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Student Financial Services
Ute Hall
Western State College
of Colorado
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

(970) 943-3085

Fax: (970) 943-3086

finaid@western.edu

 

New Student Financial Aid Information

Helpful information about available the Financial Aid programs available at WSC and the FAFSA application.

WSC Financial Aid Information:

 

 

 

The Financial Aid Application Process

The first step in the financial aid process at Western State College is to complete 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 (2009 forms if you are applying for aid for the 2010-11 school year), Social Security Number, driver’s license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records. Western's Title IV code is 001372.  Click here for additional tips to completing your application.

Important Note On the Application Process

One of the frustrating aspects of the financial aid process is when an applicant responds to a request for information and then believes that the application is complete. However it is often necessary to request even more information after a review of the initial documentation. Therefore, it is important for a 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:

Car Loan

0-1 week

HomeMortgage

4-8 weeks

Income Tax Refund   

8-12 weeks

Pell Grant

10-14 weeks

 Student Loan

13-20 weeks

It can take as long as 4-6 weeks for Western State College to receive your FAFSA application electronically.  Once we receive the application the award process can take between 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

 

Selection Criteria & Cost

Financial Aid Selection Criteria & Expected Family Contriution

Financial aid is awarded on financial need and on a first-come, first-served basis without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin or handicap.  "Financial Aid Award Letters" will be calculated and mailed only after the Western's Financial Aid Office has received all requested materials as defined under "The Financial Aid Application Process."

How Financial Need is Calculated

The financial aid budget at any college includes tuition and fees, average room and board costs, books and supplies, transportation and personal/miscellaneous expenses.  The actual cost of budget items such as room, board and personal expenses vary based on whether or not you live on or off campus.  Personal transportation and costs will vary based on where your home is located.

Using the information supplied on the FAFSA, the federal government calculates an estimate of your family's ability to pay or the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  The financial aid budget minus your EFC equals your financial need.  The types and amounts of financial aid received are based on this need.  You cannot receive aid in excess of your calculated need.

Typical Costs for a Western State College Student

Below is an average budget from the 2009-2010 academic year for students living in the residence hall.  Costs for 2010-2011 will most likely be greater than those listed below: 

                                          Colorado Resident     Non-Resident

Tuition                                        $5,180                 $12,336

Less COF for CO Residents        <$2,040>

Fees (required)                            $   924                 $   924

Fitness Center Fee (optional)       $    50                  $    50

Room (Double)                            $4,742                 $4,742

Board (Blue Mesa Plan)                $3,582                 $3,582

Books & Supplies                         $1,500                 $1,500

Transportation                            $1,528                 $1,996

Personal/Miscellaneous                $1,269                 $1,269

Total                                           $16,685               $26,349

*Room and Board according to average costs.  Costs vary based on housing option and meal plan selected.

 

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, Student Aid Report (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 outlined by the Department of Higher Education 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 Financial Aid at Mid-Year to Western State College

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

    • Go to the FAFSA Website www.fafsa.ed.gov
    • Click on 'Add or Delete a School Code'
    • Log on to your account using the student PIN number
    • Click on the 'Add School' link
    • Add Western's code (001372)
    • Follow the admissions procedures by contacting Western's Admissions Office at (800)876-5309
    • Contact your current school to cancel pending financial aid

NOTES ON TRANSFERRING:

    • Student Loans will not transfer from school to school; you must re-apply for all loans at Western.

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

    • Pell grant amounts are based on the cost of education and will change from school to school.

    • Start the transfer process early.  It takes at least two to three weeks for Western to electronically receive your information before the College can begin to process your financial aid.

    • Always ask questions if you are unsure of any requirement.

    • Based on the time your register, you may or may not receive an official bill.  Even if you do not receive an official bill, payment is still due by the dates listed below.

    • To avoid substantial late fees and/or the possibility of being dis-enrolled from your classes, it is critical to either make your payment or make arrangements for payment with the Financial Aid Office by the following deadlines:

      Fall Term 2010             Payment due by August 27th at 4 p.m.
      Spring Term 2011        Payment due by January 14th at 4 p.m.

      Late Fees range from a minimum of $50 to more than $150 as well as being dis-enrolled from classes.

      *Students can check their balance due at any time on their student WOL account wol.western.edu

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