Financial Aid Programs
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.
Direct Federal Stafford Loan Application Process:
After you have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have received notification from Robeson Community College, complete the following steps:
Visit https://studentloans.gov. Sign in using your Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you do not have a PIN or have forgotten it, go to www.pin.ed.gov.
Once you have your PIN:
• Complete entrance counseling (https://studentloans.gov).
• Complete/sign a new Master Promissory Note (MPN) for subsidized/unsubsidized loans (https://studentloans.gov).
Visit https://www.nslds.ed.gov
Click on financial aid review. You will accept the terms, and then log in using your PIN. If you have received loans or grants in the past, your information will be displayed. Please review your current outstanding loan amounts. The amount displayed, plus interest, must be repaid in the future or it could be detrimental to your credit history. Keep this in mind when filling in the amount requested on your loan form. Can you afford to borrow additional loans?
** If you have not had any grants or loans, you will get a message stating "Your identifiers were not found".
STUDENT MUST BE ENROLLED IN CLASSES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THEIR DIPLOMA OR DEGREE *(NO DEVELOPMENTAL CLASSES!)*
*Please allow 30 days for your loan to be processed!*
