Don’t miss April 1 college financial aid filing date              With high school graduation right around the corner, do you ever wonder how you might pay for college? The financial aid office at North Harris College may have the answer. But you must act quickly. The priority filing date for applications is April 1.

North Harris College financial aid director, Ken Feld, says that virtually everyone can afford a college education utilizing financial aid, but they should apply now because it’s awarded on a first-come first-served basis.
 
For many, financial aid is the key to a college education. Feld explains that students who apply for aid at the college will still be considered after that date, but over time funding becomes more limited. It’s important to start the application procedure immediately, he cautions, to have the best chance of success.
 
Feld says applying for financial aid is a one-step process for students planning to attend North Harris College. He suggests students come to the NHC financial aid office, located on the first floor of the college’s academic building and bring their own and/or parents’ signed 2001 IRS 1040 income tax return including all attachments. It is not necessary to make an appointment. Financial aid staff will help each student complete the electronic application form and send it to the federal government office. By July, the college will notify students by mail regarding their qualifying status for a Pell grant or other form of aid.
 
Feld emphasizes that attending North Harris College is particularly affordable for people on a tight budget. “Few students realize what a bargain community colleges are,” he says, adding that students can attend North Harris College full time - 12 hours of college credit, for about $700 per semester or less including books, tuition and fees. With aid, the cost of college becomes even less.

About 80 percent of North Harris College students qualify for government financial aid, either through grants, loans or on-campus jobs, Feld says. But many never apply. Underestimating financial aid eligibility, he says, is one of the most common mistakes students make.
 
Additionally, HOPE tax credit legislation allows eligible students pursuing the first two years of post-secondary education to receive a tax credit for 100 percent of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees and 50 percent of the second $1,000 on their federal income tax. Students must be enrolled at least part-time
(6 credit hours) in a degree, certificate or other program leading to a recognized education credential.
 
Through HOPE scholarship, 70 percent of North Harris College students will be able to recover 100 percent of their 2002 tuition when they file their taxes in 2003.
 
However, there are certain restrictions on the amount of tuition and fees covered by the HOPE tax credit when students are on the Pell Grant or other financial aid, but the financial aid office can help students with all of their questions and concerns.
 
 Financial aid office hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
on Fridays. For more information, call the financial aid office at 281-618-5464.
 
Registration for summer classes begins March 11.

North Harris College is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one mile south of FM 1960, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281-618-5400 or send e-mail to: [email protected]

North Harris Montgomery Community College District, the fourth largest community college in Texas, comprises North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, seven satellite centers and The University Center. Cy-Fair College, the dis