Financial Aid and Scholarships

Location

Greeley Campus | Welcome Center | Email: financial.aid@aims.edu | Phone: (970) 339-6548 | Director: Chris Peterson | Scholarship Coordinator: Amber Mason

College Preparatory Courses and Financial Aid

College-preparatory (Basic Education) coursework can be included in your enrollment status for financial aid purposes.

However, financial aid will only cover up to 30 semester credits of college-preparatory coursework.

Once you exceed this 30-credit limit, any additional preparatory courses will not be eligible for financial aid funding.

Financial Aid

The purpose of financial aid is to provide assistance to students in meeting their educational costs as they pursue their current academic program. Financial aid awards may come from one or any combination of grants, scholarships, work-study or loans.  Financial aid awarded to students may be funded from federal, state, institutional and/or private funds.

To be considered for most types of financial aid, students must apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available online at studentaid.gov. The Federal School Code for Aims Community College is: 007582.

Most scholarships require an application separate from the FAFSA. Please contact the organization granting the scholarship or the Financial Aid Office for more information. 

Financial Aid Application

A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed for each academic year (Fall through Summer).  The FAFSA typically becomes available October 1 each year.

Priority Date

To be considered for certain types for grants and/or work-study funds that are very limited, you are encouraged to submit your FAFSA by March 15 for the upcoming fall semester.

Processing Deadlines

To ensure your financial aid is ready to be disbursed at the beginning of the semester, you must complete all steps in the application, verification, and enrollment process, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by the following dates

Late Applicants

If you miss the priority date for the term in which you plan to enroll, you are still strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. Your application will be accepted and processed; however, it may not be completed in time to meet tuition payment deadlines or to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books.

In this case, you will need to make other arrangements to pay your tuition, fees, and book expenses. If you are later determined to be eligible for financial aid, and a refund is due, it will be issued to you later in the term.

General Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for financial aid depends on the availability of federal, state, institutional, and private resources. To be eligible for financial aid at Aims Community College, you must

• Be accepted into a financial aid-eligible degree or certificate program (A.A., A.A.S., A.G.S., A.S., B.A.S., or approved certificate)

• Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to the college’s financial aid SAP policy

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen

• Enroll in at least 6 credits (half-time status) for most financial aid programs

  Courses must apply toward your financial aid-eligible degree or certificate

• Not be in default on any prior federal student loan

• Not owe a repayment or overpayment on a federal grant or loan

• Have a high school diploma, GED, or completed secondary education in a home school setting recognized under state law

Important: Penalties may be imposed for abuse, misuse, or fraudulent reporting of information related to financial aid funds.

Financial Aid Application Instructions

You must apply for financial aid each academic year (Fall through Summer). To apply

• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  Aims Community College’s Federal School Code is 007582. This code must be included on your FAFSA for Aims to process your financial aid. Submit the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov.

• Research and apply for scholarships.
  Visit the financial aid section on the Aims website at aims.edu or search for free scholarships online.

• Submit any additional documentation as requested.
  You may be required to provide further information to complete your financial aid application. Prompt submission of requested documents helps avoid delays.

Important Financial Aid Application Information

1. Verification Process

• Some FAFSA applications are selected for verification by the federal government or the school.

• If selected, you may need to submit

  • A Verification Worksheet

  • Tax returns or transcripts, and W-2 forms for all required contributors

  • Other supporting documents as needed

• You will be notified via email if selected.

2. Federal Database Matches

• Your FAFSA details are matched with several federal agencies

  • Social Security Administration

  • Department of Homeland Security

  • Veterans Administration (if applicable)

  • National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

• If there are discrepancies, you may need to provide additional documentation.

• Notifications will come from both the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) and the school’s Financial Aid Office via email.

