GENERAL INFORMATION
The purpose of our financial aid program is to assist students who, without such help, would be unable to pursue their educational goals.  Financial Aid has helped millions of students continue their education.  If financial aid is needed, chances for getting aid are better if students apply in the right way and at the right time.  If you are still in high school, consulting your high school guidance counselor is highly recommended.  He/she will be able to assist you with local scholarships, as well as financial aid in general.  For more detailed information and assistance in completing your application review Steps for Applying for Financial Aid or contact the Information Central staff at CNCC.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
The primary responsibility for financing a college education rests with students and their families.  The student aid programs are primarily intended to help meet the educational costs which remain after the student’s resources and expected contributions from parents are taken into account.  The application materials and procedures described herein are designed to assist the Financial Aid office in determining the amount of assistance that can be reasonably expected from students and their families; and in developing a financial aid package that will meet the remaining need of all applicants.

Review and Cancellation of Awards
The College reserves the right to review, adjust or cancel the financial aid awards at any time because of changes in financial resources, residency, marital status, the recipient's failure to remain in good standing at the college for financial aid, academic, or for disciplinary reasons.  Award adjustments can be made if additional information concerning a student's eligibility is received after awards are made.  Any information that is considered to be misleading will result in cancellation of aid until the information is clarified.  From time to time it becomes necessary for various reasons to change the specific guidelines and requirements for any given award.  These changes may occur without prior notice due to a shortage of funds or the total number of students applying for aid.

Student Eligibility
In order to receive assistance from student financial aid funds, a student must be a U.S. citizen, or a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), or an eligible non-citizen.  Students must be at least 16 years of age, not enrolled at a secondary educational institution, enrolled as a regular student in a degree program, maintain satisfactory and measurable academic progress, and attend the college on a full-time or part-time basis.

Returning or transfer students must NOT be in default on loans or grants previously received to attend any post-secondary educational institution.

Financial Aid does not automatically continue from one year to the next.
  Students must reapply every year.

The annual financial aid cycle begins January 1 for students planning to attend during the upcoming academic year.  Primary consideration for financial aid will be given to students who meet the priority deadline date of May 1.

PACKAGING OF FINANCIAL AID AWARDS
As a matter of general policy, financial aid awards will include a combination of gift aid (scholarships and grants), and self-help (Student Loans and Work-study employment).  Generally, the total financial aid received over two years of study will be proportionately divided among gift aid, loans, and work-study.

Selection of aid type will vary with need at the time the award is made.  However, financial aid awards usually are considered at 60% grant and 40% self-help and in the following sequence:  Federal PELL, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Governor’s Opportunity Scholarship, Colorado Student Grant, Colorado Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, Federal Perkins Loan, Work-Study, Federal Stafford Loan. The Financial Aid Office retains the right to alter this formula when individual student circumstances or the availability of funds warrants the adjustment.

Highest priority in awarding state-funded assistance must be given Colorado resident students who demonstrate the greatest financial need and who meet all eligibility requirements as established by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and CNCC. Student files that are completed by the priority deadline of May 1 are processed according to lowest EFC and greatest unmet need. Thereafter, awards are made weekly on a first-come, first-serve basis. Financial aid will be awarded on a continuous basis as applications are completed until all funds are depleted.

Awards are adjusted based on levels of enrollment.  For example: a full-time award (12 credits or more) would be reduced to half of the original amount for half-time enrollment (6-8 credits).

Adjustments to the cost of attendance and award amounts are made subsequent to this initial award based on actual enrollment.  All awards are contingent upon the student’s eligibility, which included the periodic review for satisfactory academic and incremental progress.

CNCC 2008-2009 Financial Aid Budgets
(Estimated - based on nine month academic year)
The college accepts the responsibility for developing realistic student cost allowances, which are based upon the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) survey, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and local survey information.  Each budget that is established for student cost allowances seeks to reflect an accurate cost of living and direct educational cost estimates.  The College will adjust budgets yearly to remain within the budget parameters established by CCHE.

Nondiscrimination Statement
Colorado Northwestern Community College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, veteran's status, or disability in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in its educational programs and activities.  Inquiries may be referred to Les Marstella, Vice president of Administrative Services, CNCC, 500 Kennedy Drive, Rangely, CO 81648, (970)675-3209; the Director of Affirmative Action for the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230, (303)620-4000; or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80294, (303)844-5695. (Note: Other resources are the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.)

Questions? Contact us