|
Financial Aid
Opportunities
The federal government, the State of New Jersey, and Mercer County Community College offer eligible students a range of financial aid opportunities. A student or applicant who needs financial aid should apply as early as possible -- even before completing an application for admission.
Most student financial aid is provided in the form of grants through federal and state-funded programs. This money is specifically awarded for education-related expenses including tuition, fees, books, and indirect costs such as living expenses and transportation. Eligibility depends upon financial need. Other grants are available through private scholarships and college-sponsored grants-in-aid.
Specific programs and their eligibility requirements are outlined in the tables below. Students may also qualify for a tuition tax credit through the HOPE Scholarship.
How to Apply
To be considered for all federal, state and MCCC financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). No other application is required. The application should be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. The federal school code for Mercer is 002641.
Deadlines
To ensure that financial aid arrives before tuition and fees are due, applications and supporting documents should be submitted before May 1 for the full academic year or the Fall semester, and before October 1 for the Spring semester only.
Students who submit applications after these dates should be prepared to pay semester tuition and fees themselves with the possibility of receiving financial aid after the semester begins. If an award is made, the student will receive an appropriate refund.
Students are additionally encouraged to explore and pursue scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid Office Hours
Located in SC 213 on the West Windsor Campus, the Financial Aid office is open:
Normal Operating Hours:
| Monday - Thursday: |
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Friday: |
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
General Eligibility Requirements
Federal Aid
For federal financial aid eligibility, students must:
- be United States citizens or eligible noncitizens;
- be accepted in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
- have a high school diploma or GED certificate;
- be registered with the Selective Service (if required);
- not be in default status on a student loan or owe a refund on any Title IV federal aid program
- maintain satisfactory academic progress.
State Aid
To be eligible for financial aid from the State of New Jersey, students must comply with the general eligibility requirements and also must be:
- New Jersey residents for at least one year;
- enrolled for at least 6 credits
- able to demonstrate financial need according to the state's need analysis system.
Academic Requirements
Financial aid is awarded only to students who are enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program and who are making satisfactory academic progress.
Federal regulations require every college to establish, publish and apply reasonable standards for
measuring academic progress. The standards must include both a qualitative measure (the cumulative
grade point average) and a quantitative measure (the completion rate). In addition, the maximum time
to complete a program cannot exceed 150% of its published length. The chart below outlines the minimum
standards of satisfactory academic progress to receive financial aid at Mercer County Community College.
Minimum Standards of Progress to Qualify for Financial Aid
| Cumulative Credits Attempted |
Completion Rate |
Cumulative GPA |
| 0 to 8 |
00 % |
0.00 |
| 9 to 19 |
50 % |
1.60 |
| 20 to 29 |
50 % |
1.70 |
| 30 to 39 |
60 % |
1.80 |
| 40 to 47 |
60 % |
1.90 |
| 48 or more |
67 % |
2.00 |
Cumulative credits attempted counts all coursework, including withdrawals,
incompletes, repeats, noncredit remedial courses and transfer credits. The Completion rate
is equal to credits earned (which counts only coursework for which the student earned a grade
of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, or S, including noncredit remedial courses and transfer credits) divided
by the credits attempted. Up to 30 noncredit remedial courses are exempt from this calculation. Students whose coursework consists entirely of noncredit remedial courses
and/or transfer credit are exempt from the cumulative GPA standard because they do not have
a calculated grade point average.
The cumulative academic progress of each financial aid applicant is reviewed annually when Spring semester
grades are posted or when the annual financial aid application is received, whichever is later. All
periods of the student's enrollment except the semester in progress are included in the evaluation, regardless
of whether or not financial aid was awarded. Students who fail to meet all of the prescribed standards for
satisfactory academic progress will be denied financial aid.
Applicants denied financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress have the right to appeal for
reinstatement of eligibility, providing evidence that:
- an error was made during the academic progress evaluation; or
- mitigating circumstances (serious illness or injury, death in the family, etc.) prevented successful completion of courses attempted; or
- the maximum time frame to complete a program was exceeded due to a curriculum change or the pursuit of more than one associate degree or certificate.
Appeals must be submitted in writing along with relevant supporting documents to the Financial Aid office. The Academic Progress Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student in writing once a decision has been made. If an Academic Plan is required, it will be emailed to your student email account. It must be signed by an academic advisor, indicating: how many credits you will take each academic term, when graduation is anticipated, and when it is anticipated that you will meet the SAP standards.
For Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) forms: click here
Students ultimately judged not to be making satisfactory progress may once again meet satisfactory progress standards by enrolling for one semester at their own expense and must complete all of their 2012-13 courses with no failures “F”, withdrawals "W”, incomplete "I" or no credit “NC” grades of any kind and earn a term GPA of 2.00. Upon successful completion of the semester, an appeal for reinstatement of eligibility may be submitted to the Financial Aid office
2013-2014 Financial Aid Forms
Financial Aid SAP Forms and Publications
Federal and State Aid
Listings of federal and state financial aid programs along with eligibility requirements and application instructions appear below.
FEDERAL AID PROGRAMS
| Program |
Special Eligibility
Requirements |
Award
Amounts |
Program
Information |
How
to Apply |
| Federal Pell Grants |
Applicants must:
demonstrate financial need |
Up to $5,645 per year |
Students who have earned B.A. or B.S. degrees not eligible |
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) listing MCCC as a college you plan to attend
Submit verification of all types of income and other requested documentation to the MCCC Financial Aid office |
| Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) |
Applicants must:
Demonstrate financial need
Apply on or before May 1 (Oct. 1 for spring only) |
$400-$1000 per year at MCCC |
Priority to students with the lowest family contribution who are eligible for Pell |
| Federal Work Study Program (FWS) |
Applicants must:
Enroll at least half-time (6+ credits)
Demonstrate financial need |
Determined by hourly rate of pay and number of hours per week, generally from $800 to $3000 per year |
Employment is on- or off-campus; students may work up to 14 hours per week when classes are in session and 28 hours per week during vacations |
WILLIAM D. FORD DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
| Program |
Special Eligibility
Requirements |
Award
Amounts |
Program
Information |
How
to Apply |
| Federal Direct Stafford Loan |
Applicants must:
Be taking at least 6 credits
Demonstrate unmet financial need |
Up to:
$3,500 (freshman)
$4,500 (sophomore) |
Repayment begins six months after leaving school
Interest rate is fixed at 3.4% for 2013-14 |
Same as federal programs
Submit a loan request form to the MCCC Financial Aid office |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan |
Applicants must:
Be taking at least 6 credits
Exhaust eligibility under the subsidized program (above) |
Up to:
$6,000 (freshman)
$6,000 (sophomore)
* Combined Stafford Loan totals may not exceed stated limit |
Repayment of interest begins immediately unless lender agrees to accrue it
Interest rate 6.8% fixed |
NEW JERSEY STATE AID PROGRAMS
| Program |
Special Eligibility
Requirements |
Award
Amounts |
Program
Information |
How
to Apply |
| NJ STARS (Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship) |
Applicants must:
Graduate in the top 15% of their high school class
Complete a rigorous high school course of study
Achieve the required score on college placement test |
Tuition for up to 18 credits per semester, up to five semesters (tuition only for 2010 high school graduates) |
For high-achieving New Jersey high school students; not based on financial need
High schools make recommendations to the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority |
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
|
| Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) |
See NJ state aid requirements under the "General Eligibility Requirements" section. |
up to $2538 per year at MCCC |
Students who have earned degrees are not eligible at MCCC
Students may receive five semesters of funding; EOF-funded students may receive eight semesters of funding |
Same as federal programs |
| Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars Program |
Applicants must:
Rank high in high school graduating class
Achieve high SAT scores |
$1000 per year |
High schools make recommendations to the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority |
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority makes selections |
| Educational Opportunity Fund Grant (EOF) |
Applicants must:
Be full-time students
Be historically disadvantaged both educationally and economically |
up to $1050 per year |
Special counseling services available
Some students may be allowed part-time enrollment with EOF director's approval |
Same as federal programs
EOF applicants must be interviewed by an EOF counselor |
MERCER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAMS
| Program |
Special Eligibility
Requirements |
Award
Amounts |
Program
Information |
How
to Apply |
| Grant in Aid (GIA) |
Applicants must:
Be talented students who benefit the college community |
Vary |
Students must be recommended |
Faculty/staff recommendation only |
| Private & Foundation Scholarship |
Applicants must:
Demonstrate merit and/or need |
$200-$3000 per year at MCCC |
Scholarship funding is donated by industry, clubs, and organizations |
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Submit online M-Scholarships application |
| Foundation Athletic Scholarship |
Applicants must:
Be outstanding athletes |
$100 to full tuition and fees |
Must be recommended by MCCC coach or athletic director |
Contact the MCCC Athletics Department (e-mail athlete@mccc.edu) |
OTHER SOURCES
| Program |
Special Eligibility
Requirements |
Award
Amounts |
Program
Information |
How
to Apply |
| Scholarship and loan programs from foundations, companies, unions, clubs, associations, high schools |
Vary by program |
Vary by program |
Libraries, high schools, guidance offices, scholarship publications |
Varies by programs |
MCCC Scholarships and Awards
The MCCC Foundation Board, civic groups, professional societies, local corporations and generous individuals
support an extensive scholarship program at Mercer. Many of these scholarships are awarded at the annual
honors recognition ceremony for continuing students or the annual honors convocation for graduating students.
For more information on available scholarships, contact the associated academic divisions and/or the college
Financial Aid office. Scholarships are administered by the MCCC Foundation Board.
Students interested in any of these scholarship opportunities are requested to apply through the
online M-Scholarships application.
Work Study on Campus
The Federal Work Study Program is a federally funded program for students who need financial assistance to help with educational expenses. The program provides a maximum of 14 hours of work per week when classes are in session and up to 28 hours per week during vacations.
For more information contact the Career Services office or e-mail finaid@mccc.edu.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and eligible dependents who wish to receive Veterans Administration Educational Assistance (GI Bill) should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs, located in the Ennrollment Services office at the West Windsor Campus or the Student Services office at the James Kerney Campus. New students should bring their original Discharge Document (DD form 214 / copy 4) or a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).
The staff will assist veterans in completing necessary paperwork in a timely fashion. Alternatively, the
application may be completed online at www.gibill.va.gov.
If filing online, print and bring a copy of your application to the Veterans Affairs office.
Initial application for benefits should be completed as far as possible in advance of registration for classes. Returning students must submit a copy of their class schedules to the Veterans Affairs office for certification with the Veterans Administration. Any changes in enrollment status or change of major must be reported to the Veterans Affairs office as soon as they occur.
New Jersey National Guard Free Tuition Program
New applicants for the National Guard Free Tuition Program should complete their paperwork six to eight weeks before registration. All National Guard students, both new and returning, must submit an original Commander's Letter of Certification (NJDMAVA form 621-2-R15Nov00) each time they register for courses. This letter must be dated no more than 60 days prior to registering for courses.
All applicants, new and returning, must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. In addition, National Guard students must complete and submit an application to MCCC and take the college skills placement test.
All veterans and National Guard students may submit appropriate documents to be evaluated for the possible awarding of credits for military training. Contact the Veterans Affairs office for additional information: (609) 570-3240 or e-mail vets@mccc.edu.
New Jersey Volunteer Tuition Credit Program
(for Volunteer Fire, First Aid, Rescue Squad Members)
Active volunteer fire, first aid, or rescue squad members in good standing, and their dependent children
and spouses, may enroll in courses of up to $300 in value per semester and $600 in value annually, up to
a maximum of $2,400 over a four-year period, provided that they:
- reside in a municipality that has agreed by the enactment of a resolution to participate in the program;
- maintain a 2.00 grade point average throughout the program;
- execute an agreement to continue service as a volunteer for a period of at least four years.
Local fire companies and rescue squads can provide additional information.
Questions & Answers About Financial Aid
1. Who can get financial aid?
Most students can receive financial aid if they need it, but there are some general requirements everyone must meet.
2. How do I apply for financial aid?
First, make sure you (and your parent, if needed) have a PIN (see question #3). Next, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. Our federal school code for the FAFSA is 002641.
3. What is a PIN and how do I get one?
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is your electronic signature and access code for various U.S. Department of Education systems.
If you do not have one already, you (and your parents, if needed) can apply for a PIN online at www.pin.ed.gov. If you provide a valid e-mail address, you will receive your PIN by e-mail within 3 days. If no e-mail address is provided, it will take 7-10 days to receive your PIN by regular mail.
4. When should I file my FAFSA?
Apply by May 1 for the full academic year or October 1 if you plan to attend only the Spring term that begins in January. Students who apply on time receive priority consideration for all of the funds we have to offer. Applying late means you will likely miss out on certain funds, and your financial aid probably won't be ready when you have to pay tuition.
5. What if I need help with my FAFSA?
Help is available at the Financial Aid office on the main campus or the Student Services office at the James Kerney Campus. Always bring your and your parents' tax returns (if needed) when you come for help. You may also call the toll free Federal Student Aid help line at 1-800-433-3243.
6. What happens after I file the FAFSA?
If you provided a valid e-mail address on your FAFSA, you will receive an e-mail response within 3-5 days with a link to your online Student Aid Report (SAR). If no e-mail address is provided, you will receive a paper SAR by regular mail within three weeks. Read your SAR carefully and check the information you reported. If anything seems wrong or you do not understand something on your SAR, contact us right away for help. A short time later, New Jersey residents will also receive a Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) regarding New Jersey financial aid programs (see question #12).
7. When I get my SAR, does this mean I have financial aid?
Not yet, but you have taken the first and most important step in the process. If Mercer is listed as one of the colleges on your SAR, you will receive a follow up letter from us in about a week. If Mercer is not on your SAR, call 1-800-433-3243 and ask them to add college code 002641. You will be asked for the DRN number on the upper right corner of your SAR when you call.
8. Now that I have my SAR, how long will it take to get my financial aid award?
That depends. We may have to ask you for certain documents to complete and verify your application. Submit the documents right away, because further processing is on hold until all of them have been received. Once we have them, you should have an answer within two to four weeks.
9. How can I check on the status of my financial aid application?
You may check the status of your application online at any time from the Student Access to Application & Award link at top of the main MCCC Financial Aid web page. During business hours, you may call the Financial Aid office at 609-570-3210. Due to heavy call volume, it may be difficult to get through by phone during peak registration periods.
10. How will I know when I get financial aid?
A Mercer Award Letter with the college logo at the top will be mailed to you when we have finished processing your application. The award letter shows the fund names and amounts you will receive each semester. Award letters start going out in June. No money goes to pay your tuition until we send you our award letter.
11. How can I find out if my tuition has been covered by financial aid?
If you registered for classes, you may check the status of your account online. Log into the MyMercer student portal and click on Payment Due. If there is no payment due, then your tuition has been covered. During business hours, you may call the Accounting office at 609-570-3254.
12. I have a letter from the State of New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority that shows my TAG award. Is my tuition covered now?
Everyone thinks this is an award letter, but do not be confused! What you have is called a Student Eligibility Notice (SEN). It is not an automatic tuition payment. Before we can use these funds to pay your tuition, we must verify that you meet all state, federal and college financial aid requirements. There is no tuition coverage until you see the award on your Mercer Award Letter.
13. I was told my application is a reject. What does this mean?
Rejects happen when your application is missing something, like a signature or answer to an important question. Sometimes the answers you gave just don't seem to make sense.
Whatever the reason, your application's going nowhere and we can't fix it. You must provide what's missing or correct what's wrong. Have the DRN number from the upper right corner of your SAR ready and call 1-800-433-3243 for help.
14. I got my SAR, but I was told you have no record of my application. How is that possible?
There are two reasons this might happen. Mercer is not listed as one of the colleges on your SAR or you applied so recently that we do not have your application record yet. To add Mercer to your SAR, call 1-800-433-3243 and ask them to add college code 002641. If you just applied or added Mercer, wait a few days and check again. Records are loaded once a week, usually on Friday.
15. I got my SAR weeks ago and Mercer is listed on it, but I never heard anything from the Financial Aid office. What happened?
Chances are an address problem is to blame. We send letters to the address you put on your FAFSA. If the address you put on your FAFSA was wrong or has changed, contact the Financial Aid office so we can correct it. If you attended Mercer in the past, you may have an old address on file in the Student Records office that you should update by completing a Demographic Change Form.
16. I applied for financial aid. Why was my schedule dropped for nonpayment?
Applying for financial aid is only the first step to receive an award. You may soon be awarded financial aid, but not until everything is checked out and you get your Mercer Award Letter (see question #10). Your printed schedule shows the date your tuition is due and the amount. Unpaid schedules are dropped if not covered in full by a financial aid award before the payment deadline.
17. I have my Mercer Award Letter, but you dropped my schedule anyway. Why?
There are two possibilities.
Your award for the semester did not cover the full amount of tuition and fees; or
You were approved for a student loan, but did not complete the electronic master promissory note and/or the entrance interview quiz before the payment deadline.
Financial Aid Websites
FinAid -- billed as the most comprehensive source of student financial aid information, advice, and tools.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- for online FAFSA filing.
Federal Student Aid PIN -- where students and parents can request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which serves as an electronic signature and access code.
Federal Direct Loan Program -- where loan applicants with a PIN can electronically sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Federal Student Aid -- containing The Student Guide and other federal resources.
Student Gateway to the Federal Government -- connecting students with federal government information on careers, planning an education, and paying for college.
NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority -- information for New Jersey residents on all financial aid programs of the New Jersey HESAA.
|
