Application Process
Starting your educational journey doesn't have to be difficult. Here's what you need to get started.
Financial Aid
Higher Education. Lower Tuition.
Higher Education. Lower Tuition.
With as little as one credit hour you may qualify for financial aid. Complete an application to determine eligibility.
Starting your educational journey doesn't have to be difficult. Here's what you need to get started.
Paying for school is one of the most common fears for attending school. We are here to help.
Get assistance applying, certification, and other VA Benefits.
Registration for Summer and Fall 2025 is open through May 7. Payment for Summer 2025 is due by 5:30 p.m. on May 7. If you are using financial aid to pay for your classes, your 2025-2026 FAFSA must be complete by this date to maintain your course registration.
Please allow 1-2 weeks processing time for your FAFSA results to be available in Patriot Port once your file is complete. Also, please ensure you have completed your Admissions application and NC Residency if you are a new student.
Complete your FAFSA Apply for Financial Aid New Students: Complete your NC Residency
Financial Aid Checks will be mailed to the address on file or available via Direct Deposit (if you have signed up for this service) on the published financial aid disbursement date each semester. If you are receiving a Financial Aid Refund and would like to sign up for Direct Deposit, please make sure to complete this process in your Patriot Port Account. Direct Deposits should be in your account on the date of the Financial Aid Disbursement. Please remember to update your address or sign up at least two weeks before the published financial aid disbursements. Please check your Patriot Port Account for Deadlines to sign up for or change your Direct Deposit information. If you have any questions about how to sign-up for Direct Deposit please contact the Business Office by phone 828-395-1298, e-mail businessoffice@isothermal.edu, or stop by in-person. Click here for more information about Direct Deposit.
To review your address on file:
If your address is incorrect, send an email from your Isothermal email account to admissions@isothermal.edu to have it updated.
If you or your family has had a major financial change (like job loss, divorce, or loss of income), you can request a Professional Judgement to have your financial aid re-evaluated.
The Professional Judgement form is available on the forms page.
If you’re in a difficult personal situation (such as abuse, abandonment, or have court-appointed guardians), you can also request a Dependency Override to be considered an independent student.
The Dependency Override form is also on the forms page.
Yes! If you're eligible for the Pell Grant and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), you can receive summer aid—even if you’re taking less than 6 credit hours.
To check your summer aid:
NC state grants are also available, but you must take at least 6 credit hours to qualify. Powers Promise may be available depending on funding for the year.
Yes. You can receive financial aid for up to 30 credit hours of developmental coursework.
To check if your classes are required for your program:
Each semester, Financial Aid checks if your courses are part of your major. If not, you and your advisor will get an email.
Always make sure your program of study is current in Patriot Port. If you’re unsure, contact your navigator or mentor.
Yes. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Ask your Financial Aid advisor if you’re unsure where you stand!
Institutional scholarship application Information
Powers Promise Scholarship information
Financial Aid
Student Center
financialaid@isothermal.edu
Office: 828-395-4198
Fax: 828-286-8109
Department Directory
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - noon
Subject to change depending on availability.