Important: Changes to Federal Student Loans
Starting July 2026, new borrowing limits and repayment options may affect your financial aid.
馃憠 Visit our Federal Loans webpage to understand your options at 黑料社 and stay on track.
馃憠 Additional information from Federal Student Aid is available at
Welcome to Financial Aid 101 鈥� your guide to getting an affordable college education. Figuring out how to fund your college education might seem tricky, but don't worry, we're here to help. Whether you're a current student or still considering coming to 黑料社, or even if you are a parent trying to understand it all, this page is made for you. We provide info about grants and scholarships, plus easy-to-understand details about loans and work-study. We want to make the money stuff simple, so you can focus on your studies. Get started learning about financial aid below!
Page Contents
Glossary of Terms
A financial aid offer is a document sent by a postsecondary institution to a student that outlines the amounts and details of the financial aid being offered to the student, which may include scholarships, grants, loans, employment, or other forms of financial assistance to pay for college expenses. Sometimes schools refer to these as financial aid 鈥渁wards鈥�, although this term is outdated. Schools should refer to these as financial aid offers.
The Cost of Attendance consists of the sum of educational costs payable to the school (also referred to as direct or billable costs) and costs paid to others (or indirect, non-billable or discretionary) costs. The Cost of Attendance represents the highest dollar amount of financial aid a student can receive during an award year.
See the Tuition & Fees page for Cost of Attendance estimates.
Costs paid to others (also referred to as indirect, non-billable, or additional costs), are other expenses not paid directly to the school, but associated with receiving an education. These expenses are estimated by the school and may differ from student to student based on their individual circumstances. These expenses may include books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation and parking, personal expenses, childcare costs, computer costs, disability expenses, licensure expenses and off-campus rent and food.
Costs Payable to the school (also referred to as direct or billable costs) generally include tuition, fees, housing, and meals/food (for students residing on campus), health insurance (if minimum insurance coverage is not documented), or any other expenses paid to the school for enrollment.
Money borrowed from the federal government, a college or university, or a private source like a bank or financial institution to pay for educational expenses and must be paid back with interest.
The is a critical application form that determines your eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs. It is essential to complete the FAFSA each academic year to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA is free and qualification criteria are updated yearly, so you should complete it every year, even if you don't think you'll qualify for aid, or if you haven't qualified in the past.
Note: The FAFSA isonly available to U.S. Citizens, and eligible non-citizens, such as permanent residents. Those who are unable or ineligble to complete the FAFSA may be able to complete the WASFA instead.
Also known as the Direct Loan Program, which allows eligible students and parents to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating colleges or universities. Federal student loans include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and the Direct PLUS programs for parents of dependent students and graduate or professional students.
Learn more about loans below.
A Direct Subsidized Loan is an undergraduate federal student loan based on financial need and offers students a reduced, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Interest is subsidized, meaning it does not accrue to the borrower, while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
Learn more about loans below.
An unsubsidized loan offers students a fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. It is not based on financial need. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
Learn more about loans below.
Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students use to help pay for education expenses. A credit check for adverse credit history is required for eligibility. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins.
Learn more about loans below.
Direct Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for education expenses. Parents must pass a credit check for adverse credit history to qualify for PLUS loans.
Learn more about loans below.
A student or parent loan from a bank, credit union, private company, a nonprofit or state-affiliated lender, or from the college or university directly to pay for educational costs. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed, and repayment begins while the student is still enrolled in school.
Learn more about loans below.
The number of credits, clock hours, or classes the student is enrolled in, or whether they have withdrawn, graduated, etc. Enrollment status affects eligibility for and the amount of financial aid a student may receive. It also affects when student loans enter repayment status.
The Pell Grant is a federal grant program designed to assist undergraduate students in low- and moderate-income households to pay for college. The award amount is based on the cost of the institution, SAI, and enrollment status, and is subject to an aggregate limit.
Learn more about grants below.
A federal grant provided by the institution to qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and does not need to be repaid. The amount of funding from this program varies by institution.
Learn more about grants below.
Federal Work-Study provides funding for part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Unlike grants and loans, FWS is paid to students as they earn the funds by working.
Learn more about work study below.
Any money provided to students that does not have to be repaid. They can be called grants, scholarships, tuition remissions, gift aid, or tuition waivers. Grants and scholarships are provided based on many different factors.
Learn more about types of financial aid below.
The student's Cost of Attendance minus their Student Aid Index.
