Mountain Empire Community College: Financial Aid Information

Financial Aid applications not processed by Enrollment Services/Financial Aid at least one week prior to the student's first day of classes may mean delay in funds; in which case, students should be prepared to pay their own tuition and fees at the time of registration if required. All payments are either credited toward tuition and fees, books and supplies, or mailed to the student at the student's address on file. It is the student's responsibility to keep this address current.

In addition, all students receiving federal or state aid must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. Students are advised to obtain this policy, read it thoroughly, and ask any questions at Enrollment Services/Financial Aid well in advance of registration before making changes in schedule, or repeating a class.

Male citizens of the U.S. and male immigrant aliens 18 through 25 years old must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System to be eligible for federal student loans and grants. Men can register at any post office, or register online at http://www.sss.gov/regist.htm.

Pell Grant - Students may apply for this federally-funded program by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This non-repayable grant is available to eligible students enrolled in a regular program. Maximum award is $4,731 for full-time students during the 2008-2009 aid year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Students with exceptional financial need who otherwise would not be able to attend college may receive this non-repayable grant. FSEOG awards generally are for $400. Pell grant eligibility is normally required for receipt of FSEOG.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - A federal need based merit grant for high school graduates after 2005 who have an advanced diploma or completed a rigorous academic program and are Pell grant eligible. Students must be enrolled for at least 12 credits each semester in an associate degree program. First year students (0-23 credits) receive $750. Second year students (24-47 credits) receive $1,300 and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible.

Federal Work-Study (FWSP) - Numerous jobs are available during the summer and academic year for eligible students. Students usually work no more than 15 hours weekly while taking classes and up to 15 hours weekly during vacation periods and summer break.

Commonwealth Award (COMA) - Students receiving COMA must be domiciled in Virginia, show financial need by means of needs analysis and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (at least six credits). Funding is provided solely by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Individual awards vary dependent upon need and funding level. Awards Range from $600 to $1,600 and can be used for tuition, fees, and books.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) - Students receiving VGAP must meet requirements similar to COMA recipients. However, students must have achieved a 2.5 G.P.A in high school, have exceptional financial need and maintain full-time enrollment as a dependent student. Awards vary from $700 to $1,700 for tuition, fees and books. Renewal students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. and continuous full-time enrollment (summer terms are excluded).

College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP) - A state grant awarded to Virginia residents on the basis of need and enrollment status (minimum of 6 credits per term). Students with a bachelor's degree are not eligible. Students may not be eligible if they have a previously earned associate degree. Term awards will be adjusted to 50% for 6-8 credits, 75% for 9-11 credits, and 100% for 12 or more credits.

Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP) - This VCCS-funded grant provides tuition assistance only(no fees) to students in a degree or certificate program who enroll for at least 1 but less than 6 credits. Students must show need.

Presidential Honor Scholarships - Awarded by the President and Local Advisory Board of MECC to enrolled students who are valedictorians and salutatorians of public or private high schools in MECC's service region. Public high schools must be accredited by the State Department of Education and private high schools must be accredited by an accreditation association approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education. The student must enroll during the fall semester following high school graduation to receive this scholarship. Awards are for full tuition and fees, and are renewable for the second year based on the students GPA.

Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarship - Established by the General Assembly for Virginia residents who show financial need. The deadline for applications from new nursing students is June 21. Completed Applications must be returned to the financial aid office by June 15. Awards vary. Application is available online at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthpolicy/healthcareworkforce/nursing/index.htm.

Restricted Scholarships
There are also restricted scholarships provided by industries and organizations. Students should apply directly to each organization for consideration. Enrollment Services/Financial Aid encourages students to apply early, particularly while still in high school. Examples of restricted scholarships include Westmoreland Coal, Westmoreland/Penn Virginia, Slemp Foundation, Wellmont/Lonesome Pine Hospital Auxiliary, Wal-Mart, and the John or Lillian Richmond Education Trust Fund.

MECC Foundation, Inc.
The MECC Foundation, Inc. has been established to assist the College in providing student aid. The Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit corporation which provides an appropriate means for individuals, organizations, business and industry to contribute to the College.