Student Financial Assistance

Types of Financial Aid

FEDERAL

Federal PELL Grant
This is a federal grant for undergraduate students who have not received a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application. Awards range from $976 to $5,350 a year (2009-2010) for full-time attendance.

Students may enroll for fewer than six credits a semester, but award amounts are prorated based on enrollment status. Applications for this award must be made for each academic year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA)

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG grants are for undergraduate students who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree. These grants are awarded to students with the greatest need with priority given to students who are FPELL grant recipients. Efforts are made to help students obtain enough aid to meet their basic institutional costs (tuition, fees and books). Since aid is awarded on a rolling basis, every effort is made to award FSEOG to the neediest students within each packaging cycle. Awards range from $100 to $500. Students taking at least 3 academic credits may be eligible for FSEOG.

Federal Academic Competitive Grant (ACG)
Effective with the 2009-2010 academic year, both full and part time students taking six or more credits, who are either United states citizens or permanent residents are  eligible  for an ACG grant. In addition all ACG recipients must demonstrate that they had successfully completed a rigorous high school academic program and must be eligible for and receive a PELL Grant for the same academic year for which they receive an ACG grant. First year recipients must have earned 29 or fewer credits and must have been enrolled in a college program on or after January 2, 2006. The annual first time award for 2009-2010 is $750.

Second year award recipients must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and must have already earned at least 30 credits.  Total credits earned cannot exceed  the total credits required to complete the program of study. Second year recipients must have been enrolled in college as a regular student on or after January 2, 2005. Second year awards are $1,300 for the 2009-10 academic year.

No ACG award can exceed the student’s need when all other aid is taken into consideration.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans

Effective with the 2009-2010 academic year, Westchester Community College will no longer be participating in the FFELP loan programs.  Students and parents needing loans to finance their education will do so under the Federal Direct Loan program.

All student loans must be repaid with interest, starting six months after enrollment for fewer than 6 credits. The interest rate is set each June. To be eligible students must be enrolled or accepted for admission for at least six (6) credit hours, be in good academic standing, making satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on a previous student loan, nor owe a refund on any Title IV programs (FPELL, FSEOG or any student loans) and have satisfied all the Selective Service Act requirements.  Loans cannot exceed the student’s own cost of undergraduate education.

Under-graduate dependent students who have completed fewer than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan maximum of $5,500. No more than $3,500 of this amount can be subsidized. Second year undergraduate dependent students, that is, students who have completed at least 30 credits are eligible to borrow up to $6,500.  No more than $4,500 of this amount can be a subsidized loan.  Dependent undergraduate students are limited to an aggregate loan limit of $31,000.  No more than $23,000 of this amount can be subsidized loans.

Under-graduate independent students who have completed fewer than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan maximum of $9,500.  No more than $3,500 of this amount can be subsidized.  Second year undergraduate independent students who have completed more than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan amount of $10,500.   No more than $$4,500 of this amount can be a subsidized loan.  Independent undergraduate students are limited to an aggregate loan limit of $57,500.  No more than $23,000 of this amount can be subsidized loans.

Effective with HR 5715 regulation, dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS Loan due to an adverse credit history may, upon documentation that the parent has been denied a PLUS loan, borrow up to $9,500 (no more than $3,500 in an unsubsidized loan) if a first year student (has completed fewer than 30 credits), and $10,500 (no more than $4,500 in a subsidized loan) as a second year student (has completed more than 30 credits).

Interest on subsidized loans is deferred while students are in school for at least 6 credits. The interest rate on subsidized loans disbursed after July 1, 2009 will be 5.6%.

Interest on unsubsidized loans is 6.8% Students are required to pay the interest of unsubsidized loans even when enrolled for six or more credits.   Student’s, however, do have the option to defer this interest payment which will be added unto the principal (capitalized).  It is suggested that students pay the interest while enrolled or eligible for other deferments to reduce the overall cost of the loan.

The college does not automatically package students with loans. Students who feel that their need is not being met by grants may apply for a loan.  Students seeking a loan must be enrolled for at least credits or the equivalent.

The average loan indebtedness for students who graduated from Westchester community College in May 2008 was $7,091.96.

How to apply for a Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan

1. Complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. Complete and submit the 2009- 2010 Westchester Community College Data Sheet to the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
3. Complete the Direct Loan Entrance on line by visiting www.dl.ed.gov  
   1. Click on Entrance and Exit Counseling
   2. Select Entrance counseling
   3. Click on the word GO.
4. You will use the same pin number used to sign your FAFSA.  All students must complete the Direct Loan entrance on line, even if an entrance was done for the FFELP loan program on a prior occasion.  Your loan will not be processed until an entrance has been completed.
5. Complete the Direct Loan Promissory Note by visiting www.dlenote.ed.gov.
6. Once all your documentation has been submitted to the college, you should make an appointment to discuss your loan amount with a financial aid Counselor.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans to Parents of Undergraduate Students

Parents of undergraduate students may borrow up to the cost of education per year for each financially dependent student, taking into account all other financial aid received. Repayment begins within 60 days of disbursement, unless a deferment applies. The interest rate on a Federal Direct PLUS Loan is fixed at 7.9%. For further information, click Parent Federal Plus Direct Loan Process.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This program provides jobs both on and off-campus for students who have additional need which cannot be met by grants or loans alone. Need, class schedule, academic progress, and health status determine the award. Students must meet all other federal eligibility requirements.

The Career and Transfer Center arranges jobs, including community service jobs and jobs falling under America Reads/America Counts. Salaries generally begin at $7.70 per hour based on skill and job requirements. Students hired under the America Reads Program have a starting salary of $9.25 per hour. In any academic year, a student may work for the number of hours that earns a gross salary equal to the dollar amount of his or her award. Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis. The Career and Transfer Center provides a listing of Federal Work-Study jobs available on campus and in the community, as well as administrative procedures for student placement. Working hours should not conflict with class schedules. Students may not work for more than an average of 20 hours a week while classes are in session and 40 hours during vacation periods.

The college must make employment reasonably available to all eligible students. In the event that more students are eligible for FWS than funds are available, preference is given to students who have the greatest financial need.

If you find that you are not eligible for financial aid, you are encouraged to use the Career and Transfer Center (see Student Life and Services). The Center can help you locate part-time and summer jobs from which you may earn a large part of your college expenses.  

STATE

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP awards were originally for full-time students who meet all the general eligibility criteria and who are enrolled in accredited programs are eligible to receive a TAP award if their New York State net taxable income for the base year preceding the award year does not exceed $80,000 for dependent undergraduates or independent students with dependents. Single, independent students’ New York State net taxable income cannot exceed $10,000. Awards ranged from $250 to $1,775 a semester for the 2008-09 academic year. Awards are on a yearly basis starting with the summer session. TAP awards are limited to six semesters of full-time payment or equivalent, 36 points, for a two-year program.

Part-Time TAP Award
Effective with the 2007-2008 award year, part-time undergraduate students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits who were first-time freshmen in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter, who complete 12 credits or more in each of the two preceding consecutive semesters, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 are eligible for a part-time TAP award. Awards and points assigned are prorated based on enrollment status.

Accelerated TAP Award
Effective for semesters starting after January 1, 2007, students may also be eligible for a TAP ward for accelerated study during the summer semester. To qualify, students must have earned at least 24 credits applicable to their degree in the prior two semesters.

APTS (Aid for Part-Time Study)
The Aid for Part-time Study program is a grant program financed by New York State in conjunction with participating educational institutions throughout the state. The program provides grant assistance for eligible part-time students enrolled in approved undergraduate studies.

APTS is a campus-based program where recipients and award amounts are determined locally by the participating institution rather than as an entitlement program with fixed award schedules that are administered by a central processing agency. 

To be considered for an APTS award, students must:

• Meet all the state aid eligibility requirements.

• Enroll part-time (3-11 credits, at least 3 of which must be academic) as matriculated students in approved undergraduate degree programs or registered certificate programs at degree-granting institutions in New York State.

• Independent students with dependents other than a spouse or dependent students cannot have a total NYS net taxable income in excess of $50, 550.  Independent students with no qualifying dependents cannot have a NYS net taxable income in excess of $34, 250.

• Not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility.

