Great careers belong to those who invest in themselves.

Investing in your education is a great investment in your future! Earning a degree at Northland is not only affordable, it’s a smart investment in you.

Most students at Northland Community & Technical College are eligible to receive some type of financial aid. Get started by applying for financial aid.

Applying for Financial Aid

Apply for financial aid EARLY and remember to REAPPLY for each school year in attendance. A school year is fall, spring, and summer semesters. To apply for financial aid you must complete the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the FAFSA beginning October 1, 2021, using 2020 tax information for the 2022-2023 academic year (Fall 2022; Spring 2023; summer 2023). To complete the FAFSA in Spanish, after clicking on the link for the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) above, click on "Espanol" in the upper right-hand corner of the website.

  • The first recommended step in completing the FAFSA is to create an FSA ID and password. For students required to supply parent(s) information, one parent will also need to create an FSA user id and password. It is VERY important that you save this information. You will need your FSA user id and password to sign and submit your FAFSA. You will also need it to complete the student loan process.
  • Northland's School code is : 002385 (Northland will be listed with the Thief River Falls address – this is correct as East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls are one college)
  • Many students might need to provide additional information (for example: tax documents, transcripts, residency information, or documentation of high school graduation). If further information is required, Northland will send a letter outlining the information or documentation needed. It is important to respond promptly to any information requests as all requested information must be received before financial aid awards can be processed.
  • An email notification will be sent when your financial aid offer is available. You will be able to view your financial aid offer online through your eServices account. Paper copies are not mailed.
  • Work Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) awards are based on early application and eligibility requirements
  • MN State Grant deadline - The Federal processor must receive your FAFSA no later than 30 days after the start of the semester. If your FAFSA is received after the MN State Grant deadline, you will not be eligible for MN grant for that semester.
  • Pell Grant enrollment deadline - You must be registered for all classes by the Pell Grant enrollment date. Classes added after the enrollment date are not eligible for Pell grant.

Financial Aid Checklist

Northland provides a checklist to help facilitate the financial aid process, in order to make it as easy as possible.

Financial Aid Disbursement

The Business Office oversees the distribution of a student’s financial aid refund.

Here is how it works:

When your financial aid is disbursed, the computer system determines your number of registered credits and adjusts accordingly any grant eligibility you may have. (Federal and State Grants will apply to your student account automatically. Loans require a separate application be completed before funds will disburse.) Your financial aid (i.e. grants, scholarships or loans) will transfer electronically to your student account. If there is more than enough financial aid to pay your tuition, fees and any other charges owed to the college a refund for the difference will be distributed to you by the Business Office in either the form of direct deposit or a check mailed to your address on file. We encourage you to have your financial aid refund directly deposited into your checking or saving account because it is the fastest and safest disbursement method. To sign up for direct deposit you will do so in your eServices account. Students must sign up one week before funds are disbursed. Direct deposit setup instructions and information on disbursement dates can both be accessed at the links below.

Students may be required to return a portion of their financial aid (Title IV) due to not completing all their classes in a semester. Northland processes “Return to Title IV” calculations within 30 days of the date it is determined that the student withdrew or stopped attending. Northland returns funds back to the Title IV programs within 45 days of that date.

Here are a couple of examples when financial aid needs to be paid back.

  • A student’s financial aid award will be recalculated for any class in which the student never showed attendance. As a result you may owe tuition and fees after financial aid funds are recalculated. Federal regulations require that a student must show attendance in each class for which financial aid was received.
  • A student who receives Federal financial aid (Title IV) and then withdraws from all classes, whether officially or unofficially (just stops attending without telling the Northland Records office) on or before the 60% date of each semester will be required to repay a portion of their financial aid.

Your FSA ID

The FSA ID is made up of a username and password required to access certain U.S. Department of Education online systems. It will be used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and other federal student aid documents. (For students required to supply parent(s) information, one parent will also need to apply for a FSA ID).

Apply for a FSA ID

Selective Service

Did you know that most male students must be registered with the Selective Service System before they are eligible to receive student loans, Pell Grants, or other forms of school financial assistance? That's been the law since 1982. You can stay eligible by registering online with Selective Service.

Helpful Videos

Statement of Ethical Principles

The primary goal of the financial aid professional is to help students achieve their educational goals through financial support and resources. NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) members are required to exemplify the highest level of ethical behavior and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism. We, financial aid professionals, declare our commitment to the following Statement of Ethical Principles.

Learn more