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. 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 (2010-2011) for full-time attendance.  Awards amounts are pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment.  Recent federal legislation permits students to receive more than one annual award within the same academic year (year-round PELL).  In order to eligible for a year- round PELL award students must have completed at least 24 credits (including remedial courses) within an academic year or will complete at least 25 credits within the academic year to which the award is attributed. Students may also be eligible for a year –round PELL grant if courses taken for the extended award will satisfy the minimum credit accrual of 24 credits in addition to credits which can be attributed to the new academic period.  In order to be eligible for a year- round PELL award students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits, which can include remedial credits.  Westchester community College will consider summer 2010 to be part of the 2009-2010 academic year as a trailer. Therefore, students eligible for a year-round PELL Grant for summer 2010 will have their award processed from the 2009-2010 PELL.

Application 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 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 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 no longer participates 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 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, 2010 will be 4.5%.

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.

The average loan indebtedness for students who graduated from Westchester Community College during the 2009-2010 academic year  is $8,484. 

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

1. Complete the 2010-2011 FAFSA on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov
    
2. Complete the Direct Loan Entrance on line by visiting www.StudentLoans.gov  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.
    
   1. Click on manage My Direct Loan
   2. Sign in with your FAFSA Pin
   3. Scroll down and click on Complete entrance Counseling then begin
   4. Print a copy of the “Complete Entrance Counseling” (Step 4) page
       
3. Complete the Direct Loan Promissory Note (MPN) by visiting www.studentloans.gov.
   1. Scroll down and click on Complete MPN
   2. Select Subsidized/Unsubsidized then complete the promissory Note
   3. Print first and last page of your completed Promissory Note
       
4. 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.
5. Bring a copy of your completed Entrance Counseling and MPN with you to your appointment.

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%.

How to Apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Westchester Community College urges all students to file the FAFSA to explore all grants and other aid for which the student may be eligible, including student loans.  In order for a parent to borrow in this program, the student must not be in default on any prior federal loans, must not owe a refund to any federal aid programs, meet federal pursuit and progress standards, be in good academic standing and be registered for 6 or more credits or equivalent credits.

Parents must be U.S citizens or eligible permanent residents, not be in default on any prior loans and meet credit approval.

STEPS FOR PARENTS TO APPLY FOR A DIRECT PLUS LOAN
(Please print and follow these instructions)

The William D. Ford Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan that you may be able to borrow on behalf of your child as part of his/her financial aid award package.  This loan is subject to credit approval by the U.S. Department of Education. Please note that grandparents, legal guardians and other family members do not qualify to borrow a PLUS on behalf of the dependent student. A dependent student is one who meets the criteria outlined on the FAFSA 2009-2010 worksheet or application. Please refer to these documents for the federal definition for a dependent student.  Your child should first complete the 2009-10 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step 1
To initiate the processing of the PLUS, only one parent should complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Data Application Sheet. Click Direct Loan Data sheet, complete and mail or fax to the Office of Student Financial Assistance, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, N.Y. 10595 - (Fax 914-606-7807). 

Step 2
Visit www.dlenote.ed.gov  to complete a Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note. Enter your federal PIN number as a signature as prompted. You may obtain a PIN number if you do not have one by visiting www.pin.ed.gov.

Step 3
When the school receives your completed Direct Loan Data Application Form, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will process an estimated PLUS loan based on the amount requested and the amount for which you may be eligible. This information will be sent on to the Department of Education by the school through a process called Origination. This prompts the federal processor to conduct a credit check. 

Step 4
You will receive a written notification of the credit decision from the U.S. Department of Education within 7-14 business days of processing.

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)

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 $9.80 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.  

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 $1875 a semester for the 2009-10 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 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..  Deadline for 2010-11 scholarship applications is May 1, 2011.

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 $2,000 per semester while pro-rated amounts are available for students taking less than 12 credits.   Students must reapply for each semester.  Deadline for Sumer 2010 is May 20, 2010;  Fall 2010 deadline is July 15, 2010 and Spring 2011 deadline is December 31, 2010. 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.

UNY 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.  

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL 

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, 2011 for the 2010-2011 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 2010-11 is March 1, 2011. 

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.  Deadline for payment application for 2010-2011 is May 1, 2010. 

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). 

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.

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.

Guard members may be eligible if they meet specific criteria:

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.

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 

Additional Sources of Aid