1. What is student financial aid?
Financial aid, in the broadest sense, is any money provided through a college to a student for higher education expenses.
2. How do I apply for student financial aid?
First, apply for admission to CMC. For an application contact:
Central Admissions Office
P.O. Box 10001
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 to top
e-mail: JoinUs@coloradomtn.edu
Second, request a financial aid application packet by completing the attached postcard.
Third, from the packet, complete and return your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor as early as possible. You can apply online at http:// www. fafsa.ed.gov
Fourth, have all requested information on file by CMC’s priority deadline date, 31 March. to top
3. What kinds of student aid are available through Colorado Mountain College?
Financial aid available through Colorado Mountain College falls into four categories.
a. Scholarships are awards given to students which are based on a specific criteria such as grade point average or outstanding ability. These criteria are specified by the agency creating the scholarship and vary greatly between programs. Scholarships normally do not require repayment. A separate application is required.
b. Grants are financial aid programs usually provided by state and federal agencies. These funds are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not require repayment.
c. Educational loans are long-term, low interest loans. Students are authorized to borrow up to a specified amount. Interest and repayment usually does not begin until after you have completed or ended your studies.
d. Student employment gives our students the opportunity to gain work experience while earning needed funds to help meet educational expenses. Students are customarily paid on an hourly basis. to top
4. How is financial need determined?
“Need” is a technical term defined by state and federal agencies. You will be evaluated according to a process called “need analysis”.* Through this process, a determination is made as to the amount your family can reasonably be expected to contribute toward your educational expenses. The difference between this amount and the cost of your education is called the established financial need and is the maximum need-based financial assistance you may legally receive. to top
5. When should I apply for financial aid?
Because income and tax information is required, you must wait until January before completing the FAFSA.* Students completing the process on or before March 31 are given first priority. However, applications are processed throughout the academic year, and funds are almost always available for some programs. You may apply at any time you foresee a need for financial aid but, for the best results, apply as early as possible. to top
6. If I apply by the first priority date, when will I hear about my eligibility?
This will depend on the actions of the state and federal appropriating agencies which provide the funds. If all goes well, you should be notified by the end of May. to top
7. If my Student Aid Report (SAR) indicates I am not eligible for a Pell Grant does this mean there is no hope for financial aid?
No. The Pell Grant is the most difficult for which to qualify and is only one of a number of financial aid programs you applied for by completing the application. to top
8. My parents said I’m on my own when I get out of high school. Does this mean I will be considered an independent student for financial aid purposes?
No. The concept of independence should not be confused with the legal definition of Self-Supporting Status as defined by state and federal funding agencies. The FAFSA will ask for specific information to determine your Self-Supporting Status. to top
9. Can I reasonably expect to work while attending school?
Yes. As long as you are an average or above-average student, you should have no trouble holding a part-time job. In fact, research indicates that the student who works will do better academically and have a higher probability of graduating than the student who does not work. to top
10. Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?
Yes. All students wishing to receive financial aid must apply each academic year. to top
11. My brother filled out a FAFSA. Do I have to complete one also?
Yes. The information submitted will not be the same for each member of the family. Each student applying for financial aid must apply separately. to top
12. I applied last year and was not eligible for financial aid. Should I apply again?
A good rule of thumb is if you feel you will need financial assistance to meet educational expenses, you should apply. The needs analysis criteria change each year and you may be ineligible one year and eligible the next. to top
13. Do I need to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?
This varies, depending on the requirements of the financial aid program and the availability of funds. Most do not require a student to attend full-time (12 hours or more) and some, like the Pell Grant, require an enrollment of only three hours, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met. to top
14. Are there special aid programs available for students graduating from high schools within the CMC District?
Yes, if you are a resident of the CMC District and you have recently graduated from a high school within the CMC District, or will soon, you are probably eligible for the Richard C. Martin Grant. This grant provides funds for eligible students to help them continue their studies beyond the Associate degree level. Eligible students who earn an Associate degree from Colorado Mountain College can receive the Richard C. Martin Grant to help meet their tuition expenses at the four-year institution. The amount of the grant will approximate the amount of tuition the student paid to CMC for the hours required to earn the Associate degree. In order to qualify you must apply for this program when you apply for admission to Colorado Mountain College.
In addition, the Dr Arman Sarafian Scholarship provides tuition scholarships to District high school graduates who have a “B” average on all high school courses attempted. Applications are available from your high school counselor. For more information on these and other grants and scholarships, click here.
The Colorado Mountain College Foundation administers other scholarships.
Back to top |
Send a CMC Postcard
Email us
Translate this page
Accreditation/Continuous Improvement