Maintaining Your Financial Aid

To continue receiving federal, state, and institutional financial aid, you must renew your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each academic year.

When to Submit

• The FAFSA opens October 1 each year.

• Western’s has a priority deadline each year, generally in March. Submitting by this date gives you the best opportunity to receive grants, work-study, and other limited funding.

• Late submissions are still accepted, but some aid may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You’ll Need

• Your FSA ID and password

• Tax information from two years prior

• Any updated financial or household details

How to List Western

Be sure to include Western Colorado University’s school code: 001372 so your FAFSA information is sent to us directly.

If you received a scholarship as a new or continuing student last year, you may be eligible to renew it—most scholarships are not but renewal is not automatic. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and application process, so it’s important to review the details early each year.

• Merit are scholarships are automatically renewed when a certain GPA is maintained.
• WUE and CP are automatically renewable when a certain CPA is maintained.

Check Your Eligibility

Many scholarships require you to:

• Maintain a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)

• Remain enrolled full-time

• Continue in a specific major or academic program

• Show continued financial need

You can review your scholarship terms in the Renewal Policies section of Financial Services. Current scholarship in Workday.

Foundation and Departmental Scholarships

Western offers a wide range of scholarships for continuing students through the Western Foundation and academic departments. These typically require a new application each year, even if you received the same award previously.

• The General Scholarship Application usually opens in December and has a priority date in March.

• The General Scholarship Application will funnel you to specific departmental and activity-based scholarships.

• Some departmental scholarships have their own separate deadlines and requirements.

What You Need to Do

• Submit any required applications before the posted deadlines

• Update your FAFSA if required

• Check your Western email for reminders on any outstanding scholarship requirements

Renewing your scholarships takes planning, but it’s worth the effort. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help reapplying, reach out to the Financial Aid Office.

Just because you’re already enrolled doesn’t mean your scholarship search is over. Each year, Western offers a wide range of scholarships for continuing students—including opportunities you may not have been eligible for as a first-year student.

Where to Start

Most scholarship opportunities for current students are offered through:

• General Scholarship Application: a single application that connects you to multiple awards

• After completing the General Scholarship Application, the system will prompt you to apply for any additional academic department scholarships. Many offer scholarships for students who’ve declared a major and are actively engaged in the program.

• After completing the General Scholarship Application, the system will prompt you to apply for any additional campus office scholarships. Some examples include Multicultural Affairs, Athletics, or Student Government.

Check with your department and browse the Financial Aid or Foundation pages for specific listings.

Timeline

• The General Application typically opens in December and has a priority date in March

• Departmental scholarships may follow different schedules, so watch for announcements or emails throughout the year

• Plan ahead and check your email; many applications require essays, transcripts, or letters of recommendation

What Makes a Strong Application

• A thoughtful personal statement that reflects your goals, experiences, and commitment to your academic path

• A clear academic record that shows progress toward your degree

• Involvement in your department, community, or campus leadership

Some scholarships also prioritize financial need, so be sure to submit or renew your FAFSA.

Things to Remember

• Many scholarships are competitive—apply to as many as you’re eligible for

• If you received a scholarship last year, check whether it’s renewable or if you need to reapply

• Keep track of deadlines and required documents to avoid missing out

If you’re not sure what you qualify for, reach out to the Financial Aid Office or your academic advisor—they can help point you toward scholarships specific to your major or interests.