Financial Assistance

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Northwest University offers scholarships and grants, and participates in the Federal Student Aid and Washington State Aid Programs (including grants, loans, and work-study). Students receiving a University funded award must comply with guidelines found in the Community Handbook. All financial aid recipients must sign and return a copy of the University’s “Financial Aid Terms and Conditions” to Student Financial Services within 30 days of receipt. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for financial aid, unless additional requirements are noted with the award. Financial aid awards must be applied for each year.

This section contains information primarily applicable to the Traditional Undergraduate Program. For financial aid information for the Center for Online and Extended Educations  (COEE) and Graduate programs, refer to the respective Program’s catalog pages or Student Handbook. 

Institutional Aid

Academic Scholarships

First-time Student

Eligibility and amount for first-time students are awarded based on submitted GPA and test scores. The scholarship is renewable based on meeting the satisfactory academic progress policy stated later in this catalog.

Transfer Student

Eligibility and amount for transfer students (those who have completed 20 semester or 30 quarter credits) are awarded based on the GPA from submitted official transcripts. The scholarship is renewable based on meeting the satisfactory academic progress policy stated later in this catalog.  

• Application – The admission application, academic transcripts and test scores serve as the application for the academic scholarship. Eligibility is determined after the student is accepted to attend the University.
• The scholarships require full-time study

Northwest Athletic Scholarship

• Eligibility – Recognized athletic talent
• Amount – Determined by coach’s talent assessment

Northwest University Grant

• Eligibility – Based upon financial need
• Amount – Varies each year based upon need and other awards received
• Deadline – Priority deadline is February 15th
• Application – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Renewal – Must apply for financial aid and maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid. (May receive for up to eight semesters.)

Northwest University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Housing Scholarship

• Eligibility – Must be a full time student, taking ROTC classes as an elective, and receiving the ROTC Scholarship.
• Amount – Covers cost of Room and Board for an NU residence hall room (double occupancy), or NU student apartment, cost of room only.
• Application – Receipt of ROTC Scholarship serves as the application for this scholarship.
• Renewal – Based on enrollment and status in ROTC program.

Northwest University Yellow Ribbon Scholarship

• Eligibility – Must receive confirmed eligibility for Yellow Ribbon/Post 911 benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Amount – Varies depending on VA contribution and number of credits enrolled.
• Application – Available through the VA Administration www.gibill.va.gov.
• Renewal – Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress and remain eligible through the Department of Veterans Affairs. (May receive for up to eight semesters of continuous enrollment.)

President’s Scholar

• Eligibility – First-time Freshmen, High School GPA of 3.75, Minimum SAT of 1300 or minimum ACT of 28
• Full-time study
• Students are selected through the invitational President’s Scholarship Competition, an on-campus two-day event held each spring. Contact the Admissions Office.
• Amount – Up to five 100% tuition scholarships are awarded
• Deadline – February 1^st
  • Renewal – Student must reside on-campus
  • Leadership participation is required; this includes attendance at Scholars Activities and participation as an Orientation Leader. Additional participation options include, but are not limited to, ASNU Office, Resident Assistants, Small Group Leaders, Karisma and Talon staff.
• May not receive with other Institutional Scholarships 

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships

• Available to – Incoming Freshmen and Transfer students.
• Eligibility – Must be a full time student, taking ROTC classes as an elective.
• Amount – Provides full tuition per year. Additional benefits include a yearly book allowance and a monthly stipend.
• Application
  • Army ROTC – For more information call the battalion’s recruiting officer at (206) 543-9010 or see website at: http://depts.washington.edu/armyrotc/.
  • Air Force ROTC – For more information call the Unit Admissions Officers at (206) 543-2360 or see website at: https://www.washington.edu/afrotc/

Music Scholarships

• Available to – full-time first year and transfer students (Kirkland campus).
• Eligibility – Recognized talent in music (instrumental or vocal)
• Amount – Varies at the discretion of the Music Department faculty. Music scholarships are provided for a maximum of eight semesters.
• Deadline – Music scholarship auditions for new students enrolling in the Fall or Spring Term must be completed by the annual audition deadline the school year prior.
• Application – A submitted Northwest University application and supplemental music application is required for audition. Auditions are generally held on campus with department faculty.
• Renewal – Recipient must be registered for and participate in at least one music ensemble as designated per their scholarship offer letter. Recipient must also take applied music lessons in their awarded talent area. Passing grades in these courses are required for renewal.

