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Students who feel they need additional resources to fund their educational costs are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. The Financial Aid staff make every effort to utilize state, federal, and private resources effectively to meet a student’s documented need. Student financial aid is awarded after the student has been accepted for admission and has completed the financial aid application process. It is recommended that a student complete all necessary financial aid paperwork prior to enrollment for the upcoming semester. The priority date for applying and completing all paperwork to secure financial aid for the fall semester is April 1. However, students are welcome to apply for financial aid after April 1. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for priority dates for spring and summer enrollment.
Lamar Community College complies with all Title IV financial aid regulations of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended. For more information related to the Title IV financial aid regulations, or questions regarding how to obtain financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 719.336.1590 Monday thru Thursday 7 AM - 5 PM, Fridays 7 AM - 4 PM.
For more information on financial aid procedures, options, and student responsibilities at Lamar Community College, consult the LCC Financial Aid Handbook available online (http://www.lamarcc.edu/admission/paying-for-college/financial-aid/).
Applying for Aid
Lamar Community College utilizes Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for determining the student’s eligibility for all financial aid. Students should complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov . The FAFSA application may be completed after October 1 (after tax returns have been filed is best).
The most important part of the financial aid process is the student’s timely response to requests for information sent to student email accounts. Many times students respond to the initial request and assume the application is complete. However, it may be necessary to provide additional information. It is strongly recommended that students respond to all requests for information as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in the financial aid process.
Financial Aid Options
Lamar Community College offers multiple financial aid resources to help students and parents meet a student’s documented need. The four types of aid resources include: 1) grants, 2) work-study programs, 3) loan programs, and 4) scholarships.
Grants
Grant awards do not have to be repaid. By completing the application procedures previously mentioned, students are automatically applying for consideration for the following grants.
Federal Pell Grants
The U.S. Department of Education determines Federal Pell Grant award amounts.
Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants
These need-based awards range from $100-$4,000 per academic year at LCC and are only available to students with a FAFSA EFC of zero.
Colorado Student Grants
Open to Colorado residents, the minimum award amount for the year is $500 per semester. This amount may be prorated to enrollment level.
Work-Study
Federal and State funds are utilized to provide part-time employment opportunities for qualified students. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and earn between $1,000 and $3,000 for an academic year. Awards are based on the evaluation of the student’s financial need and the needs of campus departments. No-need work-study funds also are available to Colorado residents. Students do not have to document financial need to receive these funds. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Loans
Federal Stafford Loans-Subsidized and Unsubsidized
Students must complete FAFSA to receive consideration for a Stafford Loan. A separate loan application is also required. Students borrowing through these programs have a yearly maximum borrowing limit. The subsidized and unsubsidized portion of the annual loan limit for an individual student is based on the evaluation of the student’s documented need, financial aid status and aggregate student loan debt.
Federal PLUS Loans
The Federal Direct PLUS Loan program (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) is designed to assist parents in supplying their contribution to educational costs. Eligible parent borrowers may borrow up to the amount of the student’s estimated cost of attendance less any other financial aid awarded during the academic year. A separate application and credit check are required.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s central database for student financial aid records. Federal loans disbursed to students or parents will be submitted to NSLDS and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. Student and parent borrowers can track and manage their federal student loans and grants online at nslds.ed.gov. The secured site displays information on loans and grants, including amounts, outstanding balances and status. Student and parent borrowers can also find contact information for their loan servicer.
Scholarships
LCC offers a variety of scholarships for students of all ages, majors, and places of residency. Every year there are unused scholarship dollars, so do no’t wait - apply. These scholarships are funded through the college, the LCC Foundation, and other state and community organizations. Students are encouraged to discover scholarship eligibility by:
- Looking at https://lamarcc.edu/admission/paying-for-college/scholarships.
- Click the apply online links on the page when you find something for which you want to apply.
- Applying for multiple scholarships at one time once in the online application and submitting common documentation as well as scholarship-specific materials.
- Finishing the application in one sitting is not necessary. You can save an application in process. To do that, just create a password and save the application link, so you can go back to finish the un-submitted application. You can also have the link emailed to you so you can easily return.
- Remembering to submit the entire application with required documentation on or before the scholarship deadline(s) to be considered for funding.
- If you have problems submitting the form or required materials, contact the LCC Student Service Center (719.336.1590) or the LCC Foundation office (719.336.1520). Additional required documents can be emailed to aid@lamarcc.edu
Reporting Changes
All students should notify the Office of Financial Aid of any changes in their financial situation, marital status, residence, class standing, or other factors that can reasonably be construed to have a bearing on their financial aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students applying for and/or receiving Title IV financial aid are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress consisting of meeting cumulative GPA requirements and the cumulative credit completion rate. Failure to perform at established levels may result in becoming ineligible for financial aid. LCC follows Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards established by the U.S. Department of Education and the Colorado Community College System. CCCS policy is located at http://www.cccs.edu/state-board/policies-procedures/
Appeals
If the student has been denied aid for any reason, (s)he may present a written appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Further information on the appeals process may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or from the LCC Financial Aid Handbook .
Fraudulent Receipt of Funds
If LCC suspects that a student, employee, or other individual has misreported information or altered documentation to fraudulently obtain federal funds, the college will report evidence to the Office of Inspector General.
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