Grants, Loans, and Employment | Scholarships
A community college education is the most affordable higher education available. By combining the low tuition and fee expenses with the availability of financial assistance, many full-time and part-time students are able to attend MWCC at a reduced cost.
The Financial Aid Process
Several federal, state and college financial aid programs are available to MWCC students. Grants and scholarships are “free” financial assistance programs available for low income individuals. Low interest student loans may be borrowed by most students.
Students should apply for financial aid as soon as college attendance is contemplated. The absolute deadline for the MASSGrant program is May 1. The priority deadline for campus aid packages, including Pell Grant and loans, is April 1 for September enrollment and November 1 for January enrollment. Applications completed after those dates will be reviewed, but students may not receive the same level of aid because the funds would have been committed to the earlier applicants, and the determination of eligibility may not occur prior to the tuition and fee billing due date.
To be considered for financial assistance, students must demonstrate financial need and be accepted to the college in an eligible degree or certificate program (non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid), be a US citizen or permanent resident alien, and be in compliance with all federal selective service, satisfactory progress and other applicable regulations. Most financial aid programs require half time enrollment. Limited Pell grant funding
is available for students enrolled less than half time. Students may receive aid from only one institution during any given enrollment period.
Students must have a high school diploma, GED or demonstrate an “ability to benefit” based on receiving a passing score on a nationally recognized test. Students enrolled during their junior or senior year of high school are not eligible for financial aid.
The first step in applying for all forms of financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available online and the quickest way to apply is to visit the website www.fafsa.ed.gov. There is also a paper FAFSA available to apply through the mail, but this takes four to six weeks’ processing time. This application must be completed each academic year.
The financial aid process can be lengthy (three to six weeks) for all paperwork to be finalized. When the process is complete, a financial aid notification letter is sent that outlines the type and amount of aid awarded. After completing the FAFSA, students and the college will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processing center.
Students may be required to complete the college "verification" procedures to ensure the validity of the information presented on the application. Copies of federal tax returns, verification of untaxed income, and the completion of the MWCC financial aid application may be required. Students will be notified if additional documentation is necessary.
Following the completion of all required paperwork students will be given an award notification letter. Any credit balance created, after the tuition and fees have been paid, will be refunded to the student. By regulation and policy, student loan checks cannot be processed until at least 30 days into the semester.
Financial aid is awarded on the basis of “financial need.” Need is the difference between the estimated cost of attendance and the calculated amount the student and family can reasonably be expected to provide. The student and family contribution is affected by income, assets, number of family members and number of family members in college.
Some low-income students receive enough grant funding to cover the entire tuition and fees bill, including book expenses. Other students may receive partial grant funding and choose to borrow a student loan to cover remaining tuition, fees and book charges. At times, students will not qualify for any grant assistance but can borrow a student loan to pay for part or all of their tuition, fee and book expenses. (There are situations where the maximum student loan and other aid awards may not cover direct educational expenses.) When the aid awards are greater than the tuition and fee bill, an advance of this difference will be made in the form of a book voucher, and will be sent in the mail the week before school begins.
The expected amount of student debt that an MWCC student might anticipate is $5500 at the conclusion of the associate’s degree. Approximately one third of MWCC graduates borrow money through student loans to complete their MWCC degree.
Students who do not qualify for enough financial aid, or apply too late to determine eligibility before classes begin, will be required to satisfy the tuition and fee bill. The student accounts office has an interest-free payment plan available that allows the entire or partial tuition and fee bill to be paid in monthly installments.
Special Conditions
To receive "special" consideration or a "recalculation" to reflect a changing financial situation, students should contact the financial aid office for additional information, after the FAFSA has been processed.A "special condition" or "special circumstance" could be virtually any reason that would make the standard calculation inappropriate for a particular situation. Regulations with regard to "special conditions" are very limited and will not take into consideration all of the changing income situations; however, some special circumstances can be taken into account.
Financial Aid Stress
The financial aid process can be stressful, some applications may be complex, and many times students are not familiar with the procedures and understanding of where to obtain the necessary data. The financial aid office can assist students with the process at any time. Students should not hesitate to call or visit the office if they have any questions about the procedures, forms, or processing guidelines.
