Federal Pell Grant
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. Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The Federal Pell Grant unlike a student loan does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
How to Apply
Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and other Federal Aid. The FAFSA must be completed each year the student attends college. Once the FAFSA is completed it will take 2-3 days for your FAFSA to be processed and sent to Mesalands Community College.
Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
Eligibility
The dollar amounts of a Pell Grant award can change yearly. The amount of your award depends on but is not limited to your:
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC
- Cost of Attendance
- Status as a full-time or part-time student
- Plans to attend school for a full academic year or less
- High School or Equivalency Completion
- Student must be degree seeking
- Student must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credit hours
- Lifetime Eligibility Used
- Cannot be in default on Federal Students Loans or have an overpayment
The Federal Pell Grant is available to student during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The SEOG Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the cost of postsecondary education. Students with a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and highest unmet need are awarded first. Priority is given to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant.
Funds are limited and are available on a first come first served basis. 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.
The amount of your awards depends on:
- When you applied and completed your FAFSA application
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – your financial need based on the FAFSA application
- Enrollment Status
- The availability of funds
Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process to be considered for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Federal Work Study
Work-study is a federally funded, need-based financial aid program that provides part-time employment to students. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
Work-Study Eligibility
- Complete a FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours as an undergraduate student
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Students cannot be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant.