See the Tuition & Fees page for Cost of Attendance estimates.
Financial assistance provided to students based on their financial situation, determined by completing the FAFSA. Need-based financial aid can take different forms, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest loans, like the federal direct subsidized loan.
Learn more about types of financial aid below.
The difference between the cost of attendance and all grants and scholarships. Net price reflects what the student is expected to pay for their education on their own and can be covered through a variety of sources, including savings, student employment, institutional payment plans, or education loans.
Funding options outside of grants and scholarships that a student and their family may use to pay any remaining costs or expenses. This may include loans, student employment, institutional payment plans, or personal savings.
The SAI is the eligibility index used to determine your eligibility for federal, and in some instances, state and institutional need-based student financial aid. Generally, students with a higher SAI are eligible for less need-based financial aid. It is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the FAFSA.
A federally mandated process to confirm the accuracy of data provided by selected applicants on the FAFSA. To complete the verification process, the student, their parent(s), or spouse, if applicable, are required to provide certain documents to the school for review. If the documentation the student provides the institution doesn't match what was reported on the FAFSA, verification can result in changes to the student's financial aid eligibility, and/or financial aid offers.
The is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status. It allows eligible students to apply for state financial aid programs in Washington. The WASFA is free and qualification criteria are updated yearly, so you should complete it every year, even if you don't think you'll qualify for aid, or if you haven't qualified in the past.
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on financial need and may be provided by the federal government, state government, or by your college. At 黑料社, we offer various grant programs to eligible students to ease the financial burden of education. Unlike student loans, grants do not typically require repayment. Student grants also differ from scholarships, which are usually given to and by specific groups of people for a specific line of study.
All students that complete a FAFSA are first considered for the , which is available to students with significant financial need, and who meet all other eligibility requirements. Pell Grant eligibility is established by the FAFSA. Actual payments of Pell Grants are based on eligibility (SAI) and enrollment.
Students enrolled in 12 credits or more (full-time) receive 100% of the full Pell Grant for that quarter, with these exceptions:
Lifetime Pell Grants are limited to a maximum of 18 full-time quarters, or the equivalent. This maximum applies to all colleges the student attends. For example, a student who uses 6 full-time quarters and 2 half-time quarters of Pell at any college will have received the equivalent of 7 full-time quarters of Pell, and will be eligible for only 11 total additional full-time quarters of eligibility at another college or colleges.
Students can receive up to 4 quarters of Pell grant in a given aid year as long as they attend eligible classes in their program of study.
As of July 1, 2026, several new regulations will be in effect for the 2026-27 aid year.
Students whose Cost of Attendance (COA) is fully covered by non-federal aid will no longer be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
- Example: A Pell-eligible student with a scholarship covering the full Cost of Attendance will no longer receive both the scholarship and the Pell Grant.
Students with an Student Aid Index (SAI) greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will be ineligible for any Pell Grant
- Example: If the max Pell Grant is $7,395, students with an SAI over $14,790 will not qualify
To qualify for PELL Grant aid, students must apply for Financial Aid and complete the FAFSA application annually.
In addition to the Pell Grant, a student with significant financial need may be awarded the . Availability is dependent on limited federal funding to the college. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG funds, reflecting students with the greatest financial need. Funds are awarded to students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 or more credits per quarter), and meet all other campus eligibility requirements, until funds are exhausted. Due to limited funding, this award is first come, first-served, so it is important to complete your FAFSA as early as possible!
To qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid (Completion of the FAFSA is required).
The Washington College Grant (WCG), (previously known as Washington State Need Grant) is a grant that is available to Washington State residents with high financial need.
Students with financial need who are residents of Washington State (for over 1 year) and meet all other eligibility requirements may be considered for the Washington College Grant (WCG).
Students may receive 4 quarters of WCG in a year. WCG eligibility is established by the FAFSA or WASFA (for undocumented/DREAMer students).
Actual payments of WCG are based on eligibility and enrollment.
Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per quarter to be eligible.
Lifetime Washington College Grants are limited to a maximum of 15 full-time quarters, or the equivalent. This maximum applies to all state colleges the student attends. For example, a student who uses 6 full-time quarters and 2 half-time quarters of WCG at any college will have received the equivalent of 7 full-time quarters of WCG, and will be eligible for only 8 additional full-time quarters of eligibility at another college or colleges.
A student may not continue to receive WCG funding if the student has earned a bachelor degree.
Eligibility is determined by the 黑料社 Financial Aid Office after you've completed the financial aid application process.
To qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid (Completion of the FAFSA is required).
The program provides financial assistance to low-income students who want to achieve the dream of a college education. This early promise of financial aid is intended to alleviate the financial barriers that prevent low-income students from considering higher education as a possibility.
The scholarship is available to 7th and 8th grade students who are eligible for the free and reduced price lunch (FRPL) program, are in foster care, or whose family's income meets the guidelines.
The deadline to sign up is June 30 of students' 8th grade year. Students who enroll in the program, complete high school with a 2.0 GPA, and meet all other financial aid requirements and income parameters will be eligible for the maximum CBS and WCG combined award amount per quarter for full-time enrollment in an associate degree or certificate.
Awards are prorated based on enrollment level. All eligible students are awarded CBS and WCG. CBS students also receiving WCG (and certain other State-funded scholarships) may only receive a combined total of $5,073 for those funding sources per quarter for full-time students.
Federal Loans
Direct Loans are federal loans for students in an eligible program of study. There are three types: Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS.
Subsidized loans are based on a student's financial need. The government pays the interest while you are in school and enrolled at least half-time.
Unsubsidized loans are not need-based, meaning there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need in order to receive them. Interest accrues on the loan from the time it is disbursed, but you do not have to pay it until you cease at least half-time enrollment.
PLUS loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) are loans available to parents of dependent, undergraduate students. They can pay the cost of education not covered by other financial aid resources. PLUS Loans require a credit check and are unsubsidized loans, meaning interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed. Parents can request deferment of repayment while the student is in school and for a 6-month period beginning on the date the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. If your parent is denied a PLUS loan because of their credit rating, you may be eligible to borrow additional funds under the federal loan program.
are set annually as determined by federal law. The federal loan program also enforces annual and lifetime .
Dependent Load Award Maximums
|
Number of Credits Completed Towards Program *Based on 90-credit Associates program |
Dependent Subsidized Loan Award Limit | Dependent Unsubsidized Loan Award Limit |
Dependent Loan Total Annual Award Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year (0鈥�44 Credits)* | $3,500 | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Second Year (45鈥�90 Credits)* | $4,500 | $2,000 | $6,500 |
| Third and Fourth Year or BAS (90+ Credits) - Bachelor Programs Only | $5,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
Independent Loan Award Maximums
|
Number of Credits Completed Towards Program *Based on 90-credit Associates program |
Independent Subsidized Loan Award Limit | Independent Unsubsidized Loan Award Limit | Independent Loan Total Annual Award Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year (0鈥�44 Credits)* | $3,500 | $6,000 | $9,500 |
| Second Year (45鈥�90 Credits)* | $4,500 | $6,000 | $10,500 |
| Third and Fourth Year or BAS (90+ Credits) - Bachelor Programs Only | $5,500 | $7,000 | $12,500 |
Aggregate Lifetime Limits
| Dependent Subsidized Loan Limit | Dependent Total Aggregate Limits | Independent Subsidized Loan Limit | Independent Total Aggregate Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| $23,000 | $31,000 | $23,000 | $57,500 |
Less Than Full Time Loan Adjustments for Federal Loans
As of July 1, 2026, several new regulations will be in effect for Federal Direct Student Loan borrowers beginning with the 2026-27 aid year.
Loans must be reduced when students are not enrolled full-time. The reduction is based on their enrollment status.
Colleges have the ability to set lower annual loan limits by program. Limits must apply uniformly to all students in the program. 黑料社 has chosen to not set any program specific limits at this time.
As of July 1, 2026, several new regulations will be in effect for the 2026-27 aid year.
Full-Time Definition (No change from the previous rule)
To be considered full-time for the academic year undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per quarter to receive their full loan eligibility each term.
Half-Time Enrollment Status (No change from the previous rule)
Students must be enrolled in at least six financial aid eligible credits to receive a federal loan in any given quarter.
Less-than-Full-Time Enrollment ( Significant change from the previous rule)
Beginning with the Summer 2026 quarter at 黑料社 and beyond, federal loan amounts for students who are not full-time for the full academic year will need to have their award amounts adjusted each term.
This new rule is called a Schedule of Reduction (or SOR) adjustment. Full-time enrollment is determined by term AND by the academic year. Prior to this change, the rules were limited to evaluating a student鈥檚 enrollment status for a single term and did not look at credit load for the entire academic year.
