Financial Information

Gulf Coast is one of the best values in education anywhere! That’s because we offer world-class instruction and quality in every aspect of college life, yet we keep tuition affordable.

We believe that expenses should not keep you from meeting your educational goals. That is why we offer scholarships and other financial-aid options to make going to Gulf Coast affordable and convenient.

Tuition and fees are the same at the three college campuses and the comprehensive centers. At Perkinston (the residence hall campus) residence hall students also pay the costs of room rent and meals.

Expenses will vary according to the legal residence of the applying student. For the purpose of determining expenses, students should refer to the section Summary of Expenses listed below. Prospective students should remember that there are a number of nominal miscellaneous fees (listed in the Catalog) that may be charged and that a book service fee is charged.

Some fees are refundable and others are not. The college refund policy is explained following the section titled Miscellaneous Fees.

Summary of Per Semester Expenses - Full-Time Students

BASIC CHARGES

*Note: Students enrolled in more than 21 credit hours in a semester will be charged a per-credit hour fee of $115 per credit hour for all credit hours above.

**Note: Some courses require students to purchase their textbooks and/or other instructional materials rather than participate in the Book Service program. Students may contact the campus bookstore prior to registration to determine required purchases.

ROOM & BOARD:

*limited to select individuals required to live on campus.

Full-time, out-of-state residents and international students must pay an additional fee of $923.00 each semester at the time of registration that is non-refundable ($2,073.00 total tuition). International students will be assessed a one-time application fee of $100.00. In addition, international students will be charged a $50 administrative fee each semester. Part-time, out-of-state residents must pay an additional, non-refundable tuition fee of $77.00 per semester hour at the time of registration ($192.00 total tuition fee per semester hour). International students are not permitted to be part-time students during the fall or spring semesters.

Students may refer to “Determining Residency for Tuition Purposes ” under the Admissions section of the Catalog.

Full-time students pay a matriculation fee of $1,150 each semester except during summer session(s). The cost of courses during the summer is $115 per semester hour. Exceptions: Healthcare and other career students who are required by the curriculum to continue during the summer will pay the regular matriculation fee charged during the fall and spring semesters.

If a full-time student reduces his or her workload to less than twelve (12) hours of classes during the refund period, the student becomes subject to the part-time student tuition.

A residence hall student who becomes a part-time student must move out of the residence hall and continue his/her studies as a commuter student unless his/her remaining in the residence hall is approved by the Vice President.

The MGCCC Board of Trustees reserves the right to adjust any and all fees as it deems necessary.

Summary of Per Semester Expenses - Part-Time Students

*Note: Some courses require students to purchase their textbooks and/or other instructional materials rather than participate in the Book Service Program. Students may contact the campus bookstore prior to registration to determine required purchases.

The MGCCC Board of Trustees reserves the right to adjust any and all fees as it deems necessary.

Student Deferred Fees Payment Schedule

A minimum amount of the total fees as specified by the Business Services office for the fall and spring semesters are due at registration. The balance of the fees will be paid during the semester. The payment dates for each fall semester will be as follows (or the last working day prior to these dates): 1^st payment: Registration; 2^nd payment: September 30; and 3^rd payment: October 30. The payment dates for each spring semester will be as follows (or the last working day prior to these dates): 1^st payment: Registration; 2^nd payment: February 28; and 3^rd payment: March 30. Payment for all classes taken during each summer term will be due in full at the time of registration. Fees in the fall and spring semesters may not be deferred beyond the 3^rd payment date. A $40 fee will be assessed to each student’s account by the Business Office after the third payment becomes delinquent and the student’s account will be placed on HOLD. In addition, after the third payment becomes delinquent, the college will take the necessary actions to insure that the student does not continue in class until the student receives a clearance from the campus or center Business Office.

A student who maintains an account balance with the college will not be allowed to register for any future semester until his/her account balance is satisfied.

Summary of Per Semester Expenses Non-Credit Continuing Education Courses

All students enrolled in non-credit continuing education courses pay a registration fee due at the time of registration. In addition, tuition and laboratory fees may be assessed for each course based upon the actual instructional cost for the course.

The MGCCC Board of Trustees reserves the right to adjust any and all fees as it deems necessary.

Explanation of Fees

Tuition — entitles a student to the following:

1. To attend MGCCC Athletic events without charge.
2. To attend lyceum programs.
3. To receive private music lessons and use instruments and practice facilities required in his/her curriculum.
4. To participate in other student activities supported by these fees.

Room and Board — All residence hall students are required to purchase a meal ticket. Students may choose to follow either a 5-day or a 7-day meal plan. 5-Day Meal Plan: Students with a meal ticket electing this plan will be served meals from Monday breakfast through Friday lunch. Students on the 5-day meal plan may utilize the cafeteria services on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday but must pay on a per meal basis. 7-Day Meal Plan: Students electing this plan are entitled to meals from Monday through Sunday. Residence hall fees are non-refundable.

Registration — helps defray costs of increased security personnel and motor vehicle registration permits. All credit students pay a $50 fee to cover cost of processing registration. This fee is non-refundable.

