WNC now awarding financial aid Fall semester

Courtesy Steve Yingling, Western Nevada College

With classes beginning at Western Nevada College on Aug. 30, time is of the essence for students to take advantage of financial aid, including the Silver State Opportunity Grant.

WNC has nearly $500,000 to award to students through the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and WNC’s Financial Aid Office has already started awarding these funds to qualified students. In many cases, students will have their class fees (with enough funds for books) covered by the SSOG. Students could receive as much as $5,500 for the school year.

“WNC is so very grateful that the State of Nevada continues to fund this important financial aid program. The college is here to help students accomplish their educational and career goals and financial aid funds are still available,” WNC Director of Financial Assistance JW Lazzari said. “Individuals who are interested in enrolling should not delay and complete the enrollment and financial aid checklists as soon as possible.”

Lazzari emphasized that students need to file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first to be considered for the SSOG.

“There are many types of financial aid programs and they all have different qualifying criteria,” Lazzari said. “It is important for students to start the process by completing the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa as soon as possible. The financial aid staff is here to help students figure out what aid programs they might qualify for.”

Students who enroll in at least 15 credits who apply to the student’s programs of study are giving priority for the SSOG. Individuals must meet other eligibility criteria including:

• Enrolling in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate.

• Being college ready on placement or completion of entry-level, college-level mathematics and English.

• Being classified as a Nevada resident for tuition purposes.

• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

• Having an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 8,500 or less.

• Meeting institutional Title IV financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Individuals interested in learning more about WNC financial aid programs should visit www.wnc.edu/financial to schedule a phone appointment or visit virtual office hours. The Financial Assistance Office is also available to help in person Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Carson campus in Bristlecone Room 102 or by appointment on the Fallon campus.

For information about becoming a student at WNC, go to www.wnc.edu/starthere/. To learn more about financial aid at WNC, phone 775-445-3264, email finaid1@wnc.edu, or visit virtual office hours through wnc.edu/financial.