Launch of streamlined application coincides with Winter 2023 registration on October 12

North Central Michigan College’s Financial Aid office will introduce a new, more user-friendly scholarship application process in time for Winter 2023 registration.  The streamlined application is driven by software that automatically matches students to scholarships for which they qualify.

The Blackbaud Award Management software will pull most data from a student’s account, decreasing the number of application questions from 27 formerly to just two now.  While some scholarships require additional questions to determine eligibility, the new system significantly reduces the time and effort necessary to apply, according to Financial Aid Director Katie Malone.

“We’re continuing to work with the NCMC Foundation and its donors to eliminate potential barriers to students’ success,” Malone said.  “Now, students who submit one simple application will be automatically matched to scholarships they are eligible to receive.”

Students who complete the online application and are registered for at least three credits may be eligible to receive scholarship dollars.  During the scholarship cycle covering the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 semesters, 85 percent of eligible applicants were awarded scholarship funds.

Scholarship applications will be accepted through December 15 at https://ncmich.academicworks.com.  North Central awards funds on a first-come, first-serve basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Because some scholarships take into consideration financial need, Malone recommends that all students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, in addition to the college’s scholarship application.

The new scholarship application will be live when registration for Winter 2023 courses opens on October 12.  North Central is offering 292 in-person classes on its Petoskey campus and at its Cheboygan and Gaylord sites, in addition to 28 hybrid classes and 50 online classes, according to Registrar Joseph Balinski.

“We have an exciting lineup of classes this winter,” Balinski said.  “We’re offering occupational and general education transfer courses in a variety of disciplines, taught by our knowledgeable, dedicated full- and part-time faculty.”

Current and returning students can register for classes using their student portal, or with assistance from an academic advisor. New students will first need to complete the college’s free enrollment application and online orientation.  Dual-enrolled high school students will need to register with the assistance of their high school counselor.

For more information about North Central’s Winter 2023 courses, scholarship opportunities and financial aid, visit www.ncmich.edu.