At NHCC, you won't have to wonder what if. Here's why. 

NHCC is Among the Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 

Affordable tuition is one of the main reasons students choose NHCC. 

Graph showing the costs of various colleges with NHCC as the lowest cost

The biggest and most obvious way to make college affordable is to start at a community college like NHCC. This is especially important if you plan to transfer to get a bachelor’s degree.

Let’s look at an example: Cost per credit at NHCC ($210) vs. University of Minnesota ($538).

Generally, if you don’t have any college credits, a bachelor’s degree takes four years (if attending full time). If you do your first two years at NHCC and then transfer to do your last two years at the U of M, you can save over $18,000. You can save even more if you plan to get your bachelor’s from a private college. 

Bonus: If you start at NHCC and transfer to get your bachelor’s after completing an associate degree, then you'd have a degree you could use to get a higher paying job while you finish your bachelor’s degree. If you start at a university, you won’t have a degree you can use at the halfway point. This is especially important if you need to take a break from college.

Free Money... Seriously

Scholarships and grants are free money to help pay for tuition. You don't have to pay them back. 

NHCC typically awards more than $250,000 in scholarships every year. Last year, 50% of scholarship applicants at NHCC received a scholarship of $500-$5,000.

You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by writing good essays. If you need help with your essays, connect with the NHCC Writing Center. You can apply for scholarships at NHCC if you're new to NHCC and plan to start in the upcoming semester. Current students should apply too. 

Apply for Scholarships

At NHCC, 48% of eligible students receive grants that average more than $3,500.

If you want to apply for federal loans or grants, you'll have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you complete the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for grants. Completing the FAFSA doesn't require you to take loans. 

Even if you don’t plan to take loans, complete the FAFSA to find out if you can receive grants. Most grants are based on financial need.

How to Apply

More Options

NHCC has an internship program called the Xperience Project that helps students get paid internships in their field and receive college credit for the experience. The Xperience Project internships usually pay $15-20 per hour. 

Paid internships are great for financial reasons, but the relevant experience you can get from an internship is often more important.

If you have existing college credits, your credits may transfer to your new program. This is a great way to save on tuition costs.  

At NHCC, you can find out how to transfer in credits by meeting with an admissions specialist.

NHCC offers credit for prior learning, which allows you to get college credit for your experience. This may include previous work experience, training, non-college courses, military service, and more.

If you get credit for your prior learning, that’s less you'd have to spend on classes. 

Federal Loans

For many students, taking out federal loans is their only option for paying for college. To take out loans, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans and debt can be life changing. It’s very important to get the support and advice you need to understand the process and make good decisions on the amount you borrow and the loans you take. Connect with Financial Aid if you have questions: faid@nhcc.edu

How to Apply

Work Study

If you apply for federal financial aid (complete the FAFSA) and you take at least six credits per semester, you may be eligible for a work study job at NHCC. 

Work study allows you to work part time at NHCC, get paid $15 per hour, have a flexible schedule, and gain valuable work experience. When you complete the FAFSA, you'll find out if you're eligible. 

Learn More

Is College Worth the Investment? 

Even at NHCC, which is among the most affordable options you could choose for your education, college can still be a significant investment. It's natural to wonder whether it's worth it. 

The graph below shows the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on how education impacts earnings and unemployment. 

According to BLS data, as education increases, earnings increase and unemployment rate decreases. Source

graph showing as education increase pay increase and unemployment decreases

Beyond the Career Benefits 

Earning more, and having more career options and job security are all good reasons to go to college. But there's more. 

Students often mention the experiences they have and the connections they make in college as some of the highlights of going to NHCC. Beyond that, NHCC's courses aim to teach you to think better. When you think more critically and have more context, you see the world differently, and no one can take that away from you. 

student smiling with the words why go to college? Because I see college as the pathway to a better life

 

Getting Started

Choose from over 70 degree and certificate programs. 

NHCC offers many fully online programs, in addition to in-person and hybrid classes. 

Visiting campus is a great way to learn more about NHCC. 

Apply for Free

Apply to NHCC for FREE using promo code: SUMMER24

Questions?

Educational Services Building
7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
763-424-0724
admission@nhcc.edu
Meet the Admissions Team

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday Services
Sunday: Closed

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