Requirements and Forms

To receive most types of financial aid you must be admitted into a degree-seeking program and be enrolled in at least half-time hours (for an undergraduate this means you are taking at least 6 units; for a graduate, at least 5). Many federal or state grants or waivers are awarded based on full-time enrollment (12 for an undergraduate; 9 for a graduate) and on a first-come, first-served basis.

You also need to submit the appropriate paperwork . Review the financial aid checklist as your first step. In every case, to be considered for aid you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a complete and verified financial aid file at NAU. The FAFSA is required to determine your eligibility for Pell Grants, student loans, and various need-based aid. Depending on the aid you plan to apply for, you may need to submit other documents. Financial Aid generally covers the Fall and Spring terms of the regular academic year. Summer and Winter Sessions may require separate applications and different procedures.

Another important financial aid document is the Student Aid Report (SAR). It represents the results of your FAFSA review. The federal processor will mail the SAR to you at the address listed on your FAFSA. If you applied online you should receive your SAR in two to three weeks; if you mailed your FAFSA, it will take four to six weeks to receive your SAR. Keep the SAR for your records and read the information carefully. If there is a problem, follow instructions and act immediately. If there are no problems with your SAR, NAU Financial Aid will receive the same information electronically. Contact them to verify receipt or to resolve problems with your SAR.

Refer to the Checklist for Distance Learning Students, maintained by the Office of Student Financial Aid, to help you complete all the steps in the financial aid process.