Pierce Administration Building - Room 102
NIACC
500 College Drive
Mason City, IA 50401
641-422-4168 or
1-888-466-4222 ext. 4168
Fax: 641-422-4167

Monday - Friday 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Title IV School Code: 001877
Priority Deadline for Campus Based Aid: March 1

Staff:
Mary Bloomingdale, Director
Colleen Sisco, Associate Director
Carla Alexander
Rhonda Groshens

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I apply for Financial Aid?

A. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is typically submitted over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. A mail-in application is available upon request. This application is the starting point for all types of financial aid. Scholarships require separate application procedures depending on the type of scholarship. Remember, you must apply for financial aid EACH academic year.

Q. What do I need to do after I receive my Student Aid Report?

A. If everything is accurate, keep the SAR for future reference. If you need to make corrections, correct the items on the SAR, sign the signature block and submit to the processing center. You can also notify the NIACC Financial Aid Office and we will submit any necessary corrections.

Q. Why do I have to put my parents' information on the form when they're not helping me with school?

A. The Federal government has established the criteria that determines whether a student must report parent information. The criteria is typically found in Step Three of the FAFSA form. If you answer "no" to all of the questions, you must provide parent information regardless of whether they "support" you or whether you live with them. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, you do NOT have to provide parent information.

Q. If I just want a student loan, do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

A. Yes. Complete the FAFSA if you are interested in the student loan programs. The FAFSA is used for both grant and loan eligibility.

Q. Will there be grant money available if I apply late?

A. Pell grants and student loans will be available as long as you meet eligibility criteria. The State of Iowa's deadline for state aid programs is July 1. To be considered for the campus-based financial aid programs, file by NIACC's priority deadline of March 1. This means that the processing center must have received your FAFSA by the filing date. If you have any questions about filing your FAFSA, contact NIACC's Financial Aid Office.

Q. Does financial aid cover the cost of my books?

A. Financial aid can be used to purchase your books; however, you can check with the Financial Aid Office as to when your funds will be available. If aid is not here until after the semester begins, you will need to plan ahead to have money available to purchase your books.

Q. When will I get my financial aid?

A. Your financial aid will be available to you after you have received an official Award Notification letter. The NIACC Business Office typically will begin issuing refunds to students 2 weeks into the semester and every 2 weeks thereafter.

Q. How long will this whole process take?

A. After you complete and submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in about 2-4 weeks from the Processing Center. The NIACC Financial Aid Office will begin working on your aid at that time. We strive to get information to you in a timely manner; however, if corrections need to be made or documentation is required, this process can take awhile. Be patient and APPLY EARLY!!

Q. What do I do if my Financial Aid is not processed before my tuition bill is due?

A. Contact the NIACC Business Office and see what type of payment arrangements are available.

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