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National and Community Service (AmeriCorps): A program established through the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 designed to reward individuals who provide community service with educational benefits and/or loan forgiveness or cancellation. Additional information is available at www.cns.gov.

National Health Service Corps Scholarship (NHSC): Scholarship program for students who pursue full-time courses of study in certain health professions disciplines, and are willing to serve as primary care practitioners in underserved areas after completing their education. The scholarship covers tuition and required fees and provides a stipend for twelve months.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS): A national database of Title IV loan information and selected federal grant data.

Need: See Financial Need.

Need Analysis: A system by which a student applicants ability to pay for educational expenses is evaluated and calculated. Need analysis consists of two primary components: (a) determination of an estimate of the applicants and/or familys ability to contribute to educational expenses; and (b) determination of an accurate estimate of the educational expenses themselves. This analysis is done based on information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and such substantiating documentation as your school may require.

Need Analysis Formula: Defines the data elements used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC); there are two distinct formulas: regular and simplified. The formula determines the EFC under the Federal Need Analysis Methodology.

Need-based Aid: Student assistance awarded because a students financial circumstances would not permit him or her to afford the cost of a postsecondary education.

Need Equation: See Financial Need Equation.

Non-Need-Based Aid: Aid based on criteria other than need, such as academic, musical, or athletic ability. Also, refers to federal student aid programs where the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is not part of the need equation.

Non-institutional Costs: Costs associated with postsecondary attendance that are not assessed by the institution, such as off-campus room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous personal expenses.

Notification: See Award Letter and Financial Aid Notification.

Nursing Student Loan (NSL): Loans available to nursing students attending approved nursing schools offering a diploma, or associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree in nursing. The interest rate on Nursing Student Loans is 5% and the borrowing maximum is $13,000, $2,500 a year for the first two years of study and $4,000 for the final two.