As part of its basic philosophy, the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos is committed to ensuring that the opportunity for a post-secondary education not be denied to any student because of limited finances. To fulfill this goal, the Financial Aid Office administers a broad spectrum of loans, grants, employment, and scholarships to meet the financial needs of all the University's students.The Financial Aid Office awards financial aid to students according to their individual needs. Parents of students are expected to contribute to their child's education according to their ability, taking into account their income, assets, number of dependents, and other relevant information. Students themselves are expected to contribute from their own assets and earnings, including appropriate borrowing against future income. Because the amount of assistance awarded is based on financial need, the amount of aid awarded is not publicly announced, and all information provided to the Financial Aid Office is regarded as confidential.

Students applying for financial aid complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designed to determine, in accordance with state and federal guidelines, the difference between what the student or family is expected to contribute and the cost of attending UNM-Los Alamos. Among the factors that determine the family's expected contribution are:

1. annual adjusted gross income as reported to the Internal Revenue Service; savings, stocks, or bonds; other assets in the form of a business, farm, or real estate; nontaxable income and benefits; and
2. student's prior year income and assets.

The costs of attending UNM-Los Alamos include:

• tuition and fees; room and board; books and supplies; transportation; and
• personal expenses.

To qualify for financial aid programs at UNM-Los Alamos, with the exception of academic scholarships, students must meet the following general requirements (requirements for individual programs may vary):

• demonstrate financial need be a citizen or an eligible non citizen show academic promise or progress; and for most programs, carry at least 6 semester hours (AUDIT courses do not count toward the semester hour requirement).
• For maximum student financial aid consideration, students should apply prior to March 1.To receive financial aid, you must be enrolled in a certificate or degree-granting program.

Financial Aid Programs
Following is a brief summary of the financial assistance programs administered by the Financial Aid Office. For more information about these programs, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Grants
Grants are awarded to students showing academic promise or progress. Grants, like scholarships, do not have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grants
These federal grants are intended to provide a financial basis on which needy students can build a post-secondary education.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
These federal grants are designed for students with exceptional financial need.

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG)
These state and federal grants are designed for extremely needy New Mexico residents.

Student Employment
Student employment is provided to students who wish to work part-time while pursuing their education. Jobs normally found on campus range from the very general to those that are highly technical.

Federal and New Mexico Work Study Program (FWSP/NMWS)
This is a state or federally funded program designed to provide income and work experience in a student's field. Work is limited to 20 hours per week.

Off-Campus Employment
Part-time jobs available off-campus are listed in the Career Resources Library.

Loans
Student loans provide an opportunity to borrow against future earnings, with relatively low interest rates and favorable repayment schedules.

Federal Perkins Loan
This is a long-term, low-interest loan program for students meeting the need requirement.

Federal Plus Program
This is a long-term, low-interest rate loan program made available to eligible parents to help pay educational expenses.

Scholarships
UNM-Los Alamos has several scholarships that are made available to all students. A general scholarship application is available at the Financial Aid Office and at the Student Services Office. The application is used for the majority of scholarships awarded at UNM-Los Alamos. Deadline dates for incoming freshmen are April 1 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester. Deadline dates for continuing students vary.

Veterans Administration Educational Benefits
This program assists eligible veterans and eligible dependents of veterans pursuing a post-secondary education. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office at UNM-Los Alamos. The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance through the Veterans Administration.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Following the initial award of student financial aid to a student, the student must make satisfactory progress toward a degree for the financial aid to be continued. A student must successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent (67%) of the credit hours attempted while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA as follows:

• 1.7 GPA while completing the first 30 credit hours of undergraduate work
• 2.0 GPA for hours completed over 30
  

The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos
4000 University Dr.
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 662-5919; FAX (505) 662-0344
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