Financial Aid Funding Resources

Where Affordable Opportunities are Endless

Making College Affordable

Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, we’re committed to helping you explore every option available to make your education affordable. Financial aid can come from many sources including grants, scholarships, loans, and other funding programs. Our team will guide you through the process step by step.

On this page, you’ll find details about the different types of funding resources available to NPRC students, along with important eligibility requirements and application steps. We encourage you to review each option carefully and reach out to the Financial Aid Office with any questions.

Jump to Resource Type

Grant Resources

Federal Pell Grant

You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are:

Pell Recalculation Date

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

Like the Federal Pell Grant, the PA State Grant monies do not have to be repaid. In order to be considered for the PA State Grant you must:

Be a Pennsylvania resident for at least a year.
Submit a  FAFSA by May 1, NPRC's priority deadline.
Submit a Pennsylvania State Grant form.
Enroll in a two-year Associate Degree Program.
Enroll at least half-time (6 or more credits).
Make satisfactory academic progress according to the PA State Grant Policy guidelines (different than academic progress).

Special State Grant Programs

Loans

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program provides low-interest loans to post-secondary students and their parents. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program is issued and managed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Eligibility Criteria for Direct Student Loans

Complete the  FAFSA.
Demonstrate financial need for subsidized loans.
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
Be registered with the  Selective Service if you're male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25).
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
Be enrolled at least half-time (at least six credits)
Maintain  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

How to Complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling

Go to the Federal Student loans website and log in with your FSA ID.
Click Complete Counseling and select Entrance Counseling. This quiz is required by the Department of Education and must be completed in one sitting.
Click Complete Master Promissory Note and select Subsidized/Unsubsidized.
Submit
Complete a Loan Request Form, which will be emailed to your NPRC account once we receive your application information.
1. Processing the loan takes 2-4 weeks. You will receive an award letter in your NPRC email account once the loan has been certified, and the amounts are made available on MyNPRC.

Annual Federal Maximum Limits (Total for Fall, Spring, & Summer)

Dependent

Grade Level 1 (0-29 credits earned) $5,500   If eligible, no more than $3,500 of this may be subsidized
Grade Level 2 (30+ credits earned) $6,500   If eligible, no more than $4,500 of this may be subsidized

Independent

Grade Level 1 (0-29 credits earned) $9,500   If eligible, no more than $3,500 of this may be subsidized
Grade Level 2 (30+ credits earned) $10,500 If eligible, no more than $4,500 of this may be subsidized

Find current interest rates on Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. Note: Rates are subject to change.

Parent PLUS Loans

Before completing the loan application process, the student must first file a  FAFSA, be enrolled in at least six credits, and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Go to  Federal Student Loans website and log in with your  FSA ID.
On the left-hand side, click on Request Direct PLUS Loan.
Click Parent PLUS and complete the PLUS Loan Request for Supplemental Information. This section performs the required credit check and will ask how much you want to borrow and for what loan term.
If the credit check is approved, click Complete Master Promissory Note and select Parent PLUS. The school will be notified of your application.
If denied, you may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan through one of these two options:
- Obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. An endorser is someone who agrees to repay the loan if you do not repay it. The endorser cannot be the child on whose behalf you are borrowing.
- Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are  extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history.
If you are approved through one of the two options above you must also complete credit counseling for PLUS loan borrowers through the Federal Student Loans website.

If a parent borrower is unable to obtain a PLUS Loan, the student may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loans. The students should email the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Alternative Loans

An alternative, or private, loan is not guaranteed by the federal government. These loans are offered by banks and other lenders to supplement other financial aid and help students meet the full cost of education.

The loans are offered by private lenders.
Eligibility may be driven by the applicant’s and co-applicant’s credit score.
Private education loans tend to cost more than federal education loans - variable interest rates.
Parents who are considering a private alternative education loan often consider a Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

To select a private alternative education loan, it’s best to do your own research.

Criteria considered in choosing a lender may include:

Historical Listing – A previous lender service to NPRC student borrowers
Quality customer service as well as timely processing
Borrower benefits (including low interest rates, no origination fees, co-signer release, and principal and interest rate reductions)
And many other reviewed attributes performed by each school

Responsible Borrowing

Are you thinking about taking out a federal student loan to help pay for college or career school? Check out this video to learn about your responsibilities as a borrower and what you should consider when taking out loans for college.

Learn More

Other Ways to Pay

Book Allowance

Use your financial aid refund early to get textbooks!

A credit balance on your bill indicates you have a pending refund. The NPRC Book Allowance Program allows you to spend this pending refund on your textbooks at the eCampus Bookstore during the first three weeks of the term.  

What you spend will be deducted from your refund before disbursement.

Students eligible for the NPRC Book Allowance Program will receive an email to their NPRC email account.  Students are required to authorize the use of their financial aid refund for non-institutional charges. Students are required to complete the Title IV Authorization Form.

CareerLink™

OVR – Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.

OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities both directly and through a network of approved vendors.

Services are provided on an individualized basis. An OVR counselor, during face-to-face interviews, assists customers in selecting their choice of vocational goals, services, and providers.

Learn more about the  OVR program.

Americorps

Americorps is an organization that allows a person to apply their skills and ideals towards helping others while meeting critical needs in the community.

A full-time member who completes their services earn a Segal AmeriCorps education award to pay for college, graduate school, or to repay student loans. Some members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

Learn more about the Americorps program.

External Funding Sources

Financial Aid Disbursements

Financial Aid does an initial disbursement of Federal, State and Third-Party Programs four weeks into the beginning of the term. Disbursements continue weekly throughout the semester as students become eligible.  Eligible courses must be eight weeks in length or a combination within the term. For eight week courses meeting in the second half of the semester, aid will not be disbursed until a week after the schedule adjustment period has ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I considered an independent or dependent student on the FAFSA?

When will I receive my financial aid refund?

If I am a dependent student and my parents are divorced or separated, whose financial information should be used on my FAFSA? 

If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married, and don’t live together, the parent who provided more financial support during the last 12 months is the contributor. 

If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married; don’t live together; and provided an exact equal amount of financial support or if they don’t support you financially, the parent with the greater income and assets is the contributor.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. The FAFSA is available for the next academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer) beginning in October. To meet the Pennsylvania State Grant deadline, you must file your FAFSA every year by August 1 for the next academic year.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all families applying for financial assistance. It is a standard form from the Department of Education that determines eligibility for all state and federal grants.

Family financial situations change significantly as siblings graduate from or enroll in college, education costs increase, or unexpected situations occur, so it is required that every family submit a FAFSA yearly. It is very important that the form be turned in on time—check out the FAFSA online or consult your guidance counselor and finaid.org for more information.

How do I apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant?

What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan? 

How do I apply for student loans?

What is verification?

What step do I need to take to complete verification?

Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and what does it have to do with my aid?

What if I have an unusual circumstance?

You may have an unusual circumstance that prevents you from contacting your parents or obtaining their information. If this is the case, you will be eligible to skip any questions about your parents, submit your FAFSA form as an independent student, and receive a provisional SAI. Your provisional SAI is subject to a final review by NPRC and may change your eligibility for federal student aid. After submitting your FAFSA form, you must contact the financial aid office to receive information about next steps—including policies and timelines—to complete your application.

Can my financial aid award change?

Yes. Your financial aid awards will change if you adjust your schedule prior to OR during the “schedule adjustment” period of a semester. Additionally, loans will be adjusted if you receive later awards from other sources. (think scholarships that arrive to NPRC a bit later). And let’s not forget if a student decides to withdraw from the school all together, this has other ramifications, and you should reach out to the Financial Aid office for more information on that topic.

Do parents receive a copy of their student's grades?

What is the difference between a high school and college environment?

The college environment requires students to function independently, be self-directed, and be mature enough to handle adult subject matter and a diverse population. College students are expected to contribute to the learning environment and behave in a manner that will not disrupt instruction, the classroom, events, or other campus settings. The college workload averages two hours of homework for every hour of class time.

Who do I talk to if I have financial aid questions?

See What Our Students Have to Say

“It was a wonderful experience here at NPRC. I learned so much and my instructor was amazing. He was knowledgeable and made sure that everything we need is uploaded online and communicates well with us. He also held us accountable to make sure we were learning and ready. I enjoyed working alongside my amazing classmates and all the different experiences they brought to the course. Everyone in our class was eager to learn and was proactive about staying up to date on what is being asked of us.”

- Marie, NPRC EMT Graduate

“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”

- Brittany, Early Childhood Education Graduate

“I had a fear that this degree would be unobtainable due to being a full-time employee and mother. With the support of family, friends, coworkers, and NPRC, I’ve gained confidence and support to continue my education.”

- Brittney, NPRC Student

“From the first time I found out about NPRC, I knew attending college was something I wanted to pursue because of how genuine the first interaction was. I’m proof that finding the right path can be done. It’s worth it to find ways out of situations you do not want to be in for better ones. I can’t say enough about how NPRC’s employees have empowered and advocated for me.”

- Amanda, NPRC Student

"NPRC’s faculty, staff, and professors do everything they can to see the students succeed and provide us with exactly what we need to do our best both inside the classroom and out. The early childhood education program is phenomenal. It was a school that aided me in balancing class, schoolwork, and my career. From the start and throughout my time, NPRC made me feel like I was at the right place.”

- Savannah, Early Childhood Education Graduate

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Is Northern Pennsylvania Regional College a public or private institution?

What are the College’s admission requirements?

NPRC is an open admission institution. We only require an application and your high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in academic courses.

Admissions requirements for workforce development classes vary. For example, EMT courses require attendees to be at least 16 years old, CDA admissions requires employment at a licensed childcare center, and CDL admissions requires department of transportation physicals and drug screens.

How much does NPRC cost?

Is financial aid available?

NPRC offers institutional aid and scholarships to eligible students and is working to be able to award and distribute federal financial aid in the future. Students in select programs may be eligible for additional funding opportunities through community organizations such as PA CareerLink® and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Check out the Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition and the amount of financial aid you may receive.

Are credits transferrable?

The transferability of NPRC academic credits is determined by the receiving institution. NPRC has transfer agreements with institutions for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. We encourage students to speak with the college or university they wish to transfer credits to prior to attending classes with NPRC to confirm courses will transfer.

Workforce development programs are often not transferrable.

What are some advantages of attending a two-year college?

Stay Up to Date on New Courses!

Ready to Get Started?

Start building a career today where affordable opportunities are endless.

Apply Today

View Programs

Financial Aid Funding Resources

Making College Affordable

Jump to Resource Type

Grant Resources

Federal Pell Grant

You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are:

Pell Recalculation Date

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

Special State Grant Programs

Loans

Eligibility Criteria for Direct Student Loans

How to Complete the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling

Annual Federal Maximum Limits (Total for Fall, Spring, & Summer)

Parent PLUS Loans

Alternative Loans

Responsible Borrowing

Other Ways to Pay

Book Allowance

CareerLink™

OVR – Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Americorps

External Funding Sources

Financial Aid Disbursements

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I considered an independent or dependent student on the FAFSA?

When will I receive my financial aid refund?

If I am a dependent student and my parents are divorced or separated, whose financial information should be used on my FAFSA?

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

How do I apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant?

What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?

How do I apply for student loans?

What is verification?

What step do I need to take to complete verification?

Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and what does it have to do with my aid?

What if I have an unusual circumstance?

Can my financial aid award change?

Do parents receive a copy of their student's grades?

What is the difference between a high school and college environment?

Who do I talk to if I have financial aid questions?

See What Our Students Have to Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Up to Date on New Courses!

Ready to Get Started?

Latest Articles

Support NPRC Students Through Crawford Gives 2025

NPRC Offers Quality Education at Affordable Cost

NPRC Welcomes New Members to Board of Trustees

NPRC Announces Dean’s List for Spring 2025

Admin Office

Resources

If I am a dependent student and my parents are divorced or separated, whose financial information should be used on my FAFSA? 

What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan? 