Advising Binder MSW Program
Regular Program
Last Updated: July 7, 2020
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Contents
Program Overview
Accreditation
Regular Program Information
Enrollment Options
Course Delivery Options
Regular Program Advising Snapshot
Career Info
Career Options
Licensure Information
Employment Rates: Social Work Profession
Employment Rates: MSU Denver Graduates
Salary Range: Social Work Profession
Annual Income: MSU Denver MSW Program Graduates
The MSU Denver Difference
2018-2019 MSW Student Profile
Class Sizes
Field Placement Process and Options
Potential Field Agencies
Admissions Planning
Admissions Deadlines
Acceptance Information
Application Materials
Undergraduate Prerequisite Requirements
Financing
Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Awards
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
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Program Overview
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Accreditation
The MSW Program at MSU Denver has been continuously accredited since 2011 by the Council on Social Work Education, the sole accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S.
Accreditation assures that professional standards are met in curriculum content and delivery. Accredited programs periodically undergo rigorous review by CSWE in order to ensure compliance with educational standards.
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Regular Program Information
General Information:
• Fall start only • 60 credit hours
Admission Standards:
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still apply for conditional acceptance consideration)
• Have completed, or will complete, a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the fall semester in which students start the MSW Program
• Completion of undergraduate prerequisite requirements prior to the start of MSW Program coursework
• Completion of all Regular Program Admissions forms and requirements
*Applicants who received degrees from outside the United States should contact the department to determine eligibility
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Enrollment Options
Full-Time (2 years to complete) • 15 credits per fall/spring semester • 50 hour per week commitment
Part-Time (4 years to complete) • 6 to 9 credits per fall/spring semester • 30-40 hour per week commitment
Course Delivery Options
Fully Online • Students take all courses online and are guaranteed a spot in online courses
o May require synchronous activity, meaning you would be required to be online at a certain time/day to accomplish a specific learning activity
o Our online courses are not self-paced • Students may be required to participate in extracurricular online seminars
Mixed Traditional • Students take courses on campus, online, and in the hybrid format
o On Campus courses Offered days, nights, and weekends Typically either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday depending on whether
the student is in the foundation or concentration year o Online courses
Completed fully online May require synchronous activity, meaning you would be required to be online at
a certain time/day to accomplish a specific learning activity Our online courses are not self-paced
o Hybrid courses Both on campus and online requirements Students will be required to attend class on campus on specific days throughout
the semester determined by the course instructor • Example: Meeting every other week on campus and having online
requirements in the weeks you do not meet on campus
* Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters † Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters ‡ Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters
Advising Snapshot: Regular Program – Full Time Plan
Required Foundation Coursework
FALL – Year 1 SPRING – Year 1 SWKM 5400 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) SWKM 5475 Legal Issues in Social Work Practice (3)
SWKM 5425 Privilege, Oppression, and Power (3) SWKM 5500 Research Methods in Social Work (3)
SWKM 5450 Social Policy Analysis (3) SWKM 5575 Groups, Teams and Leadership (3)
SWKM 5600 Generalist Practice I (3) SWKM 5650 Generalist Practice II (3)
SWKM 5625 Field Experience I (3)* SWKM 5675 Field Experience II (3)*
TOTAL: 15 credits TOTAL: 15 credits
Note: Foundation Field Placement consists of 16 hours/week
Required Concentration Coursework
FALL – Year 2 SPRING – Year 2 SWKM 6700 Capstone I (3)† SWKM 6750 Capstone II (3)†
SWKM 6725 Field Experience III (3)‡ SWKM 6775 Field Experience IV (3)‡
SWKM 6425 Advanced Integrative Practice: Leadership (3) SWKM 6475 Advanced Policy and Advocacy (3)
SWKM 6450 Advanced Integrative Practice: Clinical (3) SWKM Elective (3)
SWKM Elective (3) SWKM Elective (3)
TOTAL: 15 credits TOTAL: 15 credits
Note: Concentration Field Placement consists of 20 hours/week
* Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters † Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters ‡ Linked courses, student must enroll in the same section for both fall and spring semesters
Advising Snapshot: Regular Program – Part Time Plan
Required Foundation Coursework
FALL – Year 1 SPRING – Year 1 SWKM 5400 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) SWKM 5475 Legal Issues in Social Work Practice (3)
SWKM 5425 Privilege, Oppression, and Power (3) SWKM 5500 Research Methods in Social Work (3)
SWKM 5450 Social Policy Analysis (3) SWKM 5575 Groups, Teams and Leadership (3)
TOTAL: 9 credits TOTAL: 9 credits
FALL – Year 2 SPRING – Year 2 SWKM 5600 Generalist Practice I (3) SWKM 5650 Generalist Practice II (3)
SWKM 5625 Field Experience I (3)* SWKM 5675 Field Experience II (3)*
TOTAL: 6 credits TOTAL: 6 credits
Note: Foundation Field Placement consists of 16 hours/week
Required Concentration Coursework
FALL – Year 3 SPRING – Year 3 SWKM 6425 Advanced Integrative Practice: Leadership (3) SWKM 6475 Advanced Policy and Advocacy (3)
SWKM 6450 Advanced Integrative Practice: Clinical (3) SWKM Elective (3)
SWKM Elective (3) SWKM Elective (3)
TOTAL: 9 credits TOTAL: 9 credits
FALL – Year 4 SPRING – Year 4 SWKM 6700 Capstone I (3)† SWKM 6750 Capstone II (3)†
SWKM 6725 Field Experience III (3)‡ SWKM 6775 Field Experience IV (3)‡
TOTAL: 6 credits TOTAL: 6 credits
Note: Concentration Field Placement consists of 20 hours/week
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Career Info
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Career Options
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries that employ the most social workers are:
Career options for MSW Graduates include but are not limited to:
• Agency directors • Grant writers • Legislative advocates or elected officials • Program designers and developers • Social entrepreneurs • Community leaders • Healthcare Social Work • Clinical Counseling • School Social Work • Criminal Justice/Corrections • Advocacy
18%
14%13% 13%
12%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
Individual and FamilyServices
State Government(excluding education &
hospitals)
Ambulatory HealthcareServices
Local Government(exlcuding education &
hospitals)
Hospitals (state, local,& private)
Top Employers of Social Workers (2016)
† Based on responses to a survey of 2018 graduates conducted in July 2018 ‡ Based on responses to a survey of 2015 and 2017 graduates conducted in July 2017
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According to a July 2018 survey of MSW Program Alumni, our graduates work in the following areas of social work† ‡:
42.53%
21.84%
18.39%
17.24%
16.09%
11.49%
9.20%
9.20%
6.90%
6.90%
6.90%
6.90%
5.75%
5.75%
4.60%
3.45%
3.45%
3.45%
2.30%
2.30%
1.15%
0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00% 40.00% 45.00%
Mental Health or Community Mental Health
Child Welfare
Family Services
School Social Work
Health/Medical
Alcohol, Drug, or Substance Abuse
Developmental Disabilities
Group Services
Aging/Gerontology
Corrections/Criminal Justice
Rehabilitation
Other
Domestic Violence or Crisis Intervention
Housing
Program Evaluation
Administration
Community Planning
Social Policy
Military Social Work
Occupational
Public Assistance/Public Welfare
In what area of social work are you currently working?
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Licensure Information
After graduation, students can complete additional state requirements to earn Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and/or Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) status. Students are also eligible to obtain school social worker licensure.
Licensure in Colorado is only available to graduates of CSWE accredited MSW Programs. Students may not apply for licensure prior to graduation. The LSW license is the first step in obtaining the LCSW license.
Licensure Pass Rates
Over 141 MSW Graduates who took the ASWB Clinical Exam over the last 6 years passed at a rate of 81% - that’s well above the North American average of 66%!
81%
66%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
MSU Denver Graduates North American Average
ASWB Clinical Licensure Exam Pass Rates
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Employment Rates: Social Work Profession
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Employment of social workers is expected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028 • The national average growth rates for all occupations is 5%.
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Job Growth: 2018-2028
Average growth in Social Work Average growth for all occupations
† Based on responses to a survey of 2018 graduates conducted in July 2018 ‡ Based on responses to a survey of 2015 and 2017 graduates conducted in July 2017
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Employment Rates: MSU Denver Graduates
According to a recent survey of 2015 and 2017 MSW Program graduates, 35% of MSW graduates were hired by their field placement agencies ‡
88% of 2015 and 2017 graduates are still employed as social workers ‡
The majority of 2015 and 2017 graduates found a job in social work in 2 months or less of graduation from the MSW Program.‡
88%
12%
Are you currently employed as a social worker?‡
Yes
No
1.67%
5.00%
16.67%
76.67%
0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00% 80.00% 90.00%
More than 1 year
7 to 12 months
3 to 6 months
2 months or less
How long after graduation did it take you to find a job in social work?
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Salary Range: Social Work Profession
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics • Nationally, 80% of social workers make between $29,560 to $79,740 per year, with an average
salary of $51,630 • In Colorado, 80% of social workers make between $30,331 to $75,249 per year, with an
average salary of $50,000
Average:$51,630 Average:
$50,000
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
$90,000
Social Work (National) Social Work (Colorado)
Salary Range
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Salary ranges vary depending on the specific area of social work:
(data from the National Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Average:$51,630 Average:
$50,000 Average:$48,430
Average:$50,220
Average:$56,810 Average:
$51,980 Average:$47,830 Average:
$43,430
Average:$60,900
Average:$54,940
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
$90,000
$100,000
National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado National Colorado
Salary Range
Social Work (Overall)
Child/Family/School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, all others
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Annual Income: MSU Denver MSW Program Graduates
New Graduates:
Former Graduates:
Note: Income data may reflect working part time
7%
7%
56%
26%
4%
2018 Graduates - Annual Income
$20,000-29,999
$30,000-39,999
$40,000-49,999
$50,000-59,999
$60,000-69,999
$70,000+
7%
9%
30%
32%
16%
6%
2015 & 2017 Graduates - Annual Income
$20,000-29,999
$30,000-39,999
$40,000-49,999
$50,000-59,999
$60,000-69,999
$70,000+
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The MSU Denver Difference
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2018-2019 MSW Student Profile
49%51%
MSW Program19-20 Student Profile: Age
age 29 or younger
age 30 or older
88%
12%
MSW Program19-20 Student Profile: Gender
Female
Male
67%
30%
3%
MSW Program 19-20 Student Profile: Race & Ethnicity
White Students
Students of Color
Unknown
66.90%
15.02%7.51% 4.46% 2.58% 0.23% 0.23% 3.05%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
White Hispanic orLatinx
Two or MoreRaces
Black orAfrican
American
Asian Am. Indian orAlaskan Native
Int'l Student Not Declared
MSW Program 19-20 Student Profile: Race & Ethnicity
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Over the past four academic years, the MSW Program has grown steadily more diverse in both age and race/ethnicity:
The percentage of students over the age of 30 has increased by 7% from 42% to 49%
The percentage of students who identify as students of color has increased 6% from 24% to 30%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
2015-16 2019-20
Diversity in Student Population - Age
% of students ages 20-29 % of students age 30+
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
2015-16 2019-20
Diversity in Student Population - Race & Ethnicity
% of white students % of students of color
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Class Sizes
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Field Placement Process and Options
The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver has a dedicated Office of Field Education that
• Works with students to secure field placements in their area of interest • Interviews both agencies and students • Ensures there is a good fit between agencies and students
The field placement process is completed the spring before you start your field placement in the fall. For examples of potential field agencies, please see the following pages.
Potential Field AgenciesMSW Program
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Admissions Planning
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Admissions Deadlines
The MSW Regular Program is fall-start only and has one application cycle annually. Applicants should plan on applying the fall and winter before the fall they wish to start.
The Application Cycle will open on September 8, 2020
Final Application Deadline: January 2021 (exact date TBA)
Application processing takes 10-12 weeks after the deadline to complete, applicants will be notified via email of their admissions decision.
Priority Consideration Admissions • The Priority Consideration Deadline will be in late October 2020 (exact date TBA) • Applications will be reviewed in advance by the MSW Admissions Committee • Those ranked in the very top of the applicant pool will be granted early admission, granting
them a head start on: o Preparing to start the program o Securing a field placement o Registering for classes
• All other applicants will be notified that their application is being rolled forward and they will receive their admissions decision in spring 2021, 10-12 weeks after the final application deadline
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Acceptance Information
Over the past five applications cycles, the MSW Regular Program has seen an average acceptance rate of 77%.
While the MSW Regular Program looks for a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, having a GPA below 3.0 does not disqualify applicants. Over the past five application cycles, on average:
201
309291
314 312
148
242220
230253
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21
Regular Program Applications
82.3%
15.6%
2.0%
Cumulative GPA of Accepted Regular Program Students
3.0 and above
2.5-2.99
2.49 and below
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Application Materials
Once the application cycle opens, applicants will need to submit all of the following application materials in order to be considered for admission:
• Online MSU Denver Graduate Application (including $50 application fee) • Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted electronically by the recommender) • Professional History Form (embedded in the application, a professional resume is optional) • Admissions Essay (prompts will be provided) • Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
International students also must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 540 (76 on the internet version) or an IELTS score with a minimum overall band score of 6.5.
Undergraduate Prerequisite Requirements
• At least 3 credits of course work in social and behavioral science (sociology, psychology, economics, political science, cultural anthropology, etc.) centrally organized around contemporary multicultural or diversity issues
• At least 3 credits of course work in social and behavioral science centrally organized around American Government (not U.S. History). This will typically be a political science course.
• At least 3 credits of course work in human biology OR At least 6 credits of course work in natural and physical science (chemistry, physics, geology, etc.)
• At least 3 credits of course work in basic statistics (not research methods)
Prerequisites will be individually evaluated for each applicant based on transcripts submitted to the Office of Social Work Student Services.
If an applicant wishes to petition for a course to count for a prerequisite after the evaluation is completed, the Office of Social Work Student Services will review course descriptions, syllabi, and/or learning objectives to determine if the course can fulfill the prerequisite requirement.
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Financing
Please note: All rates are subject to change
MSW Program Cost Information – Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
Resident Tuition and Fees
Mixed Traditional Course Delivery
Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &
Fees Total
3 $1,434.20 $493.57 $1,927.87
6 $2,868.40 $631.27 $3,499.87
9 $4,302.90 $741.77 $5,044.67
12 $5,737.20 $859.27 $6,596.47
15 $7,171.50 $924.27 $8,095.77
Fully Online Course Delivery
Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &
Fees Total
3 $1,434.20 $145.10 $1,579.30
6 $2,868.40 $267.20 $3,135.60
9 $4,302.90 $361.10 $4,664.00
12 $5,737.20 $455.00 $6,192.20
15 $7,171.50 $479.00 $7,650.50
Non-Resident Tuition and Fees
Mixed Traditional Course Delivery
Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &
Fees Total
3 $2,008.20 $493.57 $2,501.77
6 $4,016.40 $631.27 $4,647.67
9 $6,024.60 $741.77 $6,766.37
12 $8,032.80 $859.27 $8,892.07
15 $10,041.00 $924.27 $10,965.27
Fully Online Course Delivery
Credits Tuition Fees Tuition &
Fees Total
3 $2,008.20 $145.10 $2,153,30
6 $4,016.40 $267.20 $4,283.60
9 $6,024.60 $361.10 $6,385.70
12 $8,032.80 $455.00 $8,487.80
15 $10,041.00 $479.00 $10,520.00
Average Textbook Cost per Semester
Enrollment Avg. number of books/semester
Avg. total book cost/semester
(new)
Avg. total book cost/semester
(used)
Full Time (15 credits/semester)
10 $1,093 $822
Part Time (6-9 credits/semester)
5 $547 $411
Detailed Fee Information on reverse side
Graduate-level students enrolled in undergraduate courses will be charged graduate tuition rate
Please note: All rates are subject to change
Detailed Fee Information – Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020
Course Delivery Fees Include
Mixed Traditional All fees listed below
Fully Online Student Affairs Fee, Immunization Fee, Metro Bond Fee, Phoenix Center Fee,
and Information Technology Fee
Mandatory Fee Details
CR Student Affairs
Immuni zation
Metro Bond
Phoenix Center
Info Tech
AHEC Bond
Inter- colleg. Athletic
Health Serv.
