Financial Aid
To be eligible to receive financial aid, federal regulations require that a student be a “student enrolled in an eligible program.” The student must maintain good standing and make satisfactory academic progress according to federal, state, and institutional standards in their course of study (SAP). Students receiving financial aid must be enrolled in a course of study leading to an associate degree, advanced technical certificate, intermediate technical certificate, or technical certificate. Federal regulations also require financial aid students to either have graduated from high school or have completed a recognized equivalent (such as the GED).
Announcements
The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open. Apply now for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 Semester.
If your financial situation has changed, you may be eligible for a Special Circumstance Appeal for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please contact us for more information.
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Student Aid
You can utilize Student Aid on the Web to
- View your Student Aid Report
- View student aid history (loans, grants & overpayment) Complete Entrance or Exit Counseling. Sign your Master Promissory Note.
- Get your Loan Servicer information
- See how much Pell Grant eligibility you have left
- Learn about loan repayments and loan forgiveness
- Make corrections on your FAFSA
- Source for free information from the U.S. Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
Internal Revenue Service
- Get Tax Information and Transcripts
- Request your Tax Return Transcript.
- Get copies of your Wage and Income Transcript (W-2)
- Verification of Non-Filing Letter
If you were selected for verification, you can do one of the following: Login to your FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or Request your Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.
You can request your Tax Transcript online or at the local IRS office in Idaho Falls. If you are requesting your tax transcripts in person, please make an appointment by calling 1-844-545-5640.
- How Financial Aid Works
- Financial Aid Priority Dates
- Summer Financial Aid
- Disbursements & Refunds
- Withdrawing & Dropping Classes
- Helpful Resources & Info
- FAQs
How Financial Aid Works
Financial Aid can seem intimidating at times, but it doesn’t have to. We are here to help you through the financial aid process.
Your first step in the Financial Aid process is to complete and submit your FAFSA. This application is completed yearly to be considered for federal financial aid.
Once you have submitted your FAFSA, the information on your FAFSA will be processed by the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid. The colleges you listed will be notified so they can begin their process of awarding aid.
Within a few days of filling out the FAFSA, you will get your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR summarizes the information you submitted on the FAFSA. You can access your SAR online by logging in with your FSA-ID.
- Check your SAR for mistakes. Make corrections if you need to; such as, if you estimated your tax information incorrectly or if you provided incorrect information on the day you filled out the FAFSA.
- On your SAR, you'll see reference to your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This number is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid; it doesn't mean you have to actually contribute that amount.
It is possible that the Financial Aid Office may require you to verify the information you submitted on your FAFSA. If that happens, you will be notified via email to log in to the student Self-Service and click on your “Financial Aid Counseling” and review the “Required Financial Aid Documents”.
Check your student Self-Service to see if you need to submit any additional documents or information.
How is my financial aid eligibility determined?
Your Financial Aid eligibility depends on:
- Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Your year in school
- Your enrollment status
- The Cost of Attendance (COA) at the school you will be attending.
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an index number calculated based on information from your FAFSA. The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula. Your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year are also included in the calculation.
To determine your award, the financial aid staff starts by looking at your Cost of Attendance (COA). They then consider your EFC and subtract your EFC from your COA.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
-- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Financial Need
How will I know if I have received my financial aid offer?
Once you’re accepted into college and you have met all financial aid requirements, you will get an email notification for your financial aid offer. If you have any questions about your award offer, contact the Financial Aid Office. Log in to your student Self-Service to view your financial aid offer
How do I accept my financial aid offer?
You will log into your Student Self-Service to review and accept your financial aid award package. You can reduce your offered loan amounts or decline them here.
Once you have accepted your aid, your grants and loans will be applied to tuition, fees and other charges on your student account first, then any leftover money is paid to you.
Student Work-study funds are earned hourly throughout the term, if you have been hired into a work-study position.
Are there other requirements for financial aid?
To be eligible to receive financial aid, federal regulations require that a student be a “student enrolled in an eligible program”. The student must maintain good standing and make satisfactory academic progress according to federal, state, and institutional standards in his/her course of study. Students receiving financial aid must be enrolled in a course of study leading to an associate degree, advanced technical certificate, intermediate technical certificate, or technical certificate. Federal regulations also require financial aid students to either have graduated from high school or have completed a recognized equivalent (such as the GED).
What is considered Fraud?
A student who attempts to obtain financial aid fraudulently may be suspended from college and from all financial aid program eligibility. The College will be required to report such instances to local law enforcement agencies, the U. S. Department of Education, and the Office of Inspector General. Restitution will be required of any financial aid received under fraud.
What is an overpayment?
Overpayment is the disbursement of more federal student aid funds to a student than they are eligible to receive. Students who owe a Title IV program overpayment are not eligible for federal aid. If a student owes an overpayment, the debt must be cleared before any federal aid will be disbursed.
