Your Degree, Without the Debt

Apply by completing the FAFSA each year after October 1.

• Federal Pell Grant: Based on need and "EFC" (expected family contribution) number from Student Aid Report (the results of the FAFSA). Some students may receive Pell if taking less than 6 credits. Does not have to be repaid.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Provided to those Pell Grant recipients who have the highest financial need. Does not have to be repaid.
• Federal Work Study: Based on financial need. Requires at least 6 credits. Funds earned based on number of hours worked and paid directly to the student biweekly. Does not have to be repaid.
• Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized): Subsidized loan is need-based. Unsubsidized is not need-based, but does have restrictions. Both loans have limits based on student's year in school and dependency status. Additional application (promissory note) and loan counseling required. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Must be repaid once no longer in school at least half-time.
• Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Not based on financial need. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Loan is in parent's name and repayment begins immediately.

Must be a Massachusetts State resident at least one year prior to receiving funds.

• Mass Grant: Based on need and the EFC number from FAFSA. Must submit FAFSA by May 1. Requires at least 12 credits per semester. 4 semesters maximum at 2 year schools. Does not have to be repaid.
• MA Access (Cash) Grant: Based on financial need. Requires at least 6 credits. Cannot exceed tuition and fees. Does not have to be repaid.
• MA Part Time Grant: Based on need and the EFC number from the FAFSA. Must have between 6 and 11 credits per semester. Does not have to be repaid.
• MA Need-Based Tuition Waiver: Based on need. Available for State supported courses with class sections 01 to 39. Does not have to be repaid.
• MA Categorical Tuition Waivers: Does not require a FAFSA. Not based on financial need. Available to Active Duty military, Veterans, Native Americans, Senior Citizens, clients of Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or the Commission for the Blind, and Children/Spouses of 911 Tragedy Victims. No minimum number of credits required. Does not have to be repaid.

• 4Cs Gap Fund: Based on need and the EFC number from FAFSA. Primarily awarded to students who do not qualify for sufficient federal and state aid to cover tuition, fees, and books. Requires at least 6 credits per semester. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Does not have to be repaid.
• 4Cs Whitehouse Grant: Awarded to students in Evening Nursing to reduce the program cost to match Day Nursing rates. Does not require financial need. Depending on availability, additional awards may be offered at the Financial Aid Director’s discretion. Apply by completing the FAFSA. Does not have to be repaid.

The Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation awards approximately $200,000 each year in scholarships to 4Cs students. Individual scholarship amounts and criteria vary. A committee of Foundation and College representatives selects recipients. Applications available in late February/early March.

For more information: www.ccccfoundation.org/scholarships/

If your total awards are less than your demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for the Federal Work Study program. Work study allows students to obtain part-time jobs on-campus and in certain off-campus, community service positions. Students receive paychecks every other week according to the number of hours worked.

To find out if you are eligible for a work study job, contact the Financial Aid Office.

For detailed information on federal education loans, please review www.studentaid.gov.

Annual Award Limits

In most cases, loans are awarded for the full academic year.  All loans are paid in two disbursements – usually half for fall semester and half for spring semester.

Federal subsidized loans are need-based and do not accrue interest while enrolled at least half time.  Subsidized loans will not exceed $3500 (1^st year) or $4500 (2^nd year).  Unsubsidized loans are not need-based and will accrue interest while attending college.

Below are annual maximums available.  Actual awards are based on cost of attendance and other aid received.  Subsidized will be determined based on federal financial need up to the annual limit.

Dependent Students (FAFSA includes parent information)

• 1^st year (under 30 credits earned or in a certificate)             $5500 per year
• 2^nd year (Associate degree with over 30 credits) $6500 per year

Independent Students (FAFSA does not include parent information)

• 1^st year (under 30 credits earned or in a certificate)             $9500 per year
• 2^nd year (Associate degree with over 30 credits) $10500 per year

Federal student loans also have aggregate borrowing limits based on all previous borrowing at all schools. 

Application Process

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov
2. Meet the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
3. Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester
4. Complete Entrance Counseling each year at studentaid.gov
5. Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) each year at studentaid.gov
6. Complete the Loan Request Form (link…???) and submit to the Financial Aid Office

The Federal PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent students.  The PLUS loan application requires credit approval.  Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance less al other sources of financial aid, including student loans.  PLUS loan payments can be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half time, but interest will accrue.

Application Process

1. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov
2. The student must meet the College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
3. The student must enroll in at least 6 credits per semester
4. Complete the PLUS application and receive credit approval at www.studentaid.gov
5. Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) each year at studentaid.gov

Alternative higher education loans are available from private lenders.  These loans require credit approval and may require a co-signer.  The amount available, interest rate, and application process varies by lender.  The maximum amount4Cs can approve is the cost of attendance less all other financial aid, including federal loans.