Introduction
Financial aid can make college more affordable. Our team will help you understand your options and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Start by completing the FAFSA to see what aid you may qualify for.
Getting Started with 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).
FAFSA Application
2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available as of October 1, 2024.
Apply using your 2023 income information for the school year starting Fall semester 2025 through Summer Semester 2026.
2026-27 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available December 31, 2025.
Apply using your 2024 income information for the school year starting Fall Semester 2026 through Summer Semester 2027.
- If you haven’t yet completed the FAFSA, go to studentaid.gov. Northland’s school code is 002385.
- To complete the FAFSA in Spanish, after clicking on the link for the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) above, click “Español” 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 two colleges.
- 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 – Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, your FAFSA must be processed within the first 30 days of the semester to be considered for State (Minnesota) Aid programs.
- 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. The Pell Grant enrollment date is the sixth business day of each term.
- While FAFSAs are processed on a rolling basis, applying early will ensure you receive adequate notice regarding your award and allow time for processing loans should you choose to accept them. The following dates are suggestions for priority processing.
- Fall – Apply by July 1
- Spring – Apply by November 1
- Summer – Apply by April 1
Financial Aid Disbursement
The Business Office manages how your financial aid is applied and any refund you may receive.
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 to be completed before funds will disburse.) 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.
- Your financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans) is electronically applied to your student account
- Funds are used to cover:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Other charges
- If your aid exceeds your balance, you’ll receive a refund for the remaining amount
- Your number of enrolled credits may adjust your grant eligibility
- Grants (federal/state) apply automatically
- Loans require a separate application before funds are released
- First disbursement: 15th day of the term
- Ongoing disbursements: Every Tuesday and Thursday during the term
If you have remaining financial aid after your charges are paid, you’ll receive a refund in one of two ways:
Direct Deposit (Recommended)
- Fastest and safest option
- Deposit to your checking or savings account
- Sign up in your eServices account
- Must enroll at least 1 week before disbursement
Mailed Check
- Sent to your address on file
Helpful Links
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 to the Title IV programs within 45 days of that date.
Here are some examples of 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 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.
Learn more: Return of Title IV Funds Policy
New Federal Aid Changes Coming in 2026
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces changes to federal student aid that could impact your funding. Learn what’s changing and what it means for you.
Your FSA ID
The FSA ID consists 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 an FSA ID.
Our Commitment to You
We’re committed to guiding you through the financial aid process with transparency, fairness, and integrity. Learn how our team supports students and families through ethical practices and a student-first approach.