The federal philosophy for financial aid administration is that the main responsibility for financing education rests with the student and his/her family. Federal aid is available to supplement families’ resources. Read below for more information regarding Federal financial aid.

In order for your eligibility for federal aid to be determined, students and/or parents should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Apply as early as October 1 of each year for the academic year beginning the following fall. Since results from FAFSA are required for institutional aid, it is recommended that ALL students complete the federal application.

EWC’s federal school code is: 003929

Need help completing the FAFSA? Check out these resources!
Completing the FAFSA

The priority consideration date for federal AND institutional aid is March 15. Students who have a completed financial aid file by this date will receive priority consideration for all available funding. After this date, most funds are first-come, first-served. Students must have a completed application on file at least six weeks prior to enrollment to ensure financial aid funds are available to pay for education expenses. The FAFSA remains open through June of each academic year (e.g., the 2024-2025 FAFSA became available to complete on January 1, 2024 and remains available through June 30, 2024), but students must have a valid FAFSA on file with EWC during the term(s) in which they are enrolled in order to receive federal funding for that term.

Students must meet general eligibility requirements to receive federal funding and must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to retain aid semester to semester.

Students or families who have recently had a change in financial circumstances due to a loss of job or benefits, death, separation or divorce, or other please contact the Financial Aid Office. We may be able to help you obtain additional assistance.

Pell Grant

Pell Grants are available to students with Expected Family Contributions (EFC) of $0 – $6,656 as determined by the FAFSA. Awards range from $750 – $7,395 per academic year for full-time enrollment. The amount is prorated based on actual enrollment. Pell Grants may also be available to students enrolling in summer semester, depending on eligibility. Students are limited to 12 full-time semesters (or its equivalent) of lifetime Pell Grant eligibility. You can log on to Student Aid using your FSA ID to view your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). The LEU will be found on the My Aid page. A student may not receive Pell Grant payments concurrently from more than one school. Learn more about Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a federal financial aid grant program with limited funding availability. Priority is given to students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. Award amounts range from $100 minimum – $800 maximum and awards are prorated based on actual enrollment. Learn more about FSEOG.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is a need-based federal financial program with limited funding availability. The student is employed in an on-campus part-time position and paid wages. These wages are subsidized by the federal government and aren’t subject to Social Security (FICA) or Medicare taxes. To be eligible, students must be accepted, registered as degree-seeking at EWC, and meet eligibility requirements as established in the EWC Satisfactory Academic Progress Policies for Financial Aid. Because Federal Work Study is a need-based program, students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.  View more information on Federal Work Study.

Federal Direct Loans

Direct loans are available to students and parents of dependent students. Students must be enrolled at least half-time, 6 credits per semester, to qualify. These fixed interest rate loans are guaranteed by the Federal government and have generous forgiveness, deferment and forbearance provisions as well as flexible repayment options. The FAFSA is the application for Federal Direct Loans. Loans are received at the beginning of each semester after the drop/add period. First-time borrowers must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note before receiving the loan.

Parents interested in Parent Direct PLUS Loans may apply for the loan online. Parent Loans are subject to a credit decision.

Learn more about Federal Direct Loans such as the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, annual and aggregate loan limits, current interest rates and fees, and repayment information.

We highly recommend that you borrow only what you need to meet your educational expenses.