admissions
My Colby-Sawyer Experience
“I know these students very well, and they know me…You know when and how to push them. I think that's what Colby-Sawyer does particularly well—helps students reach beyond where they've been to discover their own potential.” - Communication Studies Professor Donna Berghorn
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financial aid faq
What is Colby-Sawyer's Title IV code?
Colby-Sawyer's Title IV code is 002572. This code should be entered on the FAFSA form so that we may receive your information.
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is designed to help students cover some of their college expenses, such as tuition. Financial aid is comprised of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is your application for federal student aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, most states and schools use the FAFSA information to award non-federal aid.
What are the sources of financial aid?
Financial aid sources include federal, state, institutional, and private. Students who complete the application process by the priority deadline will be considered for institutional aid as well as the following federal programs: Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan, and Work-Study.
What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
For new students at Colby-Sawyer, January 15 is the deadline for entering early decision students; March 1 is the priority deadline for entering regular decision students. For transfer and returning students, April 15 is the priority deadline. The FAFSA must be received by these dates to receive priority consideration.
What if I missed the priority deadline, but I am very interested in Colby-Sawyer. Is it too late?
No - you are not too late; however, you should submit your paperwork as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the fewer funds are available.
How is financial need determined?
Financial need is the difference between the estimated cost of attendance in a school year and the “expected family contribution” (EFC) from the family. The Financial Aid Office reviews the EFC, determines the applicant's financial need and notifies the student of available sources of funding via a financial aid award letter.
How is the EFC calculated?
When you submit the FAFSA application, the federal processing center will enter your information into a calculation and the result is your EFC. The EFC will help the Financial Aid Office determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional funding.
When will I receive my financial aid award?
All new accepted students who have submitted the FAFSA and have been accepted to the college will be notified starting March 1. Financial aid awards will continue to be processed every two weeks. Returning students who have a complete financial aid file will be mailed an award at the beginning of June. Again, awards will continue to be processed every two weeks.
Is financial aid renewable?
Students must complete the FAFSA every year. Scholarships and Grants are generally renewed, provided there is satisfactory academic progress and continued financial need.
Will I receive the same financial aid award each year?
As long as the family contribution remains the same and you meet the priority deadline, grant assistance from Colby-Sawyer should not change. However, if there is a substantial change in a family's EFC, grant assistance may vary.
Can I receive an athletic scholarship?
Colby-Sawyer is a Division III institution. Per NCAA guidelines, we are unable to offer athletic scholarships. All scholarships are awarded without consideration of athletic ability or participation.
Will my financial aid change if I live off campus?
All first-year students are required to live on-campus unless permission is received from the Admissions Office. Returning students must notify Residential Education, who will then notify the Financial Aid Office. The student's budget will then be reviewed and adjusted to reflect lower off-campus expenses, and usually the financial aid award will be decreased.
