How to Apply for Aid

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At Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, we are committed to providing a high-quality education that is both flexible and affordable. College is an investment in your future, and our team is here to help you navigate the financial aid process.

NPRC offers affordable tuition rates that are significantly lower than most colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. Many students qualify for state and federal financial aid, which further reduces the cost of attending.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in this process. The FAFSA is how you apply for federal and state financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Be sure to use NPRC’s Federal School Code: 043159 when completing your FAFSA so your information is sent to us. Based on your results, our team will prepare a personalized financial aid offer that outlines all resources available to you.

Free FAFSA Application

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How to Apply for Financial Aid

1: Apply for Admission to NPRC
Financial aid can only be awarded once you are admitted, so we suggest that you apply for admission early.
2: Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form called the FAFSA
1. You will need an FSA ID issued by the Department of Education to sign your FAFSA electronically. You can apply for one or get a duplicate at  https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. If you are a dependent student for financial aid purposes, your parent also will need an FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically.
2. File your FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid Website. Information you need to complete the FAFSA includes:
- NPRC Federal School Code: 043159
- FSA ID(s)
- Parent Information (now referred to as contributor
- W-2(s) and Tax Return(s)
- Social Security Number/Cards
3. Complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Status Notice (if PA resident AND you’re a first time applicant).
3: Next Steps
Here's what you can expect once you complete the FAFSA.
- Your information will automatically be sent to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) if you're a PA resident. PHEAA will then consider you for a state grant.
- If you live in another state, check the  NASFAA website to see if your state provides grant assistance.
- You will also be considered for a Federal Direct Student Loan. If you are eligible, you will receive an award letter.

Helpful Video Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Learn more by watching the video below.

When will I receive my financial aid refund?

Accepted Financial Aid Awards in excess of tuition and fees will be refunded to the student beginning after the schedule adjustment period of the semester. Make sure you follow the refund set up maintained by the student billing office of NPRC. (Look for this on your My NPRC student portal). 

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?

To be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant you must complete a FAFSA then any information PHEAA requests.

What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan? 

A subsidized loan is when the government waives or “subsidizes” your interest while you are in school. An unsubsidized loan is when interest accrues on your loan while you are in school. You must qualify for a subsidized loan based on information from your FAFSA and your cost of attending school.

How do I apply for student loans?

You must first file a FAFSA form then complete a Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.

What is verification?

This is the process the Department of Education uses to check your FAFSA for accuracy.

What step do I need to take to complete verification?

NPRC will request documentation through your My NPRC student portal. Your financial aid cannot be completed until you return all completed documentation to the Financial Aid office. Be sure to check your My NPRC student portal. 

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

No. Certain programs award at any enrollment level. However, the Pennsylvania State Grant, Student Loans and SEOG Grant program require you to enroll at six or more credits for the semester.

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

NPRC is required to monitor a student’s movement towards successfully completing a degree. NPRC’s SAP financial aid policies can be reviewed on this page.

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?

In accordance with Federal Privacy Laws, the College is not at liberty to release students’ grades to parents without consent on the part of the student. If you would like detailed information on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) you can reach out to the Registrar’s Office, or have your student find the form they will need to complete (FERPA) on the My NPRC site.

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?

You can contact the financial aid office at financialaid@rrcpa.org or 814-788-4701.

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