Theatre Scholarships

• Available to – Undergraduate Kirkland Campus First-Year and Running Start Students, Undergraduate Kirkland Campus Transfer Students.
• Eligibility – Recognized theatrical performance or design/technical talent with active participation in theatre production as determined by Theatre Department faculty.
• Award Amount – Amounts vary at the discretion of Theatre Department faculty. There are a limited number of scholarships awarded each year. Theatre scholarships are provided for a maximum of eight semesters.
• Application – A submitted Northwest University application is required for audition. Auditions are generally held on-campus. Learn more and sign up for a live audition with Theatre Department faculty.
• Deadline – Theatre Scholarship auditions for new students enrolling in the Fall Term must be completed by the annual audition deadline. Learn more and sign up here.
• Renewal – Recipients must participate in at least one theatrical performance per semester while enrolled at NU. Failure to meet these requirements results in loss of theatre scholarship. In addition, recipients must meet satisfactory academic progress standards.

Visit Scholarship

• Eligibility – New students who attend a scheduled visit by February 15 of their senior year.
• Amount – $500 to $1,000
• Renewal – Not renewable, one time award only

Student Participation Scholarships

All participation scholarships are available only to students who have attended Northwest University for at least one semester.

Commuter Activities Representatives

• Eligibility – Selected by the Student Development staff to lead commuter student activities
• Amount varies.

Intramural Coordinator

• Eligibility – Selected to a position on the Intramural Staff
• Amount varies.

Northwest University Student Government

• Eligibility – Elected to positions in student government.
• Amount – Amount varies based upon position held.

Residence Assistants

• Eligibility – Selected by the Student Development staff to serve in the Residence Halls and Student Apartments
• Amount varies.

SOAR Leaders

• Eligibility – Selected by the Student Development staff to lead student activities during the summer SOAR academic registration
• Amount varies.

Student Activities Board

• Eligibility – Selected by the Student Development staff to lead student activities during
• Amount varies.

Talon

• Eligibility – Selected to a position on the Talon Newspaper staff
• Amount varies.

Private Donor Scholarships

Endowed and Restricted Scholarship Funds

Endowed scholarship funds provide financial assistance to qualified students attending Northwest University. Due to an ever-increasing interest on the part of alumni and friends of the University, new scholarship funds are being added each year. When established these scholarship funds are often in memory or in honor of loved ones or a significant person.

Eligibility – Eligibility is dependent upon a student’s enrollment in a program of study, or extended to include academic performance, financial need, a specific major, church affiliation, or home geographical area. Most funding is for continuing students. A first-time freshman’s eligibility for specific scholarships is determined by the Admission Application.

Washington State Aid

Due to state law, Washington State financial aid is not available to students pursuing a major or minor offered by the College of Ministry (including the Ministry Leadership major offered through the Center for Online and Extended Education programs). 

Washington College Grant (WCG)

• Eligibility –
  • Meet Washington State residency requirements according to RCW 28B.15.012(2)(a)-(e).
  • Demonstrate financial need as defined under RCW 28B.92.030.
  • Meet family income eligibility based on Median Family Income (MFI) level.
  • Be a undergraduate student.
  • Must not be pursing/intending to pursue a degree (major or minor) in ministry or theology.
  • Enroll in at least 3 credits per term (i.e., semester, trimester, etc.).
  • Enroll in an eligible degree program
• Amount – Washington College Grant amount varies from year to year based on the State funding available.
• Renewal – Based on annual review of eligibility, State funding, and State laws

Students who receive Washington College Grant must sign the “WCG Agreement and Directive” in order to receive funds each term from Student Financial Services.

WCG recipients agree that the Washington Student Achievement Council Board (the Washington State Agency that issues the grant) and Northwest University reserve the right to withdraw, reduce, or modify the grant due to funding limitations or due to changes in circumstances which will affect the student’s eligibility for the Washington College Grant.

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grant

• Eligibility – Financial need as determined by federal methodology
• Amount – The Federal Pell Grant amount varies from year to year based on federal funding available.
• Renewal – Based on annual review of need
• Students may receive Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 semesters) of full time attendance

The Federal Pell Grant is available to students who attend at least part time (six credits). In certain situations, however, a student who is enrolled for less than six credits may be eligible for a Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

• Eligibility – Priority is given to Federal Pell recipients.
• Amount – Average amount is $3,000 per year. Amount varies from year to year based on federal funding available.
• Renewal – Based on annual review of need and school allocation

Teacher Education Assistance for College Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

• Eligibility – Accepted into the College of Education
  • Achieved a 3.25 cumulative GPA or score above the 75^th percentile on an Admissions Test
  • Completed Teach Agreement to Serve Application (ATS)
  • Attended yearly TEACH Grant Counseling session
• Amount - determined by the Department of Education
  • Renewal – Maintain 3.25 Cumulative GPA
  • ATS Renewal Application
  • Counseling session
• Terms
  • Agree to serve in a high need, low income school after completion of academic program.
  • If student does not meet requirements, grant becomes an Unsubsidized loan.

