Types of Aid
Many Ways to Pay for College
Federal Aid
- FAFSA
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
& Tribal Scholarships - College Work
Study Program - Pell Grant
Program - Supplemental Education
Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - Occupational Support
Services Grant - Student Loan
Programs
Completing the FAFSA
The 2024-2025 FAFSA application is now available for completion. For more information on what you can do to prepare, visit the following link to “Federal Student Aid“.
The income reported on the FAFSA will be from two years prior to the application year (referred to as “Prior-Prior Year”), rather than only one year prior to the application year. This change has made the FAFSA easier because you will have your completed income tax information available at the time of application.
Using this “prior-prior year” information increases the likelihood that you (and your parents, if dependent) will be able to import income information directly from the IRS using the online Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). This will reduce documentation requirements and administrative burdens for both you and the school.
Finally, remember to release your information to Muskegon Community College, college code #002297. After submission, MCC will receive an electronic Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR). A valid ISIR is a requirement for all aid programs based on financial need.
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.
The College Work-Study Program provides part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week to students in financial need. Filing the FAFSA is required. Preference is given to full-time students who have no other source of employment, either on or off campus.
Federal Pell Grants are available to students in financial need. 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 fall, winter and summer semesters. To be eligible to receive most funds, 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.
The SEOG Program funds are available to students with exceptional financial need that have not been met through other financial aid programs. Preference is given to full-time freshman students who show exceptional financial need.
This grant provides financial assistance to students who are enrolled in an approved occupational program. The student must also be a member of one of these groups: Single Parent, Displaced homemaker, non-traditional male or female, an individual with a disability, economically disadvantaged or limited English proficiency. Financial assistance covers tuition, fees and books. For more information please contact the Disability Support Services Office in Room 2046.
STUDENT LOAN PROGRAMS
MCC participates only in the Federal Direct Student Loan Programs. The U.S. Government sponsors a variety of low-to-moderate interest student and parent loan programs through the U.S. Department of Education. Interest rates are variable. MCC does not participate with lenders that offer private student loans. MCC does not have any preferred lender lists or lender arrangements.
- DIRECT STUDENT LOAN
The Direct Student 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 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.
- DIRECT 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.
State Grants & Scholarships
- MI Guarantee/MI
Achievement Scholarship - Michigan Competitive
Scholarship Program - Michigan Indian
Tuition Waiver - MI Reconnect
- Michigan Tuition
Incentive Program (TIP) - Dual Enrollment
- Muskegon Area
Promise - Newaygo County Area
Promise Zone
For the 2024-25 school year, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship has been replaced with the Michigan Community College Guarantee. This applies to Community Colleges in Michigan ONLY. This means it does not matter what your high school GPA was or what your parent income is. Learn more on the MI Guarantee website.
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program provides tuition grants of up to $1000 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. View Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program
The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program was enacted by Public Act 174 of 1976, which waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans in public community colleges or universities within Michigan.
To be considered eligible, applicants MUST fit all 5 requirements below:
- be a Michigan resident
- have resided in Michigan for twelve consecutive months at the time of application;
- attend a public institution in Michigan;
- be one-quarter Native American blood quantum
- AND be an enrolled member of a U.S. federally-recognized tribe.
The Michigan Reconnect program helps pay for Michiganders 21 or older, who do not have a college degree but would like to earn a certificate or an associate degree at a community college. To qualify for Michigan Reconnect, you must be at least 21 years old when you apply, have lived in Michigan for a year or more, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s).
Learn more about MI Reconnect
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 six 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:
- Evidence of eligibility, I.e., submit a copy of the confirmation letter to the financial aid office of the college and complete the Financial Aid Application Process to receive student aid at MCC.
- High school graduation (or GED completion) prior to age 20.
- U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, or designated “refugee”, “asylum granted”, “humanitarian parole”, “indefinite parole”, or “Cuban-Haitian entrant”status.
- Michigan residence as determined by institutional criteria.
- Initiation of benefits for enrollment at a participating college within four years of high school graduation or GED completion. Eligibility ends six years from the date of high school graduation or GED completion, effective with the class of 2010.
- Future awards are subject to availability and approved funding.
- At least half-time enrollment in a program other than theology or divinity earning less than 80 semester or 120 term credits.
