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Federal Pell Grant

The 2025 - 2026 Pell Grant is Now Available!

U.S. Department of Education Announces Official Release of 2025–26 FAFSA Form. Building on successful beta testing results since Oct. 1, the Department is making the FAFSA form available for all students and families earlier than planned

- Click the links below for more information!

A Federal Pell Grant, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grant program is federally funded with the purpose of helping financially needy students meet the cost of postsecondary education. This program is centrally administered by the federal government and is typically the foundation of a students aid package. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify.

The Financial Assistance Office uses the Pell award as the foundation of the students financial aid package. Therefore, students requesting financial assistance during their enrollment are required to establish Federal Pell Grant eligibility before additional determination of funds eligibility is made and/or awarded.

In order to determine eligibility for any federal financial aid program, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results sent to WNC, by providing the WNC School Code on the FAFSA (013896).

Federal Pell Grant award amounts are based on the Federal Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedules provided by the U.S. Department of Education. You can learn more about the PELL Grant at .

Students are notified of the amount of their Pell Grant through a financial aid offer letter. Students are directed to view their offer letters on myWNC.

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Summer Pell Grant

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Summer 2025 Pell Grant, you must:

• Have completed a 2024-2025 FAFSA
• Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
• Declare a financial aid eligible degree-seeking program
• Enroll in degree-applicable classes for the Summer
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Have lifetime Pell Grant eligibility remaining

Check your Lifetime Eligibility

You can check for your remaining eligibility level online at  and logging on using your FSA ID. View your Lifetime Eligibility Units (LEU) on the financial aid review page.

Summer Awarding Timeline

Once you enroll in Summer classes and WNCs Financial Assistance Office determines that your classes are degree-applicable, you will automatically be awarded the Federal Pell Grant for Summer, based on your Summer enrollment status.

Dropping, Withdrawing or Failing Classes

It is possible that you could owe money back for all or part of your Federal Pell Grant if you do not complete classes in which you enrolled for the Summer. The amount you may owe will be calculated based on the drop date, the number of credits that you did not earn and the last day that you attended classes. Review the Return of Title IV Policy page for more information.

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PELL Grant Amount Depends on Enrollment

Your Summer Pell Grant amount will depend on the number of credits you enroll in for the Summer Session. If you have already received a Pell Grant Award for Full Time enrollment in both the Fall and Spring Semester, your Summer Pell Grant award will require you to enroll in a minimum of 6 degree applicable credits.

The Pell Grant amount will be adjusted just prior to the disbursement of your aid based on your enrollment level. Enrollment levels are defined in the following manner:

• 12+ credits = Full Time Enrollment and 100% of the semester Pell Grant amount
• 911 credits = Time Enrollment and 75% of the semester Pell Grant amount
• 68 credits = Enrollment and 50% of the semester Pell Grant amount

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Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG, similar to a Pell Grant, does not have to be repaid. This federal program provides limited grant funding on a first-come, first-served basis to students who meet the April 1 priority filing deadline.

Recipients must be:

• Eligible for a Pell Grant
• Be enrolled in at least six units
• Demonstrate financial need

WNC begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to student with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.

You can learn more about FSEOG at:.

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Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG)

The Silver State Opportunity Grant Program (SSOG Program) is a state-supported financial aid program created by the 2015 Legislature pursuant to Senate Bill 227 (Chapter 387,Statutes of Nevada 2015). Under the SSOG Programs, need based grants will be awarded to eligible low income student who are college-ready to pay for a portion of the cost of education at a community college or state college within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). This unique program is built on a shared responsibility model and guided by a philosophy for awarding grant aid based on the total cost of attendance (tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other living expenses) being shared by partners (the state, federal government, family, and the student).

To be eligible for an SSOG award, a student must:

• Be enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
• Enroll in at least 15 credit hours that apply to the students chosen program of study;
• Be college ready based on placement or completion of entry-level, college-level mathematics and English*;
• Be classified as a resident for tuition purposes;
• Meet institutional Title IV financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements; and
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 8500 or less.

*To be considered college-ready for the purpose of SSOG Program eligibility, a student must be 1) currently or previously enrolled in a 100 or above level mathematics and English course, 2) placed into a college-level course under institutional placement policies for placement into at least Math 120 and English 101, or 3) previously successfully completed remedial coursework (evident by a C or better in Math 96 and/or English 98).

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Nevada Resident Award and Nevada Student Grant

These two state programs provide limited funding to Nevada residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for these programs, students must:

• Be a Nevada resident
• Have a complete financial aid file
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll at least six units

WNC begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.

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Grant in Aid

This state program provides limited funding to Nevada residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for a GIA award, a student must:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enrolled at least six units
• Have an expected family contribution of less than 200.

WNC begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to student with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.

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Western Nevada Award

This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for this programs, students must:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll at least six units

WNC begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in six units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $500 per semester.

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Wildcat Award

This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for this programs, students must:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll at least six units

WNC begins awarding this fund after April 1 of each year and awards to students with an EFC just over the Pell Grant eligible EFC and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $750 per semester.

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WNC 15 to Finish

This institutional funded grant program provides limited funding to students on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible for this programs, students must be:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Demonstrate financial need
• Enroll at least fifteen units

WNC begins awarding this fund after July 1 of each year and awards to students with the lowest EFC, enrolled in 15 units or more, and with the earliest FAFSA completion date.

Award amounts are based on remaining financial need and begin at $1000 per semester.

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Non-Federal Aid for Non-FAFSA Filers

 

Students who are NOT eligible to file the FAFSA are considered Non-FAFSA Filers. Students in this category are not eligible for federal aid, however could be eligible for other types of non-federal student aid.

The majority of students are eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).If you are a U.S. citizen or non-citizen who is eligible to receive Federal Student Aid, you should complete the .

Students who are deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) are asked to also complete the FAFSA. Completion of the FAFSA could help you become eligible for certain state and institutional awards. Students who have DACA status, should be prepared to present the WNC Financial Assistance Office with their I-797 after the completion of the FAFSA.

 Application for Non-FAFSA Filers

 Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, 5 Nevada System of Higher Education institutions are using the College Board’s CSS Profile to calculate the financial need of students who are unable to complete the FAFSA due to their immigration status. This form is used by financial aid offices to determine the student’s eligibility for institutional and state financial aid.

Participating Institutions: College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Nevada State College, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College

Do not pay to complete the CSS Profile! Contact the financial aid office at your college– they will guide you on whether this is the correct application for you, and provide you with a fee waiver code to input as payment.

Steps to Apply:

1. Gather your and your parent’s financial documents before applying:
   1. A copy of your, and your parent’s, completed tax returns, if applicable
   2. W2 forms and other records of income
   3. Records of assets and untaxed income
2. Sign in to the Fall 2023/Spring 2024 CSS Application at
   1. You will be prompted to create a College Board student ID if you haven’t previously created one.
   2. As part of your application, you will be asked for demographic and financial information for the student and parent(s).
   3. Make sure to include all the colleges you want your information sent to.
   4. If you are asked to make a payment STOP and contact your financial aid office. They will provide you with a fee waiver code so you can complete the application at no cost to you.

Non-FAFSA Filers are also encouraged to complete the WNC Foundation Scholarship Application to become eligible for donor based scholarships.

 

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AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps Vouchers are available to complete on-line at .

Once you fill out the voucher on-line, AmeriCorps will forward it to our office and we will complete the school portion electronically. This process takes two to three weeks. If you qualify for these funds.

When WNC receives the Americorps funds, they are applied to your student account. If the balance is paid in full and there are residual funds, they will be sent to you how you've set up refunds with the Business Office. If WNC does not receive the AmeriCorps funds prior to the beginning of the semester, you will need to pay for your classes and books on your own.

Work Study

Work Study programs help students earn funds to help with part of their college expenses while attending school.

To be considered for the majority of work study funds, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Work Study positions can be found on the Student Employee Job Board.

Work Study Supervisors should refer to the Student Employment Handbook for policies and procedures. 

Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded program designed to help provide employment for qualified students who demonstrate a financial need as determined by the FAFSA. These are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for this program.

Nevada Student Employment Program is a state-funded program based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students must be a Nevada resident and enrolled at least half-time. Like federal work-study, these are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for this program.

Western Student Employment Program is a Nevada access employment program for students who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is designed to help provide employment for qualified students who demonstrate a financial need. These are on-campus jobs that are located on the Carson City, Fallon and Douglas campuses. The hours worked are arranged around the students class schedule, not to exceed 20 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for this program.

Regents Service Program is a state funded program based on criteria established by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. To be eligible, Nevada residents must be enrolled at least half-time and must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Head of household.
• Single parent who has never attended college or has had a break in enrollment of two years or more.
• First person in their immediate family to pursue a certificate or degree beyond high school.
• Not receiving support from parents or family.
• Have unusual financial circumstances.

WNC uses the funds from this program to support literacy by providing reading tutors to the elementary schools within our service area. These tutors provide individual and group tutoring at the elementary schools. A FAFSA is not required for this program. Applications are available in the Financial Assistance Office.

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FAQs

How do I apply for a job?

How to apply for Work Study:

1. Look through the job postings on the Student Employee Job Board and contact the supervisor(s) listed via email, including your resume, and ask for an interview.

Student Employee Job Board

1. If you are offered a position, the supervisor will contact the Student Employment Coordinator and Human Resources.
2. The Student Employment Coordinator will confirm you are eligible for student employment. Once approved, Human Resources will send the Supervisor hiring you a link to apply for the position and that will be forwarded to you.

NOTE: Some positions require you to have work study funds. Work study funds are based on your eligibility determined by the FAFSA and are awarded as part of your Financial Aid package. If you are interested in work study, you can contact the Student Employment Coordinator at temple.campana@wnc.edu and she can review your eligibility and add you to the work study waiting list.

What is the Work Study Program?

Work Study Programs provide funding for part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. These programs encourage work related to the students course of study. Most students will work 10-15 hours per week with the maximum being 20 hours. Students can earn the amount listed on their award letter.

Student Loans

Student loans are money that must be repaid. Loans are legal obligations. Students are required to repay ALL student loans regardless of whether they didnt like the education received, ability to get a job in a preferred field of study, or financial difficulty.

Before taking out a student loan, it is wise to think about the amount of money being borrowed and the amount of money to be repaid over the years, with interest.

Be conservative. Only borrow what is absolutely needed.

The Financial Assistance Office at WNC supports the Nevada Attorney Generals Office with regards to college student loan conduct. Please read the WNC College Student Loan Code of Conduct for more information.

Steps to Apply for a Federal Direct Loan

Please Note: Summer Loan requests are processed separately from Fall and Spring. If you plan to request a loan for Summer, you must complete a new loan request form.

1. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Complete your WNC financial aid file.
3. Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at . Sign in with your FSA ID and choose Complete MPN from the menu on the left side of the page.
4. Complete the Entrance counseling at: Sign in with your FSA ID and choose Complete Entrance Counseling from the menu on the left side of the page. ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE EVERY YEAR.
5. Log into the Student Aid to download your financial aid history.  This document will help students understand how to review their borrowing history as reported to the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS).  First time borrowers must still complete this step.  To access your financial aid history login at  with your FSA ID, click on Name on top right, then click My Aid and Download Aid Data.. You must attach your financial aid history summary to your Loan Request Form. 
6. Complete and submit the .
7. Must complete the Exit counseling at: in the last semester you are in attendance at WNC or drop below 6 credits.
8. If you decide to cancel your loan(s), you need to submit to the Financial Assistance office a completed form and/or return the loan funds to your lender. To avoid penalty, you must cancel your loans as soon as possible or no later than 14 days after disbursement of funds.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DIRECT FEDERAL LOANS GO TO:

Loan Disbursements

Federal regulations require loans to be disbursed in two equal payments. One in the Fall semester and one in the Spring semester. Federal Student Loans will begin disbursing after the Financial Assistance Census Date and not until the 3rd week of the semester.

IF you are a First Time Freshman AND First Time Borrower (that means the borrower has never attended college or does not have transfer credits AND has never borrowed a loan), you will have a 30-day delay on your first disbursement.

Loans for one semester will still have the two disbursements one after the Financial Assistance Census Date and the second disbursement midway through the semester.

If you are enrolled in all online classes, the financial assistance office could verify participation and attendance, prior to disbursing financial aid funds.

View Sample Loan Disbursement Letter

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Types of Loans

• Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
  • Direct Subsidized Loan This loan is need-based aid (need is determined by FAFSA). Eligibility is determined based on credits taken, degree program declared, and past borrowing. Interest is subsidized while in school attending at least half time (six credits).
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan This loan is non-need based aid. Interest begins to accrue immediately from the date the loan is disbursed, like a credit card purchase. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues on the loan. Students are encouraged to pay the interest while in college. If the borrower does not pay the interest that is accruing on the Unsubsidized loan while in college and when the Unsubsidized loan goes into repayment, the lender will take the principle borrowed, all the interest that was not paid, add them together and then determine what the payment will be with interest!
  • Direct Parent Loan for Student (PLUS) This loan is a low-interest student loan for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional degree students. Unlike Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, this type of loan requires the borrower to pass a credit check. Interest begins to accrue from the date the loan is disbursed, just like a credit card purchase. Parents can apply online at: . AND, your parent must also complete the WNC PLUS Loan Request Form, at the following link: Financial Aid Forms. Parents must complete this WNC PLUS request form every year.

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Exit Counseling

The federal government requires that student borrowers complete Exit Counseling. Exit Counseling is required before you withdraw, graduate or drop below half-time attendance (even if you plan to transfer to another school). This can be completed at:

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Interest Rates

On or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025

• Subsidized loan is 6.53% (when you go into repayment).
• Unsubsidized loan is 6.53% (accruing immediately once loan is disbursed).
• PLUS is fixed at 9.08% (accruing immediately once loan is disbursed).

On or after July 1, 2025 and before July 1, 2026

• Subsidized loan is 6.39% (when you go into repayment).
• Unsubsidized loan is 6.39% (accruing immediately once loan is disbursed).
• PLUS is fixed at 8.94% (accruing immediately once loan is disbursed).

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National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

• This is a national data base that tracks every federal loan ever borrowed. When you log into NSLDS, you can:
  • Track who your loan servicer is and where to make payments
  • Track your loans from disbursement to payoff
  • Track your total student loan debt
  • Track your loan status & interest rate
• As part of receiving a Direct Loan, loan disbursement information is reported to the National Student Loan Database (NSLDS) and is accessible to view by authorized agencies, lenders, and other institutions.

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Loan Default Consequences of Default

• Full amount of loan is due INCLUDING collection costs and all interest that has accrued
• You are subject to federal & state offsets
• Wages and tax refund may be garnished
• Credit will be tarnished
• Will Lose deferment & forbearance options
• Will Lose eligibility for future financial aid
• May lose eligibility for certain federal or state jobs
• May lose professional license

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Western Nevada College 3 year Cohort Default Rate Trends

A cohort default rate is the percentage of a schools borrowers who enter repayment Direct Loan loans during a particular federal fiscal year (October 1st to September 30th), and subsequently default by the end of the second following fiscal year. Learn more at: .

• 2020= 0.0
• 2019= 3.6 
• 2018 = 13.7 / National Average = 7.3
• 2017 = 21.3
• 2016 = 20.2

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Private Education Loans

There are several lenders that provide education loans. All private education loans are credit based.

• Available through private lending institutions.
• Loans are credit based.

It is in the best interest of the borrower to review each lenders interest rates and types to ensure the borrower chooses the best one for his or her needs.

THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR PAYING YOUR FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN(S) EARLY.

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FAQs

How Much Can I Borrow Each Academic Year?

Annual (Yearly) loan limits are regulated by the government and are as follows:

* Funding only applies to students in the Bachelor of Technology program.

What is an Academic Year?

A typical academic year is the Fall and Spring semesters. You can use your loan to help pay for the Summer semester. However, if you have borrowed all you are eligible for between the Fall and Spring semesters, you will not have any money left to borrow in the summer.

How Much Can I Borrow for a Lifetime?

Aggregate (lifetime) loan amounts are set by the federal government. Undergraduate levels are as follows:

The aggregate amounts are Lifetime limits from earning an Associates and/or Baccalaureate (Bachelor) degree.

Be careful when Borrowing Loans! This is all you have to work with!

Getting Ready to go into Repayment?