Financial Aid Terms & Conditions

By accepting financial aid at College of Western Idaho (CWI), you agree to the following: 

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Basic Eligibility

You confirm that you: 

  • Have a high school diploma, GED, or homeschool completion.
  • Are enrolled in a financial aid eligible degree or certificate.
  • Provided accurate FAFSA information and will respond to any requests for documentation.
  • Are not in default on a federal loan and do not owe federal grant repayment.
  • Will notify CWI if you withdraw, are incarcerated, or have enrollment changes. 
     

How You May Use Financial Aid

Aid must be used only for your educational costs at CWI, such as: 

  • Tuition/fees
  • Books, supplies, tools, required materials
  • Housing, food, transportation, personal expenses

Aid is based only on classes required for your declared program. 
 

Understanding Your Aid

Your Financial Aid Offer can be accessed in your myCWI.

Prior to registration, your offer is based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits) and will be adjusted if you enroll in fewer credits.

  • If you change your classes after the census date, your aid may be reduced, and you may have to repay funds.

  • Loans may require extra steps, such as online acceptance, Entrance Counseling, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

  • Scholarships may require additional steps such as thank you letters, essays, or other required actions.

  • Minimum enrollment for aid:

    • Pell Grant: 1+ credit (amount is prorated)

    • Federal Loans: 6+ credits

    • Most scholarships: 6+ credits

Other financial assistance must be reported to CWI; unreported aid may reduce your eligibility and create a balance due. You agree to notify CWI if you receive:

  • Scholarships, grants, agency/tribal funding

  • Tuition benefits, veteran benefits, third-party payments
     

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To ensure aid eligibility, you must:

  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
  • Complete 67% of all attempted credits.
  • Be on track to finish your program within 150% of the required credits.

If you do not meet the standards, you may be placed on warning or suspension. You may appeal if you have extenuating circumstances.
 

Special Circumstances

If your financial situation has changed (job loss, divorce, high medical expenses) from the information reported on your FAFSA, you may request a Special Circumstance Appeal. Not all requests will result in changes to aid.
 

Books & Course Materials

You may charge required books/tools at the CWI Bookstore using anticipated aid if:

  • All aid requirements are complete.
  • Your awards are accepted.
  • You have a projected credit balance.

You may also buy materials elsewhere. If you opt out of using the CWI Bookstore, you will not receive any remaining aid funds until actual disbursement and refunds are processed.
 

Refunds

  • Financial aid is applied to your CWI charges first.
  • Extra funds are refunded within 14 days of the credit balance.
  • Refunds are issued by direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid card.

If you cancel a loan after receiving a refund, you must return the funds to One Stop Student Services within 14 days.
 

Your Responsibilities

By accepting financial aid, you also agree to:

  • Check your CWI email and student account regularly.
  • Register only for classes required for your program.
  • Attend and participate in your classes.
  • Repay any funds for which you are later found to be ineligible. 

Questions?