Eligibility

Eligible students are notified by mail. The majority of awards are made during the months of May, June, July, and August for students entering for the fall semester, and November and December for students entering for the spring semester. Eligible students receive a Financial Aid Award Letter, outlining awards being offered, and terms and conditions of the awards. Most awards are based upon financial need, and eligible students generally are awarded a combination of types of awards, referred to as a "financial aid package." This "package" is usually a combination of grant/scholarship, loan, and work-study opportunities.  Non-eligible students are notified in writing of the reasons why aid was refused, and may appeal this decision by directing a request for reconsideration, in writing, to the Financial Aid Office.

A sample budget, used for financial aid purposes during 2010-2011, for a full-time, in-county commuter student living with parents is listed below:

General Application Eligibility Criteria

To apply for assistance, students MUST:

• be U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
• provide the Admissions Office with either a high school transcript or a high school equivalency diploma;
• be enrolled or planning to enroll for at least six (6) credits for most programs; Federal Pell Grant eligibility has been extended to less than half-time students.
• be enrolled in a major on a degree-seeking basis leading to an Associate of Arts
  Degree or Certificate offered by the College. (NOTE: Students enrolling on a
  non-degree seeking basis are not eligible for financial aid. Some financial aid
  programs will not cover the College's Certificate Programs. Contact the Financial
  Aid Office for details.)
• not be in default status on a previously secured student loan;
• not owe a refund due to an overpayment received from a federal or state student aid program;
• be making satisfactory academic progress.