Northwest College

Types of Aid

Loans

Students and their parents can apply for separate federal loans to help pay for the cost of the student’s college. To maintain loan eligibility, students must show satisfactory academic progress (minimum credit-hour enrollment and grade point average).

For those who wish to pursue loans, the Financial Aid Office reminds students/parents about their repayment responsibilities regarding their student/parent loan debt. Please be cognizant of your loan balances, recognize the requirements and responsibilities surrounding loan debt, and make quality decisions regarding your debt burden. Routinely check with your lenders to ensure you remain in good standing. Remember, you can always access your federal loan information and servicer of your loan, look at repayment plan options and other information at  https://studentaid.gov/ and log-in and it should take you to your personal 'dashboard' that will show all your personal financial aid/loan information.

Federal Student Loans

Federally-administered student loans are called Direct Stafford Loans. When you apply for one of these loans, you enter into a contract with the federal government. You will not receive money if you do not complete each step.

  1. Complete the FAFSA.
  2. Complete the Entrance Counseling process. This educates you about your loan rights, responsibilities and repayment obligations. Look for the Entrance Counseling option after you sign in.
  3. Complete Master Promissory Note. Be sure to click on Complete Loan Agreement for the Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan(MPN). Do not apply for a Graduate Loan.
  4. Fill out the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Request Form and deliver it to the Financial Aid Office at Northwest College, 231 W 6th St., Powell, WY 82435 or fax it to 307.754.6154 
  5. Sign your Award Letter and return it to the Financial Aid Office. You’ll receive the letter in the mail, or you can access it on MyNWC.

DISBURSEMENTS: All loans must be disbursed in two payments, one at the beginning of the loan period, and the other at the mid-point of the loan period. For example, a loan made only for spring semester will be disbursed in two payments: one at the start of the semester and a second at the mid-point of the semester. Additionally, first time loan borrowers must be enrolled for 30 days before the first loan disbursement can be released and loans for students who drop below half-time enrollment before disbursement will have their loans cancelled.  For more information see NWC Financial Aid Disclosures & Student Consumer Information on our Policies page. 

You will be responsible for these steps later:

  • Resubmit the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Request Form if you return to school a second year
  • Complete the Exit Counseling process when you leave Northwest.

Federal Parent Loans

Parents can apply for Direct PLUS Loans from the federal government. Repayment begins after the second loan disbursement (usually the beginning of the second semester of classes). When you apply for one of these loans, you enter into a contract with the federal government. Your student will not receive money if you do not complete each step.

  1. Complete the FAFSA.
  2. Apply for the (Parent) PLUS loan (credit check application)
  3. Complete the Parent Plus Promissory Note.  Be sure to click on Complete Loan Agreement for PLUS Loan (MPN). Do not apply for a Graduate PLUS loan.
  4. Fill out the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Request Form and send it to the Financial Aid Office at Northwest College, 231 W 6th St., Powell, WY 82435

If your student returns to Northwest for a second year, you will need to resubmit the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Request Form.

Contact

Financial Aid
financialaid@nwc.edu
Orendorff Building, ORB104
307-754-6158
307-754-6154 (Fax)
307-754-6225 (TTY)

Slow Down

For your own protection, read all loan applications and documents carefully. Print a copy of your promissory note and keep it in a safe place.

Don't Lose Your Loan

Before you drop a class, or if you receive a failing grade, make sure you aren't at risk of losing your loan due to unsatisfactory academic progress.

Loans Are a Debt and Require Responsibilities

Remember, you can always access your federal loan information (amounts/servicer) or repayment plan information through studentaid.gov