Financial Aid Checklist

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by applying at www.StudentAid.gov. You (and your parents if a dependent student) must obtain a FSA ID to use for an electronic signature at www.FSAID.ed.gov. The new year FAFSA is available starting October 1st and must be completed each year. Since state grant funding is limited, it is important to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Failing to apply promptly may cause a delay of funds.
  • List Northeast State’s Title IV code 005378 as the college you plan to attend; if receiving scholarships, Northeast State Community College should be the first school listed on the FAFSA. 
  • Apply for admission to Northeast State, declare a major approved for financial aid, submit ACT/SAT scores, obtain transcripts from all previous colleges attended, and submit any other documentation required by the Office of Admissions & Records.
  • Complete the online application for Northeast State Scholarships prior to the March 1st deadline. Incomplete applications will not be accepted; double-check to make sure all required documentation is attached.
  • Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. If changes are required, contact the Financial Aid Office at Northeast State for assistance.
  • Complete the verification process, if required. If your SAR indicates that you have been selected for verification, provide the verification worksheet and copies of the IRS Federal Tax Return transcript(s), W-2(s), and any other documentation required to the Financial Aid Office at Northeast State.
  • Promptly respond to all requests for additional information sent by the Financial Aid Office at Northeast State. Failure to respond promptly will delay awarding of funds.
  • Understand that your tuition/fees will be credited up to your level of award(s). Class attendance must be verified before any remaining financial funds are released. Reminder: students who fail to submit all required documentation by the July 1st priority deadline should not anticipate that funds will be available to assist with costs for the fall semester.
  • If interested in participating in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, complete and submit the application for Federal Work-Study to the Financial Aid Office. The application is downloadable under Financial Aid Forms. Note: If eligible, you will be notified by phone or by email and will need to speak with the Federal Funds Associate (located in C2406) regarding available FWS positions.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office at Northeast State of all outside scholarships and other type(s) of student aid you have or will receive.  In the event the Financial Aid Office is not notified, some funds may need to be repaid to avoid an over award.
  • If you have a credit balance, you may be able to charge your books during a specified time. Dates can be found on the Financial Aid website each semester.
  • Review your bill on MyNortheast and pay your fees via cash, check, credit card, or through a payment plan such as NBS QuickPAY® (information available in the Business Office).
  • Contact the Federal Processor at 1.800.433.3243 if you did not receive a copy of your Student Aid Report via email or regular mail within 3 weeks of application.
  • Talk with your advisor about the classes you need before you register; it is important to stay informed regarding program requirements to better prepare for graduation.
  • If you would like someone other than yourself to receive information regarding your financial aid, sign and submit a Third Party Release form and list the person(s) allowed to speak on your behalf. This form can be obtained directly from the Financial Aid Office.

Avoid these Common Mistakes When Completing the FAFSA 

  • Leaving a field blank. Use zero if the question does not apply to you.
  • Failing to report ALL required sources of untaxed income.
  • Using only the W-2(s) to report income and taxes paid instead of using your Federal Tax Return and W-2(s).
  • Submitting an unsigned application. If a student answers “No” to all questions in step 3 of the FAFSA, a parent must also sign the FAFSA. 
  • Omitting the appropriate school code(s) for college(s) previously attended. Only schools listed will receive the results of the FAFSA. Northeast State's code is 005378.
  • Failing to list the school the student will be attending in the first placeholder under colleges on the FAFSA; this will affect Tennessee Lottery and State Scholarships.
  • The student has changed schools and has failed to notify TN Student Assistance Corporation of the change; money will continue to be paid to the school listed in the first placeholder.