This adjustment rule applies to ALL undergraduate federal loan borrowers, utilizing Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Even those considered legacy borrowers (students who borrowed from any of these loan programs prior to July 1, 2026) are subject to this rule for any loans disbursed for the 2026-27 award year and moving forward.
Since this rule only impacts student borrowing, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is not subject to these adjustments for less-than-full-time enrollment.
How Less-Than-Full-Time Enrollment Impacts Your Loan Award
If you are enrolled Less-Than-Full-Time BEFORE your aid disburses for the quarter, the Financial Aid Office will place a hold on your account and adjust your loan amounts to match your remaining eligibility.
If you are enrolled in Less-Than-Full-Time AFTER your aid is disbursed for the quarter (meaning you drop or withdraw from a class after already receiving your award), the Financial Aid Office (FAO) will assess your eligibility, and you may need to make a repayment of funds you are no longer eligible to receive.
- This rule has multiple variables that the FAO will review before determining your
remaining eligibility. Some of these factors include:
- The student is only attending a single term and aid was accurate at the time of disbursement
- The student is attending an additional quarter and enrolled in more than 12 credits.
- In this scenario, a student may be able to recapture some of the lost eligibility from a previous quarter as long as the award never exceeds the academic year maximum.
Colleges have the right to determine if the annual award amount should be evenly distributed between all terms or prorated proportionally based on enrollment level.
- Any student attending all terms full-time will have their loans evenly distributed between their terms.
- Any student enrolled Less-Than-Full-Time will have their loans prorated proportionally based on enrollment level for the term and the aid year.
| Term | Credits Taken | Loan Award |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 36 | $5,500 |
| Fall | 12 | $1,834 |
| Winter | 12 | $1,833 |
| Spring | 12 | $1,833 |
| Term | Credits Taken | Loan Award |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 36 | $5,500 |
| Fall | 9 | $1,375 |
| Winter | 15 | $2,310 |
| Spring | 12 | $1,815 |
| Term | Credits Taken | Loan Award |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 31 | $4,730 |
| Fall | 9 | $1,372 |
| Winter | 10 | $1,514 |
| Spring | 12 | $1,845 |
31/36 Credits = 86% Loan Eligibility
$5,500 Annual Award Maximum x 86% = $4,730
Federal Education Loans - Frequently Asked Questions
An undergraduate student must maintain a minimum of 12 financial aid-eligible credits per term to be considered full-time.
| Terms Attended | Minimum Credits to Maintain Full-Time Status |
|---|---|
| 1 Quarter | 12 |
| 2 Quarters | 24 |
| 3 Quarters | 36 |
Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to receive a loan disbursement. Students enrolled in fewer than 6 credits are not eligible to receive loan funds for that quarter.
If you reduce your enrollment status to less than full-time BEFORE your quarterly award is disbursed, 黑料社 will reduce your loan award based on the new rules for the 2026-27 aid year and beyond.
Loan eligibility is based on your enrollment for the academic year, not just a single quarter. If you earn enough eligible credits across all the terms you attend to meet the annual full-time requirement, your loans will not be reduced. If you do not meet the annual requirement, your loan eligibility may be reduced.
Students who are less than full-time often have a Cost of Attendance (COA) that is lower than that of full-time students. A reduced COA can impact Parent PLUS Loan eligibility.
However, Parent PLUS Loans are not reduced the same way as a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans may be when a student is enrolled for less than full-time in a quarter. As long as the student has room in their COA budget and maintains other eligibility criteria such as taking at least 6 credits each term and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), they can receive the full requested Parent PLUS loan.
Requirements for Accepting Direct Loans
Before you will be able to accept (or partially accept) Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans, you must complete the following steps:
Complete your (completed online, only required once)
- Save the Rights & Responsibilities page for your records.
- Login with the same FSA ID you used to complete the FAFSA.
Complete a (once for each school and typically expires after ten years)
- Login with the same FSA ID you used to complete the FAFSA.
Complete any education course (each time a loan is requested or revised)
- For more information about iGrad, view 黑料社's iGrad Financial Literacy page.
- Complete any iGrad course you have not previously completed. Save the certificate of completion for the following step.
Complete and submit the Direct Loan Worksheet (see Financial Aid Forms)
- Attach the iGrad course completion certificate to the iGrad attachment field.
Register for a minimum of 6 credits for the current quarter (ctcLink under the "Manage Classes" tile).
and wait for them to be approved.
