Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at these answers to commonly asked questions about financial aid and how to apply for FAFSA.
Paying for College
Financial Aid
Paying for college can be a challenge, but at Kirkwood Community College, we strive to make education affordable. From grants and scholarships to work study, and loans, attending school is within your reach.
We help eliminate the stress of college payments by offering you a variety of options for paying tuition bills, whether it's online, in person, or by mail.
Tuition & Costs Ways to PayCurrent Students Info
Face-to-Face Assistance
If you need in-person help, we are here for you! Visit the Financial Aid office on the third floor of Iowa Hall.
Get Remote Assistance
If you’re not able to make it to campus or would prefer to get help remotely, feel free to reach out to one of our knowledgeable specialist by phone or email.
Reach us at:
- 319-398-7600
- financialaid@kirkwood.edu
- Via Chat, use the speech bubble icon in the lower-right corner of your browser screen to chat with us. Click the lock icon to log in and identify yourself for more personalized assistance. Select your desired language in the drop-down menu next to the message entry bar.
One easy online application!
More than 1,400 scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $5,500 are given to students just like you.
Financial aid that does not have to be repaid!
These awards are all pro-rated based on enrollment level.
Get the facts before you sign!
Student Support Specialists can help you learn about the terms of your loan, including interest rates and repayment.
Are you ready to get to work?
Kirkwood employs approximately 400 students during the academic year.
Get All the Details
Accepting Your Award
Everything you need to know about signing your award letter, setting up your direct deposit, and more.
Academic Progress
Federal regulations require students make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to continue receiving financial aid.
Upcoming Important Dates
| May 1, 2025 | Summer bill due | |
| May 5, 2025 | Financial aid available at the bookstore for the Summer 2025 term | |
| May 30, 2025 | Summer SAP Appeal Deadline | |
| June 3, 2025 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility for the Summer 2025 term | |
| June 9, 2025 | Refunds sent for grants/returning borrowers/scholarships | |
| June 27, 2025 | Refunds sent for new borrowers | |
| July 2, 2025 | Refunds sent for midpoint | |
| July 11, 2025 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility (FlexFORWARD only) for Summer 2025 term. | |
| Aug. 15, 2025 | Grades due for Summer 2025 |
| Aug. 1, 2025 | Fall bill due | |
| Aug. 4, 2025 | Financial aid available at the bookstore for the Fall 2025 term | |
| Sept. 5, 2025 | Fall SAP Appeal Deadline | |
| Sept. 7, 2025 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility for the Fall 2025 term | |
| Sept. 15, 2025 | Refunds sent for grants/returning borrowers/scholarships | |
| Sept. 26, 2025 | Refunds sent for new borrowers | |
| Oct. 24, 2025 | Refunds sent for midpoint | |
| Oct. 27 - Nov. 7, 2025 | Priority registration | |
| Oct. 31, 2025 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility (FlexFORWARD only) for the Fall 2025 term | |
| Dec. 15, 2025 | Grades due for Fall 2025 |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Spring bill due | |
| Jan. 2, 2026 | Financial aid available at the bookstore for the Spring 2026 term | |
| Jan. 23, 2026 | SAP Appeal Deadline | |
| Jan. 25, 2026 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility for the Spring 2026 term | |
| Feb. 2, 2026 | Refunds sent for grants/returning borrowers/scholarships | |
| Feb. 13, 2026 | Refunds sent for new borrowers | |
| Mar. 13, 2026 | Refunds sent for midpoint | |
| Mar. 27, 2026 | Last day to register for Pell Grant eligibility (FlexFORWARD only) for the Spring 2026 term | |
| Mar. 30 - Apr. 10, 2026 | Priority registration | |
| May 7, 2026 | Grades due for Spring 2026 | |
| May 9, 2026 | Commencement |
Forms
Forms should be submitted through our Student Forms portal. For forms not currently available through the portal see below.
“I live in Iowa City with roommates who go to Iowa. I take my classes either in Cedar Rapids or in Iowa City. It’s been great because I’m figuring out what I want to do and saving money before I transfer on.”
AJ Douglas,
Iowa City, Iowa
Financial Aid Help
FAFSA Help Days
Financial aid can be confusing! Get help for your federal financial aid questions from our experienced professionals.
Checklist & Forms
Determine where you stand in the financial aid process with downloadable forms and progress tracking resources.
Financial Aid Verification
You might be asked by Kirkwood or the U.S. Department of Education to verify your FAFSA information.
Get Your Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available to eligible students during their first four years of college or postsecondary education.
This provides tax relief for qualified higher education expenses, including tuition, fees, books and course materials. It covers 100 percent of the first $2,000 and 25 percent of the second $2,000 during the qualified period.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the Financial Aid Office:
Phone: 319-398-7600 or 1-877-386-9101
Fax: 319-398-4928
Via Chat: use the speech bubble icon in the lower-right corner of your browser screen to chat with us. Click the lock icon to log in and identify yourself for more personalized assistance. Select your desired language in the drop-down menu next to the message entry bar.
Location & Hours:
3rd Floor Iowa Hall
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Regular hours)
Please note: Kirkwood Observes summer hours from mid-May to early August.
Mailing Address:
Kirkwood Community College
Financial Aid Office
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404