To request more information on financial aid at NCCC, send mail to: FinAid@niagaracc.suny.edu

The decision to pursue a college education involves motivation, commitment and financial planning. Although the cost of attending NCCC is relatively low, the cost may cause some concern for students and their families.

The question for many people is "Where do I begin?" Here's how:

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Start by acquiring and reading financial aid forms and literature. Contact the NCCC Financial Aid Office for forms, information, clarification and assistance.

> FINANCIAL AID LINKS, FORMS, & INFO
 

Some Useful Numbers:

NCCC Financial Aid  1-716-614-6266
Federal Financial Aid  1-800-433-3243 or 1-319-337-5665
State Financial Aid  1-888-697-4372

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The second step is to apply for financial aid by completing the required application(s). For federal aid, the required application is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal aid includes:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program
Federal Work Study Program
Federal Perkins Loan Program
Federal Family Education Loans

(Stafford - both subsidized and unsubsidized;

and Parent Loans for undergraduate students - PLUS)

For New York State aid, if enrolling as a full-time student, the application to complete includes the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application (NYS TAP). For part-time enrollment, the application to be completed for New York State aid is the Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS). It is not required that part-time students file the FAFSA; however, we do encourage students to pursue Federal as well as State aid.

NCCC's Federal Pell Code is: 002874         NCCC's State TAP Code is: 2215

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The third step is to investigate other sources of aid, such as scholarships. Many community clubs, organizations, businesses and churches offer educational scholarships. Many industries offer paid education as an employee benefit. Most libraries have a section on college planning that includes information on financial aid. NCCC's Library Learning Center has scholarship materials on reserve for use by students wishing to investigate private funding.

 

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The fourth step is to keep file copies of income documentation (both taxable and non-taxable), applicatio ns, and any other information used in completing financial aid applications.
 

A financial aid package includes:

1. cost of attendance
2. estimated family contribution
3. TAP/PELL estimates
4. campus-based aid, if eligible
5. campus employment, if awarded
6. loan amount (as of date of application)
7. outside private scholarships if received by College Association Office or reported by student
8. other resources applicable to student's circumstances. (e.g., Veterans; VESID; etc.)

Estimated annual cost for a student living at home with parents:   Tuition* $3,212 Fees $314 Books and Supplies $700 Personal Expense Allowance $650 Transportation Allowance $725 Room & Board Allowance $3,080 Total Estimated Cost $8,681   *Rates as of April 2008

Estimated annual cost for a student living on campus:   Tuition* $3,212 Fees $314 Books and Supplies $700 Personal Expense Allowance $650 Transportation Allowance $725 Room & Board Allowance $6,500 Total Estimated Cost $12,101   *Rates as of April 2008

In determining a student's "package," the Financial Aid Officer reviews:
 

Total Estimated Annual Cost $8,681 Estimated Family Contribution -$1,500 Financial Need $7,181 Estimated TAP/PELL Awards -$2,100 Remaining Financial Need $5,081

Timely Follow-Up

When asked, students should provide all information requested by the Financial Aid Office in a timely fashion. We must adhere to Federal and State regulations which require us to verify certain information. At least 30 percent of our applicants are randomly selected by the United States Department of Education each year for a process called verification. Simply put, verification is the process of providing documentation and information used to complete the financial aid application. Being selected does not mean the application was completed incorrectly; it is a validity measure to ensure program integrity when awarding federal funds. A delay in providing information will result in a delay in receiving awards.

College Association Services

If the financial aid application is completed in a timely manner and the student has remaining eligibility after tuition and fees, he/she can charge books and supplies in the Colleg e Bookstore by showing them a copy of his/her schedule and the College ID (identification card) provided at Advisement/ Registration.

A short-term loan of $100 can be charged against the financial aid if a student needs cash. To obtain the loan, a student can pick up an application in the College Association Office, Room G117b. Processing usually takes 48 hours.

Charges against aid in the College Association Bookstore or receiving a short-term loan are privileges allowed to students who take care of their financial aid applications in a timely fashion. Generally speaking, applications filed after June 1 are considered late and may jeopardize a student's charging privilege.

 

Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is a program for students who have not completed a bachelor's degree. Eligibility requirements include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being enrolled in an eligible program as a matriculated student and demonstrated need as assessed by the federal needs analysis formula.

Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the Central Processing Service using the Federal Needs Analysis formula approved by Congress. Each applicant will receive a Student Aid Report which must be turned in to the Financial Aid Office for payment to be made to the student's account. Current award amounts are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Refund checks are mailed to the student's address on file with the Registration & Records Office for any amount due after tuition and approved charges have been paid. Refund disbursements are contingent upon application completion date, verification of attendance in class and remaining need after institutional deferments have been paid. Students who do not continue attendance in their enrolled classes may owe money back to the Federal PELL Grant Program based on last date of recorded attendance.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program Grants (FSEOG)
Students with exceptional financial need are eligible for this grant program if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled and matriculated on at least a half-time basis. Current award amounts are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Funds available for this program are limited. Regulations require that priority be given to students who receive Federal PELL Grants. The award amount is dependent upon the student's level of need and the funding policy of the given academic period. Students who do not continue attendance in their enrolled classes may owe money back to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program based on last date of recorded attendance.

Federal Financial Aid Programs - Employment
There are a variety of work placements for students to gain experience as well as earn extra funds to assist with educational expenses. The library, bookstore, cafeteria, chemistry/physics/electrical labs and division offices look for students who wish to work in their areas. Clerical jobs in virtually all campus offices are available. If none of the typical employment opportunities interest a student, it is quite possible that he or she could define a work experience and be paid for doing something that is of interest and is related to academic and vocational studies at NCCC! In addition, the jobs are convenient, since work may be scheduled on campus, before classes, after classes or between classes. Evening and Saturday work is also possible. Student workers gain important experience and provide valuable services to the College community.

Federal Work-Study Program
Both full-time and part-time matriculated students in need of part-time employment to continue their college education may apply for participation in the Federal Program. Those who qualify for the program, generally work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and up to 35 hours per week when classes are not in session, depending on department allocation and student's eligibility.

Students generally cannot earn more money than is indicated in the financial aid package. For example, if the award letter indicates a Work-Study award of $1,000, the student can work 8 - 10 hours per week.

A student not offered a Federal Work-Study award in the initial financial aid award package, should contact the Financial Aid adviser for a review of the aid package.

Federal Work-Study Placement in Community Service
NCCC also offers placements for eligible work-study recipients in community service settings. The eligibility requirements are the same as those for on-campus placements.

NCCC Student Assistant Program
Student Assistants are hired using the same process as the Federal Work-Study Program. Student Assistant employ ment is a non-need based work program.

Federal Perkins Loans
Any student with financial need can apply for a federally sponsored Perkins Loan. An eligible student may borrow up to $4,000 each academic year. Repayment and 5% interest begin six months after graduation, leaving school or not attending at least half-time. The total loan may be cancelled for teaching handicapped students or in a designated hardship school or for other designated fields.

Federal Stafford Loan Program (Subsidized)
Matriculated students who are enrolled in at least six credit hours, are in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need may be eligible for this low interest student loan program. The Federal Stafford Loan application can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office. Once completed, the Stafford loan app lication is submitted to the Financial Aid Office. The maximum loan eligibility per academic year is as follows:

$2,625 for first year students (less than 30 earned hrs.)
$3,500 for second year students (30 or more earned hrs.)

All Federal Stafford loan applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Stafford loan application to determine loan eligibility. All determinations are evaluated based on current federal regulations. Once an aid package is determined, the Financial Aid Office electronically submits the loan certification to New York State Higher Education Services Corporation.

If you are a first time loan borrower at NCCC you must complete a loan entrance interview prior to applying. You can complete this interview requirement by going on-line to www.mapping-your-future.org

Prior to disbursing the loan, the loan will be reduced by the lender by a 3% origination fee. Repayment on this loan begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time (6 credits) enrollment.

Loans disbursed after July 1, 1994 cannot exceed 8.25%.

Federal Stafford Loan Program (Unsubsidized )
The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program operates identically to the terms and conditions of the Federal Stafford Loan Subsidized Program except that the borrower is required to pay the interest while in school.

Eligibility for a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is determined when a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Stafford Loan Application. Federal Stafford Loan under the subsidized component is determined first; if the student does not qualify for the subsidized loan, the borrower may then qualify for all or a portion of the unsubsidized loan.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The Federal PLUS is a loan program for parents of dependent undergraduate students who may borrow up to the yearly cost of attendance (budget) minus any expected financial aid. Loans are made by a lender such as a bank, credit union or savings and loan association. Federal PLUS borrowers must begin repayment within 60 days. A borrower does not have to show need but may have to undergo a credit analysis. Students who do not continue attending enrolled classes will be reported to their lenders if they drop below 6 credit hours of attendance, leave school or graduate.