- The preliminary amount shown in the award will go through approval by the Department of Education (ED) and is not a guaranteed amount until the ED approval is finalized. Approval and disbursement can take 2-3 weeks. Potential delays are possible.
- You can set up a Payment Plan to prevent being dropped for non-payment in case you loan is distributed later than the tuition due date or is not approved.
- All first-time loan borrowers are subject to a 30-day hold on loan disbursements.
- All one quarter loans are required to be disbursed in two installments with the second installment at the midpoint of the quarter.
Set up BankMobile to receive your refund.
Before you and your parent will be able accept (or partially accept) a PLUS loan, you must complete the following steps:
Complete the .
After the your FAFSA is submitted, your parent can apply for a .
- Your parent must not have an adverse credit history. Please note: If your parent has an adverse credit history, they may still be able to receive a PLUS loan if they meet additional requirements.
- The maximum PLUS loan amount a student can receive is the cost of attendance (as determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.
Once the PLUS loan credit check has been approved, your parent will need to complete a .
Your parent will then submit a Parent PLUS Loan Worksheet (see Financial Aid Forms) to notify the Financial Aid Office a PLUS loan has been approved and should be awarded to the student.
You must be registered for a minimum of 6 credits to be eligible for the student loans. In ctcLink, choose classes under the "Manage Classes" tile to verify the credits for the quarter.
and wait for them to be approved.
- The preliminary amount shown in the award will go through approval by the Department of Education (ED) and is not a guaranteed amount until the ED approval is finalized. Approval and disbursement can take 2-3 weeks. Potential delays are possible.
- You can set up a Payment Plan to prevent being dropped for non-payment in case you loan is distributed later than the tuition due date or is not approved.
- All first-time loan borrowers are subject to a 30-day hold on loan disbursements.
- All one quarter loans are required to be disbursed in two installments with the second installment at the midpoint of the quarter.
Set up BankMobile to receive your refund.
- All PLUS loan refunds will be sent directly to the student.
Private Loans
Private Education Loans are credit-based loans provided by private educational lenders, and are not issued, insured, or guaranteed by the federal government. A private student loan can assist in closing the gap between federal, state, or institutional aid and total education costs.
Students are encouraged to complete a and exhaust all federal and state financial aid options before considering a private loan. However, it is up to a student to determine the best means for themselves to pay for their education.
Private loan eligibility is determined by the lender鈥檚 credit review, individual lender terms and conditions and is typically issued in the student鈥檚 name; and may require a credit worthy cosigner. Borrowers should compare interest rates, repayment options, forbearance, and deferment options as these features vary among lenders.
Selection of a private lender is an important choice that requires thorough research. We recommend verifying all information with your chosen lender before applying. You are free to borrow from any lender offering private education loans, regardless of their presence on ELMSelect鈥檚 private lender search tool. 黑料社 will certify a loan from any lender, provided the student meets their eligibility criteria.
A Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form is provided during the application process to be completed by the applicant and submitted back to the lender. A private loan will not be disbursed until this step is complete.
If your lender has requested you complete a Self-Certification Form but one was not provided to you, you can submit the linked . Do not submit the Private Education Loan Applicant Self Certification Form to 黑料社. The form must be submitted directly to your lender.
Private Education Loan Disclosure Requirements
Federal regulations mandate that private education loan lenders supply essential information throughout three distinct phases prior to the finalization and disbursement of your loan.
Application Disclosure
Offers a general overview of the specific loan terms.
Details the potential range of interest rates, applicable fees, and other significant conditions.
Includes comparative information regarding available federal student loan options.
Approval Disclosure
Provided when the lender is ready to issue an approval or a conditional approval for the loan.
Specifies the timeframe required to accept the loan offer, which must be at least 30 calendar days.
Clarifies the necessary steps to accept the established loan terms.
Loan terms are generally fixed during the acceptance window, barring specific limited exceptions.
Final Disclosure
Issued once the borrower has formally accepted the loan.
Must be received no later than 3 business days before the loan is disbursed.
Contains a prominent Right to Cancel notification.
Defines the deadline for cancellation and provides instructions on how to terminate the loan agreement.
Private Education Loan - Frequently Asked Questions
Loan periods must align with 黑料社鈥檚 regular academic terms. A calendar of current and future terms is available on the college website.
Students may apply for a loan covering a single quarter or multiple quarters in one application, depending on enrollment and borrowing needs.
The loan start date is the first day of classes, and the loan end date is the last day of the final exam period for the selected term(s).
Yes, private loan amounts can vary widely. Private loans cannot be certified for amounts higher than your Cost of Attendance. Students should be certain there is sufficient room in their aid budget before applying.
Interest rates, terms, conditions, and borrower benefits vary by lender.
Private loans may have higher interest rates and fees than federal student loans and often offer less flexible repayment options.
Eligibility is typically based on credit history and debt-to-income ratio, not financial need.
A co-signer may be required depending on the borrower鈥檚 credit profile.
No, private loans are based on credit history, not financial need, and are separate from the FAFSA/WASFA process. You may apply for private loans even if you do not have a FAFSA on file.
We strongly encourage students to apply for and accept all federal and state financial aid they are eligible for before considering a private loan.
You can use the to estimate your potential financial aid and remaining educational costs before completing a FAFSA or WASFA. This estimate can help you determine whether a private education loan may be necessary to cover remaining expenses.
Scholarships
Scholarships are merit-based awards that do not require repayment. They can be awarded for academic achievement, athletic talent, or other accomplishments. 黑料社 provides a range of scholarship opportunities to recognize and support students.
The 黑料社 Foundation awards more than $350,000 in scholarship each year.
All students planning to attend 黑料社 are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted in winter quarter through an easy online application process that allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. There is no cost to apply. Specific deadlines apply.
To qualify students must apply by the published deadline. To qualify for need-based scholarships, students must apply for Financial Aid (Completion of the FAFSA or WAFSA is required).
Students are encouraged to pursue as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Some scholarships available outside of 黑料社 are posted online, and more scholarships are posted in the Financial Aid Office. Various deadlines apply.
Requirements and eligibility for these scholarships are set by the provider.
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is the first public-private scholarship program dedicated to creating lasting pathways to post-secondary education and high-demand careers in health care, STEM, and the trades for Washington students. WSOS advances equity for historically excluded students and strengthens Washington鈥檚 local workforce.
To be eligible, students must:
Submit a FAFSA or WASFA
Be a Washington State resident
Be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits
For application details, visit:
Disbursement Information
WSOS funds are no longer received in advance of the quarter. Students must attend classes past the census date before the Financial Aid Office can certify that all eligibility requirements have been met. Students must also be in good standing under Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, which may include an approved Financial Aid SAP Appeal.
Once 黑料社 certifies eligibility for the quarter, WSOS will release funds to the institution within 2鈥�3 weeks.
Please note:
WSOS awards are prorated based on enrollment level. Students enrolled less than full time should not expect to receive the full award amount.
Students, who graduate and still have an unused portion of the scholarship pending disbursement, should notify both WSOS and the 黑料社 Financial Aid Office of their change in status.
Work Study
Work-study programs provide students with part-time employment opportunities to earn money while pursuing their education. These positions are often on campus and related to your course of study, offering valuable work experience. Students may work a maximum of 19 hours per week while attending 黑料社. Open positions are adjusted to meet students' academic schedules whenever possible.
To qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid (Completion of the FAFSA is required).
Navigating the Process
Application Process
To apply for financial aid at 黑料社, start by completing the FAFSA or the WASFA if applicable. Our financial aid office is here to assist you with any questions you may have throughout the application process.
Understanding Offer Letters
Once your FAFSA or WASFA is processed, you'll receive an offer letter outlining the types and amounts of financial aid you're eligible to receive. Carefully review this letter and reach out to our financial aid office if you need clarification.
Loan Repayment Strategies
If you're considering loans, it's crucial to understand the repayment process. Our financial aid advisors can provide guidance on managing loan debt and exploring repayment options. 黑料社 has partnered with iGrad to provide a free online money management program.
Easy to Apply!
All students are encouraged to apply, even if you don't think you will qualify for aid, or if you haven't qualified in the past. The eligibility requirements are updated yearly, and may qualify you unexpectedly. You never know until you apply!
Contact Financial Aid
Financial Aid staff are available online in Zoom, via phone or email.
Financial Aid Office
(360) 442-2390
Fax: (360) 442-2379
financialaidoffice@lowercolumbia.edu
Re-Enrollment
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: 10 am - 5 pm*
*Closed Fridays during summer session (July/Aug).
Computer access is available in the Admissions Center.
FAFSA/ WASFA
Important! Make sure to select 黑料社 as a school that you want to receive a copy of your or .
School Code: 003782