Financial Aid
You have a lot of choices when it comes to paying for your education and there are a number of financial aid options that can help you afford your tuition. ACC offers numerous resources for you if you choose to apply for financial assistance.
What You Need to Know About Financial Aid
You have a lot of choices when it comes to paying for your education. ACC offers numerous resources, and there are several financial aid options to help you afford tuition.
Estimating Cost of Attendance
Arapahoe Community College is proud to provide one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado. We provide an up-to-date cost of attendance resource to help you estimate educational expenses for academic years at ACC, including direct charges (tuition and fees) and indirect expenses (room and board, books, and living expenses).
You can find additional information on anticipated tuition and fees for a detailed breakdown of costs by course type and residency, variable and fixed fees, and the additional costs that can apply to specific courses.
Use our net price calculator to compare these estimated costs with potential grants or scholarship aid to help plan for your future.
Applying for Financial Aid
How to Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once complete, the ACC Financial Aid Office will send an award letter to your ACC student email account. Our partners at the Educational Opportunity Center at Community College of Denver (CCD) are available to help you with the FAFSA. To schedule a virtual (WebEx) appointment:
- Available Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Call EOC's main number at 303.352.8746
- Text EOC at 720.646.9986
- Or email EOC at eoc [at] ccd [dot] edu
A tutorial will be emailed to you before your appointment.
Timeline for Federal Financial Aid
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit your FAFSA by March 1 for priority consideration for the following academic year (August - May). If you miss this March 1 deadline, you should complete a FAFSA application as soon as possible to receive available funding.
FAFSA Verification: Some students will be randomly selected by the U.S. Department of Education to confirm the information reported on their FAFSA. If your application is selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office is authorized to collect specific documents to complete the verification process.
How to Apply for State Financial Aid (CASFA)
CASFA is a safe, easy way to apply for state financial aid if you are a Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) student. Students who are NOT eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) such as students who are not legal permanent residents or eligible non-citizens of the U.S. and those who are non-residents of Colorado can use the CASFA to apply for institutional aid at ACC.
Other Resources for Financial Aid
Student Loans
ACC participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program to provide students with additional funds for their education. This program offers needs-based subsidized loans, low-interest unsubsidized loans, and federal direct parent PLUS loans. Learn more about the financial assistance available to you and how to complete entrance counseling at our student loan resource.
Student loans need to be paid back upon graduation.
State and Federal Grants
Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to use the:
- Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE) Grant
- Colorado Merit Aid
- Colorado Student Grant (CSG)
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Learn more about the qualification process and how to apply at ACC's grants resource.
Scholarships
ACC is proud to provide nearly $1 million in scholarships every year. This is financial aid awarded to eligible students that doesn't have to be repaid. Thanks to the ACC Foundation, generous donors, and ACC itself, we can offer a multitude of scholarships and you may qualify for one or several.
We offer direct scholarships and provide resources to help you identify outside scholarship options. For information on the application process, scholarships from ACC, and how to find additional resources, review our scholarships page.
Work Study
ACC's work study program offers a flexible way to earn money for college expenses. We provide jobs in many different departments with both on-campus and remote options. In a work study program, you can find not only financial assistance but on-the-job training and valuable skills to add to your resume. Hourly wage begins at $13.50. To see if you qualify for the program and apply, learn more about our work study program.
Financial Aid Status and Next Steps
Notification Process:
ACC will notify financial aid applicants when they are awarded financial aid. You can expect to hear back from the Financial Aid office in about 4 - 6 weeks, from the time you complete your FAFSA to when you are notified. We’ll notify you through your official ACC student email (@student.cccs.edu), and you can find award information on myACC (our student portal) in the Student Finance tab.
Accepting Financial Aid:
ACC awards students who qualify for financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Offers must be accepted by the student in order to be processed.
How We Disburse Financial Aid:
Financial aid is sent electronically to ACC and paid to student accounts.
Refunds for Financial Aid:
In certain situations, students may receive refunds for their financial aid if they withdraw from their course or if they experience extenuating circumstances.
For additional questions and information about the financial aid process, please review our status and next steps resource.
Financial Aid Eligibility and Policies
In order to receive and use financial aid, you must meet and maintain certain eligibility requirements. Please review our eligibility and policy requirements for additional information.
Return of Title IV Funds:
If you received federal financial assistance and withdrew or stopped attending your courses before completing 60% of the enrollment period, you will be required to repay Title IV Funds.
Satisfactory Academic Progress:
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the minimum requirement for completion of courses and grades received to continue to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Professional Judgement:
Financial aid may be reassessed if the FAFSA on file doesn’t reflect your current financial situation (for example: divorce, loss of job, marriage, or other qualifying event).
Financial Aid Forms
*All Financial Aid PDF forms require physical signatures. Typed signatures are not accepted.
2023-2024 Verification Forms
Loan Forms
Appeal Forms
- Ineligible for Aid Appeal (PDF | Online)
- 2023-2024 Unusual Enrollment History Appeal
- 2023-2024 Professional Judgment
Clarification Forms
Contact
finaid [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (finaid[at]arapahoe[dot]edu)
Phone: 303.797.5661
Fax: 303.797.5663
M2330 (Littleton Campus)
ACC's School Code: 001346
Office Hours
(except holidays and breaks)
The Financial Aid office (M2330 - Littleton Campus) is available in person or by email or phone.
Monday - Tuesday
8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday - Thursday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
10:00am - 5:00pm
Get Help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
FAFSA Lab
FAFSA Labs are back and in-person at the ACC Littleton Campus in room M1740 from 1:00 - 6:00pm on Mondays. Get assistance completing the FAFSA for 2023-2024.
Educational Opportunity Center Virtual Help
Our partners at the Educational Opportunity Center at Community College of Denver (CCD) are ready to help you with the FAFSA. Schedule a virtual (Webex) appointment:
- Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm
- Call EOC's main number at 303.352.8746
- Or email them at eoc [at] ccd [dot] edu
A tutorial will be emailed to you before your appointment.
