With most college students relying on some form of financial assistance to help cover the cost of higher education, Northeast Community College is recognizing Financial Aid Awareness Month in February by encouraging students and families to take proactive steps in securing the support they need.
Financial aid — including grants, scholarships, and loans — plays a vital role in making college accessible for students of all income levels. Northeast officials emphasize that early application is key to maximizing available aid opportunities.
Stacy Dieckman, senior director of Financial Aid, and her team in the College Welcome Center are marking the month with campus‑wide activities and informational outreach designed to raise awareness about the financial aid process and the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Posters displayed across campus promote the observance and remind students to submit the FAFSA, which determines eligibility for more than $100 billion in federal aid each year.
Northeast continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding student access to higher education.
- 90.6% of first-time, full-time, degree seeking students received financial aid.
- 41.5% of degree seeking students were awarded Pell Grants.
- The Northeast Foundation disbursed $1,140,718 in scholarships for 2024–25.
- Northeast’s institutional scholarships totaled $1,344,077 for the same period.
- Northeast’s total Financial Aid for 2024-2025 reached $15,753,009.
- Overall, 78.3% of degree seeking students received some form of financial aid.
As part of the month’s activities, the Financial Aid Office invited students to stop by for popcorn, candy, and a chance to register to win free tuition. A special “Lucky Duck Day” also allowed students to draw ducks for prizes — including additional opportunities to win tuition support.
Students and families are urged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. The application is required for most federal and state aid programs and helps the college identify resources to cover unmet financial needs. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@northeast.edu.
FA Month
Members of the Northeast Community College Financial Aid Office (from left) are Brittnee Terrill, Katie Westerhaus, Kimberly Vanosdall, Amy Kaiser, Mindy Heine and Stacy Dieckman. (Northeast Community College)
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