Student Financial Assistance

Federal PELL Grant
This is a federal grant for undergraduate students who have not received a Bachelor's degree at the time of application. Students can be enrolled for fewer than 6 credits to be eligible for a PELL grant.  Annual awards can range from $555 to $5,550 a year (2012-2013) for full-time attendance.  Awards amounts are pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment.

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 Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans.  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 a subsidized loan if a first year student who has completed fewer than 30 credits), and $10,500 (no more than $4,500 in a subsidized loan if a second year student who 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, 2012 will be 6.8%.

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.  Students, 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 6 credits or the equivalent each term.

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%.

Parents must be U.S citizens or eligible permanent residents, not be in default on any prior loans and meet credit approval. If your credit was denied, your child should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to discuss extended unsubsidized loan options. Please note that all questions regarding credit decisions should be directed to the Borrower Services at the U.S. Department of Education Direct Loan Applicant Services at 1-800-557-7394. 

Federal Work Study (FWS)

The Federal Work Study Coordinator in the Career and Transfer Center arranges on campus jobs, community service positions and jobs falling under the America Reads/Counts Program. Salaries generally begin at $7.70 per hour based on skill and job requirements. Students hired under the America Reads/Counts Program have a salary of $9.80 per hour.  Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Students interested in participating in this Program need to apply in the Financial Aid Office.  Students having the �work study award� need to see Maria Clarizio, 914-606-6763.

NEW YORK STATE AID

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 $2140 a semester for the 2012-13 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 award 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. 

• Deadline dates to apply for an APTS grant are July 20, 2012 for summer 2012; October 12, 2012 for Fall 2012 and February 22, 2012 for Spring 2013.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
The State University of New Yorks 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 and Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarships for children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed in American airlines flight 587 crash in Queens, NY on 11/12/01 and Continental flight 3407 crash in Buffalo , NY on 2/12/09.
Applicants must be full time undergraduates in an approved   program in NYS.  Flight 587 students already enrolled in undergraduate institutions outside New York on 11/12/01 are also eligible.  Applicants must file the sward supplement, available at www.hesc.org.  or Scholarships at 1-888-697-4372 

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.

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 $2,000 per semester while pro-rated amounts are available for students taking less than 12 credits.  Students must reapply for each semester.   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 office of Student Financial Aid Assistance.  

Office of Adult Career and Continuing ED Services Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES/VR)

Westchester Community College is approved by the State Education Department of New York to offer college training to students certified by ACCES/VR 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.
 
ACCES/VR 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.  ACCES/VR 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 ACCES/VR 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 ACCES/VR 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 ACCES/VR.  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 ACCES/VR'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 ACCES/VR by June 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Spring term.
For more information on eligibility requirements, students should contact the ACCES/VR 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). 

Veteran Tuition Award (VTA): 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. 

Additional Sources of Aid