What is College of Eastern Idaho's school code?
School Code: 011133
Financial Aid Priority Dates
The FAFSA Application opens every October 1st for the next academic year. Students complete the FAFSA annually.
CEI has Priority Deadlines for the FAFSA.
- Fall Semester - June 1*
- Spring Semester - November 1*
- Summer Semester - February 1*
For more information view our Apply for Financial Aid page
Summer Financial Aid
Summer financial aid is unique in awarding from the Fall and Spring semesters. Pell Grants, other grants, and loan programs may be available on a limited basis. Students must submit a FAFSA to be considered for Summer federal financial aid.
- Pell Grant awards will be made to eligible students who either have remaining eligibility from the award year or meet the requirements for “year-round Pell.” To qualify for “year-round Pell,” the student must meet all Pell grant eligibility requirements for Summer and be enrolled at least half-time. In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of their scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year.
- Loans are limited to a student's remaining eligibility from the academic year. If a student used their full annual eligibility for student loans in Fall and Spring, then the student will not have any remaining eligibility for Summer.
- The Work-Study program is not available during the Summer session.
Disbursements & Refund
Once you have been awarded, your financial aid will be credited and disbursed to your student account to pay for your tuition and any applicable fees. If there is an excess of funds, a refund will be issued to you. Charges, credits, and refunds (if applicable) can all be viewed in Self-Service. Refunds are issued as a direct deposit/e-refund (recommended) or as a check, mailed to the address on file.
Disbursement Schedule for 2024-2025
| Term | 1st Disbursement | 2nd Disbursement after attendance is verified | 2nd loan disbursement -attending only Spring or only Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | August 9 | September 3 | NA |
| Spring 2025 | January 3 | January 28 | March 7 |
| Summer 2025 | May 23 | June 6 | June 27 |
What does “disbursement of federal financial aid” mean?
Disbursement is the releasing and payment of federal financial aid and scholarship funds to your CEI account.
- All federal aid eligibility criteria must be met for your financial aid to be released to your student account. All financial aid awards, except Work-Study, are applied to your account.
- The earliest your aid can be disbursed toward your student fees is 10 days prior to your first day of class (5 days prior to summer classes).
- Students that do not have financial aid ready for the first disbursement, CEI must confirm attendance of all your courses during the first 10 days, before releasing the funds.
- Financial aid funds are disbursed in equal installments at the first of each semester, for example, Fall and Spring semesters. If a student only attends one semester, disbursement of loans will be made in two equal disbursements, one at the beginning of the semester and one halfway through the semester. This is only applicable for students attending the Spring or Summer only.
- After the first disbursement has been applied, the next disbursement occurs after our attendance verification process. Attendance verification generally takes 3 weeks to complete, after the first day of class, before financial aid can be released.
What is a refund? If applicable, when will I see my refund?
If the total financial aid funds exceed your total charges, a refund will be issued to you. Refunds are issued as a direct deposit/e-refund (recommended) or as a check, mailed to the address on file.
- Refunds will occur 5-7 business days after the funds have disbursed depending on your selected refund preference.
- Important - If you do not complete the financial aid application process by the financial aid priority deadline, your refund may not be processed until after attendance verification is completed.
- Questions concerning the status of your refund should be referred to the cashier at 524-3000 ext. 3
Are there any holds for loan borrowers?
First-time borrowers who are first-time CEI students will have to wait 30 days from the beginning of the semester before their loan funds will be disbursed.
- Loans will be disbursed in two disbursements (Fall-Spring). If attending only one semester, loans will be disbursed in two disbursements within that semester (Spring-Summer). The first disbursement will be at the beginning of the term and the second at mid-terms.
- If you qualify for and accept loans, loan proceeds are transmitted to the CEI Business Office and applied directly to the student's school account. Remaining funds will be refunded to the student.
- The Entrance Counseling and Master promissory Note is required for loans to disburse.
Late Start Courses & Disbursements
If you register for a late start course (Block B), you may not receive a disbursement until your attendance has been verified in those course(s).
How do I view my tuition charges and student account?
To view your charges and the financial aid you have accepted, log into your student Self-Service, select “Student Account Information”. Click on the “Account Activity” and select the correct term.
Account Activity displays the following:
- Charges - Your CEI tuition and applicable fees
- Balance - Your charges minus financial aid. If your aid exceeds your charges, your balance displays the amount of refund you will receive as a negative amount. If your aid does not exceed your charges, your balance displays your outstanding balance.
- Financial Aid - The total amount of your accepted financial aid.
- This will include a breakdown of the: award name, type, and amount. It will also display the amount that has been disbursed to your account or the amount that is anticipated to be disbursed.
