Financial Aid for Incoming Freshmen
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Your award amount will be determined using a Cost of Attendance (COA) budget that we establish including tuition based on your enrollment level and program, a room and board allowance (even if you don't live on campus, you have living costs associated with attending school), and an allowance for books and supplies, personal expenses and transportation costs. We subtract the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (Find out more about applying for financial aid.)The difference between these two figures is called "Demonstrated Financial Need." According to institutional awarding policies and funding resources, we offer the best financial aid "package" we can to meet this difference.
It is important for you to know that we may revise your financial aid award if any elements of your COA budget changes. For example, if we prepare an initial award based on your intention for full-time enrollment, we may reduce your award if you subsequently change to part-time enrollment because your tuition will be less for part-time enrollment.
Scholarships, Grants and Awards
These are all "gift aid" offered on the basis of academic achievement, special talent, program enrollment or financial need. None of these scholarships, grants, or awards need to be re-paid. Merit Scholarships are renewed annually, based on full-time enrollment and maintaining the following renewal cumulative GPA: President's Scholarship - 3.00; Regents' Scholarship - 3.00; Dean's Scholarship - 2.50 University Award - 2.50.
College Work Study
Eligibility is available to every student enrolled in a degree or certificate program at CU. Although we do not award or guarantee a specific amount of College Work Study eligibility, on average students who work on campus earn approximately $1000 per year. It is up to the student to secure employment, however assistance can be provided through the Career Office to identify on-campus openings. You will be paid for your College Work Study job at the rate of $6.50 per hour, with paychecks available in the Office of Business Services on the last working day of each month.
Student Loans
These are available through the Federal Perkins Loan Program and Federal Family Educational Loan Program. The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) includes three specific federal loan programs: the Subsidized Stafford Loan Program, the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program, and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student (PLUS) program. You must apply for a Perkins Loan or any of the FFELP loans by completing the Financial Aid Acceptance on the back of your award letter.
If you need additional help, or have questions about the financial aid process not answered in these pages, please e-mail our office or give us a call at 503-280-8514 (local) or 1-800-321-9371 (long distance).