Important Information
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at AWC administers and coordinates aid funds from federal, state, institutional and private resources. These funds are provided to ensure post-high school educational opportunities to eligible students. The philosophy of the Financial Aid office is to attempt to meet the full need of all eligible applicants by "packaging" (combining) funds from various sources, including both institutional and non-institutional funds. Students are required to apply for other federal and state programs in order to maximize their opportunities for assistance by stretching limited AWC aid dollars.
Financial aid programs are designed to supplement family resources by bridging the gap between costs and the family's measured ability to pay. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office uses the information received from the federal financial aid processors in determining need and eligibility.
Helpful Resources
If at any time, you are not able to find the information you require within the Financial Aid Office webpages, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office during regular business hours:
Student Rights and Responsibilities -
Institutional and private scholarships are subject to additional criteria.
Upon acceptance of any source of financial aid, the student is required to:
- Enroll only for those classes that apply to the declared program of study leading to a degree or certificate
- Have an assigned Academic Advisor and a specific major program (degree or certificate)
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress each semester
- Notify the Financial Aid office of any additional assistance received not shown on the award letter
- Notify the Financial Aid Office and Business Services when adding or dropping classes or withdrawing from school
- Repay entire or partial award for classes not attended, dropped, reduced, withdrawn or cancelled
- Repay any loans as stated within the Promissory Note signed before receipt of a loan
- Complete loan Entrance and Exit counseling sessions if participating in the Student Loans Program
- Meet other requests and requirements not indicated above as established by the Financial Aid Office
And did you know...
- Funds received under all federal and state aid programs must be used solely for expenses related to attendance or continued attendance at AWC.
- Students are responsible for repayment of the prorated amount of any portion of payments made which cannot reasonably be attributed to meeting educational expenses related to attendance at AWC.
- The amount of such repayment is to be determined on the basis of criteria set forth by the Secretary of Education.
- Students owing payment for any financial aid program coordinated by AWC are not eligible to receive funds until payment is made.
- Students who are scholarship, grant and/or loan recipients and who drop a course or courses during the official add/drop periods, some or all of the aid awarded will be returned to the appropriate program or lender.
- Specific responsibilities relating to other programs will be provided to the recipient at the time the aid is granted.
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Financial aid in regards to federal taxes -
The Tax Reform Act impacts students who receive grant or scholarship assistance. Any amount of gift aid (grants, scholarships, fellowships, stipends, assistantships) may be taxable for the amount in excess of tuition, fees and course-related expenses. Since financial aid is awarded for an academic year, and portions of two academic years fall in a calendar or tax year, it is important for all aid recipients to keep copies of the Notice of Award and Acceptance Agreement and to maintain careful records of all direct educational expenses throughout the year. Any student who has a specific question or concern should contact his/her tax preparer. Financial aid statements (for tax purposes) are mailed or provided through WebAdvisor by the Business Services Office in late January.
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Attempted Fraud -
Students who are applying for financial aid must understand that federal and state laws, as well as institutional policy, require that all information provided be accurate. If it is not, a student may lose certain rights and benefits, be prosecuted under state and/or federal statutes, and lose financial aid eligibility. It is extremely important, therefore, that students accurately complete all application materials and be prepared to document all of the financial data provided. If the information on the application appears to be fraudulent or misleading, the student will first be contacted by the Financial Aid Office staff for documentation and discussion. If, at any time, it is determined that the possibility of fraud exists, the Director may refer the case to the appropriate college disciplinary officer.
Attempted fraud may include false claims of:
| independent status |
claims of citizenship |
| identity |
forgery of signatures/certifications |
| income |
similar conduct |
These are very serious matters since the case must, in some instances, be referred to the Office of the Inspector General, Region IX, US Dept of Education, for investigation. Referrals may also be made to Arizona Western College Police, US Attorney's Office, or State Attorney General for proper adjudication.
If applicants determine that any information that they provided earlier to the Financial Aid Office is in error, they should take the initiative to correct it so that no misunderstanding can occur regarding the accuracy of information.
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Anti Drug Abuse Act Certification
As a condition of a federal grant a student may not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by the federal financial aid award.
Persons violating College policies or regulations regarding alcohol and drug abuse are subject to College disciplinary and/or legal sanctions.
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More Financial Aid Resources -
Frequently requested websites:
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Equity in Athletics -
Arizona Western College is home to an intercollegiate athletic program. As required by law, the details of Equity in Athletics are available to current and prospective students online or may be requested in the form of a paper copy from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Grants.
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NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Arizona Western College does not discriminate in admission or access to, treatment or employment in its services, programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.
DECLARACIÓN DE PRÁCTICAS ANTIDISCRIMINATORIAS
Arizona Western College prohíbe la discriminación en el empleo en base a la raza, el color, la religión, el sexo, la nacionalidad, la religión, la edad o la discapacidad de las personas. La habilidad limitada del idioma inglés no es una barrera para la admisión o la participación de las carreras técnicas y vocacionales disponibles en la institución.
