Grant aid is typically awarded or pro-rated (reduced) according to the following enrollment levels:
All students that complete a FAFSA are first considered for the Federal Pell Grant, which is available to students with significant financial need, and who meet all other eligibility requirements. Pell Grant eligibility is established by the FAFSA. Actual payments of Pell Grants are based on eligibility (EFC) and enrollment.
Students enrolled in 12 credits or more (full-time) receive 100% of the full Pell Grant for that quarter, with these exceptions:
Lifetime Pell Grants are limited to a maximum of 18 full-time quarters, or the equivalent. This maximum applies to all colleges the student attends. For example, a student who uses 6 full-time quarters and 2 half-time quarters of Pell at any college will have received the equivalent of 7 full-time quarters of Pell, and will be eligible for only 11 total additional full-time quarters of eligibility at another college or colleges.
Students may receive 4 quarters of Pell grant in a year, provided the final (spring) quarter the student is attending at least half-time. Otherwise, a student may only receive three full-time quarters or an equivalent combination.
To qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid. Completion of the FAFSA is required.
In addition to the Pell Grant, a student with significant financial need may be awarded the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG.) Availability is dependent on limited federal funding to the college. FSEOG is awarded to students with a 0 EFC, enrolled at least halftime (6 or more credits per quarter) who meet all other eligibility requirements, until funds are exhausted. This award is first come, first-served.
To qualify, students must apply for Financial Aid. Completion of the FAFSA is required.
The Washington College Grant (previously known as Washington State Need Grant) is another form of "gift aid" that doesn't have to be repaid providing you complete your courses. This grant is available to Washington State residents with high financial need.
Students with financial need who are residents of Washington State (for over 1 year) and meet all other eligibility requirements may be considered for the Washington College Grant (WCG).
Students may receive 4 quarters of WCG in a year. WCG eligibility is established by the FAFSA or WASFA (for undocumented/DREAMer students).
Actual payments of WCG are based on eligibility and enrollment.
Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credits per quarter to be eligible.
Lifetime Washington College Grants are limited to a maximum of 15 full-time quarters, or the equivalent. This maximum applies to all state colleges the student attends. For example, a student who uses 6 full-time quarters and 2 half-time quarters of WCG at any college will have received the equivalent of 7 full-time quarters of WCG, and will be eligible for only 8 additional full-time quarters of eligibility at another college or colleges.
A student may not continue to receive WCG funding if the student has earned a bachelor degree.
Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office after you've completed the financial aid application process.
To qualify students must apply for Financial Aid. Completion of the FAFSA is required.
The College Bound Scholarship program provides financial assistance to low-income students who want to achieve the dream of a college education. This early promise of financial aid is intended to alleviate the financial barriers that prevent low-income students from considering higher education as a possibility.
The scholarship is available to 7th and 8th grade students who are eligible for the free and reduced price lunch (FRPL) program, are in foster care, or whose family's income meets the guidelines.
The deadline to sign up is June 30 of students' 8th grade year. Students who enroll in the program, complete high school with a 2.0 GPA, and meet all other financial aid requirements and income parameters will be eligible for the maximum CBS and WCG combined award amount per quarter for full-time enrollment in an associate degree or certificate.
Awards are prorated based on enrollment level. All eligible students are awarded CBS and WCG. CBS students also receiving WCG (and certain other State-funded scholarships) may only receive a combined total of $1434 for those funding sources per quarter for full-time students.
(360) 442-2390
Fax: (360) 442-2379
financialaidoffice@lowercolumbia.edu
Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm*
*Closed Fridays during summer session (July/Aug).
Computer access is available in the Admissions Center.