For many northeastern Arizona residents, affording the cost of college is difficult if not impossible, but prospective students have two crucial factors on their side. NPC is one of the most affordable community colleges in the state, and its financial aid office goes the extra mile to help students qualify for assistance.

Veronique Diallo is one of many NPC students who, with the help of the college’s financial aid office, has been able to qualify for assistance that makes her education possible. “The PELL grant has been very important to my education,” says the business entrepreneurship major from Holbrook. “It allows me to purchase my textbooks and continue my education.”

Diallo also received the NPC Leg-Up grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to take advantage of applying for financial aid,” Diallo says. “You’ll spend 30 minutes on the computer filling out the FAFSA for a year’s worth of benefits. Making the effort to qualify for financial aid helps you move forward toward earning your degree.”

Beaulah Bob-Pennypacker, director of the NPC financial aid office, says the purpose of the department is to help students like Diallo and many others, with documented need for assistance with their educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. 

But students and their families must take the initiative by first completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be done each year a student is enrolled at NPC. Forms, deadlines and more detailed information are available on NPC’s financial aid webpage.

Bob-Pennypacker says it’s absolutely crucial to complete the entire FAFSA form and not leave any category blank. NPC will receive your processed FAFSA form from the Department of Education within a week after submission. It will then be verified, and eligibility for financial aid assistance will be determined by NPC. If the college’s financial aid office requires further documentation, a missing document letter is sent to the student’s physical address and also listed in their MyNPC account. Staying on top of your NPC application process is vital to speeding the processes along.

Lack of money for college does not need to stand in the way of making your career dreams come true. Financial aid and scholarships are available at NPC. It just takes a little time and effort to propel you on your way to earning a college degree!

www.npc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships