Types of Financial Aid

  • (Apply by completing the FAFSA each year after January 1)
  • Federal Pell Grant
    Based on need and "EFC" (expected family contribution) number from Student Aid Report (the results of the FAFSA). Some students may receive Pell if taking less than 6 credits. Does not have to be repaid.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
    Provided to those Pell Grant recipients who have the highest financial need. Does not have to be repaid.
  • Federal Work Study
    Based on financial need.  Requires at least 6 credits. Funds earned based on number of hours worked and paid directly to the student biweekly. Does not have to be repaid.
  • Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
    Subsidized loan is need-based. Unsubsidized is not need-based, but does have restrictions. Both loans have limits based on student's year in school and dependency status. Additional application (promissory note) and loan counseling required. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Must be repaid once no longer in school at least half-time.
  • Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
    Not based on financial need. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Loan is in parent's name and repayment begins immediately.
  • Must be a MA State resident at least one year prior to receiving funds.
  • Mass Grant
    Based on need and "EFC" number from Student Aid Report (the results of the FAFSA). Must submit FAFSA by May 1. Requires at least 12 credits per semester. 4 semesters maximum at 2 year schools. Does not have to be repaid.
  • MA Access (Cash) Grant
    Based on financial need. Requires at least 6 credits. Cannot exceed tuition and fees. Does not have to be repaid.
  • MA Part Time Grant
    Based on need and "EFC" number from Student Aid Report (the results of the FAFSA). Must have between 6 and 11 credits per semester. Does not have to be repaid.
  • MA Need-Based Tuition Waiver
    Based on need. Available for course sections 01 to 39. Does not have to be repaid.
  • MA Categorical Tuition Waivers
    Does not require a FAFSA. Not based on financial need. Available to Active Duty military, Veterans, Native Americans, Senior Citizens, DSS Foster and Adopted Children (to age 24), clients of Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the Commission for the Blind, and Children/Spouses of 911 Tragedy Victims. No minimum number of credits required. Does not have to be repaid.
  • CCCC Gap Fund
    Based on need and “EFC” number from Student Aid Report (the results of the FAFSA). Primarily awarded to students who do not qualify for sufficient federal and state aid to cover tuition, fees, and books. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Does not have to be repaid.
  • CCCC Whitehouse Grant
    Awarded to students in Evening Nursing to reduce the program cost to match Day Nursing rates. Does not require financial need. Depending on availability, additional awards may be offered at the Financial Aid Director’s discretion. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Does not have to be repaid.
  • CCCC Educational Foundation Scholarships
    Scholarship amounts and criteria vary. A committee of Foundation and College representatives selects recipients. Applications available in March with a mid-April due date.
  • These may not be on your letter.
  • Federal Work Study
    If your total awards are less than your demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for the Federal Work Study program. Work study allows students to obtain part-time jobs on-campus and in certain off-campus, community service positions. Students receive paychecks every other week according to the number of hours worked.
  • A complete listing of work study positions is available at the Financial Aid Office. The staff can also provide you with additional details about the work study program.
  • To find out if you are eligible for a work study job, contact the Financial Aid Office.
  • The Federal Stafford Loan program allows you to borrow funds for educational expenses. The amount for which students are eligible varies by individual. However, the loan cannot exceed the estimated cost of attendance less all other sources of financial assistance. There are also maximum academic year limits established by federal guidelines.
  • Federal Stafford Loans require you be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester. Subsidized loans are interest free while you are in school; unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the time of disbursement. The loans are issued in two disbursements and may be reduced for origination and guarantee fees. Repayment begins six months after dropping below half time status.
  • To receive a Federal Stafford Loan, you must do on-line entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN). These links can be found on the How To Complete Loan Counseling web page.
  • You MUST also return the Loan Request FormPDF document with the amount requested to the Financial Aid Office before your loan can be processed. If you have any questions, please call the Financial Aid Office at (508) 362-2131 x4393.