Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive help with my FAFSA?
Yes. Please stop by the Welcome Center, email financial_aid@nicoletcollege.edu, or call 715-365-4423. to get started and/or to schedule an appointment.
What is verification?
Verification is the process used to check the accuracy of the information submitted by students on their FAFSA. The federal processor randomly selects student applications for verification. Under certain circumstances, Nicolet College Financial Aid may also select you for verification. If selected you will receive a Missing Information Letter via email requesting additional forms and/or documentation. Financial aid processing can only continue once you have completed and submitted all the required documentation. To minimize the amount of documentation needed for verification, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) when originally filing your FAFSA.
What happens once I qualify for aid?
If you qualify for financial aid, a financial aid offer will be placed in your student account after registering for classes, and a notification will be sent to your Nicolet College email. You will also be able to view your offers by clicking here to access your student self-service portal.
If you are accepting a direct loan for the first time, you must visit studentaid.gov to complete both entrance counseling and a master promissory note before the loan can be processed.
How do I accept my financial aid offer? When will I receive my financial aid refund check?
Grants and scholarships are automatically accepted for you, but you must accept any Federal student loans by clicking here to access your student self-service portal.
Disbursement is the process of having financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, and other outside sources) applied to your student account. Financial aid is calculated based on the number of credits you are registered for and participating in at the Census Date. All instructors report student participation on the 10th day of the student’s term, and your financial aid is based solely on the classes you are participating in.
Student loans are disbursed in two increments with the first half 30 days after the start of the term and the second half at the mid-point of the term.
If you are a student in a competency-based program, funds are disbursed like what is mentioned above, but dates will be based on your enrollment period. Your specific disbursement dates will be available when you sign into your MyNicolet account and into the financial aid NetPartner. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
If students have not submitted all paperwork requested (i.e. verification forms) by these dates, their funds will be disbursed into their Nicolet College account after they are eligible for funding and refunds mailed within 14 days. All documents must be received and approved by the Nicolet College Financial Aid Office by the last day of the term.
Will financial aid pay for my books?
Yes, you may purchase your books at the Nicolet College Bookstore and charge the purchase to your student account if you have excess funds after your tuition has been paid and your financial aid refund check has not been processed. If you have already received your refund check, you will need to use those funds to purchase books. You do not need to wait until your financial aid is processed to purchase your books but be aware that you will be responsible for paying for them out of pocket if your aid is not processed for any reason.
What about my tuition bill?
If your financial aid covers all of your tuition and any book charges, the process for paying off your student account balance is automatic. If your financial aid does not cover the cost of your tuition, you must pay the balance on your account by the tuition due date. Payment plans can be arranged through your MyNicolet account. Contact the Nicolet College Business Office at 715-365-4458 with any questions.
Why did I receive a notice that my FAFSA was corrected by the school?
Sometimes we will correct information reported on your FAFSA such as your year in school or the type of degree you are pursuing. We will also submit updates once we have completed your verification or resolved any conflicting information.
Is there any other information I should know about financial aid?
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Actual offers are based on your term enrollment.
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State and federal funds are tentative at the time of offer.
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Financial aid offers will be amended if your eligibility is based on incorrect information on the FAFSA.
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Financial aid offers are amended if late start classes are dropped prior to their start and regardless of whether financial aid has been disbursed.
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Financial aid will be amended if you receive scholarships or any other type of educational assistance that results in an over-award.
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You may not receive financial aid funds from more than one school at a time.
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Contact the Financial Aid Office if attending another college and need a consortium agreement.
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Contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from a course.
Do you qualify for a review based on a special or unusual circumstance?
Federal financial aid is based on the information you provide on the FAFSA. But we understand that life doesn’t always fit into a form. If your current situation isn't accurately reflected on your FAFSA, you may qualify for a review based on special or unusual circumstances.
Special Circumstances
These involve changes to your or your family's financial situation, such as:
- Loss of income or employment
- Divorce or separation
- Unusually high medical expenses
- Death of a parent or spouse
Common documentation may include:
- A written explanation of your situation
- Recent tax documents (e.g., 1040s, W-2s)
- Proof of income loss (termination letter, unemployment benefits)
- Medical bills or related documentation
Unusual Circumstances
These refer to situations that affect your dependency status, such as:
- Parental abandonment or estrangement
- Abuse, neglect, or unsafe living environment
Common documentation may include:
- A personal statement describing your situation
- Court documents or legal records
- Letters from a social worker, counselor, teacher, or clergy
- Other third-party supporting statements
Next Steps:
If you think you may qualify under one of these categories, please contact our Financial Aid Office by completing one of the forms below. We’re here to help you through the process and ensure your aid eligibility is evaluated fairly.