Tivoli Park
Facility
Clean Energy
Campus Rec
RTD Pass
Mental Health
3 $45.90 $2.30 $69.90 $3.00 $24.00 $42.50 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30
6 $74.10 $2.30 $139.80 $3.00 $48.00 $53.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30
9 $74.10 $2.30 $209.70 $3.00 $72.00 $66.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30
12 $74.10 $2.30 $279.60 $3.00 $96.00 $86.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30
15 $74.10 $2.30 $279.60 $3.00 $120.00 $86.10 $41.20 $38.60 $5.56 $5.51 $36.80 $125.00 $47.30
Student Affairs Fee: This fee supports student services through the following programs: Auraria Early Learning Center, Career Services, Club Sports, Center for Visual Arts, Institute for Women’s Studies and Services, LGBTQ Student Resource Center, Music, Student Activities, Student Engagement and Wellness, Student Government, Student Media, Student Organization Funding, Student Travel, and Theatre.
Immunization Fee: This fee funds the State’s mandatory immunization program for higher education and the associated compliance requirements.
Metro Bond Fee: This student approved fee will provide capital financing for the construction of a new Metropolitan State University Neighborhood, student scholarships, and student equipment and classroom enhancements.
Phoenix Center Fee: This student approved fee is used to support the Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA). The Center is a victim advocacy program providing free, confidential resources and assistance.
Information Technology Fee: This fee will support, maintain, and enhance technology and software in classrooms, labs, and online learning environments.
AHEC Facility and Bond Fee: This fee is used to support the debt service requirements of the debt financing for the Auraria Child Care Center, the Tivoli Student Union and the Auraria Event Center.
Intercollegiate Athletic Fee: This fee allows MSU Denver students free access to all MSU Denver intercollegiate sporting events. This fee also funds the operating budget for MSU Denver's NCAA-II intercollegiate athletic program, which consists of nine women's and seven men's varsity teams.
Health Services Fee: This fee funds a portion the Health Center at Auraria and the MSU Denver Counseling Center operating budgets. Fees support the cost of campus safety infrastructure, medical and mental health personnel and health education.
Tivoli Park Facility Fee: This tri-institution student-approved fee is used to fund the development, enhancement, and ongoing maintenance of the Tivoli Park/Quad, Tivoli Patio and Coffee Lounge, and future campus-wide student gathering spaces.
Clean Energy Fee: This student-approved fee is for purchasing clean, renewable, electrical power for the Auraria Campus
Campus Recreation Fee: This student-approved fee is used for the operation of a wide range of high quality, and inclusive recreational and wellness opportunities. The fee supports equipment replacement, program and facility improvements.
RTD Pass Fee: Approved by vote of the student body at MSU Denver, UCD, and CCD, this fee allows registered students of each institution to ride the RTD free upon presentation of a current MSU Denver ID and RTD CollegePass.
Mental Health Fee: The mental health student fee contributes to the funding needs associated with the provision of on-campus mental health services provided by the Counseling Center and the Health Center at Auraria only for MSU Denver students.
Matriculation Fee (One Time Fee): $75 for Graduate students (charged to ALL students including non-degree seeking and students auditing courses). This fee is used to offset orientation and graduation costs. It is not included in the Tuition and Fees table, but will appear on the billing statement.
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Scholarships and Awards
The Department of Social Work is pleased to offer several financial assistance programs for graduate students:
Name of Award Type Award
Diversity Scholarship Scholarship $5000
Gerontology Scholarship Scholarship $5000
Bilingual & Bicultural (Latino/a/Hispanic) Scholarship Scholarship $10,000
Elevate Education Scholarship Scholarship Varies – Need-Based
Child Welfare Stipend Program Stipend $8,000-$14,000
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Hourly TBA based on hours
worked, $15/hour
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Here’s a summary of key dates for submitting the FAFSA depending on when you plan to go to school:
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND COLLEGE
FROM
YOU WILL SUBMIT THIS FAFSA
YOU CAN SUBMIT THE FAFSA FROM
USING INCOME AND TAX INFORMATION
FROM
JULY 1, 2021 – JUNE 30, 2022
2021-22 OCTOBER 1, 2020 – JUNE 30, 2021
2019