3. Transfer Students

• If you previously applied for aid at another school and are transferring to Aims, you must

  • Add Aims’ school code (007582) to your FAFSA at studentaid.gov

  • Cancel any aid awarded by your previous school for overlapping terms

• Note: It may take up to 30 days for canceled aid to update in the NSLDS

• You cannot receive most types of aid from two schools for the same semester

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Students must meet all of the following standards

• Qualitative Measure (GPA)
  Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. This includes both remedial and undergraduate coursework.

• Quantitative Measure (Pace of Completion)
  Maintain a cumulative completion rate of 67% or higher.
  (Completion rate is calculated by dividing the total number of undergraduate credit hours successfully completed by the total number of undergraduate credit hours attempted. Attempted hours include all courses-completed, repeated, withdrawn, or incomplete-taken at Aims.)

• Maximum Time Frame
  Students must not have attempted more than 150% of the credit hours required for their declared academic program.
  (Attempted credits include all undergraduate, repeated, withdrawn, and incomplete courses at Aims, as well as any transfer credits.)

• Recent Term Requirement
  Students must not have failed all attempted coursework in their most recently completed term.

For financial aid purposes, being enrolled in a course for credit beyond the official add / drop deadline counts in attempted hours. All attempted courses are counted, including those taken as part of a different degree or certificate program. Attempted credits for both completion rate and maximum time frame include program changes and/or completed programs.

For financial aid purposes, successful completion of a course means an earned grade of A, B, C, D or S. Grades of F, I, U, and W are considered unsuccessful completions and will negatively impact your satisfactory academic progress review completed at the end of each semester.  Please refer to the standards listed in #1 through #3 above. 

Students who don’t meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards receive an email at the end of each semester indicating their eligibility status. In addition, students may check their status at any time by logging in to Workday.

If you do not meet the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards due to your grade point average or number of successfully completed credits, you will be placed on financial aid warning. The exception to this is if you fail all coursework attempted, you will be placed on financial aid ineligibility. While on warning you will remain eligible for the payment of your financial aid. While on warning, if you again do not meet either of these requirements you will be placed on financial aid ineligibility and will not be eligible for further financial aid until you meet the minimum requirements for reinstatement. You will need to pay the tuition and fees for the courses you take while on financial aid ineligibility.

If you have attempted 150% of the credits required for your academic program, you will be considered to have used your maximum credits and are no longer eligible for financial aid.

You have the right to appeal a financial aid ineligibility status if you have extenuating circumstances. This may include, but is not limited to, a medical emergency, death in the family, a change in your work schedule, etc. Max time appeals can be submitted if you are pursuing a subsequent financial aid eligible academic program or feel there have been circumstances that prevented you from completing your program in the maximum time allowed. SAP appeal requests are found within your Workday account under Requests. Documentation of your extenuating circumstances will be required. Appeal requests must be submitted through your Workday account.

SAP appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The SAP Appeal committee which consists of Aims faculty and staff may approve funding for one additional semester or longer. Students who are approved for one additional semester are placed on probation. While on probation students are expected to complete all courses in which they enroll.

Satisfactory Academic Progress is checked again at the end of the probation semester and the applicable eligibility status is assigned. Students who are approved for funding for more than one semester are placed on Probation - Academic Plan with specific instructions to show improvement at the end of each semester toward meeting normal Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students who do not show progress at the end of the semester and do not meet any other criteria included in their academic plan will be placed on financial aid ineligibility. Students who show progress at the end of the semester will continue on Probation - Academic Plan until they meet normal Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

Students who have had a grade change may request a re-calculation of the SAP measures by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Students who are placed on financial aid ineligibility and pay for courses on their own may request a reinstatement of their eligibility once they meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

General Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid

Eligibility for financial aid at Aims Community College depends on the availability of federal, state, institutional, and private resources. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria

• Be admitted to Aims Community College as a student seeking an eligible degree or certificate (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.G.S., A.E.S., or B.A.S.)

