New Student Financial Aid Information

WSC Financial Aid Information:

• Letter from the Director of Western State College's Office of Financial Aid.

• The Financial Aid application process.

• Tips for Completing the FAFSA.

• Anticipated processing time for Financial Aid.

• Financial Aid selection criteria & costs for school.

• Important information that can save you time and money.

• Due dates, payment plans & other options.

• Transferring Financial Aid at mid-year.

• Financial Aid programs including information on COF, LOANS, GRANTS, WORK-STUDY and SCHOLARSHIPS.

• Satisfactory academic progress summary.

• Repayment of Financial Aid / withdrawing from school.

Letter from the Director of Finanical Aid

Both of the following quotes are real comments made to me within days of each other.

"You people are the real heroes. If it weren't for your help, my daughter wouldn't be in school this semester."

"The people in financial aid are incompetent. Because of you, my son won't be able to attend...."

What caused these people to have such differing experiences? My opinion is that you as parents and students control your own financial aid destiny.

I believe the successful families are the ones who apply early, seek out information and try to understand the  process. They call and stay in touch with the progress of the aid application. They get names with whom they  speak and read materials sent to them.

This web site is an attempt to help you with the financial aid process. I cannot guarantee that you will receive all the aid for which you feel you are entitled. However, I do pledge the support of each and every individual in  the financial aid office to help you through this difficult, but important, process.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please call or come visit us.

Respectfully,

Marty Somero
Director Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Application Process

The first step toward receiving Financial Aid at Western State College for any student is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

* The FAFSA is a FREE application for Federal Aid available online at:

www.FAFSA.ed.gov

Before going online students should have available, parent and student (completed) Federal 1040 tax forms from the preceeding year (2008 forms if you are applying for Aid for the 2009-10 school year), Social Security Number, driver’s license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records. Western's code is 001372.  Click here for additional tips to completing your application.

Important Note On the Application Process

One of the real frustrating parts of the financial aid process comes when an applicant responds to a request for certain information and thinks the application is complete. However it is often necessary to request even more information based on our review of the initial documentation provided. Therefore, it is important for the student to keep in touch with the office throughout the entire financial aid process.

A student's financial aid application will be considered complete and an official financial aid "Award Letter"(notice of eligibility for aid), will be calculated and mailed out when:

• The applicant has been officially admitted to attend Western State College.

• The Financial Aid office has on file the following documents for the applicant:

• Results from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)*

• Income information documentation as requested by the college that may include the Federal  Income Tax return, proof of child support, etc.

• Other documentation as requested; i.e., Federal Verification Form, DD214, marriage certificate, social security card, etc.

Anticipated Processing Time

-APPLY EARLY - APPLY ANNUALLY-

Possible time-frame to process and receive a:

It can take as long as 4-6 weeks for Western State College to receive your FAFSA application electronically.  The award process once we receive the application can be 2-4 weeks.  Students slected for Verification can have 2-6 weeks added to the process.  Student and Parent Loans require 2-4 weeks for processing.

Recommended Aid Application(FAFSA) Deadline

• For FALL: April 1st

Recommended Student loan application Deadline

• For FALL: July 1st

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need and 'first-come first-serve.'  Financial Aid Award Letters will be calculated and mailed only after the Western Financial Aid Office has received all requested materials as defined under The Financial Aid Application Process.

Financial aid is awarded without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin or handicap.

THE FINANCIAL NEED FORMULA:

  
  Cost of Education*

- Expected Family Contribution or EFC  (as determined by the FAFSA form)
______________________________

  Amount of Financial Assistance Needed

*Cost of Education includes tuition, books, supplies, transportation, room and board.

ESTIMATED average budget for the 2009-10 Academic Year for students living in Escalante Hall with a full-meal plan:

*Resident students need to apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend to be eligible for this amount. Students can apply for COF at www.CollegeInColorado.org

**Room and Board are average costs.  Actual amount may vary based on which housing and meal plan are selected.

+Since spending habits will vary by each individual student, it is impossible to accurately estimate your student’s needs. However, these are some examples of typical extra costs for the 2009-10 school year.

***It is likely financial aid will NOT be enough to cover all your costs/needs

Saving Time & Money

Important information that can save you time and money IF you made mistakes on your application for financial aid.

• If after you receive your results back from your aid application (SAR), you discover you made mistakes or you are being asked to supply more information, CALL OR COME SEE US.

• DO NOT send the corrections back yourself.

• At Western, we may be able to make the corrections electronically via computer system.  This service is free and can save up to 6 weeks waiting for the corrected results.

Reminders

• Priority deadline for fall semester is April 1st.

• Students must be accepted for admission to Western before financial aid and scholarship dollars are awarded.

• Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Financial Aid Office to receive financial aid and scholarships.

• Students must re-apply for financial aid each year.  Financial aid is NOT renewed automatically. 

• START PROCESS EARLY (JANUARY OR FEBRUARY) FOR THE UPCOMPING FALL.

• Males who are at least 18 years old must be registered with the Selective Service.

• Immediately forward all information requested of you by the Financial  Aid Office.  Failure to forward the information will result in a delay of your application.

• Stafford, Unsubsidized Stafford, and PLUS loans require a separate application.

• Keep in touch with the financial aid office (970)943-3085.

Transferring Aid to Western

If you applied for student financial aid at another college and you plan to transfer to Western during the same school year, you should do the following:

• Request a duplicate Student Aid Report by going online to www.FAFSA.ed.gov.  You will need your account information to log on and request the duplicate.  There is no cost for a duplicate Student Aid Report.

• Follow regular admissions procedures by contacting Western's Admissions Office at 1-800-876-5309.

NOTES:

• Student Loans will not transfer from school to school; you must reapply for loans at Western.

• Scholarships may or may not transfer, check with the Financial Aid Office at your current school.

• Pell grant amounts will vary among schools, as the cost of education changes.

• Start the transfer process early!  You will need at least two to three weeks to receive a duplicate Student Aid Report, in addition to the processing time at Western.

• Always ask questions if you are unsure of requirements.

• To transfer aid from Western, just do the above in reverse school order.