Apply for Aid

Follow the steps outlined below to create your FSA ID and apply for financial aid.

Step 1: Create your FSA ID

This federal username and password allows you to electronically sign your financial aid application and access other Department of Education websites.

• If you are required to complete the FAFSA with your parent's information, they should apply for a FSA ID as well.
• Important – only the owner of the FSA ID should create and use the account. Never share your FSA ID.

1. Access the FSA ID webpage at Federal Student Aid. ***
2. Click on the “Get Started” button.
3. Enter your social security number, date of birth and other personal information as required. 
4. We advise using your regularly accessed email address not your school associated email. (Parents must use a different email address for their FSA ID). 
5. Be sure to make a note of your username and password. Click “Show Text” to confirm your password is correct.
6. You may elect to register your mobile phone number for account recovery purposes.  Parents must use a separate mobile phone number.
7. Make a note of the two challenge questions you selected.
8. You should receive an email or text immediately with a verification code. 
9. You will receive another email when your FSA ID is approved for use. 

***Additional help can be found at FSA ID - Getting Started; step by step videos are also available.

Step 2: Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid - FAFSA

Aims offers FAFSA help sessions every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Commons, Room 240 and Fridays from 3 p. m. to 4 p.m. in the Welcome Center, Room 228 on the Greeley campus.  

When your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed, it may be selected for a process called verification by the U.S. Department of Education or Aims. If your application is selected for verification, additional documentation will be requested from you, your parents or both. If selected, the verification process must be completed prior to your financial aid being awarded.

Verification is a process that can take from four to six weeks to complete. The process will begin at the time that ALL requested documentation is received and ALL requested actions are taken.
 

If you receive an email with an attached form requesting that you complete additional steps in order to process your FAFSA please print out the form, complete, then submit the form to the Office of Financial Aid via fax, email or in person. 

If you don't know if you are required to complete a form, log into your myAims student portal and check your “Requirements” under “Financial Aid”. 

2022-2023 Forms

2022-2023 Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose

2022-2023 Terms and Conditions of Your Financial Aid Award

Additional Resources

Instructions for Online Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note
How Financial Aid works 
(can be viewed in English and Spanish)
Federal Student Aid Eligibility Requirements
 

Once your financial aid has been processed, an offer notification will be sent to your Aims email with an award offer letter attached.  Be sure to read your award offer thoroughly!  

First-time Aims students who are enrolling in the summer should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year that is ending.

Students who have already attended Aims and received financial aid during the fall or spring semesters or both should complete the Summer Aid Request link available on your myAims.  Once you have responded to the questions you will be considered for summer aid.

Funding for summer is contingent upon whether students have already received maximum amounts in financial aid programs during fall and spring and upon availability of institutional funds.

1. FAFSA Submitted Online by Student

2. FAFSA Received by Aims

• Check your myAims account and email for messages and information from the Office of Financial Aid.
• Submit requested information (if any) to the Office of Financial Aid based on outstanding (unsatisfied) requirements displayed in myAims.

3. Application Under Review

• Check your myAims account and email for messages and information from the Office of Financial Aid.

4. Aid Awarded

• Check your myAims account and email for messages and information from the Office of Financial Aid.
• Your financial aid has been awarded, however, you must accept the Terms and Conditions to receive the award.

5. To accept the Terms and Conditions:

• Login to your myAims student account.
• On the right hand side, select "Financial Aid"
• Scroll down to "Quick Links"
• Click on "Financial Aid Award"
• Select the appropriate aid year from the drop-down menu.
• Click on “Submit” 
• Click on “Terms and Conditions” tab to read and accept. NOTE: Terms and Conditions MUST be read and accepted before you are able to accept your awards. 
• Click on “Accept Award Offer” tab to accept or decline awards.

If borrowing a federal student loan:

• Complete an Additional Loan Request Form available via email or on campus
• Complete and submit Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (required only for first-time borrowers or borrowers whose MPN has expired).

6. Aid Disbursed (Paid)

• Check your myAims account and email for messages and information from the Cashier's Office and the Office of Financial Aid. 
• Financial aid is disbursed (paid) to your Aims tuition account and excess funds are made available (refunded) to you within two to seven business days of the date of disbursement. Refunds are not available prior to the start of the semester.

Once your financial aid has been awarded, notification will be sent to your Aims email with an award letter attached. Be sure to read your award letter thoroughly.

You must now accept the Terms and Conditions and accept your offer. Log on to your myAims student account using your username and password

1. Log into your myAims.
2. Select myAims Student
3. On the right hand side click “Financial Aid” 
4. Scroll down to "Quick Links"
5. Click on "Financial Aid Award"
6. Select the current year 
7. Click “Submit”.
8. Click on the “Term and Conditions” tab (you MUST read and accept Terms & Conditions before you can accept awards).
9. Click on “Accept Award Offer” to accept or decline awards.

After you submit your accept/decline decision, be sure to scroll down to see if you have any unsatisfied disbursement requirements that will keep your financial aid from being paid to your Aims Student Account.

Potential Unsatisfied Requirements

• Your financial aid satisfactory academic progress 
• The payment of your financial aid 
• Holds on your account
• Your unofficial academic transcript