Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid

I have been selected for verification. What does this mean?

The federal government may select aid applicants for a process called verification. Applicants selected for verification will be notified and must complete a verification worksheet and submit tax documentation. Northland will then compare the data provided on the FAFSA with the verification information. If any updates result in a change, you will be notified in a revised award letter.

My parents make too much money. Should I still file the FAFSA?

Northland always recommends that you fill out the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, which will allow us to determine your eligibility for aid. There is no income cut off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income are taken into account.

My parents will not help me pay for school. Can I file as an independent?

The way you respond to the questions on the FAFSA regarding dependency status will determine whether you are considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. To view those questions, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1112/help/fftoc02k.htm

I will be attending as a part time student. Can I still get financial aid?

In order to be eligible for aid, you must be registered at least half-time (6 credits) each semester. Original aid offers assume that you will be full time. Your aid may have to be reduced if you register for less than full time. For some state or federal grants, you may be eligible for a small portion of them even if you enroll less than half time.

Do I have to file a FAFSA every year?

Yes, you will need to file a FAFSA for each academic year. You can file the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year after January 1st. We've outlined a few steps for filing the FAFSA to help make the process go smoothly.

My parents are divorced. Who should fill out the form?

If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent with whom you lived more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months. If the parent has remarried, you must include the income and asset information of the stepparent.

I am receiving an outside scholarship. How will that affect my aid?

Your financial aid from all sources cannot exceed the cost of attendance established by Northland. If you receive a scholarship, either from the college or from a private source, you should notify the financial aid office. We are required to review your aid package to make sure that you are not receiving more aid than your total cost of attendance. Sometimes we have to reduce or replace another form of aid.

How do I get a job?

In order to receive a job, you first need to accept the amount offered to you in your financial aid award letter. If you are a first time student to Northland, you will also need to complete a Job Skill Review Form (PDF) and return it to the Student Employment Office. We will then review your job skill form and assign a position to you and then you will receive a Contract in your orientation folder which you will take to the supervisor indicated and have them sign and return it to the Student Employment Office. This will allow a timecard to be printed which will go directly to your supervisor. You should find out the process for keeping and completing your timecard with your supervisor. You also need to take the responsibility for making sure that your timecard is signed not only by you, but by your supervisor and submit it according to the deadlines set by the payroll office. Your supervisor will know the deadline date, but it is typically the noon of the second day after the pay period has ended. This information will be on your timecard.

• How much money can I earn? The average work award for the academic year ranges from $1,000 to $1,600.
• How many hours can I work? Students typically average 4 to 8 hours a week of work study.
• Can I work for more than one department? No. Students are assigned to work for one department.
• What should I do if I start a position and do not like it? Freshman students are assigned a job based on their information filled out on the Job Skill Form. If the job doesn't suit, they may contact Heather Roy or the professor/area they are interested in working for to see if there are available openings. Returning students have the option of seeking out their own job position by contacting the position supervisor.
• I am an international student. Can I have a job on campus? Yes. International students are required to obtain social security documentation to be eligible to have a work study job on campus. The student will work with the Office of Student Life to obtain these documents. Work study awards typically are higher for international students, ranging up to $2,000.

I need help! What do I do?

If you have any other questions or need additional information, feel free to contact our office. We can be reached at finaid@northland.edu or (715) 682-1255. You can also stop by the office in Wakefield Hall.