Federal Direct Loans

Aggregate Loan Limits – Undergraduate students cannot take out a total of more than the following aggregate amounts during their time in school:

• Undergraduate Dependent Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized limit – $31,000
• Undergraduate Independent Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized – $57,500

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

• Eligibility – Financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Amounts – Annual amounts are based upon the cumulative number of credits a student has earned toward their academic program. The following chart lists the requirements.

• Renewal – Based on annual review of need. Application is required annually and student must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Terms – Payment of principal and interest accrual begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime; interest is deferred while the student is enrolled at least halftime; interest rate varies – loan fees are charged according to Federal laws (maximum is 2%). If a student graduates or ceases to attend at least half time, he/she is required to complete exit counseling online.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Eligibility – Not need-based.
• Amount – Annual amounts are based upon the cumulative number of credits a student has earned toward their academic program. Additional amounts are available to independent students and dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow a Federal Direct PLUS Loan. The chart below reflects the maximum annual loan limit a student may receive for each grade level. If a student is not eligible for a subsidized loan, they may receive an unsubsidized loan up to the full annual limit listed below. If a student is eligible for a subsidized loan, those funds are included in the annual limit, and subtracted from the amounts below when determining the annual unsubsidized loan limit.

*If student is eligible for a subsidized loan, those funds are included in the annual limit and subtracted from the amounts above when determining their annual unsubsidized loan amount.

• Renewal – Application is required annually and student must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Terms – Borrowers are responsible for the interest while they are enrolled and during repayment period. Interest payments can be deferred while student is in school and during their grace period. Payment of principle and interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Interest rates, loan fees, application, and disbursement process are the same as for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. If a student graduates or ceases to attend at least half time, he/she is required to complete exit counseling online.

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)

• Eligibility – Not need-based. Borrower must be the biological or adoptive parent (or in some cases, stepparent) of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program, must not have an adverse credit history (a credit-check will be performed), and must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all other general eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
• Amount – The maximum amount is the student’s estimated budget minus financial aid.
• Renewal – Application is required annually. In addition, student must re-apply for financial aid annually and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Terms – Repayment of principle and interest begins 60 days after the last disbursement.

REMEMBER – up to 2% of the total amount of the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, and Unsubsidized Loan, and up to 5% Federal Direct PLUS Loan may be deducted as a guaranty and origination fee.

Work Study

The purpose of the Northwest University Work Study program is to provide financial assistance to needy students by facilitating part-time employment. To participate, you must be awarded “Work Study” as part of your financial aid package. There are Work Study jobs on and off campus.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study employees work on-campus and are paid by the University. Students work an average of 12-15 hours per week, but are able to work up to 20 hours (if the supervisor approves).

Federal Work Study Community Service

Federal Work Study Community Service employees work off-campus, and are paid by their employer. Students work a variety of hours, up to 19 per week. Students are employed by local school districts to work with elementary school students, or by community service organizations working as job coaches and mentors to High School students with a variety of disabilities.

Washington State Work Study

Washington State Work Study employees work on and off-campus and are paid by their employer. Washington State Work Study eligible students are encouraged to locate jobs that are related to their academic or career goals. Students work an average of 12-15 hours per week, but are able to work up to 19 hours (if the supervisor approves). Being a Washington State resident is required for participation the State Work Study Program.

Applying for a Work Study Position

On-Campus

The Human Resources Office administers On-Campus Work Study positions. If you are interested in working on-campus, please contact the Human Resources Department. You will be sent an employment application. Completed and returned applications are reviewed by department supervisors who make hiring decisions based on student skills and experience. For more information visit: http://www.northwestu.edu/jobs/student.

Off-Campus

Students pursuing a major or minor offered by the College of Ministry (including the Ministry Leadership major offered through the Center for Online and Extended Education programs) do not qualify for off-campus Work Study through the State of Washington.

Student Financial Services administers Washington State Work Study positions. Students interested in finding a job off-campus (preferably related to their academic or career goals) should contact the Work Study Coordinator in Student Financial Services. Off-Campus job openings are posted online at http://eagle.northwestu.edu/jobsearch/ Students preparing to interview for an off-campus Work Study position must contact Student Financial Services.

Points to Remember

• An offer of Work Study is not a guarantee of a job.
• Students may not earn more than their eligibility.
• Students may not begin working until the appropriate employment forms are submitted to the Work Study Coordinator.

If a student is not eligible for the Work Study program, they may seek employment through the Job Search Program at Northwest University. This program assists students in locating a job that is best suited for them. Information regarding the Job Search Program can be obtained through the Human Resources Office.

