Policies, Application Deadlines, and More ...
Read the following information to learn about:
- Financial Aid Policies
- Policy of Determination and Treatment of Student Financial Awards
- Eligibility for Financial Assistance
- How to Apply for Financial Aid
- Deadlines
- Financial Aid-Summer Session
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Student Financial Recipients
Financial aid is monetary assistance provided to undergraduate students who seek higher education. The costs of education beyond high school are expected to be paid by the student and/or the student's family. However, when the cost is greater than the student or family's ability to pay, financial assistance is available. Most assistance programs are administered on the basis of "need," which is defined as the difference between the cost of attending a particular college and the family's ability to pay that cost. Such cost includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses and living expenses. The student's or the family's ability to pay is calculated through a needs- analysis system approved by the United States Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance.
In an effort to help students meet particular educational goals, the Financial Aid Office incorporates various types of financial aid into a "Financial Aid Package" for each student. Depending on the student's "need" financial aid grants will be awarded to cover the costs of tuition, fees and books for the Fall and Spring semesters only. In some cases, students may receive a Financial Aid Refund to defray a portion of the additional educational expenses, such as transportation. Student borrowing is discouraged at the community college level.
If qualified, Middlesex students can receive financial assistance for direct educational costs such as tuition, fees, books and supplies. Student status will be measured as follows:
- 3-5 credits: less than half time
- 6-8 credits: 1/2-time
- 9-11 credits: 3/4-time
- 12 credits and above: full-time
- Self-help dollars will be restored to accounts;
- Federal work-study dollars will be returned to appropriate accounts;
- Loan dollars will be returned if a Perkins Loan is involved.
The cost of attending Middlesex Community College will vary depending on a number of factors, such as how many courses the student is taking and whether the student has dependent or independent status.
Common to all federal funding, to be eligible for financial assistance at Middlesex, a student must:
- be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- have financial need as assessed by an eligible needs analysis system
- be enrolled as a matriculated student at Middlesex Community College
- be working towards a degree or certificate
- maintain satisfactory academic progress
- not be in default on any federal educational loan or owe a repayment on any federal grant at any institution
- certify registration for Military Selective Services (if applicable), and have completed high school or have earned the GED.
All aid is based on the availability of funds and awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Institutional deadlines apply for all forms of state and institutional financial assistance. The deadline for receipt of the FAFSA is
- July 1 for the academic year (Federal Pell Grant Program)
- Fall Semester - June 1
- Spring Semester - December 1
- The student must complete a Middlesex Community College application for summer assistance and have received financial assistance for the current academic year (September thru May).
- The student must have unmet need, as determined by federal needs-analysis (FAFSA).
- Limited funds are available, but every effort will be taken to cover the cost of tuition.
- Students are financially responsible for the costs of books and supplies during this session.
- Student Pell Grant eligibility will be determined first.
- Satisfactory academic progress requirements are identical to semester requirements.
- The student must be enrolled for a minimum of three semester hours to be eligible for assistance.
