Financial Aid Programs
RCC Year Round Pell Policy
Beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year students are eligible for up to 2 scheduled awards (200%) per year of Pell grants. For the summer of 2010, Robeson Community College will pay Pell grant out of the 2009-2010 year (as a "trailer") during the transition period for the new Pell grant awards. If students use their first scheduled award and they enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours they can be eligible for a 2nd scheduled award. Student must have one hour which would go into their second year. For example, Robeson Community College defines its year as 24 credit hours; if the student receives a fulltime award in fall 2009 and spring 2010 and enrolls in 6 hours or more in summer they would receive Pell grant, for the summer payment period from the 2009-2010 year, providing they are otherwise eligible. Pell grants for a payment period may be combined using the first and second scheduled awards if the student is eligible. For the summer, 2010 only, no consideration will be given to 2010-11 student eligibility during the cross-over payment period and no consideration will be given to academic progression requirements.
For the summer of 2011, Robeson Community College will consider the term to be a "cross-over" payment period and will pay Pell grant out of the 2010-2011 or 2011-2012, which ever award year provides the student with the most Pell grant eligibility. Students must have a valid ISIR on file for the year used to determine Pell grant eligibility. If students use their first scheduled award and they enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours they can be eligible for a 2nd scheduled award. Student must have one hour which would go into their second year. For example, Robeson Community College defines its year as 24 credit hours; if the student receives a fulltime award in fall 2010 and spring 2011 and enrolls in 6 hours or more in summer they would receive Pell grant, for the summer payment period from the 2010-11 or the 2011-12 award year based on whichever will provide the largest Scheduled Award, providing they are otherwise eligible. Pell grants for a payment period may be combined using the first and second scheduled awards if the student is eligible. For the summer, 2011, students will also need to meet applicable academic progression requirement for a 2010-2011 award or they may be eligible for a fist scheduled award from the 2011-2012 year.
For the summer terms in all subsequent years, after 2011, the rules applied in summer 2011 will be applied using the correct aid years as determined by federal regulations.
Transfer Students for 2 scheduled Pell Awards beginning 2010-2011
· Robeson Community College will use the assumption method to determine acceleration toward the second Scheduled Pell Award.
· If student received 100% of the first Scheduled Pell Award at prior school(s), we will assume the student completed the first academic year.
· If student received less than 100% we will use the % of the Scheduled Award that was received from the other school(s) and round up.
Example:
§ Assume student completed the same ratio of the academic year as the % of Pell received
· Prior school disbursed $2,007 of $5,350 Scheduled Award at that school.
· Robeson Community College’s academic year is defined as 24 credit hours
· $2,007 X 24/$5,350 = 9 credits assumed earned at prior school
· Student is given 9 credits toward completion of the first academic year.
Federal Pell Grant:
The Federal Pell Grant, which does not have to be repaid, is a federal program providing financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance to attend college. The US Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. The Student Aid Report contains the EFC number that determines eligibility.The Federal Pell Grant award amount depends on the student's financial need, the student's cost of attendance, whether the student is full-time or part-time, and whether the student attends school for a full academic year or less. Students with Bachelor's degrees are not eligible. Awards range from $5350 to $609 for the 2009-2010 academic year. Students with an EFC number equal to or greater than 4618 are not eligible for Federal Pell Grant.
FAFSA Day - February 13, 2010. FAFSA Day is a program offered by College Foundation of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators each February. On FAFSA Day, North Carolina high school seniors can receive free help completing and submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms at any of more than 60 locations across the state.
topFederal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which does not have to be repaid, is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need -- that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs). FSEOG give priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants, do not receive assistance from other sponsors and who apply the earliest in the year.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program is administered directly by RCC's Financial Aid Office. The amount of aid awarded depends on the student's financial need, on the amount of other aid the student receives, and on the availability of funds. Students with Bachelor's degrees are not eligible.
Federal Work-Study:
The Federal Work-Study program utilizes federal funds to provide part-time employment for undergraduate students with financial need to help meet their educational expenses. Students with Bachelor's degrees are eligible. Students who are enrolled at least half-time may work an average of 15 - 20 hours per week. FWS employment is determined by the student's total FWS award, the student's class schedule, and the student's academic progress.
Awarded FWS funds are limited to availability of positions, funds, and completion of the interview process. There are no term limitations on earnings, provided annual limits on the student's award letter are not exceeded. Students are paid on the last working day of each month, and the amount paid is according to the position and the number of hours worked.
America Reads:
In 1997, President Clinton launched the America Reads Challenge to ensure that children learn to read on their grade level by the third grade. This work-study financial aid program provides students with employment to help meet their financial needs. The student gains work experience as reading tutors involved in service activities that play key roles in working with individual children and supporting classroom activities.
NC Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG):
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, through College Foundation, Inc., makes award determinations for the North Carolina Student Incentive Grant.
To be eligible you must:
- Be a US citizen
- Be a North Carolina resident
- Enroll or be accepted for enrollment on a full-time basis at a
North Carolina post secondary institution - Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Demonstrate “substantial” financial need
Awards start at $100 per year and are higher depending on your financial need. The average NCSIG award is approximately $370.
To apply you must:
- Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Show on the form that North Carolina is your state of legal residence
- List at least one North Carolina college, university, technical or vocational
school in the release section of the form
The deadline for applying is March 15th, prior to the beginning of the new award year.
North Carolina Community College Grant:
The North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) is a need based grant established by the North Carolina Legislature. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, through College Foundation, Inc., makes award determinations. The North Carolina Community College Grant provides funds to help meet the educational costs of North Carolina residents attending community colleges.
To be eligible you must:
- Be a North Carolina resident
- Enroll at least half-time (Six credit hours)
- Enroll in an eligible curriculum program
- Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
To apply you must:
Complete in the spring prior to the upcoming fall semester a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the spring date published each year on the front page of the FAFSA (i.e. 3/15/2003) and list a North Carolina Community College as one of the top three choices of institutions.