NOTE: Aid offers are based on the number of required credits a student is enrolled in. If students make changes in their course load, after disbursement, they will be responsible for any additional tuition and fees.
Financial aid policies and procedures are subject to change without notice to assure compliance with federal regulations.
Withdrawing & Dropping Classes
Will I be required to repay my financial aid?
If you are considering dropping a class or withdrawing from all your classes, please be aware this can cause possible removal and repayment of financial aid funds. Contact the Financial Aid Office for a review of your financial aid and possible repayment.
You may be required to repay part or all of your financial aid if:
- You withdraw (officially or medically) from all of your classes, the college will calculate your repayment based on federal regulations and requirements.
- Please refer to the "Return of Title IV Funds" section included in the Withdrawal Policy.
- For more information on withdrawing refer to Registration Procedures.
- You never attend a class or drop below the required number of credits for your enrollment status by the add/drop date. Registration Procedures.
- Your award was based on inaccurate or incomplete information (financial or otherwise).
- An error existed when determining your eligibility for aid or the amount of your award.
Loan and grant funds used to pay your student tuition and fees will be removed from your student account and returned to the federal government, as prescribed by federal financial aid rules.
All financial aid balance must be repaid within 30 days to the Cashiers Office, (208) 524-3000.
When is the last day I can withdraw from all my classes?
The deadline for Total Withdrawal from CEI without grade penalty is the last day of the tenth (10th) week of the fall and spring semesters, for full semester courses, and the last day of the fifth (5th) week for the summer term. For all dates and deadlines please refer to the Calendar.
Will withdrawing affect my future financial aid?
Withdrawing from all of your classes after the end of the add/drop period will affect your academic progress, and you will receive W grades on your transcript. Students who withdraw from all classes will be automatically denied from further federal financial aid. Additionally, if you completely withdraw from CEI during the course of a semester, you may be required to return a percentage of your federal financial aid. Please see the Withdrawal Policy and the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Can I get financial aid again for future semesters?
In the case of extenuating circumstances (such as injury, illness, or death of an immediate family member); you may appeal your denied financial aid status to the Financial Aid Office. Appeal forms must be signed by you and your advisor and submitted with a letter of explanation and supporting documentation detailing the circumstances preventing you from making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), how the issues have been resolved, and how the issues will not affect future performance.
You can also attend using other resources than Title IV funds, to improve your academic record to become back in compliance with the SAP policy. You can request reinstatement of your eligibility if you are in compliance.
Helpful Resources & Information
We’ve compiled some resources and information for students as you navigate through the Financial Aid process.
You can utilize Student Aid on the Web to:
- View your Student Aid Report
- View student aid history (loans, grants & overpayment)
- Get your Loan Servicer information
- See how much Pell Grant eligibility you have left
- Learn about loan repayments and loan forgiveness
- Update your address, email, or name changes
- Source for free information from the U.S. Department of Education on preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
You can utilize Smart Student Guide for Financial Aid to:
- Use calculators for estimating Expected Family Contribution, Loan repayments and Student Budgets
- Scholarship information and guide on finding them
- Provides answers to many of your financial aid questions
You can use the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to:
- Get Tax Information and Transcripts
- Request your Tax Return Transcript.
- Get copies of your Wage and Income Transcript (W-2)
- Verification of Non-Filing Letter
If you were selected for verification you can do one of the following: Login to your FAFSA and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or Request your Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.
You can request your Tax Transcript online or at the local IRS office in Idaho Falls. If requesting your tax transcripts in person, please make an appointment by calling 1-844-545-5640.
Financial Aid Assistance
Mapping Your Future: A free resource for career, college, financial aid, and money management information. Our goal is to help individuals achieve life-long success by empowering students, families, and schools with web-based information and services.
Upromise: A rewards program that can help you pay for college.
Fastweb: A free scholarship search website.
Finaid
- Use calculators for estimating Expected Family Contributions, Loan repayments, and Student Budgets
- Scholarship information and guide on finding them
- Provides answers to many of your financial aid questions
CARES Act
IRS Office in Idaho Falls
M-F: 8:30am - 4:30pm | (Closed for lunch 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm)
Federal Student Aid Information Center
For Assistance, call (800) 433-3243 or 1-800-4FEDAID | TDD Number: (800) 730-8913 (for the hearing impaired)
Default Resolution Group
For Assistance, call (800) 621-3115 | TDD Number: (800) 825-9923 (for the hearing impaired)
FSA ID
For Assistance, call (800) 433-3243 or 1-800-4FEDAID | If you are experiencing long wait times, you may wish to call between 4 and 7 p.m. ET (2 p.m. and 5 p.m. MST).
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Customer Service
FAQs
How do I apply for Financial Aid?
You will apply for Financial Aid by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at https://www.studentaid.gov The FAFSA is a free Application. Our Financial Aid office has a card that is a guide to help you fill out the FAFSA.