For More Financial Aid Information
For complete information about the federal and state student financial assistance programs available to MWCC students, stop by or call the financial aid office, (978) 630-9169. By applying for aid early, students will have more information earlier to determine the actual amount they will have available to pay for the necessary expenses.
Grants, Loans, and Employment
Alternative Loan Programs
Upon request, the financial aid office can provide information about alternative loan programs that offer assistance to students who do not otherwise qualify for federal loans.
Emergency Student Loan Fund
These funds, made available by the Student Government Association, are available to students during the college academic year on a short-term basis for college-related expenses. Contact the student services office for more information about this program.
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant
Awards range from $750 to $1,300 per year, and are awarded to first-year, full-time low income students who have completed a rigorous secondary program of study.
Federal Parent Plus Loan (dependent students)
A parent of a dependent student may borrow up to the maximum cost of education minus the students total financial aid award.
Federal Pell Grant
Awards range from $200 to $4,310 per year, and are awarded to low income students. The amount of the award is determined by enrollment status (full- or part-time) and family contribution.
Federal Stafford Loan Program
The Stafford Loan is for students who do not qualify for or receive a limited amount of the above sources of aid. This is a low, variable-interest rate loan that does not have to be repaid until after enrollment ceases. The loan range is $200 to $4,500 per year. Students must demonstrate financial need for a subsidized Stafford Loan. There is also an unsubsidized Stafford for students who do not demonstrate financial need.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Pell grant recipients have preference. The awards range from $100 to $1,000 per year.
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Students can obtain part-time employment on or off-campus during the academic year and summer. The average award is $2,400 per academic year. Students earn $ 8.00 per hour and are paid every two weeks. Off-campus employment must be with a public or private non-profit agency and arranged with the financial aid office.
Massachusetts Part-time Grant
Award maximum is $400 per year for a student enrolled in at least six credits per semester but less than 12 credits per semester. Recipients must be Massachusetts residents for one year and Pell Grant recipients.
MASSGrant
Students must meet Massachusetts residency requirements and be enrolled full-time. The awards range from $300 to $900 per year. Eligible students will receive notification from the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance. Application deadline is May 1 prior to the academic year.
MWCC Grant and College Assistance Grant
The award amount cannot exceed the total cost of tuition and fees. Recipients must be Massachusetts residents for one year, maintain half-time enrollment status, and demonstrate need.
Tuition Waiver
Awards cannot exceed state-supported tuition charges (*billing code 100 courses). Recipients must be Massachusetts residents for one year, enroll in state-supported courses, maintain half-time enrollment status, and demonstrate need.
Scholarships
Scholarships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education. Like grants, they do not have to be repaid. Awards are available for students who are interested in particular fields of study, who are members of underrepresented groups, who live in certain areas, or who demonstrate financial need.
Deadlines
Scholarship applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, the deadline for scholarships awarded for the upcoming fall semester is March 10.
How to Apply
Scholarship applications are available in the financial aid office and online at http://www.mwcc.edu/PDFs/ScholarshipApplication.pdf. All scholarships require an essay and two letters of recommendation, as explained on the scholarship application. Some scholarships require additional essays.
For more information on scholarship criteria, call MWCC’s financial aid office (978) 630-9169, email financialaid@mwcc.mass.edu, or visit
www.mwcc.edu/financial.