Sample Fixed Repayment Schedule
Federal Family Educational Loan Program (8.25%)

Total Loan Amount	Number of Payments	Monthly Payment	Interest Charges	Total Repaid
$2,600	65	$50	$628.44	$3,228.42
$4,000	120	$49.06	$1,887.20	$5,887.20
$7,500	120	$91.99	$3,538.80	$11,038.80

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is a state-funded grant program for New York State residents to be used only at approved post-secondary institutions within New York State. Grants range from $100 to $5,500 based on the family's prior year's New York State net taxable income and the program of study enrolled in at NCCC. There is no academic competition for this award; students must be enrolled on a full-time b asis and be matriculated in a program of study. Students must complete the TAP application to be considered for funding. Students will receive an award certificate in the mail from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation which must be turned in to the Cashier's Office for credit to the student's account.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)
APTS is a state funded grant program for New York State residents attending college on a less than full-time basis. A student must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Program:

1. be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident;
2. be a New York State resident;
3. be matriculated (enrolled in a degree-granting program);
4. maintain a 2.0 grade point average;
5. be in good academic standing;
6. be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours but not more than 11 credit hours per semester;
7. have remaining TAP eligibility.

Students must complete an APTS application in order to be considered for funding. Applications can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Awards are based on NYS net taxable income and awarded depending on State allocation and tuition costs.

APTS requires a 50 percent completion of half-time course load for the first year and 75 percent completion of the second year; thereafter, a 100 percent is expected to be completed to continue receiving APTS awards.

Regents Child of Veteran, Police or Firefighter Awards
Awards of $450 per year are made to full-time students who are children of deceased or disabled veterans, prisoners of war or veterans missing in action or of police officers, firefighters or volunteer firefighters who died as a result of injuries received in the line of duty after July 1, 1982.

Native American/Indian Aid
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Higher Education Grant Program
Federal Grants may be made to full-time students who are members of tribes served by the Bureau, possess one-fourth or more degree Indian blood, have a definite financial need and are enrolled in an approved program. Continuing eligibility will depend on satisfactory academic progress toward degree requirements. Priority funding for unmet need is provided to those presently residing or who have resided, on the reservation. The student is required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a New York State Tuition Assistance Program application (NYS TAP). For more information please contact:

United States Department of Interior   (703) 235-3273
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Hanley Building, Room 523
100 South Clinton Street
Syracuse, NY 13260

New York State Indian Aid
New York State Indian Aid is financial assistance for eligible American Indians for study in approved under-graduate programs. Native Americans who are on an official tribal roll of one of the eight Indian tribes and nations recognized by New York State or who are the child of such an enrolled member, are eligible to apply. Students should apply one semester at a time and should do so prior to the semester for which aid is desired. (For example, if a student wants aid for Spring semester, he or she should apply in early Fall). Students must comply with deadlines in order to receive aid. For more information, please contact:

New York State American Indian Aid  (518) 474-7611
The State Education Department
Native American Indian Education Unit
Room 543 EB
Albany NY 12234

Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc.
Services and financial assistance are offered to any person who needs assistance in completing his/her individual education goals. Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc., provides direct and supportive services which are based on the needs and eligibility for the program. Services include classroom training, transportation, child care, books, supplies and tuition (only for specialized curricula). There are no eligibility requirements for services related to education assessments, information/referral, financial aid or academic follow-up. For more information, please contact:

Native American Community Services
1047 Grant Street (rear)  (716) 874-4990
P.O. Box 86
Buffalo, NY 14207-0086
or
Native American Community Services  (716) 282-5441
561 Portage Road
PO Box 2161-New Market Station
Niagara Falls, NY 14301-2161

Veteran's Educational Benefits
For information visit NCCC's Veteran's & Military Educational Benefits Page

FastWeb Scholarship Search Service

NCCC Foundation Inc.
The Niagara County Community College Foundation, Inc., established in 1987, provides the supplemental funding and endowment necessary to maintain excellence of and accessibility to the College. A wide range of scholarships are administered by and through the Foundation each year.

For a complete listing scholarships available to NCCC students, Click Here

For further information,
Contact the NCCC Financial Aid Office
(716) 614-6200