• Not be in default on any Federal Education Loan.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The State University of New York's Educational Opportunity Program provides academic support and financial assistance to students who show promise for mastering college-level work, but who may otherwise find the college transition difficult. Offered primarily to full-time students who are New York State residents, the EOP accepts students who qualify, academically and financially, for the program.   Students should complete the EOP office at 914-606-6904.

World Trade Center Memorial Program
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarships provide financial aid to children, spouses or financial dependents of deceased/disabled persons who have died, or who have become severely and permanently disabled during the September 11, 2001 attacks or rescue and recovery operation.

Awards are made for full-time undergraduate study at approved colleges and other postsecondary institutions in New York State for studies in collegiate programs of at least one year’s duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate; hospital programs leading to licensure or certification in nursing or other fields of medical or health technology; and for two-year programs in registered private business school.

Note: New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate programs at U.S. colleges or universities located outside New York State on September 11, 2001 are also eligible for scholarship payments at that school.

Awards cover up to four years of full-time undergraduate studies (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s program). Students at a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY) have the following included in their scholarship award: actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; an allowance for room and board; and allowance for books, supplies and transportation. The total aid a student receives is affected by other grants and cannot exceed the cost of education.

Students must submit a World Trade Center application for any year in which they wish to receive payment. Students must also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a TAP Application.

Memorial Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters
This grant is awarded to children or spouses of police officers, firefighters or volunteer firefighters who died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. Award amounts are based on tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance. An award will be equal to actual tuition costs or SUNY undergraduate tuition, whichever is less. The grant also provides for non-tuition costs in combination with other state and federal grants. File a FAFSA and a  TAP application as well as the appropriate Memorial Scholarship Supplement which may be obtained from NYSHESC.

Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship for children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed in American airlines flight 587 crash in Queens, NY on 11/12/01

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the TAP application and the appropriate award supplement.

Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship
This is a grant for Volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who are New York State residents for one year and are enrolled in an appropriate undergraduate program of at least 6 credits; have a high school diploma or GED.  Applicants 23 years or older must have less than six months of volunteer service. No minimum or maximum time of service is required for applicants under 23 years old. 

Recipients must have an academic average of "C" or better, must be an active volunteer, attend a college within 50 miles of the volunteer organization and be enrolled in school for the duration of the scholarship.  The maximum award for attending Westchester Community College is $3,550, the annual full time tuition.  Applicants must have applied for TAP.  Contact your volunteer organization for further information.  Deadline date is May1, 2009.

Aid to Native Americans
You must be a member on the official tribal roll of a New York State tribe or child of a member. Documentation must be presented. Full-time awards are $875 per semester while pro-rated amounts are available for students taking less than 12 credits. Contact Native-American Education Unit, NYS Education Department, Education Building, Annex, Room 478, Albany, NY 12234. Call 518-474-0537.

Educational Incentive Program
Tuition assistance is available to members of the New York Army or Air National Guard or Naval Militia who have successfully completed initial active duty training or who are fully commissioned. Candidates must not have a bachelor’s degree and must be pursuing an undergraduate degree on a part-time basis with a minimum of six credit hours a semester. Receipt of funds under the grant will not affect eligibility for the Montgomery GI bill. Awards will be limited to tuition minus any financial grant funds the student receives. Funds for this grant are dependent on appropriation by the New York State Legislature.

SUNY Empire State/ Diversity Honors Scholarship
The Westchester Community College Foundation Diversity Honors Scholarship program provides grants to full-time students who are citizens or eligible non-citizens, meet NYS residency requirements and enrolled in a degree programs. Be a member of a racial/ethnic group that is underrepresented in the program or school. Although this may serve as a plus factor, this is not the sole basis for receiving an award. Every applicant will be evaluated on his or her own merits. Even though financial need is not a requirement, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. Awards range up to $1000 a year and are based on academic performance. Applications are available at the Financial Aid Office.    

New York State Lottery leaders of tomorrow Scholarship
Recipients must be US citizens and graduates of a New York State High School, have maintained a B average for 7 semesters of high school, demonstrate leadership skills and document experience in extracurricular and community activities.  Recipients must be attending a New York State College full time and maintain a B average.  One senior from every public and private high school is selected annually. 

Awards are $5,000 payable in increments of $1,250 per year.  Awards along with other assistance cannot exceed the recipient’s cost of attendance. Recipients must complete studies within five years after graduation.  Contact your high school counselor.  Recommendations for this award must be submitted by your high school counselor by March1, 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year. 

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
This is a federally funded program administered by New York State.  Recipients must be US citizens and legal New York State residents attending a college located in the US or its possessions.  Recipients must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic achievement.  Scholarships are based on SAT scores and grade point average.  Awards are $1,500, renewable up to 4 years, contingent upon federal funding. 

Applications are available from your high school Guidance Office.  Deadline for 2009-10 is March 1, 2020. 

Scholarships for Academic Excellence
US citizens or eligible non-citizens, who are legal residents of New York State, enrolled full time as a matriculated student in an approved program at a college in New York State. Students cannot be in default on any New York State guaranteed student loan. Awards are based on academic excellence on scores on Regents exams taken prior to the senior year in Comprehensive English, Global Studies, US History/Government, Math B and Science. Awards are $1,500 to the top graduating senior of each high school in New York State, $500 to other academically gifted students for up to four years or up to five years in certain programs.  Scholarships must be used within 7 years. Contact your high school guidance office by September 30, 2008. Scholarship recipients must complete FAFSA and apply for TAP 

Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)
Westchester Community College is approved by the State Education Department of New York to offer college training to students certified by VESID as having demonstrated the ability to complete college level work and who are eligible to receive educational benefits under an individualized plan for employment. Students may be full or part-time. 

VESID may pay up to the full-time tuition and fees charged at Westchester Community College and up to $675 a semester for documented room and board charges.  VESID will cover up to $550 a semester for required textbooks. If additional funds are required for textbooks above the $550, students should document their need and submit to the VESID counselor.  Funds for textbooks do not include expendable supplies such as paper, pencils and notebooks, unless they are uniquely related and required for participation in a specific course, or required because of limitations resulting from a disability

Application Process

• File an application for support with VESID by April 15 for the Fall semester, and September 15 for the Spring semester.
• File a FAFSA to apply for a Federal grants such as PELL, SEOG and ACG grant as well as State grants such as TAP and APTS.  Students are not required to take out student loans or participate in student work-study to be eligible for VESID.  However, student loans and work may be needed, in some instances, to help pay unmet need costs not covered by state and federal grants and VESID’s maximum educational contributions.

Submit documentation that the student has filed for all eligible state and federal financial aid grants and proof of grants received to VESID by June 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Spring term.

For more information on eligibility requirements, students should contact the VESID area office at 914-946-1313 or TTY 914-946-4634.

Veterans Benefits

New York State
The New York State Higher Education Department has approved Westchester Community College for the training of veterans and the dependents of veterans under the various Veterans Readjustment Acts. For further information, contact the Veteran’s Counselors in the Financial Aid Office (914-606-6994). 

Combat Veteran Tuition Award: Those veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom are eligible to receive up to 98% of the resident SUNY, CUNY, or Community College tuition. Note that although the award is available regardless of income, students are now required to file both a FAFSA and TAP application in addition to the Veteran Tuition Award to be eligible for this award. Once TAP is processed, the TAP  grant will pay the remaining 2% of the tuition. The CVTA application is available at the following site:
https://web1.hesc.org/questionnaire/page.hesc?questionnaireId=14&versionNumber=2

Complete the questionnaire on line and mail a copy of your DD-214 to HESC as instructed on the questionnaire.

National Guard Tuition Program
A new educational incentive program of the division of Military and Naval Affairs began January 1997 for members of the Army National Guard (ARNG), Air National Guard (ANG), and Naval Militia (MNNM) in the State of New York.

1. Matriculated
2. Enrolled full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits)
3. Working on first baccalaureate degree
4. Attending an eligible New York institution
5. Applied for a Federal PELL and NYS TAP; and
6. Maintained good drill attendance

Students may receive up to $3,400/year ($1,700/semester) or tuition, whichever is less. Federal Pell and TAP awards will be deducted from tuition first, and the balance of tuition would be aid through this program. The Division of Military and Naval Affairs Educational Incentive Program Application is available from the National Guard. Students are responsible to pay the money back if they drop out of classes.

Child of Veteran (CV) or Corrections Officer (CO)
A child of a military service veteran who is deceased, 40% or more disabled, a former prisoner of war or missing in action as a result of service in World War I, World War II, Korean War or Vietnam War, or who died as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty as a corrections officer may receive up to $450 each year for four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s degree program). The combined Child of Veteran and/or Child of Correction Officer and TAP award can never exceed the amount of tuition. For further information, contact the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (NYSHESC) in Albany and request a CV or CO Award Supplement. You must file a FAFSA application and a TAP application. 

Military Service Recognition Scholarship for members of the armed services of the U.S or state organized militia who, while New York State residents, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness incurred in a combat theatre or combat zone or during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theatre or combat zone of operation.

Also, children spouses and financial dependents of member of the above forces who were New York State residents at any time on or after August 2, 199, who died, became severely and permanently disabled as a result in injuries suffered or incurred, or are classified missing in action as a result of military activities as described above are also eligible.

Applicants must be a full time undergraduate student in an approved New York State post-secondary institution and must submit documentation supporting eligibility.  In addition to applying for a TAP, award applicants must file the appropriate award supplement by May 1, 2009.  Supplement may be requested from NYSHESC by calling 1-888-697-4372.

New York State Educational Incentive Program
Covers tuition for current New York State National Guard and New York State Naval Militia participants only. Apply through the Education Office at your reserve unit.

Federal

Commonly called Vocational Rehabilitation, this program covers those service members with a service connected disability. Those looking to qualify for this program will first need to have the VA determine both their level of disability and the appropriate remedy. Note that the program of study will need to be approved prior to enrollment, and all classes attempted must lead to the specified degree. Tuition, fees, books, and supplies will be paid by the VA to the college directly. The student is responsible for presenting the form 1905-22 to the VA certifying official to insure payment. The student is responsible for reporting any changes in enrollment and academic progress to his or her VA counselor.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB).
Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30) Service beginning after June 30, 1985
This program is for active duty veterans who served after July 1^st, 1985. The benefit is a monthly stipend paid after the school certifies registration. The amount paid is based on length of active duty service and number of credits taken. Those who served 4 years or longer receive the full payment while those who less than 4 years will have their awards reduced. Similarly, part time students will have their payments prorated. Those taking less than 6 credits will be paid only the tuition and fees associated with their class and do not receive a stipend to assist with living expenses. Students are responsible for certifying their attendance each month. If a student does not certify his or her attendance, the VA will withhold future payments until the student is in compliance.

REAP
This program is for reservist and Guard personnel who served extended overseas tours of duty. Your monthly stipend will vary depending on how long you spent on active duty. The minimum length of active duty service is 90 days. Those who served less than 90 days are eligible for Chapter 1606 only. Note that active duty does not include training. Once the monthly payment had been decided, the program is similar to Chapters 30 and 1606. Students receive payment after certification by the school, and students must certify their attendance each month. Those who do not certify their attendance will not receive the next month’s payment. Also, payment is prorated for those taking less than full time study, and those taking less than 6 credits will only receive partial payment.

Who Is Eligible
Veterans who served in aggregate at least 90 days active duty after September 10, 2001.

• Those who served at least 36 months active duty are eligible for maximum benefits.
• Those who served less time are eligible for pro-rated benefits to a minimum of 40%.
• National Guard and Reserves members who served pursuant to a federal call to active duty.
• Veterans who serve at least 30 continuous days and sustained a service connected disability.
• Veterans discharged in some circumstances.
• Active duty service members
• In some cases, spouses and children of active service members.

Compared to the pre-existing veterans education benefits programs, which remain in effect, the Post-9/11 GI Bill generally provides a better benefits package in terms of eligibility criteria, eligibility period and financial value. However, please be aware that the best veterans education benefits program for a person who is eligible for multiple programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill will depend on the person’s individual circumstances.

For additional information, please contact the Veteran’s Counselor located in the Financial Aid Office or e-mail brian.smarsh@sunywcc.edu

Additional Sources of Aid
In addition to the programs listed above, contact local community groups, high school, and places of parents’ employment for information about scholarships which may be available.