Have questions? Our Financial Planner, Heather Hanson, is ready to take your call. You can reach her toll-free at 877-223-6324 or at planner@neci.edu
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Once you are accepted at NECI, there are just a few simple steps you need to take that begin the process.
- Fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1st of the year you are going to attend and apply for a PIN number.
It takes FASFA a few weeks to process this information and make it available to our office. Once we have it, we can help determine the best way to help you find scholarships, loans and other sources of financing to fund your education. - Apply for state grants. Some states have need based grants available and many allow students to take these grants to whatever school they attend. Vermont residents may apply online at www.vsac.org or contact the VSAC Grant Department at 802-654-3750 if you would prefer to complete a paper application. Non-Vermont residents shouldcheck with your state grant agency (contact FAS at 800-357-9171 for address and telephone number information) for information on eligibility criteria and the application process.
- Apply for a student loan. If you need student loans to cover your remaining balance after federal grants, the Federal Stafford loan, state grants and scholarships, there are a number of options available. For information about Federal PLUS Loans (for parents), and Alternative Student Loans, please download our Fact Booklet and read pages 5 and 6.
- Look for outside scholarships. Many local businesses, employers, corporations and nonprofits offer need and merit based scholarships. Please download our Fact Booklet and read pages 3, 4 and 5 for a list of scholarships and websites. NECI also awards scholarships based on need and merit. No separate application is required for these.
Once you are accepted at NECI, you will have a Student Financial Aid File - there you can check the status of your financial aid. You can monitor the progress of your file until it is completed and your education is funded.
Questions about the FASFA? Contact our Financial Aid Services office at neci@vsac.org or call toll-free 800-357-9171. This office determines student eligibility for federal financial aid, awards financial aid and certifies loan applications.
Note that if you plan to borrow a Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS Loan, you have the right to choose any lender you wish.
How to Contact Us:
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS:NECI Financial Planners can be reached at planner@neci.edu or call toll-free 877-223-6324. The financial planners work with new students before they begin at NECI to put together a financial plan for first year cost.
RETURNING STUDENTS:
The Student Accounts Office bills students, collects payments and applies financial aid disbursements to student accounts. This office also assists returning students with their financial plans. Montpelier office: 802-225-3330; Essex office: 802-764-2122
If you have a good culinary background, you will have tremendous opportunity in the food industry. I chose NECI because of the intense education which I knew would prepare me for any path I chose.”