NNMC COVID-19 Information   [Learn More]

American Rescue Plan/ HEERF III

Dear Northern Students,

On March 11, 2021 the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed in into law authorizing a third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III). Northern is preparing to distribute this funding to eligible students and wanted to share the following FAQ’s so you can better understand how these funds will impact you.

Q: How does the ARP Impact College Students?

A: The ARP provides colleges with funds to be distributed directly to current eligible students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance (COA); or emergency costs that arise due to Coronavirus, such as but not limited to tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health care, or child care.

Q: Who is eligible for the ARP/HEERF III funds?

A: Students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid can be considered for these funds. Under U.S. Department of Education rules for the program, these funds can be awarded to students enrolled at Northern including international students and undocumented students.

Q: How did Northern determine who would receive the HEERF III funds?

A: Northern has determined that all students, with the exception Dual Credit, who were registered at the Fall 2021 census date of September 3, 2021, will receive HEERF III funds.

Q: How much will each eligible student receive in HEERF III funds? 

A: Federal guidelines required that students with exceptional need should have priority to the HEERF III funds, therefore the fund amounts vary. The amount each student receives will be based on course load and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: When will I receive my HEERF III funds?

A: Student who are receiving HEERF III funds and have direct deposit in place will receive their funds the week of October 25, 2021. If you do not have direct deposit in place a check will be mailed to the current address on file with Northern, the week of November 1, 2021.

Q: Why wouldn’t I receive a HEERF III funds?

A: Students who are Non-Degree attending less than half time and Dual Credit students will not receive HEERF III funds.

Q: Will HEERF II funds be Applied to Outstanding Balances on my Student Account?

A: No, these grants will not be applied to outstanding balances on student accounts. Any balance on your student account will still need to be paid in full.

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Financial Aid Office

Northern New Mexico College
921 Paseo de Onate
Espanola, NM 87532
Ph:  505-747-2128
Fax:  505-747-2121

Northern offers over 50 bachelor's, associate and certificate programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math); Nursing and Health Sciences; Liberal Arts and Humanities; Arts, Film & Media; Business Administration; Teacher Education and Technical Trades.
Northern New Mexico College is the most affordable 4-year college in the Southwestern US. Choose us for our value, our quality degree and continuing education programs in diverse areas of study, and our experienced faculty. We provide students with unique opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth, small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong hands-on experiences from day one.
The Northern Foundation remains committed to stimulate leadership, promote equity, and grow resources and philanthropy in the Española Valley and surrounding rural areas. Over the past twenty years, we have granted $1.3 million to support over 1,250 NNMC students.