Financial Assistance

Financing Your Education: Need-Based Aid

Applying for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for financial aid which includes grants, loans, work-study and other need-based assistance.  Students applying for federal financial aid must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be degree seeking
  • Be admitted to Western State Colorado University

The FAFSA must be filled out each year to be considered for federal, state and institutional assistance.

  1. Request a PIN from the U.S. Department of Education.  Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your financial aid application.  One parent will also need to apply for a PIN separately.  Your PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for federal financial aid and to access your federal financial aid records online.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).   The FAFSA is available beginning January 1 for the upcoming academic year. There is no charge for submitting the FAFSA.
    • File your FAFSA by Western's priority deadline of March 1 (preceding your fall semester) to be considered for all federal financial aid funds at Western.
    • List Western State Colorado University's school code of 001372 on your FAFSA.
    • Print and keep a copy of your submitted FAFSA form for your records.

Determining Your Financial Aid Eligibility

The formula to determine financial aid eligibility or need is based on the results of your FAFSA. Need is calculated using the following formula:

What it costs to attend (cost of attendance)
– What your family can contribute (expected family contribution)
 Your financial aid eligibility

Families at all income levels can demonstrate financial need based upon their individual circumstances .Many different programs are available to assist families in meeting the cost of higher education.

Families who demonstrate financial need can receive a package of financial aid which usually includes a combination of gift aid (scholarships and grants) and self-help (loans and employment) to meet the need.

Awarding Process

Once your FAFSA application has been processed by the Department of Education and you have received a Student Aid Report (SAR) with a valid EFC, your application will be sent to Western State Colorado University.  Prospective students can expect to receive a tentative financial aid award letter at the end of March.  Western State Colorado University provides a contingent award to assist you with your future educational investment.  Your letter outlines the financial aid that you qualify for based on your FAFSA application.  The award is tentative pending verification of selected information.

Verification is a review process verifying the accuracy of your federal financial aid application.  If your FAFSA application is selected for verification you and your parent(s) if necessary, will be required to submit federal tax returns along with any other supporting documentation requested from the financial aid office.  The selection process is random if selected by the Department of Education or, if upon review, we believe conflicting information is present.  Western State Colorado University is required by law to resolve the conflicting information through the verification process. If your application is selected for verification, the process must be completed prior to receiving financial aid funds.

Student Verification of Lawful Presence

As of August 1, 2006, Colorado House Bill 06S-1023 requires state agencies verify the lawful presence of all applicants for public benefits.  Colorado Law requires students who are receiving a ‘public benefit’ prove that they are lawfully present in the U.S. Public benefits include in-state tuition, WUE tuition, College Opportunity Fund stipends, military and athletic tuition waivers and any other state or institutionally funded financial benefit.