Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid?

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the United States Department of Education every year to apply for financial aid. The FAFSA results are the basis of your financial aid file. Submit it as soon as possible after January 1, by the recommended application filing dates if possible. The address for FAFSA on the web is http://www.fafsa.gov.  If you plan to attend Fort Lewis College designate our school as one of the colleges to receive your information.  Our six digit federal school code is 001353 and our address is:  Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301-3999.

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after you submit your FAFSA.  The SAR confirms that the Department of Education received and processed your FAFSA. If you need to make corrections, follow the instructions on the SAR. 

To check the status of your FAFSA application, you may call 1-800-4FEDAID
(1-800-433-3243) or check on-line at www.fafsa.gov.

We begin processing aid applications in late February for the following school year. Students should receive an award letter from the Financial Aid Office approximately four to six weeks after electronically submitting the FAFSA to the Department of Education.

What types of financial aid am I applying for when I complete the FAFSA?

You will be considered for all federal, state and institutional aid; including grants, loans, and work-study employment unless you indicate that you are NOT interested in loans and/or work-study on your FAFSA application.

What if I haven't filed my tax return(s) yet?

We encourage you to use actual tax return data when you apply for financial aid. If that is not possible, estimate the information from tax documentation such as a W-2 form. If your application is selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office requires a signed copy of your filed tax return before processing can continue.

What is considered full time attendance?

Full time for financial aid purposes is generally 12 or more credit hours per semester.  If you expect to graduate in four (4) years, you should plan on completing an average of 15 credit hours per semester.  You are expected to pass a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better each semester you receive any type of financial aid.  Students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours may borrow student loans and receive a pro-rated Pell Grant, if eligible.

Where can I find more general information about financial aid?

College in Colorado
Federal Student Aid
Financial Aid

Do you offer financial aid to students who are out-of-state residents for tuition purposes?

Yes, however out-of-state students pay substantially higher tuition.  There are not ample resources available for out-of-state students with a low family income. This is especially true for students who miss our recommended early application date. 

Review the Institutional Scholarship Guide.  Scroll down and click on the Admission Office link to see if you qualify for the Presidential, Provost, Dean's, or Academic Promise scholarships; or the New Mexico Reciprocal Award.

If you have high financial need, apply early so you will receive an offer well in advance of attendance.  Carefully consider our offer to determine if it is sufficient to meet your anticipated expenses for the period of enrollment.

What is the income cut-off for financial aid eligibility?

The Department of Education determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on your FAFSA information; then we determine your financial need by subtracting your EFC from the cost of attending our college.  

Even when a family is not eligible for need-based aid, the student may qualify for the unsubsidized Stafford loan and/or the parents may qualify for the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).  Therefore, all families may benefit from applying for financial aid.  We advise you apply for financial aid regardless of family income. 

Will I be awarded the same amount this year as last year?

Not necessarily - your financial eligibility may be different due to:  changes in family size or income, missing the recommended submission date (February 15th of each year), not meeting the required criteria for renewal of your scholarship(s), or other circumstances.

What should I do if I am awarded and accept work-study?

Work-study recipients must find a job (usually on campus) and work to get paid. Come to the Financial Aid Office the first week of school to pick up your employment contract. Be prepared to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States by providing a driver's license and social security card, or other acceptable documents.  Click here for more information about the work study programs at Fort Lewis College.

Do I need to bring any money to school with me when classes begin?

When you are enrolled in 12 credit hours or more, financial aid automatically credits your bill. After the bill is paid in full, any extra money will be available to you at the beginning of the term. You should bring at least enough money to purchase books, unless you are positive that your bill will be covered and enough extra money to buy books will be available right away.

How do I apply for scholarships?

Review the Institutional Scholarship Guide. Private scholarships can be researched through databases such as Fastweb. You should start research for private scholarships in October and for institutional scholarships in December, to be considered for the school year beginning the following September.

Why aren't my grants and/or scholarships reflected on my bill?

Make sure that you are enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours). Contact the Financial Aid Office to see if Fort Lewis College has received your FAFSA information and/or a check from your scholarship donor. Ask the Financial Aid Office about your Satisfactory Progress status.  For information about the Office of Financial Aid's Satisfactory Progress Policy, see the Financial Aid Handbook.

Which types of financial aid do I have to pay back and which ones do I not have to pay back?

Loans must be paid back.  Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid, although a portion of "unearned" aid is subject to repayment if you withdraw before the midpoint of the term. Please see our Refund Policies for Return of Funds in the Financial Aid Handbook for more detailed information.

I've been awarded a Federal Stafford Loan. Do I need to do anything else to receive this loan?

If you wish to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan or Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), you must complete a Loan Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Obtain a Loan Application from the Financial Aid Office, or use the one enclosed with your award letter. If you are a first time borrower at Fort Lewis College, you must also complete loan entrance counseling. For most Stafford loans, the Loan Guarantee Agency will send you a notification to complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) online.  Please apply early for loans to allow processing time.