Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant.
You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Federal Direct Student Loan Program
The Federal Direct Loan Program makes low interest loans available to students through the Federal Government to help students pay for education after high school. The Federal Student Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to see what the student is eligible for in direct loans. A loan request form may be completed to request additional loan funds. Do not submit the loan request form unless you have an initial loan award offer pending on your my NWSCC account.
Federal policy does not permit new first-time borrowers to receive a federal student loan until after 30 days of enrollment. Student loans for one (1) semester will be disbursed in two payments. The second disbursement will be made at the 50% point of the semester.
Students must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours to be eligible to receive student loans. Transfer students are not considered new and must have all transcripts on file in order to receive a loan.
Steps to accepting loans:
- Complete FAFSA
- Complete Verification (if selected)
- Accepting Loans in NWSCC banner account
- Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Entrance Counseling
To complete loan entrance counseling and the MPN, the student must go to studentaid.gov and login to complete both. Once it has been completed the school will be notified within two (2) business days.
A student must also compete exit counseling at studentaid.gov, exit counseling prepares a student to repay their student loans. A student must complete exit counseling each time they drop below half-time enrollment, graduate, or leave school.
Federal Student Loan Cohort Default Rate/Repayment Rate:
NWSCC: 3.2%
National Average: 2.3%
Students may contact the Student Financial Services Office for additional information.
Federal Work Study
Take advantage of the Federal Work Study Program at Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC)! Work Study students are not asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays. Also, this program offers NWSCC students, taking at least six credit hours, valuable work experience while still prioritizing their educational goals! Learn more about the program or apply now!
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant that is awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional financial need to help pay for their education.
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)
The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is a grant program offered by the state of Alabama. Funds are awarded to eligible Alabama residents who demonstrate need and who are enrolled at least half time. Students must be eligible for Federal Pell Grant to be considered for the ASAP grant. Funds are very limited for this program.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Under this program, disabled persons or persons with vocational limitations may qualify for financial assistance. For information, contact the Muscle Shoals Rehabilitation Agency at 256-381-1110 or the Jasper Rehab at 1-800-671-6841.
Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)
This program assists with training or retraining of citizens who qualify as being either economically disadvantaged of as a dislocated worker. For further information, visit the NWSCC Career Center page.
Trade Adjustment Act (TAA)
To receive Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program benefits and services, the worker group must be determined eligible by the U.S. Department of Labor. For further information, visit the NWSCC Career Center page.
