Tuition & Fees

Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change at any time by the College Board of Regents.

Traditional Face-to-Face Programs

Online Programs (Business, Teacher Education, Upper Div. RN to BSN)

Fees

Late Fees

Other Fees (as applicable)

Estimated Expenses for New Mexico Resident per Semester

Tuition: see pertinent section about resident vs. non-resident.
Books, Supplies, and Equipment: $600.00
Living Expenses/Other: $650.00

Special Assessments

In the event of damage to College property, the College reserves the right to charge those responsible for replacement or repair costs.

Payment Policy

All charges incurred in connection with college attendance are payable in advance

of the services rendered. Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change at any time by the Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents.

Once you have registered for a class, you are liable for payment in full unless you drop the class within the period designated for a full (100%) refund. Failure to pay will result in disenrollment. Check the Course Schedule or myNNMC for exact disenrollment dates and other deadlines for each semester.

Northern has a Payment Plan which you can automatically access by paying 5% of the total charges at the time you register, and a $25.00 service charge. For summer sessions, there will be two installments due on 15th of each month; for fall and spring semesters, there will be three installments due on the 15th of each month. When you enter into the agreement, you will be charged a fee of $25.00. If your payment(s) is late, you will be charged a $10.00 late payment fee.

You are responsible for payment of all financial obligations when due. If you fail to do so, there will be sufficient cause to: 1) prevent further registration; 2) withhold academic records, including transcripts and diplomas; and 3) take disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal.

The Bill+Payment System is a secure site. You can access the Bill+Payment System by clicking on TouchNet Online Bill Pay after logging into myNNMC (next to the search field at the top of the Northern’s home page). There you can:

1. View your tuition and fee charges for the term.
2. Make an online payment using your debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
3. Enroll online for a payment plan (Note: A $25 service charge is assessed and due at time of enrolling in a payment plan; a late fee of $10 will be assessed if the payment plan amount is not paid by the due date.)
4. Sign up for electronic refund of your financial aid or any credit balances on your student account. All refunds will be delivered via Direct Deposit.
5. Authorize parent or third party access to your student account information to make an online payment or enroll online for a payment plan on behalf of the student.
6. Receive automatic emails sent to you and/or an authorized third party when

payments are due or a new statement is posted. Note: You must activate your NNMC email account. Instructions are available at myNNMC.

Personal checks submitted for any fees must have your student ID number written on them. If you prefer to not have your student ID on your check, you may submit payment by cashier’s check, money order, or cash. The cashier will write your student ID number on checks if you have not already done so.

Students expecting payment by a third party must turn in authorization documentation to Student Billing by the published payment deadline.

*The $100.00 graduation fee covers all degrees earned over the course of five years. The fee includes the diploma, diploma cover, honor cords, etc. but not the cost of cap and gown.

Other Deadlines

Departments that offer assistance grants for special programs must turn in authorization documentation to Student Billing prior to the payment deadline published in the Academic Calendar.

Tuition waivers for faculty and staff must be received in the Business Office. Failure to submit authorizations, pay in full or enroll in a payment plan in a timely manner will result in disenrollment. Disenrollment is posted in the Academic Calendar.

Some Exceptions

Senior Citizens

If you are age 65 and above and are classified as a resident of New Mexico, you will be charged $5.00 per credit hour if you enroll for 6 credit hours or less. If you enroll for more than 6 credit hours in such courses, charges for credit hours in excess of six will be charged at the regular rate of $211.00 per credit.

Colorado Reciprocity

The states of New Mexico and Colorado have entered into an agreement which permits citizens of either state to attend the other state’s colleges at in-state tuition rates. There are some restrictions. For example, Northern will permit any Colorado resident to be admitted and enroll under the terms of this agreement, limiting the privilege in only one program (Nursing), for which no more than three Colorado residents may be enrolled at any one time; Colorado restricts this reciprocity to New Mexico residents attending only those colleges near the New Mexico/Colorado border. Check with the Admissions Office to see if you are eligible.

If you are a resident of Colorado and maintain your Colorado residency while attending Northern, you may be eligible to enjoy in-state tuition rates if you enroll for not less than 15 credits per regular term. Check with the Admissions Office at the time you are admitted and/or each term when you register for classes.

Note: If you are admitted and register under this basis, you will not be eligible to claim New Mexico residency until one full year has passed since you ceased enrollment under the reciprocity agreement.

If you are granted this waiver, it is applicable to fall and spring terms only.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

New Mexico is one of several states which have entered into an agreement which allows students to attend college in another state at a rate of tuition which is between in-state and out-of-state tuition. This is designed primarily to allow a citizen to pursue a degree which is not offered in his own home state but which is offered in another state which is signatory to the agreement.

If you are a resident of one of the following states, you may be eligible to enjoy a tuition rate ($203.78 per credit) which is 150% of the in-state rate: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.

To use this benefit, you must clearly state your intention to do so on your Application for Admission form [there is a box to check on the form].

Check with the Admissions Office each time you register for classes. You must register for at least 15 credit hours to use this benefit.

Note: If you are admitted and register under this basis, you will not be eligible to claim New Mexico residency until one full year has passed since you ceased enrollment under the reciprocity agreement.

If you are granted this waiver, it is applicable to fall and spring terms only.

Determination of Residency Status

1. At time of first admission. A person’s residency classification for tuition purposes shall be determined at time of admission and must be completed by the census date of that first enrollment in a given public postsecondary educational institution. A person not meeting the residency requirements shall be classified as a non-resident for purposes of tuition charges. The student’s classification at time of admission remains in effect unless the individual is re-admitted to the institution or until the individual petitions to become a New Mexico resident.
2. Petition for resident tuition classification. Once determined a non-resident at the time of census date, a student can petition to be classified as a New Mexico resident by completing the Petition for resident tuition classification form (see Paragraph (3) of Section B of 5.7.18.12 NMAC, procedure to petition for resident tuition classification).
   [5.7.18.8 NMAC-Rp, 5.7.18.10 NMAC, 8/30/2007]

Requirements to Establish New Mexico Residency:

To become a legal resident of New Mexico for tuition purposes each of the following requirements must be satisfied:

1. Twelve-month durational requirement. A person must physically reside in New Mexico for the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which the resident classification is requested.
2. Financial independence requirement. Only persons who are financially independent may establish residency apart from parents or guardians. A student cannot be approved for residency who is financially dependent upon his or her parents or legal guardians who are non-residents of New Mexico. Dependency will be determined according to the 1954 Internal Revenue Service Code, Section 152 and is always based on the previous tax year for residency purposes. I
   
   If under the age of 23 at the time the student applies for residency, a copy of his/her parents’ or guardians’ 1040 or 1040A U.S. income tax form for the previous tax year is required. If the student is shown to be a dependent on this tax form, he/she will not be considered financially independent or eligible for residency during the current year.
    
