Making it All Possible - Financial Aid and Scholarships

MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE Financial Aid & Scholarships

IN YOUR AINVESTING LETTER FROM THEFUTURE president Dear Students and Parents:

There are lots of great reasons A education haslist always presented a touniversity choose NU. We several financial challenge to students and their families. of them here to provide a brief No one knows that better than higher education overview of that have professionals, as all many of uswe spent 10 years or more in pursuit of our doctorates. to offer. But words will never communicate thehigher richness ofwas the But we also know that education best we experience. ever made. our investment university For that, you’ll justconsistently have toprove visit.that, in Economic studies general, higher education offers a strong financial We’d be glad to arrange a return to students in the form of eventual careers. campus tour and hope to meet But that is only part of the story. During their time you at NU,soon. students become deeper, more wellrounded human beings with a rigorous education that includes literature, science, history, arts, theology, and philosophy. More importantly, these are all presented within the context of a Christian worldview. Here, students are well prepared for careers and for life—both this one and the next.

It can be difficult to place a price tag on that.

At the same time, Northwest University understands the financial dilemma our students face, and we are committed at the highest level to keep our education affordable and financial aid plentiful. To help you take full advantage of all that is offered, we’ve created this handbook.

It outlines the scholarships, loans, and grants that are available to you, as well as the application process and deadlines for each one. Study it well.

It could save you considerable time and money.

Our financial aid personnel consider their work as a calling from God to serve students. If you have any questions about paying for your education, please don’t hesitate to call us.

With prayers for provision for you, Sincerely, Joseph L. Castleberry, Ed.D. President

“

If it were not for scholarships, I would not be at Northwest University today. When I graduate, I hope to have little debt so that I move into serving God in what He has called me to do. I want to continue pursuing what He has called me to do and scholarships offer me a way to continue on that path.”

– EMILY SAARI

“

The day that I visited NU for the first time, I felt the presence of God as strongly as I had ever felt it in my life, and knew he was calling me to come here. After that visit, I began making plans, applying to NU, and trusting God to provide financially for me to be able to attend NU, and he has been so faithful to do so! Scholarships are the reason I am able to attend NU. The Academic Scholarship and NU Success grants have allowed me to keep attending. ” –JONATHAN STARIHA

“

Scholarships at NU are the reason I am able to attend university at all. A college education is an incredible and life-changing opportunity that comes with a large price tag.

Northwest’s dedication to helping students financially has given me a chance for a better future. ” – MACKENZIE BERGSTROM

INVESTING IN YOUR future

When it comes to a private university education, the first question that most students ask is: What will it cost me? At NU, we deliver exceptional value.

Education is an investment that pays dividends throughout your life. You’ll thrive with excellent academics, spiritual vitality, and a location that is unmatched in career development and breathtaking beauty.

We recognize that you are making an investment in your future. In return, we are dedicated to providing the resources you need to make your education affordable.

At NU, a quality Christian education is made more affordable by a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Let us put together a financial aid package just for you.

OUR TOTAL COST IS smaller THAN IT APPEARS ANNUAL COST OF ATTENDANCE $49,364

AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID AWARDED LAST YEAR: $20,254

$51,999 56.5%

$36,900

43.5%

Northwest University

Local Private University 1

Local Private University 2

Costs include tuition, room, and board for Fall 2016.

Prices do not reflect student fees, books, personal expenses, etc.

Average Aid Awarded

Remaining Amount

THE VALUE OF OUR education

Price is one piece of the value equation, but there are other important factors to think about when choosing a university: There is value in living in a region with a robust economy, global brands, and significant opportunities for employment once you graduate.

There is value in a 10:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Here, you’ll learn in smaller classes with professors who know you and are deeply committed to your success.

There is value in living within a close-knit community of students who love Christ, encourage your spiritual growth, and become friends for life.

There is value in being immersed in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and all of the recreational opportunities it offers.

FINANCIAL AID options Scholarship Name Eligibility

Amount

Application Process

Presidential

Incoming freshman for fall semester. High school GPA of at least a 3.75 and test score of 1300 SAT (New), 1840 SAT (Old), or 28 ACT. Renews annually with 3.3 GPA.

Full Tuition

Invitation to Scholarship Competition.

Provost

Incoming freshman for fall semester. High school GPA of at least a 3.75 and test score of 1300 SAT (New), 1840 SAT (Old), or 28 ACT. Renews annually with 3.3 GPA.

ThreeQuarters Tuition

Invitation to Scholarship Competition.

Gold

Freshman: 3.0+ GPA & 1300+ SAT (New), 1840+ SAT (Old), or 28+ ACT.

$12,000

Automatically awarded.

