The basis for awarding financial aid is financial need, which is defined as the difference between a family's calculated ability to pay for post-secondary education and the cost of education at NNU.  This is demonstrated by the following equation: Cost of Education minus Resources (Family Contribution) equals Need.

Educational costs consist of tuition, fees, room and board, books, personal expenses and transportation.  The family contribution is calculated by submitting financial information through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The financial information, which varys from family to family, is used to calculate the expected family contribution. Financial aid eligibility can be determined only after this application process is completed.

NNU offers a wide variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, particular skills and talents, or service.  By meeting and maintaining the requirements for these scholarships, most of the scholarships offered are renewable for all four years of study.  Scholarships are "gift aid" and do not have to be repaid. For first-time freshman, the Application for Admission is used to determine eligibility for all scholarships awarded by NNU other than the President's scholarship (which requires a separate application).  

Grants may be based on financial need (federal monies such as the Pell Grant and some NNU institutional grants) or upon other factors such as the church award and match through the NNU Church Award and Trustees Match. Grants are "gift aid" and do not have to be repaid.

Carefully managed employment can be a valuable part of the college experience.   Many NNU financial aid award packages contain a Work Study component.  Each year some 350 students are employed on campus and many more find employment in the community as well.  Besides providing income, you may also find employment opportunities that enhance your professional development or offer an outlet for service and ministry.

Most students take advantage of various federal loan programs which are administered through the NNU Office of Financial Aid. We share your concern about college debt and we are committed to counseling and educating students and their families about the best options available. To continue to receive Federal Aid, satisfactory progress must be met. First time Stafford Loan borrowers are required to complete entrance counseling. Click here to complete your entrance counseling. Exit counseling is required for students who have borrowed a Stafford Loan and are leaving NNU due to withdrawing or graduating. Exit counseling can be completed here.

The Financial Aid Timeline is an important reference tool that you should use to stay apprised of important dates. The timeline will keep you on track so that you can receive your Financial Aid in a timely fashion, as well as receive the most possible aid.  

The choice to seek a private college education, Christian or otherwise, is a major financial investment that appreciates over a lifetime more than almost any other. We realize that those who choose a Christian college usually do so because they believe that their choice is as much a spiritual commitment as it is a financial investment. We believe one of our most important roles as a Christian university is to do all we can to make your spiritual and financial commitment to a top-flight Christian education as affordable as possible.

One way we do that is by holding down costs. In the past three years NNU's tuition and fees have increased at a rate consistent with or lower than the inflation rate. We have been cited by both U.S. News and World Reports and Barron's Guide as a "best value" university. We invite you to compare our costs with other Christian universities; you will see our commitment to affordability and quality.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in the financial aid process and must be completed by the student and/or parents and submitted or mailed on or after January 1 to the Federal Processor. Our school code is 001624. The FAFSA form is available through high school counselors or the NNU Financial Aid Office (FAO).  The FAFSA can also be completed and submitted via the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

To continue to receive Federal Aid satisfactory progress must be met.