Personal Touch – Guiding Students Through Financial Aid
Financial aid can be one of the most confusing parts of the college journey. With multiple formats, a mix of loans and grants, and complex numbers, it can be difficult for students to understand the full financial cost of their education. At Nazarene Bible College, one person helps students navigate this process with confidence: Mrs. Jan Edwards.
“I tease students about how we talked 20 times before orientation,” Jan says, “then I don’t hear from them for months!”
This is the nature of financial aid at NBC. Students are here to prepare for a lifetime of Christian ministry, not to become experts in grants, loans, and applications. That’s what makes each student’s relationship with Jan so important. She provides a high-touch, personalized approach, helping students to receive the aid available while freeing them from unnecessary stress that could distract them from their calling.
Why would a student speak with Financial Aid 20 times? Most do not — but those who do often have extra questions about the process. They may need guidance on when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is due, clarification on required paperwork, or help understanding changes such as adding or dropping classes. Others may receive loan notifications from the government and need someone they trust to explain what it all means.
“Some students are very high touch, they communicate often, and I encourage it!”
Jan’s encouragement reflects her deep commitment to students. She has seen 25 years’ worth of NBC students and testifies to the transforming power of saying “yes” to God’s call. She supports students not just with her expertise but with compassion and encouragement.
“The more we talk about things, the less confused they are and the more information they have to make informed decisions,” she says. “If given the opportunity, I tell them a little bit about how I started with Financial Aid and how I didn’t know anything about it – didn’t even know what to ask.” By sharing her own story, Jan shows no question feels too small and no student feels alone in the process.
Why is this so important?
Because navigating college financial aid can be overwhelming—and NBC is committed to removing barriers from the paths of those answering God’s call to ministry. Through Jan’s high-touch approach, students are empowered to focus more on their purpose.