Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of attending EWC?

Find information about EWCs tuition and fees.

What is the refund policy?

Review the College Catalog for EWC's refund policy before deciding to drop a class. Also, see the Withdrawal and the Return of Federal Aid explanation on the Eligibility Requirements page or check with the Financial Aid Office to find out how dropping classes might affect your financial aid. You must remain at full-time status (at least 12 credits per semester) throughout the semester to stay in the residence halls.

Why do I keep receiving a bill when I have financial aid?

Your financial aid is not accessible until the first disbursement date. This is the date when all qualifying funds are applied by the Business Office to your account. Before that date, the Financial Aid Office is working behind the scenes to confirm you are attending class and meeting the requirements set forth by the Department of Education, by state requirements or by individual scholarship criteria. Approximately three weeks into the semester, approved financial aid is transmitted to your student account. The bills will stop once the account balance is $0.00. As long as you have a balance on your account, you will receive a bill, regardless of your financial aid award; students may be subject to a $40 late payment fee if financial aid is not in place and/or payment arrangements aren't made by the first day of class each semester. Check the EWC website calendar, on Facebook, and posters throughout campus for the first disbursement date and other important financial aid dates each semester. If you think an award has not been applied properly to your account, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

What is the deadline for applying for aid?

EWC’s priority deadline is March 15 each year for federal aid as well as institutional and Foundation scholarships. Pell Grants and loans are available to you based on your eligibility no matter when you apply through the academic year, but some funding is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Many scholarships also require a completed Admissions Application and high school transcripts to be submitted by that date. Because some scholarships require FAFSA information to award, it is important ALL applications are completed by March 15. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your opportunity for aid.

You should also apply early so you can get your award letter early to help you in making budgeting decisions and choosing a college that you can afford and that is the best fit for you.

You can apply as early as October 1 for federal and institutional aid for the following academic year. For example, apply October 1, 2022 for the 2023-2024 academic year and you will meet all priority deadlines and receive notification of your aid eligibility early!

How is financial aid awarded?

Pell Grants, other grants, and scholarships are applied to your student account directly if you are registered for the required number of credit hours to qualify for your aid, you are not on suspension, and you are enrolled in an approved program of study. If your financial aid funds exceed your direct EWC charges, the remaining amount will be available to you in the form of a check approximately one week after the last day to drop with a full tuition refund each semester.

How can I pay my bill if my financial aid does not cover it all?

EWC offers various methods for paying for student account charges; payment plans may be available. Contact the Business Office for details at 307.532.8205.

Where do I pick up my financial aid checks?

If your aid is processed by the end of the late registration period and you are due a refund, your refund check will be available approximately two weeks after the last day to drop with a full tuition refund each semester. Funds received after that date will be processed, posted and disbursed once a week. Torrington Campus students may obtain refund checks from the Information Center on Fridays; checks for EWC Outreach students are mailed weekly.

When will I get my money?

Students who have received offer letters from the Financial Aid Office by the start of each semester AND who meet all other eligibility requirements should have checks available approximately three weeks into each term. Specific dates are posted online and on flyers throughout campus.

Why am I not getting my EWC financial aid mail?

Make sure you have your current mailing address on file with us. Contact Student Services to verify your address and make necessary changes.

Why can't my parents/spouse talk to you about my financial aid?

Because of FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (34 CFR Part 99), we cannot disclose any information about your financial aid without your permission.

If you'd like to have a parent/spouse have access to your records, you must fill out an Authorization to Release Records form (under the "Authorization to Release Information" section).

How do I apply for financial aid in the summer?

Complete EWC’s online scholarship application and indicate the Summer term for which you wish to receive aid.

Students should also complete the FAFSA if they have not already submitted one for the year. Summer is a “trailer” semester at EWC, meaning it is the ending semester to the academic year, so if you are interested in Summer 2023 financial aid, you must have a 2022-2023 FAFSA on file. Summer aid eligibility is impacted by annual limits, fund availability and number of credits enrolled. Students who are interested in loans and who have not already reached maximum loan limits for the year must also submit a Summer Direct Loan Request Form. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) to receive loans.

