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Types of Aid

There are many types of aid, grants, money, and scholarships available to qualifying students at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech). 

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant, like other grants, is free monetary assistance for educational expenses. Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree are no longer eligible. Like other grants, the Pell Grant is adjusted for less than full-time enrollment.

Effective July 1, 2012, per federal regulations, the Federal Pell Grant may not be received for more than the equivalent of six years of full-time awards. (Determined retroactively; all previous quarters and awards must be considered.) 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG Grant)

This grant is awarded to high-need students who apply early in the year. (Funds are limited.) Students must be Pell eligible.

Washington College Grant

This grant is available for Washington state residents only. The Washington College Grant is adjusted for less than full-time enrollment and may not exceed the amount of allowable tuition and fees each quarter. 

Students apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) if unable to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status and meet one of the criteria below: 

  • Completion of a high school diploma or GED or equivalent, and have lived in Washington State for one year, and signed a residency affidavit in the WASFA application or Enrollment Services office, or
  • Have DACA status (whether current or expired) and meet Washington state residency requirements.

Scholarships

Scholarships are usually monetary awards given to students by an organization or donor to help pay for their education. Students must meet the criteria set by either the organization or donor, such as pursuing a certain program of study, having financial need, or being an exemplary student

LWTech Foundation Scholarships

The first place LWTech students should look for scholarships should be the LWTech Foundation. The Foundation offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships to students in the fall and spring of each academic year. These scholarships are open to students enrolled or enrolling at LWTech, and a reception each spring gives students and donors who make scholarships possible a chance to meet face-to-face.

Other Scholarships

There are many additional sources for scholarship information, including community and professional organizations and employers, so spend some time researching in your community, the local library, and on scholarship websites.

Scholarship FAQs

When should I apply for scholarships?

Deadlines vary for each scholarship, so you can find scholarships to apply for year-round. However, the majority of scholarships are designed to provide funding for students starting classes in the fall, so many deadlines are in spring or earlier. In general, you should start looking for scholarships six to nine months before you will need the funding.

What do I do when I win a scholarship?

At LWTech, notify the Financial Aid office so that we can apply your scholarship to your account and work with the scholarship agency if necessary.

How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?

Most scholarships attract more applicants than there are awards, so it is important to make sure you meet the scholarship criteria before you apply. Advice for making your scholarship applications the best they can be is available through our scholarship essay "Do's and Don'ts" below.

Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts for your personal statement or scholarship essay:
  • DO: Make sure your essay is absolutely perfect in spelling and grammar.
  • DO: Write an engaging and coherent essay.
  • DO: Be positive and concentrate on your strengths. If you must discuss something negative, focus on what you learned and how that applies to your future.
  • DO: Include concrete examples to illustrate your main points and show your strengths.
  • DO: Type your essay and have someone else proofread, such as English faculty in the Supplemental Instruction.
  • DO: Read the directions carefully. Follow any formatting guidelines exactly.
  • DON'T: Go overboard in details about yourself or a particular point. Keep your writing succinct and relevant to the question(s) asked.
  • DON'T: Write a list of activities, awards, or accomplishments. Choose the ones that are most important and share the most relevant information about you.
  • DON'T: Try to be funny. You don't want to take the risk that they won't get the joke.
  • DON'T: Write what you think the committee wants to hear.
How To Write A Great Personal Statement

Work-Study

Work-Study is a form of financial aid that enables you to earn income to help meet your educational costs. Unlike other forms of financial aid, Work-Study must be earned through working a job. Work-Study positions should relate to the student's program of study. Participants have the opportunity to gain work experience and marketable skills, explore possible career opportunities, make new contacts that may later become valuable references for future employment, and reduce loan indebtedness for college expenses.

Work-Study is part-time employment either on or off campus. There are State and Federal Work-Study funds available each year. Priority is given to students meeting the financial aid funds priority date. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

  • Students must apply for financial aid, demonstrate financial need, and meet any other applicable requirements. 
  • Students must be eligible to work in the United States.
  • Students must be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution in the state of Washington. 
  • Students may not be in pursuit of a degree in theology. 
  • Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

How do students get awarded and begin using a Work-Study award?

  1. Complete your FAFSA or WASFA application. When completing the application, students interested in Work-Study should answer "yes" to the question, “Are you interested in being considered for Work-Study?”
    • If you already completed your FAFSA or WASFA and did not answer “yes” to Work-Study, please email Financial Aid to request a Work-Study award. Our office will verify your eligibility for the program and if funding is available.
  2. Submit all required documentation or complete any required actions requested by the Financial Aid office. After your file is complete, the Financial Aid office will determine your eligibility for Work-Study.
  3. Monitor your email regularly. The Financial Aid office will email you an award offer notification showing the Work-Study offer and send you a separate Work-Study Offer email listing times and dates for the Work-Study Orientation. If you do not see Work-Study listed on your award offer notification, you may contact us to know why.
  4. Register and attend Work-Study Orientation; this is mandatory for new students entering the Work-Study program.
  5. Find, apply, and interview for Work-Study positions. More information about applying and getting for Work-Study jobs is given at the Work-Study Orientation.
  6. Once hired, begin working and earning your Work-Study award.

How many hours a week can an employee getting Work-Study actually work?

Employees in Work-Study can work up to 19 hours per week while classes are in session. During quarterly breaks however, students may work up to 40 hours per week (if requested by their supervisor) as long as they have a Work-Study award remaining from the previous quarter.

What is the hourly rate for Work-Study positions?

The current hourly rate for the 2023-2024 academic year (summer 2023 to spring 2024) is $17.14/hour.

How are students notified of a Work-Study award?

Students are notified in their financial aid offer letter. Work-Study is awarded on a "funds available" basis. Students will also receive a separate Work-Study offer letter detailing the next steps to participate in the Work-Study program.

What kinds of jobs are available?

Work-Study job opportunities are posted through Handshake. There are many on-campus openings and off-campus opportunities available in many career fields.

How do I receive my Work-Study award?

As you work, you will receive your Work-Study award through regular paychecks. Work-Study earnings cannot be used to pay tuition and fees directly. Students must deposit their earnings into an account and use those earnings to pay for any tuition and fees through their LionsLink student account.

Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loan is a loan guaranteed by the federal government. Repayment usually begins six months after you leave school or drop below half time. There are two types of directions.

Direct Subsidized Loan

This loan requires unmet need. No interest is charged while the student is in school at least half time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This loan accrues interest while the student is attending school.

Direct Loan Annual Maximums

Students may receive up to $3,500 a year as a first-year student and up to $4,500 in the second year of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or bachelor's degree program. Third and fourth year students in a bachelor's degree program may receive up to $5,500. Students completing preparatory course work for full admittance into a program may borrow up to $2,625 (eligibility while completing preparatory course work is limited to one calendar year). In addition to the amounts above, independent students may borrow up to $6,000 (or $7,000 for third-year and fourth-year bachelor's degree program students). Dependent students fully admitted into an eligible program may borrow up to $2,000 in additional unsubsidized loans.

Students applying for a student loan at LWTech must complete the following steps:

  1. Students applying for a Direct Loan at LWTech for the first time are required to complete an Entrance Counseling session.
  2. Direct Loan applicants must also sign a Master Promissory Note for their loan. Students may sign a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) online by using their Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. 
    • When you sign a Master Promissory Note, you are agreeing to repay your loan according to the terms of the note.
    • The note states that except in cases of loan discharge (cancellation), you must repay the loan, even if you don't complete your education.
    • Remember, you must repay your loan even if you experience difficulty finding employment or if you didn't like the quality of the education. If you are experiencing financial hardships, contact your Loan Servicer immediately. They are usually able to work with you to help you through difficult times.
  3. After completing steps (1) and (2), students must then submit a Direct Loan Request Form to the LWTech Financial Aid office. This form provides us with the loan period you have chosen and the amount you would like to borrow. The total loan amount entered on the form will be spread equally over the quarters selected. Funds are disbursed on a quarterly basis and are subject to Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Additional Steps

  1. PREREQUISITE LOANS: The federal government limits student loan eligibility while students are in "prerequisite" status. Prerequisite status applies to students who are taking required courses prior to being admitted in a degree program. Prerequisite loans are limited to one calendar year from the date a student first begins taking out the loan (students may not be considered for undergraduate grants or work study assistance while completing prerequisites). After the calendar year has elapsed, students may not receive additional student loan funds unless they are fully accepted into an eligible program.
  2. PARENT PLUS LOANS: Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the amount of the dependent student's cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid, through the federal Parent Plus Loan program. Please note that parents must have approved credit to participate (dependent students, whose parents apply and are rejected on the basis of credit, may borrow additional unsubsidized funds). PLUS Loan applicants must complete a PLUS Loan Request Form (link to forms page), and consent to providing access to a credit report. Applicants must also complete an online PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note. 
  3. All Direct Loan borrowers at LWTech are required to complete an online Exit Counseling session if they drop below half time or do not complete at least six credits.
  4. If you plan on continuing your education into the next academic year and would like to request a loan to assist with your educational costs, a new Direct Loan Request form must be submitted to Financial Aid after completing your renewal FAFSA. 
  5. If you require assistance, please contact Financial Aid.

