Federal Financial Aid Programs

The federal assistance programs are designed to provide funding for students who demonstrate financial need using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note, if you are enrolled in an Accelerated Degree Program or any late-start courses, it is important that you enroll in all of the courses you plan to take at the beginning of each term in order for the Office of Financial Aid to accurately calculate your maximum eligibility.

Federal Pell Grant

This program provides need-based grants to eligible full-time and part-time undergraduate students. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the student's credit load determine the amount of the grant. The maximum amount for an academic year is $4,310 for a full-time student with an EFC of 0. The EFC is calculated by completing the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This program provides supplemental funding for full and part-time undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amounts may vary from $100 to $1,500.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

This grant program is available to entering freshman and sophomore students, who completed a rigorous high school program, graduated high school after January 1, 2005, are a U.S. Citizen, are Federal Pell Grant eligible, and are enrolled on a full time basis. The grant provides up to $750 for the first academic year and $1300 for the second academic year providing the student maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must submit a copy of their high school transcript to the financial aid office for evaluation.

Science and Math Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)

Students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university have access to SMART grant funding in the amount of $4000 for junior and senior years of a baccalaureate degree program. Contact your intended school to request an application. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a science or math major, be eligible for Federal Pell Grant, be a U.S. Citizen, be a full time student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. For additional information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at: www.studentaid.ed.gov

Federal Work-Study Program

This program provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Students work in a variety of positions on and off campus, averaging 10 to 15 hours per week. Work-study contracts are given as funding allows. Click here to see a list of current programs available.

Federal Stafford Loan Program

The Federal Stafford Loan program is the largest source of low interest loans administered by the Department of Education. For Cecil College students, these loans are made by private lending institutions. Borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note with their lender agreeing to pay back the loan funds after graduating, withdrawing or dropping below six credits. The interest rate for the Federal Stafford Loan is a fixed rate of 6.8%. To be eligible for a student loan, students must be pursuing a degree or certificate, enrolled at least half-time status, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be in good standing according to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available. For students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and qualify for a subsidized loan, the federal government will pay the interest that accrues while the student attends school, during the grace period, and during deferment. For students who do not demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA, interest accrues from the date of disbursement. Students may choose to pay the interest quarterly or capitalize the interest while in school. Entrance interviews must be completed for all first time borrowers and exit interviews must be completed for all borrowers when the borrower withdraws, graduates, or drops below six credits. The purpose of both entrance and exit interviews is to inform students of their rights and responsibilities as borrowers and to help them understand the importance of repaying their student loans.

Apply for a Stafford Loan(pdf)
Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling
Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Federal PLUS Loan Program

Parents may borrow through the PLUS Loan Program on behalf of their dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled in an eligible program of study. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of six credits. The interest rate is a fixed rate of 8.5%. Repayment begins 60 days after the last disbursement of the loan term. Approval is based on a satisfactory credit rating.

Maryland State Scholarships

Maryland offers a variety of scholarships and grants to full and part-time Maryland residents attending a Maryland college. The FAFSA is used to apply for most Maryland scholarships; however, certain programs require an additional application. Applications can be printed from the state's website at www.mhec.state.md.us. Also, application information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or by contacting the state directly at 410-260-4565. The deadline to apply for most state scholarships and grants
is March 1st.

CCC Foundation Scholarships

Over 200 students are awarded scholarships each year through the Cecil College Foundation, Inc. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of friends and alumni who support the mission and vision of the College. Financial need and academic merit are among the eligibility criteria for selecting the awards. The Foundation accepts gifts from private donors and businesses to establish scholarships for the benefit of Cecil College students. Students may apply online for the full upcoming academic year by May 1. Most scholarships have specific criteria. Applicants do not apply for a specific scholarship. All applications will be screened and matched to appropriate scholarships through the selection process. For more information on Foundation scholarships, please call 410-287-1028.