Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I apply for Financial Aid?
A: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Q: How do I know what I qualify for?
A: The FAFSA determines eligibility, so you must complete the application each year. After you are admitted to UCCS and we receive your Student Aid Report, we will send you an award letter by mail or to your UCCS email account indicating your award package.

Q: When do I have to apply?
A: UCCS has a priority date of April 1st - this means that, in order to be considered for everything that you might be eligible for, you must have applied online or completed the FAFSA (and mailed it to the processor) by March 1st of each year.

Q: What is an "Independent Student?"
A: To qualify as an independent student, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You were 23 on or before January 1st
• You are married.
• You have legal dependents.
• You are an orphan or a ward of the court, or a ward of the court until age 18.
• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• You are active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• You will be enrolled in a graduate or professional program (beyond a bachelor's degree) during the upcoming academic year.

Q: How do I get a work study job?
A: You can search Sean's place for current job listings, or see Student Employment for further information. Some work study jobs require a need based work study award. Work study awards are affected by priority date and need (as determined by the FAFSA). You should indicate interest in work study on your FAFSA to be considered for a work study award.

Q: When will I get my loan refund?
A: The first disbursement (after tuition and fees have been taken out) will be electronically deposited the week before classes begin each semester. Your financial aid file must be complete, and entrance counseling done before funds will be disbursed. You can print out an online Direct Deposit Authorization Form, fill it out and deliver it to the Student Financial Services Customer Service Desk in Main Hall.

Q: How can I get a scholarship?
A: The UCCS Scholarship Application and information about other available scholarships, including deadlines is available online. Use the free private scholarship searches on our webpage to look for other available scholarships.

For more information, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid/Student Employment located in Room 201 of Cragmor Hall or call (719)262-3460 (or 800-990-8227). E-mail us at finaidse@uccs.edu

Financial Aid Office hours are:
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday