If you aren't already a part of the BCC community, we hope you soon will be! The mission of the Financial Aid Office is to remove economic barriers to your enrolling at BCC. We're equally committed to helping you with living expenses while enrolled so that you can more effectively focus on your studies and achieve your goals. Financial aid can make all the difference to your academic success, and we want to help you succeed. Each year nearly 1300 students receive an average award of $4,350 to attend BCC.
There are three major types of financial aid
- Grant, waiver, and scholarship programs provide free monies that can be applied to college expenses and do not have to be repaid.
- Work-Study provides part-time jobs so students can earn while they learn. Paychecks can be used to cover living expenses and college costs. The added benefit of this program is the opportunity to gain work experience and references.
- Low-interest loans that allow you borrow money for your education. Repayment begins after graduation, and in many cases, the government pays the interest during periods of enrollment.
Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
Eligibility for this grant is determined by the Federal Processor, and it can be awarded to students who have not earned a bachelor's degree. It is generally the largest source of ‘free money' for college expenses and is available to non-priority as well as priority applicants. Amounts change yearly. The maximum award for 2009-2010 academic year is $5,350. Priority applicants who file their FAFSA by May 1 each year and who qualify for a Pell Grant are eligible to have their tuition, fees and books covered in full up to 12 credits each semester.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This grant is awarded to Pell-eligible students with the highest need and also does not have to be repaid. BCC receives limited SEOG funding.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
This federal grant is also awarded to Pell-eligible students who are enrolled at least half-time and who completed a rigorous program of study in high school. For a list of recognized rigorous programs of secondary school study, visit www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-programs.html
MASSGrant
This grant is awarded by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) to state residents who filed their FAFSA by May 1. The amount printed on your BCC award letter is an estimate only. If you fail to meet the full-time requirement, we will replace your award with a Mass Part-Time Grant (while funds last). There is a limit of four semesters on receiving MASSGrants.
Mass Part-Time Grant
At BCC, first preference is given to awarding this grant to students who were offered a MASSGrant but who are unable to enroll full-time. Students must be Massachusetts residents and enrolled in 6-11 credits to receive this award.
Tuition Waiver
Tuition waivers are awarded to residents of Massachusetts. A waiver can be used to cover day tuition charges for state-supported courses; if your day tuition is less than your award, you'll receive the lower amount. A waiver does not cover college fees, books, or any charges associated with summer, evening, or non state-supported classes. If you enroll in non state-supported classes, we will convert your waiver to a Cash Grant (while funds last). However, we can't replace your waiver if you already have another type of waiver (egs., DSS, Mass Rehab, National Guard, Veterans or the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship). For a completing listing of tuition waivers available through the Commonwealth, visit http://www.osfa.mass.edu/default.asp?page=aidPrograms
Mass Cash Grant (aka Access Grant)
This grant is also for state residents and is awarded first to priority applicants and offered to others on a funds available basis. Like other grants, the Cash Grant provides ‘free money' that can be applied to college expenses and does not have to be repaid.
Other state programs which may be available to BCC students
Work-Study
This program provides students with part-time employment opportunities in a variety of job sites both on and off campus. The minimum wage rate paid to students is $8.00/hour with many students working the equivalent of 8-10 hours per week based on their award amount. Paychecks are issued every two weeks. For more about how Work-Study works, contact our Coordinator of Financial Aid & Work-Study Programs.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal direct student loan programs provide low interest loans to help meet expenses related to enrollment in college. Eligibility for a ‘Subsidized' or ‘Unsubsidized' Stafford Loan is determined from the household/financial information provided on the FAFSA. Students can receive subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination of both loans depending on eligibility. Repayment begins after graduation, and in many cases, the government pays the interest during periods of enrollment. Based on the most recent available data, the average total student loan debt upon leaving BCC (graduating, transferring, etc.) is $3,033.
To learn about the differences between federal and private education loans, visit http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/federalaidfirst/index.html For more information, contact our Coordinator of Financial Aid & Student Loan Programs.
In response to concerns at a national level about student lending practices, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, established a Code of Conduct - Student Loan Programs and called on each public institution of higher education in Massachusetts to adopt the Code. Accordingly, on August 28, 2007, Berkshire Community College adopted the Code as specified and is complying fully with the Code.
A Student Borrower Bill of Rights is a variation on this Code of Conduct that is intended to enhance student understanding of their rights under the Code.