- Satisfactory academic progress according to institutional policy
Participating in Dual Enrollment will allow you to take college classes while you are in high school!
What are the benefits of Dual Enrollment at Muskegon Community College?
- Get a head start on earning college credits.
- Experience the college environment and learn what is expected and how to navigate the process before you’re a college freshman.
- Muskegon Community College’s credits transfer easily.
- Save a ton of money! Your high school often pays for your tuition. Sometimes even books and fees as well. Check with your high school to see what they will cover.
Tuition free PROMISE scholarships are available to students attending the following 16 high schools:
Calvary Christian
Fruitport
Holton
Mona Shores
Montague Area
Muskegon Catholic Central
Muskegon Covenant Academy
Muskegon
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy
North Muskegon
Oakridge
Orchard View
Ravenna
Reeths-Puffer
Western Michigan Christian
Whitehall
The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) is committed to serving all students who reside within the MAISD service area. We welcome homeschool student participation in countywide programs and services like the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center and the Muskegon Area Promise.
Learn About the Muskegon Area Promise
The Newaygo County Area Promise Zone provides high school graduates with a tuition-free path to an associate degree from at least one institution. We believe every student, regardless of financial means, should have the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials.
Learn About Newaygo County Area Promise Zone
MCC Scholarships
- MI Guarantee/MI
Achievement Scholarship - Scholarships Based in
Academic & Performance - MCC Adult & Re-Entering
Scholarships - MCC Outreach
Scholarship - Apply for MCC
Scholarships
MI Guarantee/MI Achievement Scholarship
For the 2024-25 school year, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship has been replaced with the Michigan Community College Guarantee. This applies to Community Colleges in Michigan ONLY. This means it does not matter what your high school GPA was or what your parent income is. Learn more on the MI Guarantee website.
This program provides tuition grants to 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 exceed full tuition costs, and may be renewed upon the recommendation of the department. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Chairperson of the academic department in which the student is interested.
Amount: up to $1,000 annually. This scholarship is for non-traditional students. Requirements:
- Must be in a degree seeking program.
- Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
- If re-entering, there must be a three-year break in your education at Muskegon Community College for you to be considered for this award.
- Must complete FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.
- Minimum 2.0 high school or last college attended GPA.
- General Essay Required.
Amount: up to $1,000 annually. This scholarship is open to all first-time freshman. Requirements:
- Must be in a degree seeking program.
- Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
- Resides outside of Muskegon County.
- Minimum 2.0 high school GPA.
- Must complete FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.
- General Essay Required.
We are pleased to announce our new and improved online scholarship process! Students can now access scholarship information and apply 24/7. Visit our MCC Scholarships page and click the ‘Scholarships Checklist’ tab for details!
Regional and Local Programs
Sponsored Students
Welcome to the Employer Sponsorship webpage for Muskegon Community College. This page has been developed to aid company officials and their employees through the sponsorship process.
Explore
Apprenticeship programs and topics that would best meet your needs.
Sponsored Students
Welcome to the Employer Sponsorship webpage for Muskegon Community College. This page has been developed to aid company officials and their employees through the sponsorship process.
Tuition Reimbursement
Did you know there are local businesses and organizations that offer tuition reimbursement to their employees to continue their education? Here is a list of employers who partner with MCC with their tuition reimbursement programs.
Grants
- Occupational Support Grants
- Workforce Training Grants
- Pell Grant Program
- Supplemental Education
Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This grant provides financial assistance to students who are enrolled in an approved occupational program. The student must also be a member of one of these groups: Single Parent, Displaced homemaker, non-traditional male or female, an individual with a disability, economically disadvantaged or limited English proficiency. Financial assistance covers tuition, fees and books. For more information please contact the Disability Support Services Office in Room 2046.
Providing Educational Resources for the Future
The Muskegon Lakeshore area has a long history of creating prosperity for residents through meaningful employment. Workforce Development works to continue this proud tradition.
Federal Pell Grants are available to students in financial need. 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 fall, winter and summer semesters. To be eligible to receive most funds, 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.
The SEOG Program funds are available to students with exceptional financial need that have not been met through other financial aid programs. Preference is given to full-time freshman students who show exceptional financial need.
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.
