Financial Aid Process

Cost of Attendance

Student Enrollment Services: For information on cost of attendance, click here.

Financial Assistance Programs

Student Financial Aid: For information on financial assistance programs, click here.

Application Procedures

Student Financial Aid: For information on application procedures, click here.

Financial Aid Forms

Student Financial Aid: For financial aid forms, click here.

Terms and Conditions

Student Financial Aid: For terms and conditions, click here.

Verification Information

Student Financial Aid: For information on verification, click here.

Criteria for Selection and Determining the Amount of the Award

All Kirkwood students who include Kirkwood on their FAFSA are uploaded to our mainframe system. If there are questions about a student’s FAFSA, a missing information email is sent to the student so their file can be completed. Award notification emails are sent to all students with completed files. Before packaging a financial aid award, cost of attendance is determined for the student, based on living arrangements (at home or away from home), enrollment status, and program costs. Because funds are limited, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) funds are awarded to students based on the date their FAFSA was submitted, assuming other criteria is met. FSEOG funds are made available to students with a zero EFC. Work-Study funds are awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need. Pell Grants are determined using the federal formula. Subsidized Stafford Loan amounts are awarded based on financial need. The remaining Stafford Loan eligibility is awarded as an unsubsidized loan.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the maximum consideration for financial aid, students should apply as soon as possible. Application for financial aid must be made each year. All students seeking financial aid must:

  • Be enrolled or accepted in a credit program at least six months in length;
  • Be seeking a degree related to the educational objective;
  • Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen;
  • Not be in default for any previous education loans or owe a grant overpayment;
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress according to Kirkwood's published policy;
  • Attend the classes they are registered for.

Satisfactory Progress Standards

For information on satisfactory progress standards, click here.

Disbursement Methods

Financial aid will be applied to student accounts approximately 10 days before the start of the term. Any amount remaining after tuition is paid may be used to purchase books and supplies at the bookstore. If an amount remains after tuition, books, and supplies have been paid, the balance will be mailed approximately two weeks after the start of the term. The one exception is that first-time borrowers are subject to a mandatory 30-day wait for Stafford Loan balances.

Loan Terms

  • Interest Rates
  • Entrance and Exit Counseling
  • Repayment Plans
  • Deferment and Forbearance
  • Cancellation Provisions

Employment: Conditions and Terms for Employment Provided as Part of a Student's Financial Assistance Package

For information on the Kirkwood work-study program, click here.

Study Abroad Programs and Federal Financial Assistance

Financial aid may be used for study abroad experiences provided the program is part of the student’s degree program.

Return of Federal Financial Assistance

For information on the return of federal financial assistance, click here.