Financial Aid FAQs

There is no such thing as too many questions when it comes to financial aid. We understand comprehending the processes, deadlines, and lingo can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. We’re here to help whenever you get stuck. However, we’ve pulled out some questions we frequently receive.

I sent in my FAFSA more than four weeks ago, but haven’t heard anything. What should I do?

First, be sure you actually submitted your FAFSA. You must click the "Submit" button (don't just hit "Enter") in order for your online FAFSA to be electronically submitted. You will receive a confirmation page that indicates the date and time you submitted your information.

If you still haven't received a Student Aid Report (SAR), call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (toll free) or 1-319-337-5665.

How early can I submit my FAFSA?

The FAFSA will be released as early as October 1 for the next academic year. That means, if you are planning to attend classes beginning in the fall semester, you may complete your FAFSA beginning October 1 of the previous year using tax information from two years prior. Your FAFSA will cover the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. Most financial aid is contingent upon reapplication every academic year. Because your financial circumstances may change from year to year, you may be eligible for more or less aid. After your first year, you can do a renewal application online at fafsa.gov, which contains information from your previous year's FAFSA.

I want to fill out my FAFSA, but my parents and I have not completed our tax returns.

You can estimate your tax amount either by using last year's tax information or by estimating your income using your most recent pay stub. You must update your FAFSA with your actual tax information when it is complete. Note that this may result in a revision of your awards.

How do I pay my bill if financial aid does not cover it all?

How is financial aid awarded? When and where do I get my money?

Pell grants, other grants, and scholarships are applied to your student account directly if you are registered for the required number of credit hours to qualify for your aid, you are not on suspension, and you are enrolled in an approved program of study.

If your financial aid funds exceed your direct WNCC charges, the remaining amount will be available to you in the form of a check mailed by the Business Office in Scottsbluff. For questions about your account or refund, please contact the WNCC Business Office at 308.635.6020 or e-accounts@wncc.edu.

May I use financial aid to purchase books?

Students who have excess approved financial aid after allowing it to cover tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board may use their remaining financial aid to purchase books in the WNCC Bookstore and charge those books to the student's account.

Why do I keep receiving a bill when I have financial aid?

Your financial aid is not accessible until the first disbursement date. This is the date when all qualifying funds are transferred to the Business Office and applied to your account. Before that date, the Financial Aid Office is working behind the scenes to confirm you are attending class and meeting the requirements set forth by the Department of Education. Approximately three weeks into the semester, approved financial aid is transmitted to the Business Office and is applied to your account. The bills will stop once the account balance is $0.00.

If you think an award has not been applied properly to your account, please contact the Financial Aid Office.