Freshman: 3.0+ GPA & 1200–1290 SAT (New), 1670–1830 SAT (Old), or 25–27 ACT.

$10,000

Automatically awarded.

Bronze

Freshman: 3.0+ GPA & 1100–1190 SAT (New), 1500–1660 SAT (Old), or 22–24 ACT.

$8,000

Automatically awarded.

Athletic

Athletes selected by NU coaches.

Varies

Contact coach.

Silver

Transfer Assemblies of God Tuition Credit District Youth Director

Transfer: 3.0 GPA or higher. Academic scholarship levels determined by final transfer GPA of 3.0–3.29, 3.3–3.59, and 3.6+.

Renews annually with 3.0 GPA.

$6,000 $8,000 $10,000

Automatically awarded.

Student must be spouse, dependent, or themselves an A/G minister (licensed or ordained), A/G chaplain, or full-time administrator at an A/G Christian school (K-12). Annual review of need and eligibility requirements.

15% of Tuition

Automatically awarded.

District Youth Director nominates high school senior.

One-time award.

$1,000

Nomination from DYD due by February 15.

Missionary Tuition Credit

Student must be the spouse, dependent, or themselves a missionary currently serving under the appointment of a recognized missions board. Annual review of need and eligibility requirements.

Up to 50% of Tuition

International

International student with documented need. Student must have ability to cover additional cost of attendance. Reviewed annually.

Varies

Submit application

by February 15.

For students with sibling, dependent child, or spouse currently attending NU.

15% of Tuition

Automatically awarded.

Student with demonstrated financial need and academic potential. Eligible for renewal based on annual financial aid application and FAFSA.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

Participation in district, regional, or national competition. Renews with 3.0 GPA.

$1,000

Submit application by February 15.

Recognized talent in music (instrumental or vocal). Renews with 2.7 GPA.

Varies

Live audition with faculty by February 1. Register online

New students who attend a scheduled visit by February 15 of their senior year. One-time award.

$500

Visit Northwest by February 15.

Family Tuition Credit NU Success Bible Quiz Music Visit

Documentation from recognized mission board.

Scholarships: Awarded to students based on merit, talent, or need and do not need to be repaid. For a complete list, visit northwestu.edu/ scholarships.

Grants: Awarded based on financial need. Do not need to be repaid.

Loans: Borrowed money to help pay for your education. Payments are often postponed until after graduation.

Work Study: Money provided from part-time work at NU or off campus.

Grant Name Eligibility & Features Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Based on need from FAFSA.

Based on need from FAFSA. Limited funding.

Amount $400–$5,550. est. by Federal Government. $500

Application Process Submit FAFSA.

Submit FAFSA by February 15.

Education majors with 3.25+ GPA.

approx. $4,000

Submit FAFSA and request grant. Visit teachgrant.ed.gov for more information.

Based on need from FAFSA. Student must be nonministry major. Parent and student must be eligible Washington state residents. Limited funding.

Varies

Submit FAFSA by February 15.

Eligibility based on Washington State requirements.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

Amount

Application Process

Freshman or sophomore students who are Pell Grant eligible. Must be a dependent student. Payment and 5% interest rate starts nine months after last date of enrollment.

Varies

Submit FAFSA and meet priority deadline of February 15.

Based on need from FAFSA. Payment and interest start six months after last date of enrollment. Interest is subsidized by the government while in school.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

Federal Unsubsidized Director Loan

Not need based. Interest is not subsidized, but accrues while in school. Payment starts six months after last date of enrollment.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

All dependent students. Not need based. Parents can borrow on behalf of students based on credit eligibility. Interest is not subsidized.

Up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid.

Submit FAFSA and apply at studentloans.gov.

Maximum amount determined by bank, but not to exceed cost of attendance minus other financial aid awards.

Apply with bank, receive bank approval, and complete paperwork with bank.

TEACH Washington State Need Collegebound

Loan Name Eligibility & Features Federal Perkins Federal Subsidized Direct Loan

Alternative Loans

Not need based. Student loans made through a lending institution. Based on credit eligibility.

Work Study Eligibility & Features

Amount

Federal Work Study

Based on the FAFSA. Student may find on-campus employment.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

Washington State Work Study

Based on the FAFSA and must be resident of the state of Washington. State Work Study is an off-campus employment program that supports part-time employment.

Varies

Submit FAFSA.

FINANCIAL AID steps How to Apply Step 1 Apply for admission at northwestu.edu/apply.

Step 2 Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after October 1.

NU’s priority deadline is December 1. We recommend filling out the FAFSA even if you don’t think you’ll qualify because NU uses the FAFSA to determine institutional scholarships. fafsa.ed.gov FAFSA Code: 003783

Website: www.northwestu.edu Email: admissions@northwestu.edu Phone: 800.669.3781