Financial Aid FAQs

What does “financial aid” refer to?

Any grant, scholarship or loan offered to help a student meet their college expenses.

Do I need a username and password for the FAFSA?

Yes. You need a StudentAid.gov account to sign the FAFSA. If you're a dependent student, your parent also needs their own account. You can create one at studentaid.gov.

How do I get a financial aid offer from NDNU?

You must apply to and be admitted to NDNU and have successfully submitted one of two financial aid applications: FAFSA or CADAA.

Once these two conditions are met, you will be awarded a financial aid offer.

How much is tuition at NDNU?

Tuition amounts vary based on whether you are undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time. See our list of tuition amounts to understand which charges apply to your plan of study.

What is the difference between gift aid and self-help aid?

Gift aid (grants and scholarships) do not require repayment. Self-help aid (loans and work study) either require repayment or that you work to earn the funds.

What are Direct Loans?

These are loans whose funds come directly from the federal government for qualifying degree-seeking students. These loans are automatically packaged by the NDNU Office of Financial Aid if you are eligible. Starting July 1, 2026, most graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans, up to $100,000 in total. All federal student loans together are capped at $257,500 over your lifetime.

What is a Direct PLUS Loan?

A Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan a parent can take out to help pay a dependent undergraduate's costs, and approval depends on the parent's credit history. For new borrowers from July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS loans are capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 per student. Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers after June 30, 2026. Graduate students who already borrowed for their current program before that date may be able to keep borrowing under the old rules for a limited time. Contact the Financial Aid Office to confirm your eligibility.

How do I find a federal work study position?

You will know if you qualify for work study if you have a federal work study award listed on your financial aid award letter. Then you can look for open federal work study positions on our student employment website. You will need to interview and receive an offer of employment in order to earn federal work study funds.