Financial Aid

Financial Aid Can Help You Pay for College

In general, there are three types of financial aid you can receive: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study.

• Grants and scholarships carry no work or repayment requirements. They are a gift.
• Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. The terms of repayment vary, as do the repayment periods. Loans provide you the opportunity to borrow against future earnings.
• Work-study is a part-time job. These employment opportunities are need based, and are both on-campus and off-campus.

An award package may be a combination of any of the three aid programs. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to receive consideration for these awards. Priority is given to those students who file on or before May 1st. If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher may only receive loans or work study. For more information related to financial aid and debt associated with attending NECC, visit the College Scorecard. 

Grants

Scholarships

NECC offers varied scholarship opportunities for current and prospective students as well as individual transfer scholarships. Additional scholarships are offered to students participating in the PACE program. Scholarship opportunities may not require the completion of the FAFSA form. MORE about 'Scholarships'

Direct Loans

Northern Essex Community College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. You can receive an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan regardless of financial need. To receive a Subsidized Stafford Loan, you must demonstrate need. The government pays the interest while you are in school and during deferment on subsidized loans only. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. Interest starts accruing from the day the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Loan limits are subject to cost of attendance. You may pay the interest while in school or you may capitalize it. MORE about 'Direct Loans'

Federal Work-Study

This federally and institutionally funded employment program provides jobs for eligible undergraduate students who need financial assistance. Students work on-campus and off-campus and get paid for actual hours worked. All awards are based upon need. MORE about 'Federal Work Study'

Other Types of Financial Aid

Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office for Student Financial Assistance, for other financial aid programs applicable to NECC.