Typically, financial aid is awarded for the academic year, which includes fall and spring semesters. Summer financial aid is based on remaining eligibility, if any, from the academic year. In other words, if you use all your available grants and/or student loans during the academic year, you may not have eligibility for the summer term.  A summer aid application must be completed if you are applying for federal student aid. Summer aid applications are available beginning in April. 


Summer Aid FAQ

How do I get aid for summer?
First you need to enroll in classes and then you may complete the summer aid application.  The Financial Aid Office will review your application and you will be notified by NSU email whether or not you qualify for aid.

How do I purchase my books for summer?
If you have Financial Aid for the summer and need to purchase books, you may do so by visiting and/or calling one of the bookstores.    

The Financial Aid Office will no longer require you to come by the office in order to receive a paper book voucher, instead you will use your NSU One Card (Student ID).  You only need to visit the bookstore, present your ID to the cashier and let them know you would like to use your Financial Aid to purchase these books.  Please remember that you, the student, are responsible for knowing how much aid you have over what is owed on your account and you cannot charge over this amount.  Any amounts charged over your refund amount will have to be paid out of pocket by you, the student.


What if a 3rd party source will pay for my books?
Once NSU has been notified by the 3rd party, the student will use their ID Card as any other student would, as long as the aid is more than the charges.  Please be sure you are aware of expiration dates that will apply.  Students should ensure they are aware of any special conditions that may apply to the type of 3rd party aid.


How do I pay my fees?
In order to pay your fees, you may do any of the following:

  1. Pay online by credit card by logging into your student account; or
  2. In person at the Cashier's Window in Student Services Center between 8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (you MUST present an official ID to receive information or pay your balance due); or
  3. By mailing a check or money order to Northwestern State University, PO Box 2419, Natchitoches, LA  71457. 

Please note that the University no longer accepts credit card payments over the phone. 


How do I get a parking permit?
If you have questions about parking permits, you can contact University Police at 318-357-5431 or in person Infirmary Building, Room 119.

How do I get a meal plan?
If you have questions about your meal plans or your housing, you can contact University Place at 160 Tarlton Drive or call (318) 214-5400.

How do I get a ONE Card?
If you have questions about your student ID, current semester sticker, direct deposit, and/or meal plans, you can contact the One Card Office at 318-357-5131 or in person.

How do I sign up for direct deposit?
If you have questions about your student ID, current semester sticker, direct deposit and/or meal plans, you can contact the One Card Office at 318-357-5131 or in person. 


 What if I do not have aid posted but I am eligible?

                                      1.  Natchitoches Campus - Room 212 Student Services Center
                                      2.  Shreveport Campus - Room 102 Administrative Building
                                      

What if I am not eligible?
If you are not eligible for aid, then you will have one of two options.  They are listed below:

  1. You will need to contact Cashier's/Student Accounting to work out payment arrangements, and their information is listed above under the "How do I pay my fees" section; or
  2. You can seek alternative funding through a private loan.  Private Loan Brochure


What if I am taking all Internet classes?
Internet students will follow the same steps listed above - you can easily get all of your business taken care of by emailing or calling the appropriate offices. 

What if I become eligible after I pay fees?
Should you become eligible for aid after you have paid your fees, your aid will apply to your account and you will be refunded for any amount in excess of your charges. 

When should I expect to find out about my summer aid?
We will begin to process summer aid applications mid-April.  After this you will be notified whether you are eligible or not within approximately two weeks.

What if I have to appeal for summer?
Students who do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards have the right to appeal to the Student Financial Aid Appeals Committee. These appeals are generally based on extenuating circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances may be defined as, prolonged illness, accidents that require hospitalization to the student or a close family member, death of an immediate family member, or other types of accidents or incidents.

All appeals should have documentation that corresponds with the type of appeal the student is filing. Appeals that are remitted after the priority deadline will not receive priority consideration,  and the student should also make payment arrangements with the Cashier's Office for payment of fees incurred from the registration process.

Summer Appeal priority deadline is June 6 and the final deadline is July 15.