Federal Student Aid
Tues - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to all federal financial aid and most other types of financial aid.
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.
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. Filing the FAFSA is required. Preference is given to full-time students who have no other source of employment, either on or off campus.
Pell Grant Program
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.
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. Preference is given to full-time freshman students who show exceptional financial need.
Occupational Support Services Grant
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
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.
Completing the FAFSA
The 2023-2024 and/or2024-2025 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.
