Applying for Aid

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In order to be eligible for federal grants, scholarships, work-study, or loan opportunities, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

  • Steps to the financial aid process including how to apply, view your offer letter, manage your financial aid, and more are outlined below.
  • As the financial aid application process can take several weeks, be sure to plan accordingly.
  • Visit Types of Aid to explore financial aid options available to assist with educational costs.
  • While some types of aid do not require completion of the FAFSA, it is a recommended step in maximizing your financial aid options.

 Financial Aid Terms & Conditions  Important 2024-2025 FAFSA Updates  

  • 1. Apply for Aid

    The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available. CWI will not begin receiving 2024-2025 FAFSA data until mid-March. You can check on the status of your form by logging in to your StudentAid.gov account and selecting your FAFSA submission from the My Activity section of your account dashboard.

    Start the FAFSA 

    • The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) will process your FAFSA shortly after submission.
    • Once processed, you will receive an email from DOE with your Student Aid Report (SAR) and an electronic copy is forwarded to CWI.
    • In order for CWI to receive your FAFSA, you must add CWI's Federal School Code: 042118.

    FEDERAL STUDENT AID ID

    A Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is required to sign your FAFSA. 

    • If your FAFSA requires parent information, your parent(s) must also create an FSA ID. 
    • Be sure to remember your FSA ID number and do not share it. 
    • Your FSA ID is required to log back in to your FAFSA to make corrections and to renew your FAFSA each year. 

    Create an FSA ID

    Additional Documentation

    Approximately one in three students are selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Being selected for verification does not mean that something is wrong or that you have done anything wrong. Visit StudentAid.gov to learn more about verification.

    If you are selected for verification, we may request additional documentation documentation from you to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is correct. Any requests for additional documentation will be sent to your student email. Be sure to respond to any requests for additional documentation promptly, as delays might impact your ability to receive federal student aid. 

  • 2. Receive Offer Letter

    Once CWI has received your FAFSA and all required documentation, the Financial Aid Office will review your eligibility and determine which types of aid you qualify for. Upon this determination, you will receive an email with instructions on how to view your Offer Letter and manage your financial aid. 

    Offer Letter

    The types and amounts of financial aid offered to you will be communicated in an Offer Letter.

    • To view your Offer Letter, visit the Self-Service Toolkit in myCWI.
      • Select Financial Information from the left menu, then Financial Aid Menu and Offer Letter.

    Screenshot of how to find your offer letter in your Self-Service Toolkit.

  • 3. View Grants, Scholarships, and Work-Study Awards

    Grants, scholarships, and work-study awards are automatically accepted on your behalf. 

    • The maximum amount of grant, scholarship, and work-study funds you are eligible for will be awarded first in order to keep student loan amounts at a minimum.
    • Grants, scholarships, and work-study funds do not have to be repaid. 
    • Initial award amounts are based on full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits.
      • Awards will be adjusted based on enrollment status.
      • Awards may also be adjusted should information used to determine your eligibility change.

  • 4. Manage Student Loans

    To accept, decline, reduce, or increase loans, review and follow the instructions in your Offer Letter. 

    • Should you choose to accept loans, be conscientious of the debt you accumulate and your ability to repay it.
    • Students are encouraged to decline unnecessary loans or borrow the least amount necessary to cover educational needs.
    • There are limits to the amount of federal student loans you may receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and in your academic career (aggregate loan limits). Visit Federal Student Aid to learn more. 

    Manage Your Student Loans

    Loan Entrance Counseling

    First-time student loan borrowers are required to complete Student Loan Entrance Counseling. Entrance counseling provides important information regarding your loan, interest, repayment, and smart loan borrowing.

    Master Promissory Note

    All students who plan to borrow loans are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). A MPN is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loans and any accrued interest and fees. The MPN also explains the terms and conditions of your loans.

    Note: It can take up to seven (7) business days for CWI to be notified of your completion of the MPN and entrance counseling.

  • 5. Receive Aid

    Financial aid is distributed to your student account each semester according to the disbursement schedule.

    • Your financial aid will be used to pay charges on your account including tuition, fees, and CWI Bookstore charges, as applicable.
    • Student loans will be disbursed upon acceptance and completion of entrance counseling and MPN, provided you have met other eligibility requirements. 
    • If your award exceeds the charges on your account, the excess funds will be refunded to you. 

    Disbursements Refunds

Questions?

Financial Aid
Phone: 208.562.3000
Email: financialaid@cwi.edu