What programs are eligible for Financial Aid?
Most of our degree seeking programs are eligible for aid. You can look in the catalog and it will indicate next to the program name whether it is financial aid eligible or not. The CNA course on its own is not eligible for aid, but when accepted into the nursing program it is eligible. Further questions can be referred to the financial aid staff.
Is there a deadline to complete the FAFSA?
We have priority processing deadline for each semester. Those students that apply by the deadline will have their aid processed before tuition and fees are due. Students can apply after the priority deadline with the understanding that we won’t guarantee their aid will be available to pay their fees or that their check will be available the Friday before classes begin.
PRIORITY PROCESSING DEADLINES*
Fall – June 1st
Spring – November 1st
Summer – February 1st
*In order to meet the priority deadlines, all information must be turned in correct, complete, and ready to award by the priority date for the semester you wish to be awarded.
Do I need to do a(n) _______ every semester?
FAFSA: No. This has to be completed once a year. One school year will cover from July 1 to June 30 (Fall semester- Summer semester) of the next year.
Entrance Loan Counseling: No, once you have completed entrance counseling you will not have to do it again.
Master Promissory Note (MPN): No, once you sign an MPN it is good for 10 years.
Exit Counseling: No, exit counseling should be completed once you leave CEI for good whether you are graduating or withdrawing.
How do I receive my refund?
There are a few ways to recieve your refund:
- E-refund (direct deposit) - Sign up through Self-Service. [Recommended]
- By Mail - Verify mailing address with the Cashier, 208-524-3000 opt 3
- Pick up at the Cashier's Office - Fill out a form at the Cashier.
NOTE: Refunds are processed the week before classes begin. Funds should be available the Friday before a semester begins, if you are registered and have completed everything needed for your FAFSA. For students that register the week before classes begin or those that filled out the FAFSA after the priority processing deadline, those refunds will not be processed until after the second week of class, once attendance has been verified.
Does CEI offer short term loans to pay student fees?
No, CEI does not offer short term loans.
CEI does have the option to set up a Payment Plan, call the Cashier for details, 208-524-3000 opt 3
How do I pay my fees if we don't get our Financial Aid until after the fee deadline?
Financial aid will automatically show as "Anticipated" as covering tuition and fees. Per federal regulations, aid cannot be applied , and excess funds paid out to the student, until at least 10-days before classes being. The financial aid remaining (shows as a negative balance) after tuition and fees are paid, will be available to the student by check or direct deposit the Friday before the semester begins.
If I don't get financial aid until the Friday before classes begin, how do I get my books?
Students are responsible for having their books the first day of class. If a student is relying on financial aid to buy books they will have to wait until funds are released to purchase the books. If they have other means of paying for the books they can purchase them before and reimburse themselves once the aid comes through.
Will I have to wait 30 days from the first day of class to receive my loan?
If the student is a first time borrower and has never attended college before , they will have to wait 30 days from the first day of the semester to receive their loans.
Can I transfer my financial aid from another school?
Yes, the student will need to make a correction on their FAFSA. The student will log in, select make a correction and then select add school (CEI code 011133). CEI should receive the information in about 3-5 business days.
I haven't filed my taxes yet; can I still fill out a FAFSA?
Yes, but cannot receive an award package until the taxes have been filed and a correction made on the FAFSA. The student will have to indicate on the FAFSA that they have not filed and put in estimates of their income. Once the student has filed their taxes they will need to make a correction to their FAFSA. The student should use the IRS data retrieval tool in order to get the accurate information. **A student's file will not be awarded until the student has indicated that their taxes have been filed. **
I received an email/letter...
Missing information email: Log in to Student Self-Service to see what documents are being requested.
Award email: Log into Self Service to see your award offer. All awards are based on full time (12+ credits) status. Pell grants will be adjusted according to credit load and eligibility. Student loans are awarded in "Offered" status and can be accepted through Student Self-Service. Student loan will be disbursed based on enrollment in 6 or more eligible credits, completed Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Exit Loan Counseling: Must completed if graduating, no longer attending or is attending less than 6 credits. The Exit Loan Counseling can be found on studentaid.gov/exit-counseling.
How do I do an in school loan deferment?
CEI Registrar submits enrollment information to the National Student Clearing House following the 10th day of classes, after attendance has been verified; then every 30 days after that. A student must be enrolled in at least 6 credits.
Or a student can submit an In-school Deferment form, found on their loan servicer website, to the Student Affairs Office. Once the form is processed CEI will submit the information to the National Student Clearing House.
What if I have a scholarship(s)?
To see any awarded scholarships, log into Student Self-Service > Financial Aid > My Awards. If you do not see your scholarship call the CEI Foundation Office at 208-524-3000 option 8 or Financial Aid at 208-524-3000 option 7.