State of Colorado Need-Based and Merit-Based Financial Assistance Program

I. Policy Statement

1. Fort Lewis College’s allocations of state need-based and merit-based aid will be awarded to eligible students, as defined in this policy, subject to the limitations established in this policy.
2. The only state need-based grant assistance program administered by Fort Lewis College is the Colorado Student Grant Program.
   1. As established in Colorado Commission on Higher Education Policy Section VI Part F, the goal of the state need-based program is to assist students who cannot otherwise afford to attend college.
   2. To be eligible for a Colorado Student Grant Award, a student:
      1. Must be a Colorado resident for tuition purposes;
      2. Must be first-time degree-seeking (have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree);
      3. Must be enrolled full-time. Student who are attending part time (minimum of 6 credits) can be considered for a pro-rated amount if they are in their last term and have applied to graduate by the established deadline if funding is available;
      4. Must be in compliance with Fort Lewis College Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy;
      5. Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
      6.  Must have an expected Family Contribution 0-200% of Pell eligibility:
         1. 0-150% of Pell eligibility will be awarded as first priority;
         2. 151-200% will be awarded if funding is available;
      7. Must not have been awarded a federal or institutional need-based grant, excluding Pell Grant;
      8. Must have met all eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
   3. The amount of the award will be based on state allocations and the number of qualified applicants with the following limits:
      1. Up to $2,000 per Fall/Spring semester maximum for 0-150% of Pell eligibility, with the award reduced if unmet need is less than $2,000 per Fall/Spring semester;
      2. Up to $1,000 per Fall/Spring semester maximum for 151-200% of Pell eligibility, with the award reduced if unmet need is less than $1,000 per Fall/Spring semester.
   4. The Office of Financial Aid will make the awards to students meeting the criteria on a first-come, first-serve basis until the institution’s allocation is fully spent.
   5. If additional funds become available awards may be made for one term only.
3. The only state need-based employment program administered by Fort Lewis College is the Colorado Work Study program.
   1. As established in Colorado Commission on Higher Education Policy Section VI Part F, the goal of the state need-based employment program is to allow students to earn funds to assist in attending college.
   2. To be eligible for the Colorado Work Study program, a student:
      1. Must be a Colorado resident for tuition purposes;
      2. Must be first-time degree-seeking (have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree);
      3. Must be enrolled full-time;
      4. Must be in compliance with Fort Lewis College Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy;
      5. Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
      6. Must have a minimum gross need of $2,500:
         1. While the majority of funds are reserved for students with documented financial need (minimum 70%), a limited number of students who wish to work may be awarded from the work-study program without documenting need;
      7. Cannot receive more than one type of work-study funds;
      8. Student must answer ‘Yes’ to the FAFSA question that asks if they are interested in work-study or notify the Office of Financial Aid of interest;
      9. Must have met all eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
   3. The amount of the award will be $1,000 per Fall/Spring semester maximum with the award reduced if unmet need is less than $1,000 per Fall/Spring semester.
   4. The Office of Financial Aid will make the awards to students meeting the criteria on a first-come, first-serve basis until the institution’s allocation is fully spent.
   5. If additional funds become available awards may be made for one term only.
   6. If a student earns his/her full work-study award and wishes to continue, the student can request an increase if he/she has unmet financial need and funding is available.
4. The only state merit-based program administered by Fort Lewis College is the Colorado Finish in Four! Program.
   1. As established in Colorado Commission on Higher Education Policy Section VI Part F, the goal of the state merit program is to recruit and retain students who demonstrate outstanding levels of academic achievement.
      1. In alignment with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education Master Plan, Fort Lewis College defines outstanding academic achievement as completion of the required curriculum in four years while maintaining the grade point averages required for degree conferral.
   2. To be eligible for the award, a student:
      1.  Must be a Colorado resident for tuition purposes;
      2.  Must be in good standing in the Fort Lewis College Finish in Four! Graduation Agreement/Scholarship Program;
      3.  Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
      4. Must have met all eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
   3. The amount of the award will be $500 per Fall/Spring semester maximum after successful completion of each semester.
   4. The Office of Financial Aid will make the award to students meeting eligibility criteria until the institution’s allocation is fully spent.
   5. If funds remain after all Colorado Finish In Four! Program participants have been paid, awards will be made to students who meet the following criteria:
      
      1. Must be a Colorado resident for tuition purposes;
      2. Must have a complete and vaild the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
      3. Must have met all eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
      4. Must be approved to graduate in the Fall or Spring semester.

III. Responsibilities 

For following the policy: Director of Financial Aid

For enforcement of the policy: Vice President of Finance and Administration

For oversight of the policy: Board of Trustees

For notification of policy: Policy Librarian

For procedures implementing the policy: Director of Financial Aid