In order for students to be considered for federal financial aid, which can include federal grants AND loans, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may file the application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
While students do not have to be admitted to Mesa State College to start the financial aid process, they must be admitted before financial aid will be awarded. Mesa State College administers all need-based aid on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order for students to receive priority consideration for financial aid, students should be complete in admission and financial aid by March 1.
Applicants who complete their admission and financial aid files by the priority date will be notified of their eligibility by April 15. Applicants who complete their files after the priority date will receive notification of their financial aid status within two weeks after their file is complete.
The key to applying for financial aid is timing and having financial need. Since awards are made on a first-come, it's critical to get your financial aid application in early before funds run out. Keep in mind it takes a few weeks to process your financial aid application, so plan accordingly. To maximize your award eligibility, you should complete your financial aid application as soon as possible after January 1 before the fall semester you will attend.
Financial Aid is based on need and is awarded according to your family's ability to meet the costs of attending Mesa State. If your family's financial resources fall short of the cost to attend based on the government's evaluation of your family's financial status, you may be eligible. Keep in mind if you are not eligible for grants you may still be eligible for student loans.
The four types of financial aid include: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, and Work-Study
Unlike a loan, a grant does not have to be repaid. Grants will be credited to your account automatically after you have enrolled in the correct number of credit hours to coincide with your award status.
Must be enrolled in 3-12 credit hours to be eligible. Funds are available to students demonstrating financial need according to federal regulation.
Must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours to be eligible. Funds for this grant are extremely limited and are awarded to students with exceptional need.
Must be enrolled in at least 12 credits . Federal funds made available to Pell recipients, U. S. citizens. Must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and be enrolled in at least a two-year academic program.
Must be enrolled in at least 12 credits . Federal funds made availble to Pell recipients, U. S. citizens in the 3rd or 4th academic year in an eligible major.
Must be enrolled in at least 12 credits . State funds made available to Colorado residents with documented financial need. Funds are provided by the generosity of the Colorado General Assembly.
Brief Overview of TEACH
Beginning July 1, 2008, the TEACH Grant program will provide up to $4,000 a year in grant aid to undergraduate and graduate students and students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher credential program, or current or prospective teachers. Eligible undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students may not receive more than $16,000 and graduate students may receive no more than $8,000 in total TEACH Grants.
Students enrolled less than full-time will have their TEACH Grant reduced according to a schedule established by the Department in regulations. The amount of TEACH Grant awarded when combined with other student aid may not exceed a student's cost of attendance (COA).
In exchange for TEACH Grant aid, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher at specified schools and teach in a specified field for four academic years within eight years after completing the college course. TEACH Grant recipients that do not fulfill their teaching obligations must repay the grant as if it was an unsubsidized Direct Loan.
Student Eligibility Requirements:
To read more about the TEACH Grant and the Agreement to Serve please click here:
Must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Federal Perkins loans are available to new or currently enrolled students based on financial need. A Perkins loan is a low interest (5%) loan made through the school. The school is the lender. If you accept your Perkins loan on your award notice, you must then sign your Perkins Loan Master Promissory Note. Direct your questions to the Accounting Office for any other procedures regarding the loan amounts being credited to your billing account.
Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits. Stafford loans are low interest loans that all students can obtain. The Federal Government will pay the interest on Subsidized loans while you are attending school. You are responsible for the interest on an Unsubsidized loan. Both loans have a variable interest rate capped at 8.25%
** All Stafford Loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling prior to receiving funds from a Stafford loan.
Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits. A low interest loan for parents of dependent students for costs related to their education. The loan has a variable interest rate capped at 9%. If you are a parent of a dependent student whose award letter didn't contain a PLUS loan offer, but you are interested in obtaining one, please contact the Office of Financial Aid. If you accepted the PLUS loan on the award letter, you (the parent) must also complete a separate Master Promissory Note other than the student's stafford loan MPN.
Federal and state funds available to eligible students for part-time employment to help offset educational costs.
State funds available to assist Colorado resident students that are not eligible for need-based financial
assistance.
In addition to work-study, there are many alternatives for part-time employment. Most leadership positions in student organizations pay 50% to 100% of in-state tuition and fees. These include student groups like the
radio station, school paper, outdoor program, activities council, resident assistant, and student government. There are also departments on campus that provide jobs that don't require a student to have work-study funds available to them.
There are also many opportunities to work in a variety of positions around campus. In the community, Grand
Junction is the home of hundreds of businesses. Students may pursue employment opportunities with local businesses to earn extra money and gain work experience in their area of interest.
**Keep in mind that work-study funds are limited. Funds are awarded based on need and timeliness of the FAFSA. If you are still interested in Work-Study after funds are completely distributed, contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if there is a possible waiting list that you can be placed on for future availability.
If you already have work-study and would like to see the most current list of open positions, click here.
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