Financial Aid - Types of Aid
Federal Programs
PELL GRANT PROGRAM
Pell grants are available to students in financial need. Grants range from $609 to $5,350. The actual amount of each grant depends upon the student's eligibility number and the number of credit hours being carried each semester. A Pell award may be used during the Spring/Summer Sessions as well as during the Fall and Winter Semesters, if the student has not been enrolled as a full-time student during both the Fall and Winter Semesters. To be eligible to receive any funds, most students must be enrolled at least halftime.
Awards are prorated according to the number of credit hours carried:
1-5.5 credits................ less than 1/2 time award
6-8.5 credits................ 1/2 time award
9-11.5 credits.............. 3/4-time award
12+ credits................ full-time award
Students apply for a Pell Grant by completing the FAFSA.
ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT
An Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are U.S citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.
If you can answer YES to all of the following questions, you may potentially be eligible to receive an Academic Competitiveness Grant.
- Are you a U.S. citizen?
- Did you graduate from high school after January 1, 2009?
- Did you completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education?
- Are you eligible to receive a Pell Grant?
- Will you be enrolled for at least 6 credits as a first or second year student in a certificate or two-year degree program?
SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)
The SEOG Program funds are available to students with exceptional financial need that have not been met through other financial aid programs. Grants may range from $100 to $4000. Preference is given to full-time freshman students who show exceptional financial need.
COLLEGE WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
The College Work-Study Program provides part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week to students in financial need. Preference is given to full-time students who have no other source of employment, either on or off campus.
- Print an application for "CWS" opportunities at MCC.
FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAMS (FFELP)
The Federal Government sponsors a variety of low-to-moderate interest student and parent loan programs through banks and other commercial lenders. Interest rates are variable, and range from about 4% to 10%.
- STAFFORD LOAN
The Stafford Loan Program provides long-term, low interest loans to students enrolled in and attending at least half-time (6 credits) at MCC. Before applying for a Stafford Loan, the student must first apply for the Federal Pell Grant Program. A student who demonstrates financial need based on federal guidelines may qualify for an interest-subsidized loan (i.e. the Federal Government pays the interest while the borrower is in school).
Students who do not show need may qualify for a non-subsidized loan, and pay the in-school interest themselves. Repayment of the principal of subsidized and non-subsidized loans does not begin until six months after the borrower ceases half- time attendance.
- PARENT LOAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (PLUS)
Parents of students under the age of 24 may borrow under this program. The PLUS Loan is not based on financial need, and neither the parent nor the student has to apply for any federal aid program before applying for a PLUS Loan.
TO APPLY FOR A STUDENT LOAN AT MCC
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*State Programs
MICHIGAN COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program provides tuition grants of up to $1,300 per academic year. Eligibility is based on both financial need and academic achievement. Students must take the A.C.T. test no later than December of their senior year in high school, and have a copy of their SAR released to the State Scholarship Program. Students may receive up to ten full semesters of assistance, provided they renew their application each academic year. Further information may be obtained from the high school guidance office.
MICHIGAN PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP (not funded for 2009/2010)
The Michigan PROMISE Scholarship program provides up to $4,000 to high school graduates for successfully completing two years of postsecondary education beginning with the high school graduating class of 2007.
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Learn more about "MPS" at MI Student Aid
MICHIGAN MERIT AWARD SCHOLARSHIP (not funded for 2009/2010)
The Michigan Merit Award Scholarship program rewards achievement on the MEAP tests taken in high school. Students who meet their criteria will be eligible for up to $2,500 in scholarships.
MICHIGAN ADULT PART-TIME GRANT PROGRAM (not funded for 2009/2010)
This program is available for adult Michigan residents who enroll as part-time students (3-11 credit hours per semester) and demonstrate need. Eligible students may receive up to $600 per academic year for up to two years. Eligible students must:
- Demonstrate financial need as an independent, self-supporting individual.
- Be a legal resident of the State of Michigan for at least 12 months prior to the semester in which the grant is awarded.
- Be out of high school (other than as a G.E.D. or Adult Education Program enrollee) for at least two years.
- Not be in default on the repayment of a Michigan Guaranteed Student Loan or Auxiliary Loan.
Preference is given to students who show the greatest financial need and are over the age of 24.
MICHIGAN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM (not funded for 2009/2010)
This program is available for Michigan residents with exceptional financial need who enroll at least half-time (6 credit hours per semester). Grants may range up to $1,000 per academic year. Preference is given to full-time freshman students whose financial needs have not been met through other financial aid programs.
In order to qualify, a student must have been a legal resident of the State of Michigan for at least 12 months prior to the semester in which the grant is awarded.
MICHIGAN TUITION INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TIP)
To meet the financial eligibility requirement, a student must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36 consecutive month period as identified by the Family Independence Agency (FIA). This can happen as early as the sixth grade. The Michigan Department of Treasury will send an application form to the home of each of these identified students. The student must complete the application form and return it to Treasury before graduation from high school (or GED completion) and before their 20th birthday to activate the financial eligibility for the program. Only then will the student receive a "confirmation letter." All benefits must be used within ten years of high school graduation (or GED completion) or student forfeits program eligibility. To receive Phase I benefits, the student must further demonstrate to the participating college:
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Evidence of eligibility, i.e., submit a copy of the confirmation letter to the financial aid office of the college and complete the "Application Process" to receive student aid at MCC.
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High school graduation (or GED completion) prior to age 20
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U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, or designated "refugee", "asylum granted", "humanitarian parole", "indefinite parole", or "Cuban-Haitian entrant" status
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Michigan residence as determined by institutional criteria
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Initiation of benefits for enrollment at a participating college within four years of high school graduation or GED completion
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At least half-time enrollment in a program other than theology or divinity earning less than 80 semester or 120 term credits.
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Satisfactory academic progress according to institutional policy
MICHIGAN WORK-STUDY PROGRAM (not funded for 2009/2010)
The Michigan Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for Michigan residents who demonstrate financial need and enroll at least half-time (6 credit hours per semester). In order to be eligible, students must meet the same eligibility criteria as for the federal College Work-Study Program, and must also have been a legal resident of the State of Michigan for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student is awarded the aid. Preference is given to full-time students who have no other source of employment, either on or off campus.
Learn more about "MWS" at MI Student Aid
*All State programs are pending funding.
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College Programs
MCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES SCHOLARSHIP
This program provides tuition scholarships to high school graduates who have achieved a cumulative high school grade-point average of at least a 3.20. It is also available to students who complete high school through a home-schooled program and achieve a composite score of at least 24 on the ACT test. In addition, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Be a legal resident of Muskegon County at the time of high school completion; OR, be a nonresident of Muskegon County at the time of high school graduation, but a legal resident of the State of Michigan, AND graduate from a Muskegon County high school.
- Submit the "Board of Trustees Scholarship" application by the stated deadline.
- Enroll as a full-time student (at least 12 credits per semester) no later than the Fall Semester following high school completion.
A student whose high school grade-point average is at least 3.50, or a Home-Schooled student whose ACT composite score is at least 24, is eligible for an award of up to $500 per year. This award is renewable for a second year, provided the student maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 at MCC. A student whose high school GPA is between 3.20 and 3.49 is eligible for an award of up to $200 per year. Financial need is not a criterion for this award. Applications may be obtained from county high schools after March 1. This award is also renewable for a second year, provided the student maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70 at MCC. There is no application for renewing this scholarship.
S.A.M. TUITION WAIVER
Muskegon County Residents who are 60 years of age or older may enroll under the "Study Opportunities for Adult and Mature Citizens" (S.A.M.) program. This program waives tuition for both credit and audited courses. Financial need is not a criterion for this program.
PERFORMANCE-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS IN ACADEMIC AND PERFORMANCE AREAS
This program provides tuition grants to freshman students who demonstrate a particular creative talent (for example: in art, music, drama, dance, creative writing, etc.) or a high level of achievement in a certain academic area. Students are nominated by the faculty of each academic department and each department sets its own guidelines for selection of students. Recipients are normally expected to participate in the activities of the department and/or maintain a specified level of academic achievement within their program of studies. This program is not based on financial need. Grants may range up to full tuition, and may be renewed upon the recommendation of the department. Information may be obtained by contacting the Chairperson of the academic department in which the student is interested, or from the Financial Aid Office at MCC.
ATHLETIC GRANT-IN-AID
These grants, ranging up to full tuition, are available to students who demonstrate collegiate-level athletic ability, carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester, and participate in one of the intercollegiate sports offered at MCC. Students must maintain academic eligibility in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics as well as to receive a grant. Applications, which area available from the Athletic Department Office, should be submitted to the Director of Athletics along with a complete high school transcript.
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Other Scholarships
Veterans' Programs
Veterans, veteran dependents/survivors, and Reserve/National Guard personnel may be eligible to receive aid under one or more of the programs listed below. Applications for federal programs may be obtained from any regional Veterans Administration Office. Applications for the state program may be obtained by contacting the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Information and forms are also available from the College's Veterans' Affairs Office. The Veterans' Affairs Office will also assist students in completing forms for other veteran benefits.
CHAPTER 30 — This federal program provides educational benefits for veterans who entered military service after July 1, 1985. Veterans who entered military service before January 1, 1977 and served actively for at least two years after July 1, 1985 may also be eligible (Montgomery G.I. Bill).
CHAPTER 31 — This federal program provides educational benefits to eligible disabled veterans (Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation) with at least a 10% service connected disability to be considered for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. For directions on how to apply, please go to Vocational Rehabilitation Services and follow the steps provided for you. To get more information regarding this program, please go to www.vetsuccess.gov.
CHAPTER 32 — This federal program provides educational benefits on a matching fund basis to eligible veterans who contributed while in the service (V.E.A.P.).
CHAPTER 33 - The Post-9/11 GI Bill is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. For additional information please go to the Post 9-11 pamphlet.
CHAPTER 35 (DEA) — This federal program provides educational benefits to children (between the ages of 18 and 26), spouses, and widows/widowers of totally disabled or certain deceased veterans.
CHAPTER 1606 — This federal program provides educational benefits to persons who entered a six year Reserve or National Guard obligation after July 1, 1985 (Selected Reserve/National Guard G.I. Bill).
CHAPTER 1607 - This is a new federal education program that provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and National Guard, who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the President or Congress.
MICHIGAN VETERANS TRUST FUND (MI PUBLIC ACT 245)- This state program provides benefits for children (between the ages of 16 - 26 years) of certain totally disabled or deceased Michigan veterans. Eligible students must enroll full-time, and may receive up to $2,800 per year for tuition and class fees. Applications are available from the MI Veterans Trust fund, 611 W. Ottawa, 3rd Floor, Lansing, MI 48913.
REINSTATED ENTITLEMENT PROGRAM- This federal program provides benefits for some veteran dependents, while in school, who are no longer eligible for Social Security benefits (R.E.P.S.).
DEATH INDEMNITY COMPENSATION- This federal program provides benefits, while in school, for certain children (under the age of 23) of certain deceased veterans (D.I.C.).
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Local Community Programs
Many local clubs, businesses, and agencies sponsor scholarship programs. High school students should contact their guidance counselor for information on these sources of financial aid.
Many companies sponsor scholarships for their employees and/or children; students should check with the personnel offices of their own or their parents' employers.
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Other Federal and State Programs
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM
This state program provides assistance to students who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Information may be obtained by contacting any Michigan Department of Career Development -Rehabilitation Services District Office.
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS & TRIBAL SCHOLARSHIPS
These federally and tribally funded programs provide financial assistance for Native Americans who are eligible according to the criteria established by each individual Tribe. Applications may be obtained by contacting the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs or your Tribal Education Department. Students must also apply for financial aid through the college and submit the FAFSA.
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