Important Information
Enrolled Hours
Only courses that count towards approved and declared program(s) of study will count towards enrolled hours for the semester. Students should meet with an academic advisor if they are uncertain if their courses count towards an approved program of study.
Accelerated Degree Programs and Late-Start Courses
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 Assistance 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).
Federal Pell Grant
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 EFC is calculated by completing the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
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 $100.00 to $1,500.00.
Federal Work-Study
Provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Students work in a variety of positions, typically on campus, averaging 10-20 hours per week. Work-study contracts are given as funding allows.
Federal Direct Loan
The largest source of low interest loans offered by the Department of Education. 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. To be eligible for a student loan, students must be pursuing an approved degree or certificate, enrolled at least half-time, 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.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Parents may borrow through the Direct 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. Repayment begins 60 days after the last disbursement of the loan term. Approval is based on a satisfactory credit rating.
State Assistance Programs
Maryland State Scholarships
Maryland offers a variety of scholarships and grants to full and part-time Maryland residents attending a Maryland college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for most Maryland scholarships; however, certain programs require an additional application. In some cases Maryland offers eligible non-citizens the opportunity to complete a Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) if they are unable to complete a FAFSA. For more information on additional application processes, please visit the state's website. Application information can be obtained by contacting the state directly at (410) 767-3300. The deadline to apply for most state scholarships and grants is March 1st annually.
For full-time Maryland grant programs, such as the Educational Assistance Grant, Guaranteed Access Grant, and Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, students are required to be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) no later than the Census date for the specified term. Part-time Maryland grant programs, such as the Part-Time Grant, also require enrollment in part-time (6-11 credit hours) no later than the Census date for the specified term.
Legislative Scholarships, such as Delegate and Senatorial, are awarded based on an assumed full-time enrollment by Census but may be pro-rated, reduced, or removed if students enroll part-time (6-11 credit hours).
Other Assistance Programs
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 between October 1st and April 30th. 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.