Alternate Loans

Students with extraordinary program or cost of attendance expenses may qualify for Alternative Loan Funding. Unlike Direct Loans, these are based on credit history and rating, so not everyone may qualify.

Exit Counseling

Per Federal Regulations, students that have borrowed Direct Student Loans at LWTech are required to complete a Loan Exit Counseling session online (https://studentloans.gov). This session informs borrowers of necessary information, terms, and actions required when exiting school.

If you have any questions concerning the counseling requirements, contact Financial Aid.

Borrower's Responsibility

When you obtain a federal student loan you have certain responsibilities. It is important to consider the following:

  • Think about why you are borrowing and how much you really need. 
  • Think about what your repayment obligation means before you take out a student loan; only borrow what is absolutely necessary. Remember, you will need to repay all funds borrowed, plus interest. Generally, student loans cannot be discharged through filing bankruptcy.
  • If you don't repay your student loan on time or according to the terms in your Master Promissory Note, you could default on this legal obligation, which has serious consequences and will adversely affect your credit rating. Your loan servicer or the federal government may take all actions available to collect the debt, including wage garnishment and withholding income tax refunds.
  • Student loans, like other financial aid funds, are for direct and indirect educational expenses only (tuition, books, rent, food, etc.), and may not be used to make personal purchases such as cars or vehicles, recreational pursuits, or vacation expenses.

Signing a promissory note means you agree to repay the loan

  • When you sign a Master Promissory Note, you are agreeing to repay your loan according to the terms of the note.
  • The note states that except in cases of loan discharge (cancellation), you must repay the loan, even if you don't complete your education.
  • The U.S. Department of Education does not guarantee the quality of education you receive or that you will find a job in your field of study.

Make payments regardless of receiving billing notices

  • You must make payments on your loan even if you don't receive a bill or repayment notice.
  • Billing statements (or coupon books) are sent to you as a convenience. You're obligated to make payments even if you don't receive any reminders.
  • You must also make monthly payments in the full amount required by your repayment plan. Partial payments do not fulfill your obligation to repay your student loan on time.
  • If you cannot make your full monthly payment, contact your lender. In most cases, your loan servicer will work with you if you are experiencing economic hardship.
  • If you apply for a deferment or forbearance, you must continue to make payments until you have been notified that your request has been approved; if you don't, you might end up in default.
  • Keep a copy of any request form you submit, and document all contact you have with the holder of your loan.
  • Notify your loan servicer if you change your address, name, or Social Security number.

Title IV Code of Conduct

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Lake Washington Institute of Technology will act in compliance with all requirements that prohibit a conflict of interest that may arise regarding Title IV loans.

To prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest, the college will follow the guidelines below:

  • Ban on revenue sharing: The college will not enter into any revenue sharing arrangement with any lender.
  • Ban on gifts: The college will not accept gifts from lenders, guaranty agencies, or loan servicers. Staff members may, however, participate in meals or refreshments provided for meetings or training workshops as long as the events are open to all attendees or are included in a registration fee.
  • Prohibition of consulting or contracting arrangements: The college will not participate in contracting or consulting arrangements with any lender.
  • Prohibition on assigning lenders to first-time borrowers, steering borrowers to particular lenders, or delaying or refusing loan certifications based on borrowers' choices of lenders: The college will not steer or assign a potential borrower to a particular lender, and will not delay or refuse to certify a private loan based on the lender's choice.
  • Prohibition on offers of funds for private loans: The college will not request or accept offers of funds for private loans from lenders.
  • Ban on staffing assistance: The college will not accept financial aid staffing or call center assistance from any lender.
  • Ban on advisory board compensation: Staff members will not accept any compensation for advisory board participation or consulting services to lenders.

Veteran Benefits

If you're a veteran receiving the GI BIll® or similar benefits, you can receive financial assistance for most LWTech courses and programs through Veteran Benefits. In addition, you may be eligible for a 25% waiver for tuition if you're a veteran or a member of the National Guard and have been honorably discharged or meet certain requirements.

