Financial aid is monetary assistance provided to undergraduate students who seek higher education. The costs of education beyond high school are expected to be paid by the student and/or the student’s family.  However, when the cost is greater than the student or family’s ability to pay, financial assistance is available.  Most assistance programs are administered on the basis of “need,” which is defined as the difference between the cost of attending a particular college and the family’s ability to pay that cost.  Such cost includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, personal expenses and living expenses. The student’s or the family’s ability to pay is calculated through a needs- analysis system approved by the United States Department of Education, Office of Financial Aid Services.

In an effort to help students meet particular educational goals, the Financial Aid Office incorporates various types of financial aid into a “Financial Aid Package” for each student.  Depending on the student’s “need” financial aid grants will be awarded to cover the costs of tuition, fees and books for the Fall and Spring semesters only.  In some cases, students may receive a Financial Aid Refund to defray a portion of the additional educational expenses, such as transportation.  Student borrowing is discouraged at the community college level.

If qualified, Middlesex students can receive financial assistance for direct educational costs such as tuition, fees, books and supplies. Student status will be measured as follows:

• 3-5 credits: less than half-time
• 6-8 credits: 1/2-time
• 9-11credits: 3/4-time
• 12 credits and above: full-time

The cost of attending Middlesex Community College will vary depending on a number of factors, such as how many courses the student is taking and whether the student has dependent or independent status.

Common to all federal funding, to be eligible for financial assistance at Middlesex, a student must:

• be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• have financial need as assessed by an eligible needs analysis system
• be enrolled as a matriculated student at Middlesex Community College
• be working towards a degree or certificate
• maintain satisfactory academic progress
• not be in default on any federal educational loan or owe a repayment on any federal grant at any institution
• certify registration for Military Selective Services (if applicable), and
• have completed high school or have earned the GED.

Note: All financial aid recipients will have their attendance monitored.

• All aid is based on the availability of funds and awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Institutional deadlines apply for all forms of state and institutional financial assistance.
• Fall Semester - June 1
• Spring Semester - December 1

• The student must complete a Middlesex Community College summer application.
• The student must have unmet need, as determined by federal needs-analysis (FAFSA).
• Limited funds are available, but every effort will be made to cover the cost of tuition. Students may be financially responsible for the costs of books and supplies during this session.
• Student Pell Grant eligibility will be determined first.
• Satisfactory academic progress requirements are identical to semester requirements.
• The student must be enrolled for a minimum of three semester hours to be eligible for assistance.

For further information, please contact Financial Aid Services at
MX-FinaidHelpl@mxcc.commnet.edu

Financial Aid Online. How to Apply? It's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 !

1. Getting an email address
   The Office of Financial Aid Services at MxCC will use email to keep you informed. If you don't have an email account, you can get one for free at www.juno.com, www.hotmail.com, www.worldnet.com, www.yahoo.com, and other providers. You will need to provide your email address to both the U.S. Department of Education and Middlesex Community College. The U.S. Department of Education and MxCC will communicate with you about your financial aid process by sending information to your email address.
2. Applying for a PIN (Personal Identification Number)
   If you don't already have a federal student aid PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN will allow you to sign your federal student aid application online, saving you several weeks in processing time. If you have to include parents' information when you complete your federal aid application, your parents will also need to request a federal student aid PIN. If you are not sure whether or not you have a PIN already, you can go to the same website to check. Now that you have an email address, the Department of Education will email you directions on how to obtain your PIN from a secure website. Allow 5 days to secure your PIN from them. Your PIN serves as your password to access private information on the U.S. Department of Education's website.
3. FAFSA on the Web
   Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete the federal student aid application online. This site has a useful "pre-application worksheet" you may want to print out first. You will need the Middlesex school code 008038.
   • Your driver's license (if any)
   • Your W-2 forms and other records of earnings
   • Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) 2004 Federal Income Tax Return - IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile, foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia
   • Your parents' 2005 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
   • Your parents' social security number(s)
   • Your 2005 untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
   • Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds and other investments
   • Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
4. Using myCommNet
   

   Now that you've applied for financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education and Middlesex Community College, you can track your financial aid application and award information on the Internet by using myCommNet (my.commnet.edu).

