Getting Started with Financial Aid

Paying for college can be a challenge, but at Kirkwood Community College, we strive to make education affordable. From grants and scholarships to work study, and loans, attending school is within your reach.

We help eliminate the stress of college payments by offering you a variety of options for paying tuition bills, whether it’s online, in person, or by mail.

You can find some frequently asked questions about financial aid here, as well as some definitions and overall steps below:

FAFSA

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Submit as soon as possible after October 1 to qualify for financial aid offers for the following academic year. Start early – the financial aid process can take some time to complete.

Scholarships

Kirkwood awards over $3 million in scholarships to students each year. Applications for first-round scholarships open October 1, and close March 15. Applications received after the deadline will be eligible for a limited amount of second-round funding opportunities and new scholarships developed after the March 15 deadline. Applications for second-round opportunities are due July 15.

Eligibility Requirements

All students seeking financial aid must:

1. Be enrolled and accepted in a diploma or degree credit program.
2. Be seeking a degree related to the educational objective.
3. Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.
4. Have completed a high school diploma or GED.
5. Not be in default for any previous education loans or owe a grant overpayment.
6. Be making satisfactory academic progress according to Kirkwood’s published policy.
7. Attend the classes for which they are enrolled.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, follow these steps:

1. Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.
2. Track your financial aid status at Kirkwood by logging into MyHub and choosing “Check Status” under the Financial Aid heading. Review your checklist for additional requirements.
3. Activate or decline your loans by completing that step on the financial aid checklist. Please ensure that you have loan funds for the terms you will be attending. This would include fall, spring and summer, if applicable.
4. If you activate your loans, complete the Department of Education’s entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note.
5. Sign up for Direct Deposit through MyHub. If an amount remains after tuition and books are paid, it will be sent once your attendance is verified. If you choose not to sign up for direct deposit, your refund will be mailed to you at the address on file.

Federal and State Financial Aid Programs Kirkwood participates in state and federal financial aid programs. Kirkwood uses the FAFSA information to determine eligibility.

Click here for a full list of terms and definitions related to student aid.