Grants Available at Northern
TYPES OF GRANTS
Northern New Mexico College places a high priority on need-based financial aid to fulfill its commitment to meeting the demonstrated financial need of Northern undergraduates.
In fact, $4.3 million in need-based grants were awarded during the 2011-2012 academic year, helping to ensure that an economically diverse student population from New Mexico could enroll at Northern.
Although most of the grants awarded to Northern students are based on financial need, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, has special purposes and eligibility criteria. The types of grants awarded to Northern students and eligibility criteria are listed on this page.
A. Federal Pell Grant (FPELL)
A federal grant provided by the federal government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below a certain threshold established by the federal government. The Pell Grant award amount is prorated based on Enrollment Status. For more information about the Federal Pell Grant and other Federal Grants click here: studentaid.gov
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below a certain threshold established by the federal government
- Have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree
- Eligibility is based, in part, on student enrollment at the beginning of a semester. If a student withdraws or receives a non-passing grade for a class, we must confirm that the student attended at least one session of that class. If you did not attend a class for which you withdrew or received a non-passing grade your Pell funding will be reduced.
Awards vary based on EFC
Must be enrolled at least half-time; less than half-time enrollment allowed in limited circumstances
- Cannot receive for more than 12 full-time semesters*
*Pell Grant Lifetime Maximum - Effective fall 2012, students can only receive a Federal Pell Grant for 6 years or 12 semesters at full-time enrollment. Northern defines full-time enrollment as 12 or more credit hours per semester. Students who are enrolled in less than full-time will have their lifetime eligibility adjusted (prorated) accordingly. You may monitor your lifetime eligibility by logging into the National Student Loan Database (NSLDS). This site will provide you with the Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used in percentages. The maximum you can use in a lifetime is 600%. This is equivalent to 6 years of full-time eligibility. You must know your pin (same PIN you used to complete your FAFSA) to log in.
B. Federal Supplemental Education Grant (FSEOG)
A federal grant awarded by the institution to qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.
- Awarded to Pell Grant eligible undergraduates who are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
- Must complete the financial aid application process by the April 30 priority filing deadline.
- Award amount varies from $300 - $1,200 per academic year and is based on need
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
C. New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG) (NM residents only)
This grant provides educational grant assistance to residents of New Mexico who demonstrate substantial need to attend eligible post-secondary institutions in New Mexico. For a detailed list of New Mexico grants go to grants.
- U.S. Citizen
- New Mexico Resident
- Undergraduate
- Enroll at least half-time
- Demonstrate financial need
- Award varies from $300 - $1,200 per academic year based on need.
D. College Affordability Grant
The purpose of the College Affordability Grant is to encourage New Mexico students with financial need, who do not qualify for other state grants or scholarships, to attend and complete educational programs at a public New Mexico college or university.
- Undergraduate
- Attend a public New Mexico college or university
- Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- May not be receiving any other state grants and scholarships.
- Must be enrolled full-time.
- Maximum of $400 per semester
- Renewable if student maintains satisfactory academic progress
- May receive scholarship for a total of eight (8) consecutive semesters if pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
E. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
A federal grant to qualifying students with a parent or guardian who died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. If a student is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, he or she cannot receive an IASG.
You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:
- you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution but
- you meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
- your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
- you were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.
- The grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year but cannot exceed your cost of attendance for that award year.
Common Eligibility Requirements for all Grants
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student pursuing a degree in an eligible program.
- Not be simultaneously enrolled in an elementary or secondary school while enrolled in post-secondary school.
- Provide a valid social security number.
- Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (GED).
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- If male be registered with the Selective Service.
- Complete a FAFSA and demonstrate need for financial assistance.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as identified by the institution. – link to SAP
- Not be in default of a federal or state student loan.
- Not owe repayment on any federal grant.
This website last updated on 6/10/21
