Grants

Pell Grants

The Pell Grant Program is funded by the Federal government. It is the largest federal grant program that provides money to help undergraduates pay for college education. Grants are gift aid and do not have to be repaid.

Applying for a Pell Grant

Students must annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov to apply for all federal financial aid programs. This includes the Federal Pell Grant Program. There is no charge to file the FAFSA application. A new application must be filed every academic school year.

Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) either via email or regular mail from the Federal Processor. The SAR includes an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)/ Student Aid Index (SAI) or number that indicates your tentative eligibility resulting from the Department of Education standard evaluation. The CCC Financial Aid Office uses the EFC/SAI to determine your Pell Grant award.

Who is eligible for a Pell Grant?

You may be eligible for a Pell Grant if you meet all of the following conditions:

1. You are enrolled in a regular degree program as a degree-seeking student at CCC.
2. You are a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
3. You are making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the financial aid policy. (This policy is available online or in the financial aid office)
4. You are not in default on a Perkins Loans, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Parent Loan (PLUS) or Supplemental Loan to Students (SLS).
5. You do not owe a repayment on a previous Pell Grant or other grants.
6. You can show financial eligibility as determined by your Student Aid Report (SAR).
7. You have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree (B.A. or B.S.).

Annual Maximum Awards

The maximum scheduled Pell Grant award for the 2024-2025 award year is $7,395 for students enrolled on a full-time basis.

The maximum amount can change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount you receive, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

What do I do once I am awarded my grant?

Your Pell Grant will be applied directly to your student account each term. Any funds remaining after paying your tuition, fees, and other charges will be released to you. If your grant does not cover the cost of your institutional charges, you are responsible for making payment arrangements for the unpaid charges.

What if I withdraw from classes after receiving my Pell grant?

If you withdraw from credit hours at any time after receiving your check, you may be required to repay a portion or all of the funds you received. You will be notified by the Financial Aid Office.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students with a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC/SAI) and highest unmet need are awarded first. Funds are limited. Therefore, students who complete their financial aid files by the published priority deadline will be given first consideration. FSEOG grants are awarded for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Award amount may be prorated if you are enrolled less than 1/2 time.

Who is eligible for an FSEOG?

You may be eligible for an FSEOG if you meet all of the following conditions:

1. You are enrolled in a regular degree program as a degree seeking student at CCC.
2. You are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non—citizen.
3. You are making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the financial aid policy.
4. You are not in default on a Perkins Loans, Subsidized or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Parent Loan (PLUS) or Supplemental Loan to Students (SLS).
5. You do not owe a repayment on a previous Pell Grant or other grants.
6. You can show financial eligibility as determined by your Student Aid Report (SAR).
7. You have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree.

How do I apply for an FSEOG?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Official FAFSA Federal government website. There is no charge to file the FAFSA application. A new application must be filed every academic school year. Students who have a completed Pell file will be screened to see if they meet the criteria for the FSEOG.

What do I do once I am awarded my grant?

Your FSEOG will be applied directly to your student account each term. Any funds remaining after paying your tuition and fees will be released to you. If your grant does not cover the cost of your tuition/fees, you must pay the additional charges.

What if I drop classes after receiving my grant?

If you drop credit hours at any time after receiving your check, you may be required to repay a portion or all of the funds you received. You will be notified by the Financial Aid Office after the add/drop period is over.

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New Mexico Student Incentive Grant

The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG) Program assists States in providing grants to eligible students who attend post-secondary schools and have substantial financial need.

Who is eligible for an NMSIG?

You may be eligible for an NMSIG if you meet all of the following conditions:

1. Undergraduate Status.
2. Resident of New Mexico.
3. Citizenship requirement.
4. Exceptional financial need.
5. At least half-time status.
6. Must be a regular student enrolled and accepted in an eligible program.
7. Satisfactory Academic Progress.
8. Not in default on previous federal loan, and,
9. Does not owe a refund on federal grants previously received.

How do I apply for a NMSIG Grant?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. There is no charge to file the FAFSA application. A new application must be filed every academic school year. Students who have a completed Pell file will be screened to see if they meet the criteria for the NMSIG.

What do I do once I am awarded my grant?

Your NMSIG will be applied directly to your student account each term. Any funds remaining after paying your tuition and fees will be released to you. If your grant does not cover the cost of your tuition/fees, you must pay the additional charges.