Types of Federal Aid

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a form of financial aid made available to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Information provided on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and a calculated Student Aid Index (SAI) determines eligibility for a Pell Grant. The grant can assist with paying college expenses included in a student’s Cost of Attendance. Unlike a loan, a Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.

Explore Pell Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is another form of financial aid offered to undergraduate students. It is awarded to students with the greatest financial need. Funding is limited. The maximum full-time FSEOG award at NWCCD is $500 per academic year, which is prorated based on actual enrollment status. Learn more about FSEOG.

Explore FSEOG

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants and Children of Fallen Heroes Program

The FAFSA Simplification Act changed eligibility for what was formerly called Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) and Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) award programs. Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA year, students who meet the following eligibility requirements will be eligible:

• The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while (a) serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
• Less than 33 years old as of the January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible).

The student will receive the maximum Pell Grant award, regardless of their calculated SAI.

Sheridan College financial aid staff must determine and document, in collaboration with the student, the student’s eligibility. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Student Employment Opportunities

Opportunities begin at Sheridan College.  A critical part of your learning journey may begin as a student employee.  In this capacity you will have opportunities to develop personal relationships and skills, accept responsibility, and build your resume all while earning a paycheck.

• Student employment positions are designed with the student in mind. Positions are flexible with your class and study schedule, convenient, and available in areas of your interest. 
• The Human Resource Department is here as a resource to you. Don’t hesitate to call or stop in to find out more about a job for you!

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Federal Direct Loans

The William T. Ford Direct Loan Program offers students low interest loans funded by the Department of Education to assist students with paying their educational expenses. Through the Federal Direct Loan program, Sheridan College offers subsidized and unsubsidized loan types as well as the Parent Plus Loan for dependent students. Unlike grants, scholarships and work-study, Federal Direct Loans must be repaid. When borrowing student loans, a student must understand the loan is a legal obligation and they are responsible for paying the loan with interest, even if the student does not complete their degree program. Learn more about Federal Direct Loans.

How to Apply for a Federal Direct Loan

Complete the FAFSA and include the Sheridan College or Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) school code: 003930. You must be in an eligible degree or certificate program and enrolled in a minimum of six credits per semester.

After Sheridan College receives your FAFSA, you will be packaged subsidized and unsubsidized loans according to your Student Aid Index (SAI) and remaining unmet financial need.

You will be able to accept your student loan package on your Hub student account, on your Financial Aid Self-Service page. Please keep in mind, your loan amounts will be equally packaged to your account for fall, spring and summer semesters.

If you qualify for subsidized loans, you must accept the maximum amount before accepting any unsubsidized loan amounts.

Federal Direct Loan Requirements:

Entrance Counseling: All first time borrowers MUST complete Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling online and include NWCCD (003930). This online information session explains the details of the loans as well as loan rights and responsibilities and must be completed before a loan will be disbursed on a student’s account.

Complete your Entrance Counseling Requirement. If Entrance Counseling has already been completed for another school, the student must log back on and add NWCCD as the school. Once a student completes the requirement, Sheridan College will receive an automatic notification within 24 to 48 hours.

Master Promissory Note: All first time borrowers MUST complete their Master Promissory Note (MPN) prior to their loan disbursement. The MPN is a legal document which the student is promising to repay the total borrowed loan amounts, including any interest fees. Complete your MPN Requirement. Once a student completes the requirement, Sheridan College will receive an automatic notification within 24 to 48 hours.

Exit Counseling: Exit counseling provides students important information to prepare them to repay their federal student loan(s). If you have received a subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan under the Direct Loan Program, you must complete exit counseling each time you drop below half-time enrollment, graduate or leave school. Sheridan College will send out an exit loan counseling packet to the most current address on the student’s record within 30 days of determining the student graduated, dropped below half-time or has left school. It is the student’s responsibility to complete this federal requirement.

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Loan Simulator

The Loan Simulator helps you calculate student loan payments and choose a loan repayment option that best meets your needs and goals. You can also use it to decide whether to consolidate your student loans.