3. Written declaration of intent requirement. The student or person must sign a writ- ten declaration of intent to relinquish residency in any other state and to establish it in New Mexico.
4. Overt acts requirement.
   1. Overt acts are required to evidence support of the written declaration of intent to establish permanent residency in New Mexico. Any act considered inconsistent with being a New Mexico resident, will cause the request for resident classification to be denied. The required overt acts are evidence of any two of the following:
      1. the applicant is financially dependent, a copy of the parent or guardian’s previous year’s income tax return showing the applicant as a dependent and the parent’s address as New Mexico; or
      2. a New Mexico high school transcript issued in the past year confirming attendance at a New Mexico public or private high school within the past twelve (12) months; or
      3. a transcript from an online high school showing a New Mexico address confirming attendance within the past twelve (12) months; or
      4. a New Mexico driver’s license or ID card with an original date of issue or a renewal date issued prior to the first day of the term or semester; or
      5. proof of payment of New Mexico state income tax for the previous year; or
      6. evidence of employment within the state of New Mexico; or
      7. New Mexico vehicle registration; or
      8. voter registration in New Mexico; or
      9. proof of residential property ownership in New Mexico; or
      10. a rental agreement within New Mexico; or
      11. utility bills showing the applicant’s name and a New Mexico address; or
      12. other evidence which would reasonably support the individual’s intent to establish and maintain New Mexico residency.
   2. The department recognizes that there may be circumstances in which a student would not be able to fulfill the requirements of an overt act as listed in this section, such as: 1) individual is physically disabled and does not have a driver’s license, or 2) individual is a convicted felon and therefore cannot vote, etc. In instances such as these, the institution will afford the student an opportunity to provide other documentary evidence or reasonable explanation which demonstrates that permanent residency in New Mexico has been established by the student.
5. Exceptions to the twelve (12) month requirement. If a student has met the requirements of one of the following exceptions, and is granted residency status, the student shall continue to be classified and reported as a resident for subsequent continuing enrollment.
   1. An individual married to a legal resident of New Mexico and providing appropriate evidence shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement but must satisfy all other requirements listed in Subsections B, C, and D of 5.7.18.9 NMAC.
   2. Any person, their spouse and dependents who move to New Mexico or who now live in New Mexico and who provide appropriate evidence that they work in a permanent full-time position or practice a profession or conduct a business full-time in New Mexico, shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement but must satisfy all other requirements listed in Subsections B, C, and D of 5.7.18.9 NMAC.
   3. Any person entering the active [military] service of the United States while a resident of New Mexico and who enters a state institution of postsecondary education in New Mexico after separation from such service may be classified as having been a legal resident in New Mexico during the time spent in the service provided they:
      1. have not while in the service done anything (such as voting in another state) to show abandonment of their New Mexico residency;
      2. have not established residence in some other state subsequent to being separated from service;
      3. return to New Mexico within one year after separation from service with the intention of maintaining this state as their legal residence; 
      4. are not a dependent minor with parent(s) or guardian(s) whose place of residence classifies him or her as a non-resident of New Mexico.
   4. Any person, their spouse and dependents, who move to New Mexico for retirement purposes, and who provide appropriate evidence of retirement shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement. They must, however, satisfy the other requirements listed in Subsections B, C, and D of 5.7.18.9 NMAC. [5.7.18.9 NMAC-Rf, 5.7.18.11 & 12 NMAC, 8/30/2007; A, 5/30/2008

5.7.18.10 Waivers

If a student has met the requirement of one of the following waivers, the student shall continue to be considered a non-resident for reporting purposes but will receive the benefit of in-state tuition rates. In receiving such a waiver, the student does not become eligible for state-funded student financial aid, unless the regulations for a particular aid program allow for such eligibility.

1. American Indian nations, tribes and pueblos. All out-of-state members of an American Indian nation, tribe, and/or pueblo located wholly or partially in New Mexico, regardless of the residence of the member prior to acceptance at a post secondary educational institution, shall be eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate. These include members of the following tribes or pueblos: Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache, Mescalero Apache, Taos Pueblo, Picuris Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Pojoaque Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, and the Ute Mountain tribe.
2. Armed forces. Any person, their spouse or dependent child, not otherwise entitled to claim residence, who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or armed forces of a foreign country assigned to active duty in the state of New Mexico, will be assessed in-state tuition rates.
   1. Assignment to active duty within New Mexico must be certified by the military person’s commanding officer upon the student’s initial enrollment. Such students may continue paying resident rates for as long as they attend consecutive semesters at the same institution.
   2. A spouse or child of a veteran of the armed forces is entitled to pay tuition and fees at the rate provided for New Mexico residents; provide that spouse or child is eligible for benefits pursuant to the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educations Assistance Act of 2008 or any other federal law authorizing educational benefits for a veteran and the dependents of a veteran.
3. National Guard. Pursuant to Section 20-4-14, NMSA 1978, an active member of the National Guard and the member’s spouse and children shall be deemed in-state residents for purposes of determining tuition and fees at all state institutions of higher learning.
4. Certain Texas residents. Pursuant to Section 21-1-3D, NMSA 1978, for the purposes of tuition payment and budget and revenue calculations, the board of regents of any post-secondary, state educational institution, as defined in Article 12, Section 11 of the constitution of New Mexico (specifically, NMHU, ENMU, NMSU, or WNMU), may determine that any Texas resident who resides within a (one hundred thirty-five) 135 mile radius of that institution may qualify for in-state tuition rates.
5. Colorado and Arizona reciprocity. Tuition reciprocity participants from Colorado and Arizona shall be selected by eligible institutions to pay in-state tuition rates based on criteria set by forth by each eligible institution. The department will notify each eligible institution of the maximum waivers allocated on an annual basis.
6. Athletic scholarship recipients. Pursuant to Section 21-1-3E, NMSA 1978, for the purposes of tuition payment and budget and revenue calculations, any student (U.S. citizens and foreign nationals) receiving an athletic scholarship from a post- secondary educational institution set forth in Article 12, Section 11 of the Constitution of New Mexico (specifically, UNM, NMSU, NMHU, ENMU, [or] WNMU, or NNMC) may qualify for in-state tuition rates.
7. Competitive scholarship recipients. Any student participating in this program shall be recognized as a competitive scholar and reported as such, unless the student petitions for and is granted residency status.
8. Graduate assistants, including research and teaching assistants, employed at least one-fourth time (10 hours weekly), will be assessed in-state tuition rates. To be eligible, students (U.S. citizens and foreign nationals) must be enrolled full-time, as defined in the graduate catalogue of the public postsecondary institution, during regular terms.
9. Nondiscrimination principle. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section of 5.7.18.7 NMAC, any tuition or state-funded financial aid that is granted to residents of New Mexico shall also be granted on the same terms to all persons, regardless of immigration status, who have attended a secondary educational institution in New Mexico for at least one year and who have either graduated from a New Mexico high school or received high school equivalency credential (such as a GED®)in New Mexico. State-funded financial aid programs with an employment component may require U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
   [5.7.18.10 NMAC-Rp, 5.7.18.12 NMAC, 8/30/2007; A, 5/30/2008]

Appeal of Residency

If, after your residency classification has been assigned, you feel that the admissions office has made a wrongful determination, you should contact the Dean of Student Services to appeal. If you are still not satisfied, you may direct a written letter of appeal to the Chairperson of the Student Appeals Committee.

According to state law and the New Mexico Higher Education Department, Northern’s appellate process is your last recourse prior to the courts (citation: HED Rule 910.10, effective 6/19/92).

Refunds

Tuition and Fees

Refunds are computed from the course cancellation or enrollment drop date according to the following schedules:

Note: No refund is made on regular or late registration fees, or in the case of disciplinary suspension or dismissal. If you are dismissed for falsification of records, eligibility for a refund will be entirely at the option of the College.

Refunds Appeal

If you believe that the College’s policy for the refunding of charges has not been properly implemented, you may appeal to the Student Appeals Committee by providing the committee chair a letter of appeal, stating in detail what you believe to be inappropriate or incorrect with the decision. If the Student Appeals Committee upholds your appeal, the refund will be adjusted appropriately.

Dropping/Withdrawing From Courses

Once you have registered, you may drop (during the refund period) or withdraw (after the refund period) from any course online-without special permission-at www.nnmc.edu. Click on myNNMC, then on Banner Connect, and follow the directions. You may not drop or withdraw from a course by telephone, nor may anyone other than you or your instructor drop or withdraw you from a course. If you are withdrawing from your last remaining class for the semester you must complete the process in person. You cannot drop/withdraw from your last class though your student myNNMC portal. You must see your academic advisor; receive signature from the Office of Financial Aid; and turn in the signed form to the Office of the Registrar for final processing.

If it is established that you have never attended or have at least three consecutive absences during the first three weeks of a regular term (first week of a summer session) without prior knowledge of your instructor, that instructor has the right to withdraw you from the course-has the right to, but does not have to withdraw you. If you should stop attending a class after the deadlines mentioned above, do not assume that you will be withdrawn by your instructor-follow the instructions in the previous paragraph to avoid being billed or receiving an “F” or “NF” for the course(s).

If you drop a course within the refund period (the first two weeks of a regular fall or spring semester or the first week of a summer session), your enrollment in that course will not appear on your transcript.

Deadlines for Withdrawing from Full-Term Courses and Less Than Full-Term Courses:

Course Cancellation Refunds

Normally prior to the first day of class, the Provost will cancel those classes having insufficient enrollment. An email message will be sent to your college email address, informing you that one of your classes has been cancelled. If the Provost deems it advisable to wait until the first day of class to make the determination, the class will be met by a department representative, the students informed of the cancellation and given an opportunity to immediately change their schedules.

Those fees which are normally non-refundable will be refunded if the cancellation completely withdraws the student from all courses for the term.

Bookstore Refunds

Northern’s bookstore has migrated to BNC Virtual as our online textbook supplier, and will no longer be a physical brick-and-mortar store on campus. All course materials will continue to be purchased online.

For Returns, Tracking, Digital Support, & Online Orders: BNC Customer Service: 1 (800) 325-3252

For E-books/Digital Support: digitalsupport@bncservices.com

For more information please go to please go to Resources › Bookstore @Northern on our website at www.nnmc.edu.

Graduation Fee Refunds

If, after submitting your Graduation Application, you should decide not to graduate as scheduled or if you fail to meet the requirements for graduation, you will receive no refund.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office at Northern New Mexico College is committed to helping students overcome financial barriers to reach success in higher education. To fulfill this goal, Northern’s Financial Aid Office administers a broad spectrum of grants, scholarships, student employment, and student loan programs to help meet the financial needs of our students.

The principle and primary responsibility to finance a college education though, belongs to the student. Therefore, it is important to recognize that whether you are a dependent student relying on financial support from your parents or are an independent student, you must be prepared to make some financial sacrifice to pay for the investment of earning your college degree.

Contact us at 505.747.2128, finaid@nnmc.edu, or visit us at the One-Stop-Shop Financial Aid Suite. Our hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for most types of financial aid students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid commonly referred to as the FAFSA. Students can complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Northern’s school code is 005286. Students may also seek assistance with the FAFSA by visiting the Financial Aid Office or by signing up for a Zoom session with the Financial Office. Some types of financial aid are limited, therefore, completing the FAFSA by the April 30th priority processing date and following through with all requested requirements will increase the likelihood of being awarded the maximum amount of financial aid possible.

General Eligibility Requirements

To receive financial aid you must demonstrate the following:

1. Meet United States citizenship requirements for federal aid; non-citizens must meet state requirements for certain state aid; and
2. Meet the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards (explained later in this section); and
3. Not be in default on a Federal Perkins Loan, a Federal Stafford Loan, or Federal Direct Student Loan; and
4. Not owe a refund/overpayment on a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Student Loans; and
5. Not have an outstanding balance at any post-secondary institution; and 
6. Have been accepted and enrolled in an eligible program of study. 

Please note: Federal financial aid does not pay for PD MATH 100NL  or certain other developmental courses.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

There are three major standards listed below that are used to determine eligibility Satisfactory Academic Progress-Undergraduate

In order to maintain eligibility for financial aid, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress, which is measured quantitatively and qualitatively each academic term. For a student to be making satisfactory academic progress, the student must meet the following cumulative grade point average (GPA), pace of completion, and maximum time frame standards. Students who change majors will have their previously attempted and completed classes that count as credits toward their new major included in their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) calculation.

Minimum GPA

Students in all programs must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout their program. This applies to all programs.

Important to know:

1. NNMC does not round GPA for SAP purposes.
2. Only grades for classes that count or could count toward a students’ declared program will be used in the GPA for SAP.
3. Remedial coursework will be calculated into your cumulative GPA. Remedial classes that do not issue a letter grade will have the equivalent of an A for the grade of CR and the equivalent of an F for the grade of NC.
4. Transfer credits are not included in the GPA.
5. College credits taken during high school (aka Dual Credit) at Northern are included in the GPA.
6. For repeated classes, the highest grade is factored into the GPA.
7. Audited classes are not included in the GPA.

Pace of Completion

Students must maintain a 67% completion rate throughout their program. This applies to all programs. This rate is determined by the following calculation:

Credits completed with a passing grade
÷ Credits attempted
= Completion rate of at least 67%
Important to know:

1. NNMC will use standard rounding rules for completion rate (i.e. we will round up .5 or higher and round down if below .5)
2. Only classes that count or could count toward a students’ declared program will be used in the completion rate.
3. Remedial classes are not included in the completion rate.
4. Transfer credits, including college credits taken during high school (aka Dual Credit) with Northern, are included in both competed and attempted.
5. For SAP standards passing grades include A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and CR
6. Attempted credits include any class in which the student receives a letter grade including those noted above as passing and F, NF, WF, W, I, NC and NR
7. Repeated classes are included in both competed and attempted.
8. Audited classes are not included in the completion rate.

Maximum Time Frame

This is based on the total credits required for the program, not the time a student is expected to complete the program. A student may attempt no more than 150% of the credit hours required by their declared program of study.

For example, a student enrolled in a bachelor’s program that requires 120 credits must be able to complete their program within a maximum of 180 credits. A student is no longer eligible for financial aid as soon as it is determined they cannot complete their program within the maximum allowed attempted credits.

Important to know:

1. NNMC will use standard rounding rules for maximum time frame (i.e. we will round up .5 or higher and round down if below .5)
2. Only classes that count or could count toward a students’ declared program will be used in the maximum time frame.
3. Remedial classes are not included in the maximum time frame.
4. Transfer credits, including college credits taken during high school (aka Dual Credit) with Northern, are included in both competed and attempted.
5. For SAP standards passing grades include A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and CR
6. Attempted credits include any class in which the student receives a letter grade including those noted above as passing and F, NF, WF, W, I, NC and NR
7. Repeated classes are included in both competed and attempted.
8. Audited classes are not included in the maximum time frame.

Semester Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Review:

Those students not meeting the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards at the end of any given enrollment period will be placed in either of the following statuses:

• Warning: A student placed on a warning may continue to receive financial aid for the assigned warning payment period/semester, but must meet the minimum SAP standards by the end of the warning semester.
• Suspension: If a student does not attain the required cumulative GPA and/or credit completion ratio by the end of the warning semester, or if it is determined that a student is within 36 credits of reaching the 150% maximum time frame or has exceeded the time frame, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension status and will be notified of the change in eligibility. While on suspension status a student is not eligible to receive financial aid (The exceptions are external scholarships that may have different eligibility requirements). To regain eligibility a student must meet the minimum SAP standards by enrolling in and completing courses or by successfully gaining back eligibility through the appeal process. Appealing suspension status is explained below.

Appealing the Suspension of Financial Aid Eligibility

If there are extenuating circumstances that contributed to a student’s inability to meet the minimum required SAP standards the student can formally appeal the suspension status by completing and submitting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form for Financial Aid. Appeals and all required supplemental documentation must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office the first day of the semester for which a student is appealing. Incomplete appeals will not be reviewed. Some examples of extenuating circumstances might include: 

Some examples of extenuating circumstances might include:

• Severe illness, medical condition, or injury .
• Death of a family member.
• Traumatic life-altering event.

A Complete Appeal Includes:

• Required documentation based on circumstance you are appealing under
• Complete and concise answers to all of the questions on the appeal form
• List of classes the student intends to take along with a plan to successfully complete each class. For example, attending tutoring, peer counseling, instructor check-ins, or meeting with a professional counselor. The student must have a proactive plan in which they will achieve a successful semester.

APPEAL REVIEW: All SAP appeals will be reviewed by a committee. Students will not be permitted to personally address the committee, so it is important that you submit all required documents with your appeal and answer all questions, in a clear and concise manner, on the appeal form. Committee decisions are final.

APPROVED APPEAL: If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on an Academic Improvement Plan for which their financial aid eligibility will be reinstated. The student must meet the requirements of their plan each semester, until they achieve the minimum SAP standards, or they forfeit future aid eligibility.

DENIED APPEAL: If the appeal is denied, then the financial aid suspension status remains until the student completes courses and attains the minimum SAP standards. The student will be responsible for any charges incurred by enrolling in courses.

• For Lottery Scholarship recipients that are denied an appeal, the student will not receive scholarship funding for a 2-year period and will be required to appeal their denial status upon return and complete the appeal process successfully prior to obtaining scholarship funds.  
• For Opportunity Scholarship recipients that are denied an appeal, the student will not receive scholarship funding for a 1-year period and will be required to appeal their denial status upon return and complete the appeal process successfully prior to obtaining scholarship funds.

Enrollment Requirements For Financial Aid

To receive federal financial aid, students must generally enroll at least half-time as regular students in an eligible program. Most scholarships typically require full-time enrollment. Some award amounts are prorated according to enrollment status (i.e., full-time, ¾ time and half-time). Audited classes are not included toward financial aid enrollment requirements.

Federal financial aid only covers the cost of courses that are part of a student’s declared course of study.

Financial Aid Disbursements and Refunds

If all requirements are met for awarding before the start of the semester, financial aid funds are memoed to the student account prior to the start of the term. If authorized, the memo can be used to pay for non-institutional charges. For example, books and supplies can be purchased with memoed financial aid if they are purchased with the Bookstore@Northern.

After the census date, which is always the third Friday of the term, funds will be disbursed to the student’s accounts. Once all allowed and authorized charges are paid, any remaining balance will be refunded by direct deposit into the bank account that has previously been authorized for this purpose. The Business Office will notify students regarding the specific refund disbursement dates for the semester, but typically, refunds occur five weeks after the start of classes.

Disbursement of financial aid for students starting classes in the second half of the semester will happen approximately one week after the first date of attendance. Per federal regulation, single semester loans are issued in two disbursements; the first disbursement occurs when the loan process is completed and the second disbursement occurs after midterms.

Withdrawal From Courses and The Return of Title IV Funds

Title IV Federal Student Aid funds, commonly known as Federal Student Aid, are awarded under the assumption students will attend classes for the entire period for which the aid is awarded. When students completely withdraw, officially or unofficially, they may no longer be eligible to receive the full amount of Title IV aid originally awarded. When students who begin the academic period do not complete at least 60 percent of the award period, a recalculation must occur to determine the percentage of aid that was earned. This percentage is derived by dividing the number of days students attended by the number of days in the period. This process is referred to as a Return of Title IV Funds calculation.

If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is greater than the amount of aid that the student earned, any unearned funds must be returned to the appropriate aid program. If the amount disbursed to a student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which he/she is otherwise eligible, any earned funds may be made available to the student as a post-withdrawal disbursement.

Students who receive all “F’s” for the semester are considered to be unofficially withdrawn.

Federal Aid funds determined to be unearned my means of the Return of Title IV calculation will be returned to the U.S. Department of Education in this order:

• Unsubsidized Direct Loan
• Subsidized Direct Loan
• Direct PLUS Loan
• Pell Grant
• SEOG Grant
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Students withdrawing from classes are liable for any balance due to Northern New Mexico College as a result of the Return of Title IV aid funds. An unpaid balance resulting from a Return of Title IV funds will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account that will prevent the student from registering and obtaining official transcripts until the balance is paid in full. To find out more information see Return of Title IV on the Financial Aid web page.

Typical Sources of Financial Aid

Northern participates in the following federal and state financial aid programs. Unless otherwise indicated, students must meet all general eligibility requirements as mentioned above. For the most up to date list of available aid programs please visit Northern’s financial aid web page.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant: A federal grant provided by the federal government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below a certain threshold established by the federal government. The Pell Grant award amount is prorated based on Enrollment Status. The maximum amount for the 24-25 aid year is $7,395.00.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Available if you have exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant. An FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Award amounts range from $200 to $1,200 and are based on need and enrollment status.

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG): Available to provide aid for New Mexico undergraduate students with substantial financial need. Award amount ranges from $200 - $1,200.

Student Employment

‘Federal College Work Study Program (FWS): Provides part-time employment to students who demonstrate financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay your educational expenses. When awarded, you can work on-campus or at selected off-campus employment sites.

New Mexico Work Study Program (SWS): Provides part-time employment opportunities to qualified students. Although the program parallels the Federal College Work Study Program, an eligible student may not necessarily have an unmet need to participate. To be eligible, you must be a New Mexico resident.

Federal and State Loan Programs

Northern participates in the following Federal Loan programs:

Federal Direct Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized): These loans are available to eligible students to help pay for educational expenses that are not covered by other financial aid. To qualify, students must complete a FAFSA and be enrolled in at least six credit hours. All funds received must be used for educational expenses.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan: is a loan for parents of dependent students. Must be the biological or adoptive parent of the student and the student must be enrolled at least half-time.

New Mexico Teaching and Health Professions: Student Loan-for-Service Programs. These loans provide New Mexico residents with loans to complete nursing and education (teaching) programs. These loans are repaid through service in a designated area that is under-served by licensed registered nurses and teachers. To be eligible, the recipient must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in six or more credit hours per semester. Information is available on www.hed.state.nm.us or at Northern’s Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships offered to students attending Northern. For a complete updated list of available scholarships and their eligibility criteria, go to Northern’s Scholarships webpage located in the Paying for College menu at www.nnmc.edu, or visit Northern’s Financial Aid Office on the Española campus.

Northern’s BRIDGE Scholarship: This one-time, tuition-only scholarship is offered to current year high school graduates or GED recipients and is applied to the cost of the first semester of attendance. The award is dependent upon available funds and ranges from $750 to full-tuition cost. To be eligible a recipient MUST be a NM resident who graduated from a NM accredited public or private school with a graduating grade point average of a 2.0 or better and register for a minimum of 15 credits within 16 months of earning their high school credential. A completed FAFSA form is required.

New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship: Covers tuition and required fees for eligible New Mexico residents who are enrolled in a career training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5. If you have obtained an Associate’s degree, you must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program. If you have obtained a Bachelor’s degree, you do not qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship. 

New Mexico LEGISLATIVE LOTTERY Scholarship: This is a tuition-only scholarship. A recipient MUST be a NM resident and must have graduated from a NM accredited public or private high school or equivalency program within 16 months of enrolling in college for students that are under the age of 21 (students that are over the age of 21 refer to the Opportunity Scholarship). To qualify the student must successfully complete their first regular semester at Northern with 15 or more credit hours and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher. A student can receive this scholarship for up to three (3) semesters if declared under an Associate’s degree program and up to seven (7) semesters if declared under a Bachelor’s degree. A FAFSA form is not required; however, we encourage students to complete the FAFSA to ensure eligibility for other financial aid programs 

NORTHERN Student Scholarships: The Northern Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation, has awarded scholarships to over 1500 qualified and deserving students since 1996. Northern New Mexico College continues to provide institutional scholarships for students to help defray the cost of attending college. Online applications are available on our website www.nnmc.edu.

TRIBAL Scholarships: If you are a Native American tribal member with financial need, you may be eligible for a tribal scholarship. More scholarship information is available on our website at www.nnmc.edu. You could also reach out to your Tribal Educational Department for specific requirements. 

New Mexico VIETNAM VETERANS: Administered by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services in conjunction with the New Mexico Higher Education Department for Vietnam Veterans who were residents of New Mexico at the time of original entry into the armed forces and who were awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal. To apply for this scholarship, contact our Veterans Resource Center Coordinator, Valentina Livingston at 505.747.5499 or vrc@nnmc.edu. You could also reach out to the New Mexico Veterans Service Commission in Santa Fe at 505.827.6300 or online at http://www.nmdvs.org. 

VETERANS Educational Benefits: Most programs at Northern are approved by the Veterans Service Commission (Veterans Approval Office) for the education of veterans, war orphans, and other eligible persons. If you are eligible under one of the many current laws, contact the Veterans Representative who is responsible for certifying to the VA the enrollment of eligible persons. They can be contacted at 505.747.5499. You can also find more information about VA benefits by visiting Northern’s Veterans Resource Center online.

Tuition Discount Programs

COMMUNITY RATE For Art Classes: Northern also offers a Community Rate for art classes of $100 per credit hour, or $300 for a typical art class, all fees included. The Community Rate is designed for non-degree students of any age taking 6 credits or less.