Policies

As a student you have the right to:

• Know all types of financial assistance available (federal, state, institutional).
• Change or decline any financial aid awarded.
• Appeal financial aid eligibility or award decisions.

As a student you are responsible for:

• Accurately completing the FAFSA and Scholarship Application by March 1.
• Using aid solely for CSU Pueblo educational expenses.
• Being admitted into a degree-seeking program and maintaining at least 6 credits per semester.
• Keeping contact info updated and notifying Financial Aid if attending two schools.
• Understanding SAP, Withdrawal, and other policies.
• Reporting all scholarships and monitoring your CSU Pueblo email and PAWS account.

Consortium Agreements allow a CSU Pueblo student (Home Institution) to take courses at another (Host Institution) while remaining eligible for aid through CSU Pueblo. Requirements include transferable credits, degree-seeking status, Pell eligibility, 6 CSU Pueblo credits, and proof of Host Institution enrollment.

Financial Aid Committee – Required by the State of Colorado, this committee advises the Financial Aid Director and reviews SAP appeals, scholarships, and general policy. Membership includes two students, two faculty, two staff, and two Financial Aid Counselors.

Merit Policy – Awards may include State or Institutional funds. Academic performance is the primary factor, though other considerations may apply.

Award Schedule: New students are awarded beginning in March; continuing students in mid-May. Awards are viewable in PAWS. Aid disburses only after all requirements are satisfied.

Disbursement Criteria: Students must be admitted to a degree-seeking program, meet credit minimums, and clear prior balances. First-time loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. Remaining funds may be direct-deposited through PAWS.

Distance Education: Financial aid applies to eligible degree-seeking students in Extended Studies or approved distance courses. Correspondence-only students are considered half-time regardless of credits. Pell Grants disburse after 50% coursework completion.

Return to Title IV Funds (R2T4): Students who withdraw before completing 60% of the term will have aid recalculated. Unearned funds are returned to the Department of Education within 45 days. Students may owe a balance if aid is reduced.

Order of returned funds: Unsubsidized Direct → Subsidized Direct → PLUS → Perkins → Pell → SEOG → TEACH.

Exemptions: Students completing 49% or more of the period, or graduating, are not considered withdrawn.

Exit Counseling: Required for students dropping below 6 credits or withdrawing who have borrowed Federal loans or TEACH Grants. Visit Financial Aid for help completing required counseling.

Summer Financial Aid: Submit the FAFSA by April 1 for priority consideration. Eligibility depends on remaining annual aid limits from the prior academic year.

Other General Policies: Students may charge books to their CSU Pueblo account via the Bookstore. Charges must be paid in full—financial aid is not guaranteed to cover book costs. Monitor your PAWS account to avoid late fees.