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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 (http://www.lamarcc.edu/admission/paying-for-college/financial-aid/).
Applying for Aid
Lamar Community College utilizes the 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 January 1 (recommended: after tax returns have been filed).
The most important part of the financial aid process is the student’s timely response to requests for information, which are sent to student email accounts. 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
Federal Pell Grant award amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 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 undergraduate 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 actively seeks donations from individuals and groups and receives gifts, bequests, and contributions on behalf of the College. The Foundation provides multiple scholarships to students of all ages and interests. The LCCF Presidential Scholarships remain its flagship awards. In addition, the Foundation seeks to improve living and learning environments through capital improvement and campus beautification campaigns.
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Presidential Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are available to graduating seniors from Colorado, with a preference for students within the College’s service area. The scholarship is $2,000 per year for up to two years/four semesters. See https://lamarcc.edu/admission/paying-for-college/scholarships or contct the President’s office for more information.
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 less COF (for on campus and online courses) are available to all in-state citizens age 60 and older. Contact the Cashier in the Student Services Center for additional scholarship information.
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 http://www.cccs.edu/state-board/policies-procedures/
Appeals
Any student may present a written appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee if the student has been denied aid for any 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
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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