Consumer Information

With rights come responsibilities. Information about both are available on the Student Rights and Responsibilities page.

Keeping your Financial Aid

Financial Aid is not guaranteed from year to year. You can get further information on what you need to do to keep your Financial Aid and Scholarships by checking out the information on Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Communications and Privacy

All students and families are welcome to call, e-mail, write or stop into the office to ask questions about our financial assistance programs or the process used to calculate student eligibility.

However, we are governed by federal laws and regulations in terms of what kind of information we can provide to family members other than the CSM student. According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended and regulated, only the student can be given specific information about her or his financial aid application and award.

We are happy to talk with parents about the federal eligibility calculations, and any special financial circumstances the family might have, but the results of financial aid calculations and students’ awards will be given only to the student. Our policy is to discuss specific award information with the student in person or through his/her @mines.edu e-mail account.

Further information about these provisions can be found in the Access to Student Records section.

Disbursement of Funds

CSM, Federal and Colorado grants and scholarships are credited directly to the student’s billing account at the beginning of each semester.

Work-study earnings are paid by electronic deposit to the student’s bank account, semi-monthly, based on student time sheets showing their actual hours worked.

Federal and CSM student loans are credited to the student’s billing account at the beginning of each semester, after the promissory note has been signed.

Optional student loans, such as the Waldo Rennie Loans, are disbursed by check to the student. Other optional loans are disbursed to the school and credited to the student’s billing account.

Federal parent loans will be credited to the student’s account, but only after the student’s parents have notified the Financial Aid Office of the disposition of any credit balance that may result.

Privately funded scholarships are processed for disbursement to the student’s account once donors send the check to the Financial Aid Office. Funds will be credited to the students billing account at the rate of one-half the yearly amount per semester unless otherwise designated by the donor. If other arrangements are necessary, the student or donor needs to contact the Financial Aid Office.

Refund and Repayment of Tuition and Financial Assistance

Students who drop or withdraw from classes face financial repercussions. You can get information on how dropping or withdrawing from classes affects your financial aid on this page.

Colorado Residency for Tuition Purposes

Students frequently ask how they can get residency and only have to pay in-state tuition. This page explains it all in detail.

Self-Supporting (Independent) Student Status

Students have many questions about becoming independent for financial aid purposes. Here's information to help you decide if being declared independent is the right thing for you.

Study Abroad and Cooperative Education

Many CSM students participate in university programs in other countries or expand their field experience in a cooperative education program. As part of our on-going support of expanding horizons, students participating in recognized activities may use their financial aid to help with associated costs. Check the Study Abroad & Cooperative Education page for further details.