Financial Aid

Scholarships
Scholarships are merit-based and do not need repayment. They come from various sources, such as state governments, private organizations, or colleges (e.g., National Merit, Coca-Cola Scholars, Arizona Promise Program).

Grants
Grants are need-based and don’t require repayment. Awarded through FAFSA, examples include the Pell Grant, FSEOG, and state-based programs like the Cal Grant.

Loans
Loans must be repaid with interest. Federal loans include subsidized (need-based) and unsubsidized (interest accrues immediately), as well as Parent PLUS and private loans.

Work-Study
Work-study offers part-time jobs to help pay for education, often on-campus or in community service roles.

• Always file the FAFSA
  • The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Filing it annually is crucial, as it determines your eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and sometimes even scholarships offered by schools.
• Use trusted online scholarship platforms
  • Websites like Bold.org and Scholarship Owl are excellent resources for finding scholarships tailored to your background, interests, academic achievements, and financial need. Set up profiles on these sites to receive updates on new scholarship opportunities.
• Check with your school’s financial aid office
  • Your school’s financial aid office often has information on institutional scholarships or programs you might be eligible for. This can include merit-based awards, need-based grants, and scholarships specific to your academic department or major.
• Reach out to NACRC staff for personalized assistance
  • Here at the Northern Arizona College Resource Center (NACRC), our staff can offer personalized guidance. They can help you navigate the financial aid process, search for scholarships, and even assist with filling out applications. Click here to learn how to make an appointment today.
• Start your search early
  • Scholarships have varying deadlines, and many are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Begin your search as early as possible—ideally in your junior year of high school or at least six months before you plan to start college. The earlier you start, the better your chances of finding and applying for a wide range of scholarships.
• Stay organized and meet deadlines
  • Missing a deadline could mean missing out on free money for college. Keep track of each scholarship’s application requirements and due dates and set reminders to ensure you submit everything on time.

2024/2025 FAFSA Updates

The FAFSA is essential for determining eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Starting in 2024, the new FAFSA will have simplified questions, fewer required forms, and updated features to streamline the process.

How To Guide

1. Create an FSA ID
2. Go to the FAFSA website
3. Select the correct FAFSA year (2025-2026 if starting next fall)
4. Enter personal information
5. List the schools you want to receive your FAFSA information
6. Determine your dependency status
7. Enter parent financial information
8. Enter student financial information
9. Sign and submit the FAFSA

Fill Out the FAFSA Now:

FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid