Financial Aid

Students who feel they may 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, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 719.336.1590.

For more information on financial aid procedures, options, and student responsibilities at Lamar Community College, consult the LCC Financial Aid Handbook  available online (www.lamarcc.edu/student/financialinformation.html).

Applying for Aid

Lamar Community College utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for determining the student’s eligibility for “need-based” financial aid. Applications are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov, in high school counselors’ and financial aid offices. The FAFSA application should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 (recommended: after tax returns have been filed).

The financial aid application is complete when:

1. The student is officially admitted to Lamar Community College.
2. The Office of Financial Aid has the following documents:
   1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
   2. All income documentation and other requested information, which may consist of the federal income tax transcript, federal verification worksheet, and untaxed income verification if requested by the College.
   3. Other information as requested by the College. 

The most important part of the financial aid process is the student’s timely response to requests for information. Many times students respond to the initial request and assume the application is complete. However, occasionally 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 annual Federal Pell Grant award maximum is  $5,730 for the academic year, depending on student eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants

These need-based awards range from $500–$1,000 per academic year at LCC.

Colorado Student Grants

Open to Colorado residents, the base award amount for the year is $1000.  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 $2,000 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 the FAFSA to receive consideration for a Stafford Loan. A separate loan application is required. Students borrowing on 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 Under graduate Students) is designed to assist parents in providing 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.

Scholarships

Lamar Community College Foundation Scholarships

The LCC Foundation is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1973, which receives gifts, bequests, and donations on behalf of the College. It actively seeks donations from individuals and groups. The Foundation provides Presidential Scholarships and administers the LCCF Community Scholarships. In addition, the Foundation seeks to improve learning environments through campus beautification and capital improvement campaigns.

• Presidential Scholarships

Presidential Scholarships are available to graduating seniors from Colorado. Seventy-five (75%) percent of the scholarships are reserved from graduating seniors from Southeast Colorado school districts that are members of the Southeast Colorado BOCES or located in LCC’s service area. The scholarship funds full in-state tuition and fees (15 credits per semester). Contact the President’s Office for more information.

• Community Scholarships

The LCC Foundation also solicits contributions for a variety of privately-funded scholarships. These scholarships have different eligibility requirements and award amounts; they are open to new and continuing students. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Senior Citizen Scholarships

Scholarships for up to one-half of tuition (or full tuition for PED courses) are available to all in-state citizens over the age of 60. Scholarship information is available in the Student Services Center.

Other Scholarships

LCC offers a number of other scholarships. Students with good high school records or other demonstration of academic achievement should contact the Student Services Center for scholarship information. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit, proven athletic abilities, and other areas.

Reporting Changes

All students should notify the Office of Financial Aid of any changes in their financial situation, marital status, residence, class standing, or any 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 students becoming ineligible for financial aid. LCC follows to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards established by the U.S. Department of Education and the Colorado Community College System.  CCCS policy is located at www.cccs.edu/sbccoe/policies/SP-TOC.html

Appeals

Any student may present a written appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee if the student has been denied aid for reason. 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

When fraud is suspected, financial aid staff report the case to the Colorado Community College System Legal Department. When a student is suspected of fraud, all financial aid processes are ceased until there has been a review of the information.