to your SAR.

If you listed NECC on the FAFSA, the school will receive an electronic version of your SAR.

Provide Additional Documentation

STEP 4: Provide Additional Documentation to NECC

It is important that you check with NECC to see what additional information/documentation you may be required to submit. If your FAFSA was selected for the federal verification process, you and your spouse/parent, if applicable, will be required to submit certain documents to verify income and other data reported on your FAFSA. Your financial aid will be delayed if you have any missing information or documents!

How Will I Know if I Have Been Approved?

Once your application for financial aid is complete, a detailed award letter will be sent to your NECC email account and your financial aid package will be viewable through the myNECC portal.

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