Academic Achievement Scholarships
MWCC General Endowment Scholarship
Academic achievement: QPA of 3.3 or higher; preference: 30 credits earned at MWCC; transfer credits may be considered; financial need and community service may be considered; awards for direct costs: tuition, fees, and books
Sandy Signor Student Achievement Award
Student who has persevered and achieved success in his/her college work
Thomas and Alice Kymalainen Scholarship
Academic achievement: QPA 2.5 or higher; preference: 30 credits earned at MWCC; transfer credits may be considered; financial need may be considered; recognizes the average student who is ambitious in achieving their goals
Community Service Scholarships
Arthur F. Haley Scholarship
Academic achievement: QPA 3.3 or higher; preference: 30 credits earned at MWCC; transfer credits may be considered; demonstrated community service; financial need
David H. Butler Memorial Scholarship
MWCC continuing student; QPA 2.7 or higher; demonstrated service to MWCC students; demonstrated service to the community where the student resides; demonstrated financial need
Jonathan C. Craven Scholarship
Letter describing how the student resembles the traits of Mr. Craven in using education to assist humanity; financial need; QPA 3.0 or higher; resident of Massachusetts; 30 credits earned at MWCC or transferring to a baccalaureate institution
Robert H. Gilman Memorial Scholarship
Continuing or transferring MWCC student; demonstrated commitment to education; demonstrated volunteerism; financial need
SunGard Higher Education Scholarship
Academic achievement: QPA 3.0 or higher; community service; financial need
Curriculum Scholarships
Alpha Beta Gamma Award
Active member of Alpha Beta Gamma; business student with QPA 3.0 or higher; earned 30 credits or more at MWCC
Aspasia Anastos Award
Returning student who demonstrated excellence in the humanities, especially English
Carl Tammi Award
Extraordinary Computer Information System programming major; QPA 3.0 or higher; 45 credits earned at time of application
Carrie Progen Scholarship
MWCC Art student; preference to Gardner area resident (Ashburnham, Baldwinville, Gardner, Hubbardston, Templeton, Westminster, Winchendon)
Cindy Stange Memorial Scholarship
Nursing student enrolled in final year at MWCC demonstrating holistic philosophy to nursing; willingness to assist other students; demonstrated leadership aptitude and commitment to patient; financial need
Craig A. Hamel Scholarship
Graduate or post graduate from the Nursing program who has definite plans to further his/her nursing education, or; a student who is transferring to a baccalaureate nursing program, nominated by faculty member at MWCC
Ellen Daly Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Second year Dental Hygiene student; QPA 3.5 or higher; demonstrates clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism
First Congregational Church Scholarship
Complementary Health Care and Human Services student: QPA 3.3 or higher, preference 30 credits earned at MWCC, transfer credits considered
H. Marilyn Kiosses Scholarship
Nursing student demonstrating commitment to patient care
James Garrison Scholarship
Enrolled in Early Childhood Education heading toward certificate or degree; can be used for tuition and fees; open to new and continuing students; demonstrating financial need
James Garrison Childcare Stipend
Enrolled full-time at MWCC; demonstrate financial need; have dependents age 2.9 to 5 enrolled at Garrison Education Center; priority given to Early Childhood Education majors
John C. Burton Award
Transferring to a baccalaureate institution; Art student pursuing a career in art; preference to an openly gay/lesbian student
Presidential Scholarship
Incoming freshmen graduating from local area high school; enrolled full-time; student must be majoring in Business Administration, Computer Graphic Design, Computer Information Systems, Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Ramsey Rehabilitation PTA Scholarship
Student who is completing their final semester of coursework, will demonstrate academic excellence and the responsibility, dedication and interpersonal skills necessary to function as a successful physical therapist assistant
Robert Hopkins Memorial Fund Scholarship
Four awards: (2) Incoming freshman (1 male, 1 female) graduating from local area high school. (2) Continuing MWCC student must be majoring in criminal justice. Commitment to education; interest in/or service in field of criminal justice. Financial need. Additional essay required
Robert Weibel Art Award
Graduating Art student; demonstrated outstanding progress and commitment to art while at MWCC
Twyla J. Haley Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Second year MWCC nursing student; QPA 3.0 or higher; other considerations: community service, employment status, financial need; direct costs: tuition, fees, books
Fitchburg VNA Trust Scholarship
Nursing student entering second year of program and planning to work in the nursing field in the North Worcester County area
Financial Need Scholarships
Alumni Association Scholarship
Continuing MWCC student; completed at least one semester of study; QPA of 3.0 or higher; financial need
The Sara Kajel Scholarship
Nursing student; single parent displaying financial need, nominated by a faculty member of the nursing department
Non-traditional Student Scholarships
Kathi J. Pullen Scholarship
Female 30 years or older balancing home, work, and education; QPA 3.3 or higher; earned nine credits or more at MWCC
Mille McGuire Foundation Scholarship
Single parent balancing home, work, education; service to community/church; financial need; for enrolling, returning, or transfer student
Residency-based Scholarships
Agnes M. Lindsey Scholarship
MWCC full-time student; permanent resident of a “rural” community (population of fewer than 5,000); demonstrated financial need
Albert H. & Reuben S. Stone Fund Scholarship
Resident of Gardner; academic achievement; QPA 3.3 or higher; financial need; direct costs: tuition, fees, and books
Carlton E. Nichols Scholarship
Resident of Gardner; academic achievement: QPA 3.3 or higher; financial need; direct costs: tuition, fees, and books
Rebecca Ann DesJardins Memorial Scholarship
Resident of Westminster, Gardner, or Ashburnham; preference to a female; MWCC continuing student; QPA 3.0 or higher and financial need; direct costs: tuition, fees, and books
Transfer Scholarships
For most transfer scholarship information (except as indicated below), visit the MWCC transfer planning services website at http://transfer.mwcc.edu, and/or contact the Advising & Counseling Center, Room 134.
Alumni Association Scholarship
Completed degree or certificate at MWCC; QPA 3.0 or higher, transferring to baccalaureate institution; financial need
Barbara Chaplin Memorial Scholarship
Nontraditional female student; English or Education program; transferring or recently transferred to a baccalaureate institution; QPA 3.0 and completed 30 credits at MWCC
Barnes & Noble Scholarship
Academic achievement; QPA 3.3 or higher; preference: 30 earned credits at MWCC; transfer credits may be considered; financial need; MassTransfer Program student transferring to a state college or university
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
US Citizen; US national or resident alien; current sophomore or junior; average B (QPA 3.0), interest in math, natural sciences, engineering; nominated by institution/MWCC
Foster Furcolo Scholarship
MWCC graduate; MA resident; accepted at UMass Boston for fall; QPA 3.5; nominated by institution/MWCC
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
US Citizenship is not required; plan to transfer to four-year college or university; QPA 3.5; nominated by institution/MWCC
Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarship
US citizen, US national or permanent resident; outstanding potential; study environmental & related fields or Native American or Alaska Native; health care or tribal public policy; nominated by institution/MWCC
Mount Observer Scholarship
Has worked for at least one full year as an active staff member of the school newspaper as a reporter, assistant editor, editor, advertising representative, or graphic arts designer; transferring to baccalaureate institution
New England Transfer Association (NETA) Scholarship
US citizenship is not required. Complete degree by end of spring/summer semester; to NETA affiliated institution; QPA 3.5; 30 credits upon application; nominated by institution/MWCC (NETA Member)
UMASS Amherst Community College Academic Honors Scholarship
US citizen or permanent resident; enroll day division at UMASS, Amherst; QPA 3.5 at time of application; 45 credits at MWCC; complete transfer process to UMASS, Amherst; graduate from MWCC minimum 54 transferable credits
UMASS Lowell Community College Transfer Scholarship
US citizen or permanent resident; QPA 3.7; 45 credits completed at time of application; complete transfer admission process at UMASS Lowell; graduate from MWCC; matriculate as day student at UMASS Lowell
US Armed Services Scholarship
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship
Service in US Armed Forces, honorable discharge; enrolled full time at MWCC or transferring to baccalaureate institution; demonstrated service to college and community. This scholarship was established by the Vietnam Memorial Wall committee-2003.
Scholarship Resources Websites
Tips on locating scholarships, winning scholarships, writing essays, and writing resumes:
Absolutely Scholarships
http://www.absolutelyscholarships.org
College Board
http://www.collegeboard.com
Fastweb.com
http://www.fastweb.com
FinAid!
http://www.finaid.org
Petersons.com
http://www.petersons.com
Scholarships.com
http://www.scholarships.com
Transfer Services Website: Scholarship Information
http://www.mwcc.edu/services/transfer/resources.html
University of Massachusetts Scholarship Opportunities
http://www.massachusetts.edu/scholarships/index.html
Check our website for rules about protecting yourself from scholarship scams: www.mwcc.edu/financial
Scholarship Endowment
To learn how you can make a difference by endowing a scholarship, please
contact:
MWCC Foundation, Inc.
444 Green Street
Gardner, MA 01440
(978) 630-9276
http://foundation.mwcc.edu
Gifts are Tax-deductible
All gifts to MWCC Foundation, Inc., on behalf of MWCC, are tax-deductible within certain limits provided by law. The foundation is established under section 501(C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code-FID #23-7136083. Consult a financial planner or tax advisor to determine the exact tax advantages of any gift.