What is Student Financial Aid (SFA)?

1. SFA is assistance for students matriculated (formally accepted) in a financial aid eligible program (16 credits or more).
2. Students not planning to enroll at least half-time (6 credits) should check with the financial aid office to determine eligibility.
3. Eligibility for financial aid is based on the number of credits a student is enrolled in for a particular semester.
4. It helps to cover educational expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.

Most aid is need-based, and the four types of aid are grants, loans, federal work-study and scholarships. Information and application materials for these programs are available from the Financial Aid Office at (603) 542-7744 x 2337 or http://www.nh.gov/postsecondary/financial/.

In addition to these sources, Financial Aid is sometimes available in the student's hometown. Local agencies often provide low cost loans or scholarships. Listings of such resources are available through high school guidance counselors. New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) has information on other financial sources for New Hampshire residents. NHHEAF can be reached at 1-800-525-2577. For Vermont students, contact Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) at 800-8224166

NHCTC-Claremont's priority dealine is May 1 for the receipt of the following: electronic receipt of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must also be matriculated (formally accepted) into an eligible degree, certificate or diploma program (16 credits or more).

The Financial Aid Office encourages all students who are interested in receiving aid to apply for admission to NHCTC-Claremont before January 1 to assure timely processing of financial aid awards.

Federal regulations and NHCTC-Claremont policy require that students continue satisfactory academic progress and remain in good academic standing to receive federal or state financial aid.

Federal Student Aid (Title IV)

Federal Pell Grant is a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid.

Federal Work-Study money is for educational expenses and is paid by the school for on-campus or community based work. Students receive pay checks as work is completed. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have been awarded work-study and are interested in working on campus.

Federal Perkins Loan is a low interest loan available to NHCTC-Laconia students who demonstrate financial need.

Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) are low interest loans and include Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal Parent Loans (PLUS).

Return of Federal Title IV funds: As mandated by law, students who withdraw from school before the 60% point in a semester will have to repay a portion or all of their aid (see Financial Aid Return of Funds in College handbook for details).