Types of Aid

• Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
  Basic entitlements funded by the federal government that do not need to be repaid. This program is designed for undergraduates who do not have a bachelor’s degree, and it serves as the foundation, or base, for other forms of aid. Eligibility is based on need. The amount of the Pell grant is determined by a federal funding formula, the student’s cost of education, and the number of credit hours for which the student enrolls each quarter
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  Basic entitlements funded by the federal government and the college that do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based on need and availability of funds. FSEOG funds are campus-based; and therefore, limited funds are available.
• Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)
  The State of Nebraska provides the Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) – formerly the Nebraska State Grant – to students who meet certain qualifications. Qualifications include being a Nebraska resident, attending a Nebraska postsecondary institution, and having a minimum Student Aid Index (SAI) as determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The NOG is awarded through postsecondary institutions within the state. Therefore, students must apply to the school to be considered for the grant.

Federal Work Study (FWS) provides employment opportunities that enable students to earn money to fund their education. Also, campus-based, FWS awards are based on documented need and availability of funds. This program encourages community service employment and work related to the student’s course of study. To the extent possible, MCC will attempt to provide employment that complements and reinforces the student’s educational and vocational career goals. FWS salaries will be paid at the current federal minimum wage and earnings are restricted to the amount of the award. Visit Careers at MCC to learn more about Federal Work Study positions.

MCC also provides Student Worker Program opportunities for students who would not otherwise qualify for Federal Work Study. These jobs are available to students with the approval of MCC’s Human Resources office and are funded by MCC. Salaries are paid at current federal minimum wage. Visit Careers at MCC to learn more about Student Worker Program positions.

Whether you’re considering attending or are already an MCC student, you can apply each academic year through a single application and be considered for all scholarships you’re eligible for. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic progress, program of study or a combination of these factors. Visit our Scholarships page for more details.

Federal Direct Loans are low interest loans that are either subsidized or unsubsidized. A Subsidized Federal Direct Loan and an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan can be borrowed for the same enrollment period.

Students that have been awarded Federal Direct Student Loans can accept the loans through their MCC student account. All student borrowers must have completed Loan Entrance Counseling and have an active Master Promissory Note on file with the Department of Education. If a student has not completed these previously, they can be done at any time but must be done before the loan can be disbursed.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are “need based” loans. This means that the federal government will pay the interest that accumulates on your loan as long as you’re enrolled at least six credit hours and also during the six-month grace period.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not “need based”. The federal government does not pay the interest on the Federal Direct Student Loans. If you accept a Federal Direct Student Unsubsidized Loan, you will be responsible for the interest as it accrues and compounds, starting from when the first disbursement is made.
• Federal Direct Parent Plus Loans – Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans enable your parents to borrow money for educational expenses. An eligible parent may borrow up to the COA (Cost of Attendance) minus any estimated financial aid you are eligible to receive. These loans are approved based upon credit. Repayment begins 60 days after all loan funds are disbursed. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office. To apply for a Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan please complete application on the studentaid.gov website. Select the “Apply for Parent PLUS loan” option under the parent tab. The parent applying must have or will need to create an FSA ID and password.

The MCC Military and Veterans Services office offers advisory services about educational benefits specific to Veterans Affairs (VA)-eligible and Department of Defense-eligible students planning to enroll or currently enrolled at MCC. Visit our Military-Connect students page for more details.

MCC offers financial assistance to qualifying students who meet the special grant criteria. To locate the forms for these grants, go to Canvas/Student Links and click on Forms.

Balance Exception Grant

Assist students who owe a balance and have not attended MCC for 1 or more academic years. The Amnesty Grant will assist with 50% of the balance owed up to $1,000 maximum. Amounts exceeding the maximum 50% grant amount will be the student’s responsibility. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until full payments are made.

Criteria:

• GPA 2.0 or higher
• Degree seeking
• Established future funding
• Balance not a result of Return of Title IV

Fresh Start Grant

This grant assists students who have had challenges in transitioning to college and denied financial aid and other funding options due to academic performance. This grant will pay for a maximum of 9 credit hours for 2 consecutive quarters of successful academic performance.

Criteria:

• Denied SAP appeals
• Denied all funding options
• Degree seeking
• Registered classes are in declared program of study
• Pass all registered classes with C grade or better

Finisher Grant

This grant assists students who have 24 credit hours or less remaining in their first degree at MCC. The grant will only pay tuition and fee costs for remaining required courses to complete a degree program.

Criteria:

• GPA 2.0 or higher
• Only for completion of first degree at MCC
• Denied all funding options
• Pass all registered classes with C grade or better