"Unprecedented Enrollment" at NIC

Anyone interested in enrolling at NIC Bonners Ferry Center for fall semester had better get moving: Fall semester starts on August 24.

According to Christine Callison, Educational Resource Director, even though two local classes are full for fall semester, there are many other classes that are still open and many opportunities to pursue a college degree.

"Enrollment for fall semester has been underway since spring," said Christine, "but there are still plenty of classes that are being offered."

Especially for new students who are not yet admitted to NIC, Christine cautions that the paperwork necessary to attend college - such as taking the placement test, gathering transcripts, completing the admission application and completing financial aid applications - can take some time.

Even though the deadline for financial aid applications was July 1, Christine said that students can still apply for it, but there is no guarantee that it will come through in time for the beginning of fall semester. A better plan, she said, is either paying for books and tuition directly or applying for financial aid with the intent to begin college spring semester.

Students wishing to pay for their tuition personally rather than with financial aid may pay either a lump sum or may apply to Tuition Management Systems which divides the tuition payment into smaller monthly payments. A monthly payment plan through Tuition Management Systems enables students to break their costs into interest free monthly payments, rather than pay for the semester or year in full in one lump sum.

"With the turmoil in the economy," emphasized Christine, "this is a great time for people to build their skills and make plans to get a college degree. We have local classes, online classes and a computer lab that students can use. There are more ways to pursue a college degree at a distance than ever before. With the Bonners Ferry Center, there is now help and local assistance. We'll help you every step of the way. We're available. There's help. Now's the time."