Workforce Development

LWTech offers several federal and state funded programs through our Workforce Development programs that may provide assistance with tuition, books, advising, and individualized support services, depending on qualifications. See the Workforce Development page for more information.

Childcare Grant

Childcare grant funds may be available to students who need assistance with childcare expenses. The application can be found on the Financial Aid forms page. You will need to login using your LWTech student email to access the application.

General Rules and Guidelines

  • Students must be enrolled in at least half-time (a minimum of six credits required for your program) to receive the childcare grant. Awards for enrollment of less than full-time (12 credits or more) may be pro-rated (reduced).
  • The childcare grant may be subject to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP); students must be meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements to receive the childcare grant.
  • A student may receive up to $1,500 per quarter for a maximum of two quarters per year with Lake Washington Institute of Technology for a maximum of four years. (If a student is awarded $1500/quarter, they can receive up to $12,000 their entire time at LWTech if needed)
  • If you and your partner are both applying for childcare grant assistance, the maximum that the two of you combined may receive is $1500 per quarter for a maximum of four years. Meaning, between the two students at LWTech, your overall award cannot exceed $12,000.
  • If you and your partner are both applying for childcare grant assistance, both students at LWTech cannot receive childcare grant during the same quarter.
  • Awards are based on student need, reasons for need (per your explanation below), enrollment, and available funding.

Childcare Grant Application

Student Emergency Grant

LWTech is committed to your success and we recognize emergencies can sometimes get in the way. In order to keep you on track to graduate, limited emergency funding may be available to registered students who have a current financial emergency (not projected costs for your program). This funding is provided through a small state grant and generous donors to the college foundation. The application can be found online. You need to login using your LWTech student email to access the application.

Student Emergency Grant Application

Federal CARES Act Funding

Student Aid - CARES, CRRSSA, and ARP (HEERF I, II, and III)

In sum, the total HEERF funds (I,II, and III) distributed to students as of 12/31/2021 is $2,221,451. The direct total of student aid available is $4,276,255 with details provided below.

CARES Act Summary - Student Aid (HEERF I)

As of March 27, 2020 the Federal Government authorized colleges to grant emergency funding directly to students (this is called the CARES Act).

  • LWTech signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  • On 04/24/2020 LWTech received $779,044 in funding to award directly to students
  • By 04/01/21 1,034 students have received funding.
  • As of 04/01/21 $779,004 (100% of received funds) were provided directly to students.
  • Based on financial aid records approximately 879 students were eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
  • The college used the following priority list to determine how to distribute funds. In all cases students were screened for CARES Act Eligibility Guidelines before awarding funds.
    • Veterans negatively impacted by changes to instruction due to COVID-19
    • All others negatively impacted by changes to instruction due to COVID-19
    • Laptops for eligible student to access classes remotely
    • Students who apply for emergency funding and are qualified for CARES Act
  • Instructions for applying for CARES Act funding were found in the online application used during that time period.

CRRSSA and ARP Summary to Date (HEERF II and III)

  • LWTech signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
  • On 01/17/21, LWTech received $779,044 in CRRSSA funding for direct student aid. On 05/15/21, LWTech received $2,718,167 in ARP funding for direct student aid. The total for HEERF II and III for student aid is $3,497,211. The total student aid awarded for HEERF I, II, and III is $4,276,255. The total disbursed for HEERF II and III is $3,497,211.
  • As of 06/30/2023, 2,340 students have received funding under CRRSSA and ARP funding.
  • As of 06/30/2023, $779,044.00 in CRRSSA funding has been provided to students and $2,718,167.00 in ARP funds have been distributed at this time. A total of $3,497,211 in HEERF II and III has been distributed.
  • Based on financial aid records approximately 900 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
  • The college used the following priority list to determine how to distribute funds. In all cases students were screened for CARES Act Eligibility Guidelines before awarding funds.
    • Veterans negatively impacted by changes to instruction due to COVID-19
    • All others negatively impacted by changes to instruction due to COVID-19
    • Laptops for eligible student to access classes remotely
    • Students who apply for emergency funding and are qualified for CARES Act

Budget and Expenditure Report

Under CARES Act Sections 18004(a)(1) Institutional Portion, 18004(a)(2), and 18004(a)(3), Lake Washington Institute of Technology must report its quarterly budget and expenditures.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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Learn more about accessibility and the current audit.

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