GRANTS

 

 

Grants are considered gift assistance and are provided from federal, state, and institutional sources.  In general, students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester in order to receive funds from most of the following programs.  Any exception to this six-credit-hour rule is noted in the actual program description. 

 

The following grant programs are available at the Community College of Aurora

Federal Pell Grant (PELL) Program

This program serves as the foundation, or base, for other forms of aid.  This program is designed for undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor’s or professional degree. The U.S. Congress determines the amount of the Federal Pell Grants each year.

To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be done on-line through FAFSA on the Web. To determine an applicant’s eligibility, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by the U.S. Congress, to evaluate the information reported on the FAFSA. This formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. The applicant will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that informs the applicant of the EFC and whether or not they are eligible for the Pell Grant. The U.S. Department of Education guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of its eligible students.

The amount of the Pell Grant award is determined by a federal funding formula, the student’s cost of education, and the number of credit hours for which the student enrolls.  Federal Pell Grants are available for eligible students who are enrolled less than half-time.  The amount received will be less. CCA will disburse the Pell Grant funds in accordance with the student’s enrollment status.  A student may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

The U.S. Department of Education guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of its eligible students. Federal Pell Grants are available for eligible students who attend a minimum of three credit hours per term. Students who transfer to CCA during the academic year will have their eligibility determined on an individual basis.
CCA will credit the Federal Pell Grant Funds to the students’ account. This may then be used to pay the tuition and fees. If students wish to use the Pell Grant to charge books at the CCA Bookstore or through the CCC On-Line Bookstore to their account, they must complete the Student Authorization.  Any remaining funds will be mailed to you a minimum of one week after the last day to receive a refund date (posted in each semester schedule).

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program

This program is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester to receive this grant.

A separate FSEOG application is not required. To be considered for this grant, the student must have completed the FAFSA application form.

Whereas the U.S. Department of Education guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of its eligible students. There is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive the FSEOG; students are awarded on a “first-come, first-served” basis and on the availability of funds. If a student receives the FSEOG, the funds will be credited to their student account. 

Colorado Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (CLEAP) Program

This program is funded by the state of Colorado and the federal government. It is for Colorado resident undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each semester to receive this grant.

A separate CLEAP application is not required. To be considered for this grant, the student must have completed the FAFSA application form.

There is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive a FSEOG; students are awarded on a “first-come, first-served” basis and on the availability of funds. If a student receives the CLEAP, the funds will be credited to their student account. 

Colorado Student Grant (CSG) Program

This program is funded by the State of Colorado General Assembly. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial resources to Colorado resident undergraduate students who would otherwise be unable to pursue postsecondary education.