Summer Financial Aid

To be eligible for summer aid, you must have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and Student Financial Services must have received the results of that application for the current school year. For example, if you are applying for financial aid for the summer of 2021, you must file a 2020/2021 FAFSA by June 30th 2021. 

Summer aid is determined by the number of credits in which a student is enrolled. The minimum number of credits in which you must be enrolled to be eligible for Federal Direct Loans is six credits. The financial aid available for summer is:

• Federal Direct Loans: This aid is available if you have eligibility remaining. You may borrow a certain amount each school year based upon your class standing and eligibility.
• Pell Grant: This aid is available for summer if you meet the eligibility criteria for the program and are enrolled for at least six credits.
• Washington College Grant: This aid is available based on eligibility criteria as determined by the Washington Student Achievement Council. 
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan: This aid is available if your parent is approved for the loan.
• Alternative Loan: This aid is available if you are approved for the loan.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes a student may have a change of employment, additional expenses, or emergencies. Student Financial Services has a “Special Circumstances Form” which allows you to specify your unique situation. You will need to provide documentation along with this form, and it takes approximately four weeks to process. Visit the Financial Aid Forms page or contact Student Financial Services for the form.

Financial Aid Application

Apply for financial aid at Northwest University by submitting a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Eligibility

To be eligible for federal and/or state financial aid a student must:

• Be admitted to Northwest University
• Be pursuing an eligible degree program (does not include concurrent credit or certificate programs)
• Be a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident of the U.S., or an eligible non-citizen
• Have financial need for need-based state or federal aid (need is determined by the results of a processed FAFSA) 
• Not owe an overpayment on any Title IV educational grant or be in default on a Title IV educational loan
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Full-time students receive priority consideration for campus-based funds.

Disbursement of Aid

Financial aid is generally credited to individual student accounts in equal disbursements by semester. The specific amount to be disbursed each semester is indicated on the student’s Financial Aid Offer. Most often, an award is divided into two equal payments, with one half disbursing at the beginning of the first semester, and the other half disbursing at the beginning of the second semester. 

Financial aid generally begins disbursing approximately one week prior to the first day of classes for the semester and continues twice weekly thereafter. To have aid disbursed, the student must have completed the financial aid process and meet all disbursement eligibility requirements.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

All students in an eligible degree must make satisfactory academic progress to receive financial aid. Financial aid applicants are required to meet the standards described below for all terms of attendance, including terms when no aid is received. Your cumulative grade point average must be a 2.0 and you are required to complete at least 67% of credit hours attempted to remain eligible for financial aid.

SAP will be checked annually in June.  Students who fail to meet either the grade point average and/or complete at least 67% of credit hours attempted will be suspended from financial aid.

You may appeal the suspension  in writing to Student Financial Services. If the appeal is approved, the student will be on Financial Aid Probation and has at least one additional semester to meet the credit completion and GPA expectations.

Withdrawing from Classes

Students who receive financial aid during the semester in which they withdraw are not considered to be making satisfactory academic progress. 

The date of withdrawal will be based on the day the student contacts the Registrar’s Office and indicates a desire to officially withdraw, or the last date of documented attendance, whichever is later. For financial aid purposes, students who unofficially withdraw from Northwest University (cease to attend classes without notifying the Registrar) will be considered to have withdrawn after 50% of the semester has passed or the last date of documented attendance, whichever is later.

Student Financial Services will determine the eligibility for a refund of charges for the semester based on the withdrawal date. Tuition will be charged according to the chart below based upon the withdrawal date. Tuition is charged based on the highest number of credits registered for during the semester:

According to federal regulations, federal funds must be returned to federal programs based on the percent of the term that a student is no longer enrolled. Student Financial Services will determine how much of a student’s federal aid was “unearned” as defined by the federal regulations, and then return the “unearned” aid in the following order to the programs from which the student received aid:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Direct PLUS Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)
6. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
7. Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
8. Other Title IV Programs

Institutional aid, including but not limited to grants and scholarships, may be removed from the student’s account during the semester of withdrawal.

If you have received federal and/or state aid in the form of cash to assist you with non-institutional charges, you may need to repay up to 50% of the grant funds that you received. This may include:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)
• Washington College Grant (WCG)

For a detailed copy of the refund calculation, please contact Student Financial Services.

Verification

Verification is a federal process which requires Northwest University to check the accuracy of the information you and/or your parents reported when applying for federal financial aid. Information is verified by securing additional documentation. The documents necessary to verify these items are described on your Financial Aid Offer. Corrections to the data will be submitted to the United States Department of Education, if necessary. A revised offer indicating any specific actions needed or changes to your financial aid award will be sent to you. Financial aid will not be disbursed and federal loans will not be originated until verification is complete. If documents are not submitted within 30 days of request, or one month prior to the end of the semester, the offer of financial assistance may be cancelled.

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