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as outlined in the Financial Aid SAP Policy

• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen

• Enroll in at least half-time status (6 credits) for most aid programs, with coursework required for your degree or certificate

• Not be in default on any prior federal student loan

• Not owe repayment or overpayment of any federal grant or loan

• Be registered with Selective Service, if required by federal law

• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or have completed a home school program that meets state requirements

• Not have a federal drug conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs during a period of receiving federal (Title IV) aid

Note: Penalties may apply for fraud, misuse of financial aid funds, or providing false information on your financial aid application.

Grants

Grants may be awarded if you show financial need based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Pell Grant: This is a need-based federal grant program for students who are seeking their first undergraduate degree. Students who establish eligibility will be funded.

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG): A federal need-based grant awarded to students seeking a first undergraduate degree in an eligible program who have exceptional financial need. Limited funding is available.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.  Additional student eligibility requirements include being under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least part time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Pell Grant for the award year - not to exceed the cost of attendance that year.

Colorado State Grant (CSG): These state funds are available to Colorado resident undergraduate students with preference to students with a documented SAI that is within Pell eligibility. Awards are made after Pell Grant eligibility is determined. These funds are made available through the Colorado General Assembly. Limited funding is available.

Payment of Financial Aid

When Aid is Paid

• Financial aid is credited to your student tuition account shortly before the start of each semester.

• You must

  • Be awarded financial aid

  • Complete all required documents

  • Be enrolled in the required number of credits

Work-Study Payments

• Work-study funds are not applied to your tuition.

• Once hired for a work-study position, you will be paid monthly based on hours worked.

Enrollment Status and Payment Amounts

• Your aid amount is based on the number of eligible credits you are enrolled in that apply to your program.

• If you are enrolled in fewer than 12 credits, your aid amount may be adjusted from what is listed on your award letter.

How Aid is Applied

• Most financial aid (including grants and loans) is applied directly to your student tuition account.

• Grants are automatically credited.

• Federal Stafford and PLUS Loans are applied after

  • All loan paperwork is complete

  • Entrance counseling is done

  • The disbursement date is reached

Refunds

• If your aid exceeds your tuition and fees

  • A refund will be issued by the Cashier’s Office

  • You will receive an email notification at your Aims email address the night before your refund is available

Important Note

• Failing to attend, dropping, or withdrawing from classes can reduce your eligibility and may require you to repay financial aid already received.

Repayment of Unearned Federal Financial Aid

If you receive federal student aid (Title IV) and

• Withdraw completely (officially or unofficially)

• Or stop attending all courses

• Before completing 60% of the semester

…you may be required to repay a portion of the aid you received.

The repayment amount is prorated based on how much of the semester you completed.

You will be billed for the amount owed, and holds will be placed on your student record until the balance is paid in full.

Scholarships

Aims Scholars Scholarship and Aims Opportunity Scholarships: These are merit-based (or GPA)  scholarships designed to assist students who have excelled academically.  The Aims Scholars Scholarship is automatically awarded to students who qualify.  A separate application, available online, is required for Aims Opportunity Scholarship.  A copy of either a student’s final high school transcript, if a recent (1 academic year or less) high school graduate, or most recent college transcript, if new transfer student, must be attached to the Aims Opportunity Scholarship application. A FAFSA is not required. All awards are subject to the availability of institutional funding.

Other Scholarships: There is a wide variety of scholarships available to students. The key is to search for them often and then take the time to apply!  Local scholarship opportunities can be found on the Aims scholarship web page, https://www.aims.edu/student/finaid/scholarships/.

You should NEVER have to pay to find out about the availability of scholarships. Planning and scholarship search websites are also listed on the Aims scholarship web page. 

Aims Foundation Scholarships: Through the generous donations of many individuals and organizations, scholarship funds are available through the Aims Foundation to assist students while attending Aims. Only one application is required. The online application is available at www.aims.edu/student/finaid/scholarships/ or https://aims.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/. 