Is there aid available to Veterans?

Yes. Speak with EWC's VA Certifying Official in Financial Aid (307.532.8224) for information on veteran’s benefits and how to apply. Veterans should also apply for federal financial aid and scholarships.

I want to take some classes at another college that will apply to my EWC degree. How do I get financial aid for those credits?

You can fill out a Consortium Agreement (under the "Consortium Agreement" section) to receive funding for credits at another institution at the same time you are enrolled in EWC.

I'm thinking about applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA). If I am selected, what will the impact be on my financial aid?

Resident Assistants receive a remission for room and board, which is applied directly to your account. See Residence Life for more housing information. This can significantly reduce your educational costs and reduce your potential loan debt!

Are there any programs that provide student financial assistance to homeschooled students?

Home-schooled students are eligible for federal student aid for college if they have completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under State law (Section 484(d)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965). Students who do not meet the requirements of state law must complete a GED exam before receiving federal aid. For additional information, see Federal Requirements for Homeschoolers Seeking College Admission and Financial Aid, Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), May 2003.

Home-schooled students are eligible for institutional and Foundation scholarships and are encouraged to apply for other scholarships as well. The Home School Foundation, www.homeschoolfoundation.org/, is one of few organizations with scholarships targeted directly at homeschooled students.

What resources are there for homeless students?

Homeless students are eligible for the same federal and institutional aid as any other student and should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and EWC's online scholarship application. You should also look for other scholarships that you may be eligible for. Some good online sources for homeless youth include:
www.serve.org/
www.naehcy.org
www.act.org

Where do I apply for federal aid?

The quickest way for EWC to receive your information is if you fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Filing your FAFSA will not only calculate your eligibility for federal Pell Grants, it will also determine your eligibility for Federal Work Study and Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

The online application is available at www.studentaid.gov. Applying at this site is secure and FREE. Other online sites may want to charge you to apply.

What is the Federal Student Aid ID and where can I sign up for one?

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and to electronically sign your federal student aid documents. You should NEVER give your FSA ID to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. For more info on the FSA ID, see Federal Student Aid's website: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid. You can also refer to our 2022-2023 FAFSA Outline for more instructions and information.

What is a Student Aid Report (SAR) and why was I sent one?

Your Student Aid Report (SAR) is the Department of Education’s way of telling you they received your FAFSA. It is important that you read your SAR to determine if mistakes were made on your FAFSA. If your SAR indicates you made an error, you will need to make corrections online at studentaid.gov. Your SAR will also let you know your EFC.

What is my EFC?

Your EFC, or Expected Family Contribution, is the result of calculations from the financial information you enter on your FAFSA. The Federal Philosophy for determining eligibility for financial aid is that the student and his/her family bears the primary responsibility of paying for college costs and federal financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources. The EFC considers taxable and non-taxable income, asset equity, family size, age of parents, number of family members in college and has built-in allowances for taxes and living expenses. The EFC is not a bill or an amount you or your parents have to come up with to attend school, it is a measure of your family's financial strength and an estimation of what you might be able to contribute to your educational costs. Pell grants are awarded based on your EFC; for 2022-2023 an EFC of $6,206 or below is considered Pell eligible. EFC also determines eligibility for Federal Work Study and subsidized student loans.

I sent in my FAFSA more than four weeks ago, but I haven't heard anything. What should I do?

First, be sure you actually submitted your FAFSA. You must click the "Submit" button (don't just hit "Enter") for your online FAFSA to be electronically submitted. You will receive a confirmation page that indicates the date and time you submitted your information. Be sure you’ve included EWC’s school code, 003929, on your FAFSA so we receive your information.

If you still haven't received a Student Aid Report (SAR), call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 (toll-free) or 1-334-523-2691. You must provide them with your Social Security Number and date of birth as verification.

You can also chat or email Federal Student Aid Customer Service.

How much Pell Grant can I get?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2022-2023 academic year is $6,895. The amount you receive, however, depends not only on your financial need, but also on your status as a full-time or part-time student each semester, as well as meeting general eligibility requirements and Satisfactory Academic Progress status.

I probably will not qualify for aid, should I apply anyway?

Definitely. Many families mistakenly think they do not qualify for aid. The only way to know for sure if you qualify or not is to apply. You may be eligible for Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but both require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be completed. Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) also rely on FAFSA information and are available regardless of need. In addition, ALL EWC Institutional Scholarships require FAFSA information for awarding.

What is the deadline for applying for aid?

EWC’s priority deadline is March 15 each year. Pell Grants and loans are available to you based on your eligibility no matter when you apply through the academic year, but some funding is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only. Many scholarships are awarded immediately after the March 15 priority deadline based on having an EWC Scholarship Application and Admissions Application completed, and high school transcripts submitted by that date. Because some scholarships require FAFSA information to award, it is important ALL applications are completed by March 15. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your opportunity for aid.

You should also apply early so you can get your award letter early to help you in making budgeting decisions and choosing a college that you can afford and that is the best fit for you.

You can apply as early as October 1 for federal and institutional aid for the following academic year. For example, apply October 1, 2022 for the 2023-2024 academic year and you will meet all priority deadlines and receive notification of your aid eligibility early!

Why can I now submit my FAFSA as of October 1?

Beginning with the 2017-2018 FAFSA, the need analysis process for financial aid uses the family's income and tax information from an earlier tax year than was previously possible to judge your eligibility for need-based financial aid during the upcoming academic year (the award year). For example, on the 2023–2024 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) will report their 2021 income information, rather than their 2022 income information.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. Most financial aid is contingent upon reapplication every academic year. Because your financial circumstances may change from year to year, you may be eligible for more or less aid. After your first year, you can do a renewal application online at www.studentaid.gov, which contains information from your previous year's FAFSA. To retain financial aid eligibility, you must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits each semester and achieving a minimum GPA.

Do students receive the same amount of aid every year?

Not necessarily. You must reapply because eligibility is re-evaluated annually. Based on your most current financial information, the actual aid award may change. Federal aid will remain about the same if your family financial situation remains about the same; the number of family members in the household and in college remains the same; your application meets the deadline dates, and you are making satisfactory academic progress. Scholarships may be renewable if you meet eligibility requirements, but you must complete the online scholarship application and any other required applications to be considered. Refer to the directions and criteria for each scholarship to which you are applying.

How do I apply for financial aid in the summer?

Complete EWC’s online scholarship application and indicate the Summer term for which you wish to receive aid.

Students should also complete the FAFSA if they have not already submitted one for the year. Summer is a “trailer” semester at EWC, meaning it is the ending semester to the academic year, so if you are interested in Summer 2023 financial aid, you must have a 2022-2023 FAFSA on file. Summer aid eligibility is impacted by annual limits, fund availability and number of credits enrolled. Students who are interested in loans and who have not already reached maximum loan limits for the year must also submit a Summer Direct Loan Request Form. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) to receive loans.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?

In order to receive financial aid, a student must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward completion of a diploma, certificate, or degree. Academic progress is reviewed at the time awards are made, and again at the end of each spring semester. The EWC financial aid requirements outlined here are designed to comply with federal regulations.

Are there other eligibility requirements?

Yes. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, or have completed homeschooling; be enrolled in an approved program at EWC for the purpose of obtaining a diploma, certificate or degree; be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; have a Social Security Number; be making  Satisfactory Academic Progress toward completion of a diploma, certificate, or degree; certify that financial aid funds will be used only for educational purposes; not be in default of a federal student loan; not owe a repayment of a federal grant; and be registered with Selective Service, if required.

If my parents do not claim me on their tax return, can I be independent on the FAFSA and not provide their income?

Simply claiming yourself for income tax purposes does not make you independent on the FAFSA. To determine whether you qualify to be independent and, therefore, not have to use your parent's income on the FAFSA, please review the Dependency Status page on the Federal Student Aid website.

If my parents are divorced, whose income do I provide?

The parent you lived with most is the parent whose financial information you will need to provide on your FAFSA. If you lived equal time with both parents, then use the financial information of whichever parent provides more than 50% of your financial support. If that parent is remarried, you will need to include the step-parent's information as well.

My parents had a dual income when they filed their tax returns, but now one of my parents is unemployed. What do I do?

You will need to use both parents' financial information on the FAFSA, but will want to contact EWC's Financial Aid Office at 307.532.8224 or 1.866.327.8996 to alert us of the change in circumstances so we can advise you as to what to do next. EWC realizes that family situations are dynamic and unexpected events can adversely affect a family's ability to meet educational costs. We will work with you individually to discuss your options.

If I live with my grandparents/uncle/aunt/sister, do I need to put their income on the FAFSA?

The only people whose information you need to include on the FAFSA are your biological or adoptive parents. If you do not have contact with your parents, you should contact EWC's Financial Aid Office at 307.532.8224 or 1.866.327.8996, to discuss your options.

If I am married but my spouse and I filed separately, do I still have to put my spouse’s income on the FAFSA?

Yes. Your combined income will need to be reported on the FAFSA.

Are there other ways I can get funding other than through the FAFSA or scholarships?

Yes. Commonly used resources in our area are Workforce Development, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Also, check with your employer or your parents’ employers, civic and religious groups and local agencies to see if they have scholarships available.

How is financial aid awarded?

Pell Grants, other grants, scholarships, and loans are applied to your student account directly if you are registered for the required number of credit hours to qualify for your aid, you are not on suspension, and you are enrolled in an approved program of study. If your financial aid funds exceed your direct EWC charges, the remaining amount will be available to you in the form of a check in the Information Office.

How can I pay my bill if my financial aid does not cover it all?

EWC offers various methods for paying for student account charges; payment plans may be available. Contact the Business Office for details at 307.532.8205.

Where do I pick up my financial aid checks?

If your aid is processed by the financial aid "census date" (day after the last day to drop classes with a full refund) and you are due a refund, your refund check will be available approximately one week later (roughly three weeks into the semester). Funds received after that date will be processed, posted and disbursed once a week. Torrington Campus students may obtain refund checks from the Information Center on Fridays; checks for online students, the Douglas Campus and EWC Outreach students are mailed weekly.

When will I get my money?

Students who have received award letters from the Financial Aid Office by the start of each semester AND who meet all other eligibility requirements should have checks available approximately three weeks into the semester. Specific dates are posted online and on flyers throughout campus.

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study is an employment program funded by the federal government and EWC. It provides students with part-time jobs to help meet the cost of education. Jobs pay minimum wage and generally average 5-10 hours per week. Advantages of this program include:

• A variety of jobs are available, with some involving community service, which can be included  on your scholarship applications and resume,
• Federal Work Study income does not affect your financial aid eligibility for next year,
• You gain valuable work experience, and
• You can avoid student loan debt by working to pay for your education.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study or Institutional Employment?

The Financial Aid Office does not place you into specific positions. It is up to you to check on job availability and to complete paperwork. Even if you've previously had a Work-Study or Institutional Employment job, you will need to complete a new contract before beginning work.

New employees will need to provide identification for completion of the I-9 form. You are not allowed to work during your scheduled class times. You must submit your time worked through MyEWC and have it approved by a supervisor to receive your paycheck.

You are paid once a month for the previous month’s hours. Paychecks may be direct deposited or picked up in the Information Center the last working day of each month. Check our listing of positions, employment guidelines and manuals.

Are work-study earnings taxable?

The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is generally subject to federal and state income tax, but exempt from FICA taxes (provided you are enrolled full time and work less than half-time). Work-study earnings for the calendar year should be included in income totals and in the Additional Financial Information section of the FAFSA if you do file a tax return. Work-study earnings should only be included on the FAFSA when they represent financial aid to the student since the answer to this question is used as an exclusion from taxed income. The student should also be careful to report amounts based on the calendar year, not the school year.

What is Institutional Employment?

Just like Work Study, Institutional Employment provides students with jobs on campus; the difference is that you do not have to have need as determined by the FAFSA to be eligible. Funding for Institutional Employment positions come from the school itself rather than the federal government. Application procedures are the same as for Work Study.

I want to take some classes at another college that will apply to my EWC degree. How do I get financial aid for those credits?

You can fill out a Consortium Agreement (under the “Consortium Agreement” section) to receive funding for credits at another institution at the same time you are enrolled in EWC.

Are my parents responsible for paying back my student loans?

No. Parents are only responsible for your educational loans if they co-signed a private loan for you to get the loan or if they applied for and will receive a Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

How much should I borrow?

EWC strongly encourages borrowers to carefully weigh the need for loans and to borrow only what is actually needed. Estimate and plan your repayment obligations prior to borrowing. Borrowing in excess of what is actually needed means repaying more at a later date. Monthly payments will be higher and payments will stretch over a longer period of time due to the interest that accrues on the loans.

For federal student and parent loans, borrowers should be aware of the repayment options that are available. In addition, there are a number of deferment or forbearance provisions available once the loan is in repayment. For some qualifying majors and professions, such as teaching, federal and state loan cancellation provisions can also be beneficial

Click here for Loan Forgiveness Program Information.

Remember, loans must be repaid even if you did not complete your program and/or degree.

How do I track and manage my loans?

To keep track of your student loans or to contact your loan servicer for repayment, log onto Federal Student Aid (FSA) at www.studentaid.gov. The FSA ID that you used for the FAFSA can also be used to gain access to your loans on the FSA site.

This website will not only show you all of the federal and private loans you borrowed, but also who the servicer is for your loan(s). The servicer is the entity you will be corresponding with to coordinate repayment.

To see a list of Federal Student Aid servicers for the Direct Loan Program and for FFEL Program Loans purchased by the U.S. Department of Education, go to the Loan Servicer page.

How do I consolidate my loans?

A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to combine multiple federal student loans into one loan after you graduate or leave school. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple ones, which can simplify the process, but it can also result in the loss of some benefits.

Because there are advantages and disadvantages to loan consolidation, research this option carefully before proceeding. For information, check out http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/consolidation. Apply for loan consolidation via StudentLoans.gov.

When should I begin repaying my loans?

You don’t have to begin repaying most federal student loans until after you leave college or drop below half-time enrollment. However, Parent PLUS loans enter repayment once the loan is fully disbursed (paid out). Most student loans have a “grace period,”  a set period of time (usually six months) after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment before you must begin repayment on your loan. The grace period gives you time to get financially settled and to select your repayment plan. Not all federal student loans have a grace period. Note that for most loans, interest will accrue during your grace period.

Your loan servicer or lender must provide you with a loan repayment schedule that states when your first payment is due, the number and frequency of payments, and the amount of each payment.

There is no penalty for paying your loan off early or for making payments while you are still enrolled. If you have unsubsidized loans, you can (and should!) make payments on your interest that is accruing to keep your total loan debt lower.

What repayment plans are available to me?

When it comes time to start repaying your student loan(s), you can select a repayment plan that’s right for your financial situation. Payment plans vary in terms of length of repayment, total interest paid and payment amounts per month. Some plans are based on the income you earn. Generally, you’ll have from 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on the total amount borrowed and which repayment plan you choose. Contact your loan servicer if you would like to discuss repayment plan options or change your repayment plan. You can get information about all of the federal student loans you have received and find the loan servicer for your loans using Federal Student Aid.

What is loan default?

If you don’t make your loan payments, you risk going into default. Defaulting on your loan has serious consequences. Your school, the financial institution that made or owns your loan, your loan guarantor, and the federal government all can take action to recover the money you owe. Understand how missing a loan payment can be a problem, what default means and the consequences of default, and what you need to do if your loan is in default or if you think the default on your loan is an error. There are different options to prevent falling into default status.

What are some of the consequences of defaulting?

The consequences of defaulting on a federal student loan can be severe:

• The entire unpaid balance of the loan and any interest is immediately due and payable.
• Loss of eligibility for deferment, forbearance, and repayment plans.
• Loss of eligibility for additional federal student aid.
• The loan account is assigned to a collection agency.
• The loan will be reported as delinquent to credit bureaus, damaging your credit rating. This will affect your ability to buy a car or house or to get a credit card.
• Your student loan debt will increase because of the late fees, additional interest, court costs, collection fees, attorney’s fees, and any other costs associated with the collection process.
• Wages and/or tax refunds may be garnished.
• You may not be able to purchase or sell assets such as real estate.
• It will take years to reestablish your credit and recover from default.

What are some options for preventing my loan from defaulting?

Under certain circumstances, you can receive a deferment or forbearance that allows you to temporarily postpone or reduce your federal student loan payments. Postponing or reducing your payments may help you avoid default.

You’ll need to work with your loan servicer to apply for deferment or forbearance; and be sure to keep making payments on your loan until the deferment or forbearance is in place.

Deferment: a postponement of payment on a loan that is allowed under certain conditions and during which interest does not accrue for subsidized loans. This request can be made if you are returning to school and are enrolled in at least half-time status.

Forbearance: a period during which your monthly loan payments are temporarily suspended or reduced. You may qualify for forbearance if you are willing but not able to make loan payments due to certain types of financial hardships. A complete list of Direct Loan forbearance options and eligibility criteria can be reviewed at StudentAid.gov.

Changing repayment plans: Changing repayment plans is a good way to manage your loan debt when your financial circumstances change. For example, you can usually lower your monthly payment by changing to another repayment plan with a longer term to repay the loan. There are no penalties for changing repayment plans.

How do I get help with loan issues?

First, ALWAYS contact your loan servicer. Staying in touch with your loan servicer will maintain a good relationship and decrease the chances of loan default. Keep your contact information up to date with your servicer so you receive important correspondence. Get your servicers contact information at studentaid.gov.

If you are having a problem with your federal student loan that your servicer cannot address, contact the FSA Ombudsman at the U.S. Department of Education. The FSA Ombudsman is dedicated to helping students resolve disputes and other problems with federal student loans.

You can contact the FSA Ombudsman by phone at 1-877-557-2575, by fax at 1-202-275-0549, by mail at U.S. Department of Education, FSA Ombudsman, 830 First Street, NE, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20202-5144, by visiting fsahelp.ed.gov or by e-mail at fsaombudsmanoffice@ed.gov.

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study is an employment program funded by the federal government and EWC. It provides students with part-time jobs to help meet the cost of education. Jobs pay minimum wage and generally average 5-10 hours per week. Advantages of this program include:

• A variety of jobs are available, with some involving community service, which can be included on your scholarship applications and resume,
• Federal Work Study income does not affect your financial aid eligibility for next year,
• You gain valuable work experience, and
• You can avoid student loan debt by working to pay for your education.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study or Institutional Employment?

The Financial Aid Office does not place you into specific positions. It is up to you to check on job availability and to complete paperwork. Even if you've previously had a Work-Study or Institutional Employment job, you will need to complete a new contract before beginning work.

New employees will need to provide identification for completion of the I-9 form. You are not allowed to work during your scheduled class times. You must submit your time worked through MyEWC and have it approved by a supervisor to receive your paycheck.

You are paid once a month for the previous month’s hours. Paychecks may be direct deposited or picked up in the Information Center the last working day of each month. Check our listing of positions, employment guidelines and manuals.

Are work-study earnings taxable?

The money you earn from Federal Work-Study is generally subject to federal and state income tax, but exempt from FICA taxes (provided you are enrolled full time and work less than half-time). Work-study earnings for the calendar year should be included in income totals and in the Additional Financial Information section of the FAFSA if you do file a tax return. Work-study earnings should only be included on the FAFSA when they represent financial aid to the student since the answer to this question is used as an exclusion from taxed income. The student should also be careful to report amounts based on the calendar year, not the school year.

