Eastern Wyoming College

Types of Aid

307.532.8224
Fax: 307.532.8222
financialaid@ewc.wy.edu

To assist families with meeting educational costs when their own resources are not enough, EWC offers a variety of federal, state and institutional funding, which include grants, scholarships, employment opportunities, low-interest loans and payment plans.

Financial aid awards vary based on individual student needs and eligibility, as well as funding availability and enrollment level. Students should first apply for multiple sources of gift (or “free”) aid each year and leave borrowing student loans as a last resort since loans MUST be repaid. Read below for some of the many types of assistance available to help with educational costs.

Federal Aid

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.

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 often 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!
2022-2023 FAFA Outline
2023-2024 FAFSA Outline
Seven Easy Steps to 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.

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

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

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant (does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances) available to undergraduate students based on financial need as determined by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Award amounts (2022-2023):
$750 minimum – $6,895 maximum per academic year (based on full-time enrollment of 12 credits or more per semester). Prorated based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and level of enrollment. The Pell Grant is a fixed amount; what you are eligible for at EWC is the same amount you would receive at any other school, so the grant covers more costs at institutions with lower tuition and fee rates.

Please note: The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding at full-time enrollment, or 600%. You can log on to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) using your FSA ID to view your Lifetime Eligibility Used. The LEU will be found on the Financial Aid Review page.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federal grant available to Pell Grant eligible students who demonstrate a high financial need as determined by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. These funds are used to supplement a student’s education expenses (i.e, books & supplies, room & board). Schools have limited funding; not all high-need students will receive SEOG.

Award amounts: $100 minimum – $800 maximum (at EWC; higher amounts sometimes allowed for Summer terms). Prorated based on the level of enrollment.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Students whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, may receive increased amounts of Title IV student financial assistance.

Work-Study Program

A federal student employment program based on financial need (as determined by completion of the FAFSA) to assist students with living expenses while attending college. Students may NOT work when they have scheduled classes and are encouraged to obtain a job that is related to their degree or certificate program.

Value: $8.50 per hour, typically for around 10 hours per week, depending on the position obtained. Students can earn up to $2300 per year.

View more information on Federal Work Study.

Direct Loan Program (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)

Direct loans are available to students enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours. This is a long-term, low- interest loan. The fixed interest rate for loans disbursed after July 1, 2022 (but before July 1, 2023) is 4.99%. Students must first complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. All students must also complete EWC’s Direct Loan Request Form. First-time borrowers must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.

View more information on student loans and the application process.

Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

This low-interest loan program is available to parents of dependent students who may need to borrow for educational expenses that the student’s aid won’t cover. The Direct Parent Loan may not exceed the student’s cost of education minus other financial aid awards. The fixed interest rate for loans disbursed after July 1, 2022 (but before July 1, 2023) is 7.54%.

View more information on Direct Parent Loans.

Scholarships

Eastern Wyoming College offers Foundation, institutional and private donor scholarships and activity grants. Students can apply for most scholarships EWC administers via our online scholarship application process.

March 15 is the priority consideration date for scholarship applications (however, highly qualified applicants may be considered for scholarships at any time). Any applications received after the priority date will be considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Click here for more information on scholarships or activity grants.

The State of Wyoming also offers the Hathaway Scholarship to Wyoming Residents.

Institutional Employment

On-campus jobs are available to students who do not qualify for Federal Work Study but do meet Financial Aid Policies and desire to work. Value: Minimum wage per hour.

View more information on institutional employment programs.

Payment Options

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.

Other Resources

Federal Student Aid Information Center:  800.4.FED.AID (800.433.3243)
Hathaway Scholarships (formerly WYO4ED)
Vocational Rehabilitation
Wyoming Workforce Development
Veterans Administration
CashCourse
Americorps
FAFSA4caster – estimate the aid you will receive
Ayuda Financiera del Estudiante en Espanol
Goshen County College Advisor Website
CollegeBoard

Private organizations that support higher education:

Free Internet Scholarship Search Engines

Private Student Loans

In accordance with 34 CFR 668.14(b)(29)(ii), an institution must discuss the availability of Federal, State, and institutional financial aid to a student applying for alternative educational loans. EWC’s Financial Aid Office is happy to discuss with students and prospective students, and their parents, the financial aid options available under Title IV of the Higher Education Act programs, which offer better options and more benefits than private loans. The terms and conditions of Title IV HEA program loans are often more favorable than the provisions of private educational loans.

Federal Direct Loans vs. Private Student Loans at EWC

Compare some available alternative loan lenders via ElmSelect.

Also check out the Bank of North Dakota for private educational loans.

Aid for International Students

International students can apply for EWC’s International Student Scholarship and other scholarships via our online scholarship application process. Check our scholarship listing for details on what scholarships may or may not require U.S. citizenship.

Federal aid (such as Pell Grants, Work Study, and Direct Loans) is limited to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Many scholarships and loans from public and private sources are also restricted to U.S. citizens. International students will find little information available about financial aid because of citizenship limitations, but listed below are some online resources that can help.

Be careful what information you give online. You should not have to pay to apply for scholarships or loans (other than interest rates or origination fees) and anything that is “guaranteed” or “available to everyone” should signal a red flag. Check FinAid.org for information on how to protect yourself from scams and identity theft.

To apply for admission at EWC, International Students need to complete the application process.