Frequently Ask Questions

Where can I learn about the alcohol policy at my student's school?

Visit the College Drinking Prevention site and click on your student's school to learn more. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list.

What is FAFSA?

FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid. Parents and students are encouraged to fill this out after January 1st of the student's senior year, and then renew the form each following year. The FAFSA form uses numbers from your taxes to calculate a number that they think the parents can afford to contribute to their child's tuition each year. Using that number, Northland can award need based grants and work study to help pay for institutional costs.

Does the qualifying for In-state-tuition, apply to private schools?

No, unfortunately in-state and out-of-state tuition are specifically for public institutions.

Are there affordable insurance policies available that insure a college student's dorm room possessions against fire & theft?

I recommend contacting National Student Services Insurance & getting a quote for renter's insurance - http://www.nssi.com/ or call 800-256-6774.

What should my student do if he/she becomes homesick?

First year students face numerous challenges and some struggle at first. We advise them to give it a little time, get engaged with their academic work, eat the right foods, engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, invest in their relationships with their roommates, join a club or organization, and establish a good working relationship with their advisor or another faculty or staff member.

Will buying a house in the state qualify for an in-state tuition?

This depends on the state's in-state tuition requirements. For more information, contact the Bursar or Registrar at your student's university.

What is the “Freshman fifteen?”

Change in diet; ordering fast junk food; new stresses; lack of exercise -- The "Freshman fifteen" is fifteen pounds of fat which accumulates over the course of a freshman's first year away from home.

Please talk to your child about the importance of exercise, avoiding fast food, controlling portion sizes, eating balanced meals (don’t skip breakfast!), and trying not to eat while they study.

When is the best time to travel home for the first time?

Students recommend that new students wait a couple months before going home for the first time, citing Thanksgiving to be a good goal. Staying at school forces your student to connect.

What savings plan should I choose?

It depends upon the college plans and the investment needs and goals of the family. Most states have created innovative college savings programs individually designed to reflect the unique needs of its citizens. The plans offer affordable, flexible, and tax-advantaged options that can ensure the education of our most precious resources - the children of America. While prepaid tuition plans offer the opportunity to assure future tuition payments, savings plan assets can be used for tuition and other qualified expenses such as room and board.

I am looking for a website or other sources that will help us narrow down colleges based on our daughter's interests. Help!

Try myUsearch - an unbiased online resource dedicated to objectively matching students with colleges and providing fair and accurate college enrollment information.