What is Institutional Employment?

Just like Work Study, Institutional Employment provides students with jobs on campus; the difference is that you do not have to have need as determined by the FAFSA to be eligible. Funding for Institutional Employment positions come from the school itself rather than the federal government. Application procedures are the same as for Work Study.

How do I apply for scholarships?

The EWC online Scholarship Application is designed to allow you to quickly enter important data that helps determine what institutional or Foundation scholarships you might be eligible for at Eastern Wyoming College. You may stop at any time during the application process and return to continue/check your data, complete individual application requirements and check on awarding progress. Go online and register for an account. Provide general demographic information, complete some academic and qualification questions and see what scholarships you may be eligible for!

The priority deadline is March 15, but you may continue to update your application and apply for new scholarships throughout the year. Be sure to reapply for scholarships for every academic year you intend to enroll!

Complete EWC's online scholarship application and indicate the term(s) for which you wish to receive aid.

Please view the list of other scholarships available from EWC that require paper applications or have other requirements, like trying out for a music or athletic award. Also view the list of opportunities for scholarships awarded and administered by outside organizations!

How do I apply for my Hathaway Scholarship?

The state of Wyoming established a generous scholarship program in the name of former Wyoming Governor Stan Hathaway that rewards eligible Wyoming-resident students with scholarship money to attend a Wyoming Community College or the University of Wyoming. The program provides merit and need-based awards to eligible students.

Students must apply for admission at the Wyoming college they plan to attend, and submit a Hathaway Scholarship Application within four years of graduating from high school. For more information on Hathaway Scholarships, and to access the application, please review our Hathaway Scholarships page.

Do students receive the same amount of aid every year?

Not necessarily. You must reapply because eligibility is re-evaluated annually. Based on your most current financial information, the actual aid award may change. Federal aid will remain about the same if your family financial situation remains about the same; the number of family members in the household and in college remains the same; your application meets the deadline dates, and you are making satisfactory academic progress. Scholarships may be renewable if you meet eligibility requirements, but you must complete the online scholarship application and any other required applications to be considered. Refer to the directions and criteria for each scholarship to which you are applying.

How do I apply for financial aid in the summer?

Complete EWC’s online scholarship application and indicate the Summer term for which you wish to receive aid.

Students should also complete the FAFSA if they have not already submitted one for the year. Summer is a “trailer” semester at EWC, meaning it is the ending semester to the academic year, so if you are interested in Summer 2023 financial aid, you must have a 2022-2023 FAFSA on file. Summer aid eligibility is impacted by annual limits, fund availability and number of credits enrolled. Students who are interested in loans and who have not already reached maximum loan limits for the year must also submit a Summer Direct Loan Request Form. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) to receive loans.

I'm thinking about applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA). If I am selected, what will the impact be on my financial aid?

Resident Assistants receive a remission for room and board, which is applied directly to your account. See Residence Life for more housing information. This can significantly reduce your educational costs and reduce your potential loan debt.

I found a company who will guarantee me a scholarship for a fee. Should I apply?

No. Beware of any company, no matter how reputable sounding, that wants to charge you to find scholarships for you. Be cautious about anything that wants you to pay a fee, has a residential or box number address, is unsolicited, or has hype or pressure to participate. Always check for guarantees and check with the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Department of Education to research the company's background. Follow your own ethical principles and follow the general rule that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't get scammed.

Free information and assistance are available to you through the Financial Aid Office. Always check with us first before getting involved in anything that could cost you money you could be applying to your educational costs. Click here for other scholarship scam tips: www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml.

Are there other ways I can get funding other than through the FAFSA or scholarships?

Yes. Commonly used resources in our area are Workforce Development, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Also, check with your employer or your parents’ employers, civic and religious groups and local agencies to see if they have scholarships available.

I received an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?

Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from EWC, government sources, or any outside organization, you must report the additional aid to the Financial Aid Office. Your federal awards may need to be adjusted because of these supplementary funds, but this can be beneficial in reducing your loan burden.