   To use this system, you need to know your NetID and its password (this password is different from your U.S. Department of Education PIN mentioned earlier). When you applied for admission to Middlesex Community College, you were given these numbers. Your NetID is BannerID@student.commnet.edu (for example: 12345678@student.commnet.edu). Your Banner ID is your 8-digit student number and can be found on your course schedule. Your initial password is a combination of your first 3 letters of birth month (capitalize the first letter) and last four digit of your social security number (for example: Apr&8695). You will be asked to change your password when you first login. If you do not know your Banner ID, you must contact the Records Office at MxCC to get this information.

   In addition to being able to track your financial aid application online, you will be able to download any documents you may need to complete your application requirements. You can then print out these documents and either mail or drop them off at the Financial Aid Office. To inform you of your application status, we will periodically email you and direct you to visit myCommNet to check your list of missing documents. You should make sure you log into myCommNet weekly to stay current with your financial aid information and news.

5. Your Financial Aid Award
   When we complete our review of your financial aid application, we will notify you at your email address and direct you to myCommNet. You will be able to view your Financial Aid Award over the Internet.
   
   Once your financial aid award has been issued, it can be reviewed online. Your use of myCommNet allows you 24 hours/day, 7 days/week access to the Office of Financial Aid Services of Middlesex Community College.

Important: To apply for aid, you'll first need an email address and access to the Internet. (You do not have to own a personal computer to file your FAFSA on the web.) You can use computers to get on the Internet at many public libraries (including the MxCC library), high schools, adult education centers, community centers, as well as the MxCC computer labs in Rooms 305. Middlesex cannot process your financial aid application until you are accepted in a degree or eligible certificate program. If you're a new student, apply for admission immediately at http://www.mxcc.commnet.edu or call 860-343-5719.

For further information, please contact Financial Aid Services at MX-FinaidHelp@mxcc.commnet.edu

Once eligibility has been established, the student will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter explaining the "Financial Aid Package", which is comprised of all the funds the student will receive. The student should sign and return the Financial Aid Award Letter within fourteen days in order to assure that the funds offered will be applied to the student's account. The student may receive assistance from one or more programs, depending upon his or her need and the availability of funds. Available programs include:

Grants are gifts of aid to students, which normally would not have to be repaid. However, if a student completely withdraws from classes before the 60% point of the semester, the student will owe a partial repayment to the Federal government for any Title IV funds received (Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)),* and Federal Stafford Loans. Other available grants include Connecticut Aid for Public College Students Grant and Middlesex Community College Grant.

*For more detailed information, please see Return of Title IV Funds Policy in this catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office.

• Federal Pell Grant:
  This grant is the foundation of all federal aid programs. It is money provided to help undergraduate students pay for their education beyond high school. The amount of money the student can receive through this program will depend upon the program funding for the year, the information the student provides on the application, and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. The student must be enrolled for at least three credit hours in a program of six months length or longer. A student is eligible for the Pell Grant until a first bachelor's degree is earned.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG):
  This is a federal grant for undergraduate students who have completed high school and have a financial need.
• Connecticut Aid for Public College Students (CAP):
  This grant is for Connecticut residents who demonstrate financial need. Annual awards may not exceed the recipient's unmet financial need.
• CTCC Grant-Institutional:
  This grant is for Connecticut residents who demonstrate unmet need.
• Childcare Assistance:
  This is available to eligible Middlesex students who have their children enrolled at the Middlesex Child Care & Preschool Center. For the current academic year, the student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) during the fall or spring semester, to be considered for assistance. Students enrolled for 12 semester hours or more will receive 8 sessions per week; 9 to 11 semester hours, will receive 6 sessions per week, and 6 to 8 semester hours, will receive 4 session per week. There are no exceptions. If the student wishes to enroll their child in more sessions than financial aid will cover, they are responsible for paying any outstanding debts. To apply, the student must complete Financial Aid Application for Day Care Assistance each fall and spring semester, for which they wish to apply. Applications are available at the MxCC Day Care Office for the semester. You may contact Hphelps@mxcc.commnet.edu for more information. Financial assistance is available only when classes are in session and is not provided during the winter or summer sessions. Financial Aid for Day Care Assistance is not in addition to their financial aid award. Additional financial aid will be awarded to pay for the costs only. Students receiving Day Care Assistance should not expect to receive a financial aid refund check. Students who withdraw from classes and who choose to have their child(ren) continue to attend Day Care sessions will be responsible for expenses incurred as a result. Financial aid and Day Care assistance is based upon the student's attendance of classes.

All loans issued or certified by the college must be repaid. Terms and interest rates vary significantly among the different programs. Middlesex Community College participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), most notably the Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loan Program.

In accordance with Federal regulations, a Student Financial Aid Ombudsman has been appointed. The Ombudsman will work with student loan borrowers to informally resolve loan disputes and problems from an impartial and independent viewpoint. The Ombudsman helps borrowers having problems with Direct Loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Consolidation Loans. If your student loan complaint is justified, the Ombudsman will work with you and the office, agency, or company involved in the problem to seek a reasonable and fair solution.

On your behalf, he/she will contact offices within the U.S. Department of Education, private lenders, banks, and loan guaranty or servicing agencies. The Ombudsman's Office recommends solutions, but does not have the authority to reverse decisions. To contact them, call (877)557-2575, visit their Web site at www.ombudsman.ed.gov, or write to:

Students may be awarded a Work-Study award as part of their financial aid package. e Federal and CAP Work programs provide funds for students to be employed while enrolled, at least half-time per semester, in an eligible program of study. Students may gain part-time work experience through employment opportunities at the Middletown campus or Meriden Site, or through the Community Service Program (off-campus).

A student receiving Federal Title IV financial aid or other financial aid directly administered or certified by the college must maintain satisfactory academic progress towards the completion of a certificate or degree program of study. Satisfactory academic progress for financial aid recipients is measured by both quantitative and qualitative standards and is an assessment of a student's cumulative academic record at the college.

A student must complete successfully two-thirds (66.66%) of the credits (earned credits/attempted credits) s/he attempts and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 to be making satisfactory academic progress and be eligible to receive financial aid. The student's cumulative academic history will be evaluated prior to each term's financial aid disbursement. This policy will be used to evaluate full-time and part-time students. A veteran may not be certified for benefits up to 150% of his/her program. A veteran may only be certified for those courses necessary for completion of the designated program of studies. In order to avoid confusion, we approve for Veterans Benefits, the Probation, Dismissal and Attendance polices found on page 21.

All attempted credits resulting in either an academic grade or administrative transcript notation will be included in the quantitative calculation. Transfer credits will be counted as attempted and earned credits in the calculation for determining satisfactory academic progress.

• Probation Period
  Any student who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress standard will be placed on Financial Aid Probation once. The probationary period will be the student's next semester of enrollment at the college. The college will communicate the Probation status to the student and inform the student that s/he must meet the academic progress standard by the end of the Probation Period in order to maintain eligibility to participate in the financial aid program at the college.
• Termination
  Any student who fails to meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress standard at the end of the Probationary Period will be dismissed from the financial aid program at the College. The college will communicate the Termination status to the student and inform the student of the Reinstatement and Appeal Process available to the student.
• Maximum Credit Hours
  A student may receive student financial aid for any attempted credits in his/her program of study that do not exceed 150% of the published length of the student's educational program at the college. For example, a student enrolled in a 60-credit degree program may receive financial aid for a maximum of 90 attempted credit hours. Similarly, a student enrolled in a 30-credit certificate program may receive financial aid for a maximum of 45 attempted credit hours. Any attempted credits at the College must be included in the calculation. This 150% maximum credit hours rule is applicable to students who change majors or who pursue a double major.
• Reinstatement Policy
  A student's financial aid eligibility will be automatically reinstated at such time as the student meets the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements. Reinstatement to the financial aid program may also occur upon a successful appeal by the student.
• Appeal Process
  A student may request reinstatement to the financial aid program by submitting a written appeal to the Associate Dean of Learning and Student Development.  The letter should cite the extenuating circumstance to be considered in the re-evaluation.
  
  

MxCC No SAP Appeal Process: Upon the student becoming No SAP (not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress according to Financial Aid regulations), the Office of Financial Aid Services will communicate the No SAP status to the student allowing the student to appeal the decision.

The student will be asked to provide a letter detailing what caused them to fail to meet the Satisfactory Progress standards that can include the following: family difficulties, such as divorce or illness, difficulty balancing work, school and family obligations and/or financial difficulties, please note that in some instances proper documentation may be required to consider the appeal. In addition, the student will be asked to include in the appeal letter a special plan for academic recovery.

The Associate Dean of Learning and Student Development will review all written appeals and determine if the student is eligible for financial aid upon reviewing the appeal. The turn around time is at the discretion of the Office of Financial Aid Services.

Once the appeal has been evaluated and a decision has been reached, the appeal process is completed and the Office of Financial Aid Services will communicate the SAP appeal status to the student.

The SAP appeal decision is final and can't be disputed any further with the Office of Financial Aid Services.

All students are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid if they have any questions at 860-343-5741.

Students who plan to withdraw from any classes must complete the appropriate Withdrawal Form and report to the Financial Aid Office. Withdrawals from classes may have a negative impact on the student's financial aid eligibility. Please refer to the section on "Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Recipients."

In compliance with [the Higher Education Act of 1992] 34 CFR 668.22 (b) and (c) of the United States Department of Education Title IV regulations, the Board of Trustees of Community Colleges authorizes a pro-rated refund for students

Return of Title IV Program Funds for Withdrawn Students
The law now requires that, when you withdraw during a payment period or period of enrollment, the amount of SFA Program assistance that you have "earned" up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you received (or your school received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you will be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned.

The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro rata basis. That is, if you completed 30 percent of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn 30 percent of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more than 60 percent of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all of your assistance.

(Source: The Student Guide, Financial Aid, from the U.S. Department of Education 2001-2002)

Return of Title IV Funds Policy for Official Withdrawals
(effective October 7, 2000)
Students who received, or are eligible to receive, federal Title IV financial aid funds, and officially withdraw from all classes, prior to the 60% point in the semester, are subject to a pro-rated calculation to determine the amount of earned and unearned Title IV aid they are eligible to receive. Any unearned portion of Title IV aid must be returned to the Title IV program(s). This is the responsibility of the student. If the student owes a refund to any federal aid program, the student is not eligible to receive Title IV funds, and possibly other forms of financial aid, until this is resolved. The Title IV programs include Pell and SEOG grants and Perkins Loans.

The formula is as follows:

The percentage of Title IV aid earned equals the number of days in attendance, divided by the number of days in the semester, times the amount of Title IV aid received. The unearned Title IV aid is calculated by deducting the amount of Title IV aid earned from the total amount of Title IV aid received. Any student allowances are deducted from this amount to determine the amounts to be returned to the Title IV programs, per federal regulations.

In addition to owing a refund to one or more of the Title IV programs, the student may owe an outstanding debt to the college. This is the student's financial responsibility. The student will be notified in writing, according to federal regulations, of the amount of earned and unearned Title IV aid and the amount of outstanding debt to the college. The student is responsible for contacting the institution to make satisfactory repayment arrangements to Title IV programs and the institution. All funds will be returned to the appropriate Title IV funds according to federal regulations.

Students who withdraw from classes beyond the 60% point in the semester will have earned 100% of the Title IV financial aid and will not owe a refund to any financial aid programs.

Return of Funds Policy for Unofficial Withdrawals for Title IV Student Aid Recipients
Students who withdraw from all classes and do not earn any credits for the semester will be considered unofficial withdrawals.

If the institution cannot determine the student's last day of attendance, the student will be considered to have attended 50% of the semester.

The student's financial aid may be applied to the student's account for the semester, but the student may be determined ineligible for future financial aid assistance, due to unsatisfactory academic progress.

It is the student's responsibility to pay any outstanding debt owed to the institution, if financial aid is not applied.

All funds will be returned to the appropriate Title IV funds according to federal regulations.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid Services for more information if you intend to withdraw, or have withdrawn, from your classes.

The Dean of Learning and Student Development is authorized to modify the tuition refund policy for specific students on a case-by-case basis under the following extenuating or extraordinary circumstances: severe illness documented by a doctor’s certificate; erroneous advisement by the college; and military transfer. Exceptions, which are not normally considered, include change in job, mild illness, poor decision, or a student’s change of mind.

• Pay special attention to your FAFSA application. Complete it accurately and submit it on time to the proper office. Errors can prevent or delay the receipt of financial aid.
• Provide all required documentation, verification, corrections and/or new information requested by either the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which you submitted your application.
• Read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign, and retain a file copy.
• Accept responsibility for signed promissory note and all other agreements that you sign.
• If you have a loan, you are responsible for repayment. Notify the lender/institution of changes in your name, address or school status.
• If you withdraw from classes, follow the proper institutional procedures, notify Financial Aid Services and repay any refunds due to federal financial aid programs.
• Perform, in a satisfactory manner, the work that is agreed upon when accepting a college work-study job.
• Know and comply with the deadlines for application or re-application for aid.
• If financial aid funds are not applied due to an incomplete application, or if financial aid funds do not pay the student's entire costs for attending Middlesex Community College, the financial responsibility for debts owed to the institution is the student's responsibility.

Financial Aid student refund checks for grant aid and student loan checks are scheduled for disbursement early in the semester for which the student received Financial Aid.  The student must be currently attending classes, and the student’s financial aid file must be complete, with all necessary documentation, prior to the release of refund checks.

All Middlesex Community College students receive information concerning scholarships awarded by the College. Interested and eligible students may obtain a scholarship application form through the Dean of Learning and Student Development Office.

Financial aid awards will not be reduced for students who receive private or Middlesex Community College scholarships, unless the combined amount of financial aid and student resources exceeds the student's financial need, as determined by the federal needs-analysis determination.

Resources:
www.fastweb.com
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.collegeboard.com (scholarship search)
www.wiredscholar.com

e HOPE Scholarship, included in the federal Tax Relief Act of 1997, and one of a series of measures aimed at making a college education universally affordable, will give many more students the financial means to start on their college education, go back to school and choose a new career or upgrade their skills.

1. 1. HOPE is technically not a "scholarship." It is a tax credit available to eligible students (or their parents) during the first two years of post-secondary education. e HOPE legislation allows eligible Middlesex Community College students to receive tax credits for their college education.
2. This non-refundable tax credit covers 100 per cent of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees and 50 per cent of the second $1,000 during the qualified period. e HOPE credit is available only for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of an eligible student at an eligible institution. It can be claimed in two taxable years, but not beyond the year when the student completes the first two years of college.
3. The HOPE tax credit applies for education expenses (as indicated above) paid after December 31, 1997, and for education provided in academic periods beginning after that date.
4. The amount of tuition and fees covered by the HOPE tax credit is, however, reduced by other grants, scholarships and financial aid received. is includes scholarship funds excluded from an individual's gross income, as well as federal grant aid such as Pell Grants.
5. Eligible students (or their parents) can claim this tax credit when filing federal tax forms each April.
6. To be eligible to file for the HOPE credit, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
   • A student must be enrolled in a degree, certificate, or other program leading to a recognized education credential (i.e., associate degree, certificate program, etc.)
   • The student must be enrolled at least half- time (a minimum of six credits). Students attending less than half-time are not eligible for the HOPE tax credit, but may be eligible for the lifetime learning credit.
   • The student must have an adjusted gross income that is less than $50,000 (single filers) or $100,000 (joint filers).
   • Any student convicted of a felony for the possession or distribution of a controlled substance is not eligible for the HOPE Scholarship.

For further information concerning the HOPE Scholarship and the Lifetime Learning Credit, contact the Financial Aid Office, 860-343-5741.

College juniors, seniors, graduate students, adults returning to college, and students enrolled less than half-time (less than six credits) are eligible for the lifetime learning tax credit. e credit, available on a per-taxpayer (family) basis, is worth 20 percent of the first $5,000 of tuition and fees through the year 2002, and 20 percent of the first $10,000 in tuition and fees thereafter. Eligibility is phased out at the same income level as the HOPE Scholarship. (Single filers over $50,000 and joint filers over $100,000 are ineligible.) Grants, scholarships, or other tax-free assistance will reduce the amount of tuition and fees covered by the Lifetime Learning Credit. is credit is available for net tuition and fees (less grant aid)for post secondary enrollment after June 30, 1998.

College juniors, seniors, graduate students, adults returning to college, and students enrolled less than half-time (less than six credits) are eligible for the lifetime learning tax credit. e credit, available on a per-taxpayer (family) basis, is worth 20 percent of the first $5,000 of tuition and fees through the year 2002, and 20 percent of the first $10,000 in tuition and fees thereafter. Eligibility is phased out at the same income level as the HOPE Scholarship. (Single filers over $50,000 and joint filers over $100,000 are ineligible.) Grants, scholarships, or other tax-free assistance will reduce the amount of tuition and fees covered by the Lifetime Learning Credit. is credit is available for net tuition and fees (less grant aid)for post secondary enrollment after June 30, 1998.

CONNTAC is a cooperative effort of 34 institutions in the State of Connecticut that seeks promising students from disadvantaged circumstances who have never attended a college. Colleges will usually waive the program enrollment fee for students referred by CONNTAC. CONNTAC assists individuals who qualify to find the institution of higher education which best suits their needs and potential. Connecticut high school students can obtain further information about CONNTAC from their high school counselors or the college's Director of Admissions, 860-343- 5719. For additional information, call either the CONNTAC Central Office at 203-634-7669 or the Middletown Office at 860-343-5800, ext. 6999.

Visit Financial Aid Office website for more information.