General eligibility criteria for all Aims Foundation Scholarships may be found on the Aims website, https://www.aims.edu/departments/financial-aid/types-financial-aid#scholarships, or through the Office of Financial Aid.  Scholarships are available to students on all campuses. Aims Foundation scholarships, amounts, and deadlines are subject to change and are contingent upon availability of funds. Before completing the online application or if you have questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (970) 339-6548 or financial.aid@aims.edu. The Office of Financial Aid is located in the Welcome Center.

The Aims Foundation Thanks Our Generous Donors for Providing the Following Scholarships

Student Loans Overview

Unlike grants or work-study, student loans must be repaid with interest. Loans are a legal obligation, so they should be considered a last resort for funding your education.

Federal Direct Loans

Aims Community College offers loans through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Loans come directly from the U.S. Department of Education and include

• Subsidized Stafford Loan

• Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

• PLUS Loan (for parents of dependent students)

Visit studentaid.gov for current loan interest rates and details.

Subsidized Stafford Loan

• Requires demonstrated financial need

• Student must be enrolled at least half-time

• The federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled half-time and during deferment periods

• Borrower is responsible for repayment of loan principal and interest after leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

• Does not require financial need

• Student must be enrolled at least half-time

• Interest begins accruing immediately and is the borrower’s responsibility

• Unpaid interest is capitalized, meaning it is added to the principal balance

The Aims Financial Aid Office recommends making interest payments during school to reduce overall repayment costs. 

PLUS Loan

• Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students

• Credit-based loan

• Requires completion of the FAFSA

• Parents must also complete the Parent PLUS Loan application at studentaid.gov/plus-app

Private Education Loans

• Offered by private lenders

• Typically credit-based and may require a co-borrower

• Students should consider federal loan options before applying for private loans

• Applications are submitted directly through the lender’s website

For more information, visit: aims.edu/departments/financial-aid.

Veterans Benefits

VA Education Benefits at Aims

• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®

• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

• Chapter 33 Post 9-11 GI Bill®

• Chapter 35 (DEA) Dependents Educational Assistance Program

• Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill®

Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits are administered through Aims Community College Veteran Services Department. The VA School Certifying Official is available to address the needs of veteran students and eligible dependents using VA education benefits. VA benefit programs change frequently, so we hope you will seek the advice of our VA School Certifying Official before applying to use benefits at Aims.

Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs education portal for more information about each of the benefit chapters and their eligibility requirements.

If you believe you may be eligible for benefits, you should contact Veteran Services at least 12 weeks before enrolling to allow for adequate application processing time by Aims and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Complete an Enrollment Certification Request for each semester of enrollment. Failure to do so will result in no payment of benefits. Please submit this request through your Aims Workday account within the Requests App.

Your VA benefits will vary based on the type of benefit, your contract, and the number of credit hours you are enrolled for each semester. Visit the Department of Veteran Affairs GI Bill® Page for current rates.

To keep your VA benefits current, it is important you report any change in program or enrollment status to the Aims VA certify-ing official as soon as it happens. Failure to do so may result in you being overpaid. Funds you are not eligible for must be repaid to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department aggressively pursues debt collection for over payments.

You are responsible for having a VA Certificate of Eligibility, a Joint Service Transcript, and an official academic transcript from each college, university, trade or vocational school you previously attended sent to the Registration and Records Office. Transcripts are evaluated to determine if any transfer credits can be accepted toward your Aims program of study.

VA education student records are kept for three (3) years following the end date of the last period certified.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Work-Study

A FAFSA is required to determine a student’s eligibility for all work-study programs.

Federal Work-Study: A Federal funded work program with a portion of the funds contributed by the college. Awards are made only to students who have documented financial need. On and off-campus jobs, with non-profit agencies, are available.

Colorado Work-Study: Funding by the Colorado General Assembly for an employment program awarded to undergraduate Colorado residents with documented financial need. On and off-campus jobs, with non-profit agencies, are available.

Colorado No-Need Work-Study: Funding by the Colorado General Assembly for an employment program awarded to a limited number of undergraduate Colorado residents without documented financial need. On and off-campus jobs, with non-profit agencies, are available.