Applying for Federal Financial Aid

If you have not done so already, we recommend you file your taxes first.

Step 1 – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA. In the process of filling out a FAFSA, you will apply for a Federal Student Aid ID and password which you will use to sign your FAFSA.

The Northwestern Health Sciences University school code is 012328. An online FAFSA is typically processed within several days if you thoroughly complete the application.

For a preliminary estimate of the financial aid, you are eligible to receive, use the Net Price Calculator.

New Federal Direct Loan Borrowers

Step 2 – Complete Online Entrance Counseling for Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans are fixed-rate student loans for undergraduate and graduate students attending college at least half-time. Federal Direct loans are the most common and one of the lowest-cost ways to pay for school.

If you are applying for a Federal Direct Loan, you must complete online Entrance Counseling by filling out an online questionnaire. To complete the questionnaire, sign in with your Federal Student Aid ID and password, then follow the online instructions. The University is automatically notified of your completion of this requirement.

Step 3 – Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)

To complete the Federal Direct Loan application process, you must sign a Master Promissory Note with your Federal Student Aid ID and password. The promissory note is a legal document that obligates you to repay your federal student loan(s). To sign your promissory note, go to studentaid.gov, sign in then select “Complete Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)”.

Financial Management tools

GradReady – helps you manage the financing of your education. To help you prepare for what’s ahead, Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a useful, free tool – GradReady.

The website is secure and has great videos, tools and resources to help you understand important financial topics, including how to manage your tuition, budget and bills.