Book Service — Students will pay a book service fee of $30.00 for each book on Book Service. Workbooks and dated material that cannot be reissued must be purchased separately by students. NOTE: Students enrolled in courses that are included in the Book Service program will be charged the Book Service fee whether or not they choose to use the textbook provided by the college.

Book Service Late Fee — Students who return Book Service texts late must pay a late fee of $5.00 per book. If Book Service texts are returned after late registration of the following semester, the $5.00 late fee will be waived and the student will be required to pay the replacement cost for a new text. Students who do not return books on time or who owe money to the college bookstore for any reason will have an administrative HOLD placed on all records.

Technology Fee — helps defray the cost of replacing and upgrading on-campus technology equipment and services. ($3.00 per credit hour to a maximum of $36.00). This fee is non-refundable.

Online Course Fee — Students will be assessed an additional fee of $10 per credit hour for online courses. This fee is non-refundable.

Out-of-State — helps pay instructional, administrative, and other operational expenses of the college. This fee is non-refundable.

Deferred Fee Payment Delinquent Charge — A $40 fee will be assessed to each student’s account each semester after the third payment becomes delinquent and the student’s account will be placed on HOLD. For additional information on delinquent deferred fee payments, please see here .

Miscellaneous Fees

Art Lab Fees — Students enrolled in 3-D Design and Ceramics I, II, III will be required to pay a $50 non-refundable per course lab fee.

Science Lab Fees — Students enrolled in a lab based science course (BIO, CHEM, PHY) will be required to pay a $25 non-refundable per course lab fee.

Medical Liability Insurance — All students who enroll in a healthcare program, continuation education, and/or courses that require clinical experiences must enroll in a medical malpractice insurance plan. A group plan is available through the College. The fee is non-refundable and payable at the time of registration.

Returned Check — A $40.00 fee will be charged by the college for each check returned due to insufficient funds or stop payment.

Transcripts of Credit — Official transcript of credits is furnished without charge. A $3 fee is charged for a transcript to be faxed.

Housing Application Fee — A $50 non-refundable fee must accompany the online housing application. This fee does not apply toward the room cost.

Residence Hall (Damage) — Damage to rooms will be assessed on a case by case basis. $20 will be deducted for each lost room key.

Student ID Replacement Fee – Students are required to keep their college ID’s throughout their attendance at MGCCC. There will be a $10.00 replacement fee for any students requiring additional ID cards.

Paralegal Lab Fee – A non-refundable fee of $40.00.

Computer Competency Exam – A non-refundable fee of $25 per test.

GED Testing Fee – A non-refundable fee of $75 per test and $15 per retest.

ATI – Students enrolled in the Nursing program are required to participate in the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Comprehensive Assessment & Review Program (CARP). Fees for this service are assessed and paid at registration. The total ATI CARP fees are $118.00 per student/semester. ATI reserves the right to adjust fees for the CARP program annually. More information will be provided by course instructors at the beginning of each semester.

EPA-HVAC Certification — Students enrolled in ACT 2433 and CRM 1615 will be required to pay a non-refundable $35 certification testing fee.

Career-Technical Course Fees — Fees for enrollment in Career-Technical courses will be assessed according to Course of Instruction fee rate.

Fees will be non-refundable.

Refund Policy

To be eligible for a refund for tuition and refundable fees, a student must officially withdraw within the refund period and request a refund upon completion of the withdrawal procedure. Calculation of the amount of refund will be based on the last date of attendance and the following provisions:

1. Out-of-state fees are non-refundable fees unless a student officially withdraws prior to the first day classes meet in an enrollment period.
2. Adjustments to accounts will be calculated based on total refundable semester charges — not percentage of partial payment.

Tuition and Book Service Fees Refund Policy:

• 100% of refundable fees if official withdrawal and request for refund is received prior to the first day of the term.
• 90% of refundable fees through the second week of classes for full-term (fall and spring) classes. Students may contact the campus Business Office to verify the last date of withdrawal to obtain a 90% refund.
• 90% of refundable fees through the first week of classes for Keesler Center, Naval Construction Battalion Center, and other short-term (fall and spring) classes. Students may contact the center or campus Business Office to verify the last date of withdrawal to obtain a 90% refund.
• 0% refund thereafter.

Exceptions to the Above are as Follows:

• Meal costs on the Perkinston Campus are refundable up to the unused balance of cost if applied for during the first three months of the semester.
• Title IV Federal Student Aid — All aid for students who are receiving Title IV Federal Aid are refunded to the appropriate source on a pro-rata basis upon the student’s total withdrawal during the first 60% of the enrollment period.
• Non-Credit Refund Policy — Registrants for Continuing Education classes (including seminars, workshops, and skills classes) will be entitled to a 100% refund, provided written notification is received by the appropriate Continuing Education Specialist one week prior to the start of the class. If the class is canceled, a full refund will be given. A registrant may designate a substitute person to attend if notification is received at least 24 hours prior to beginning of the class/program. The College reserves the right to substitute instructors, change class schedules, and cancel programs due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Any exceptions to this policy must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Community Campus or designee for approval. Travel to Learn programs are not eligible for refunds unless the college cancels activities/trips.
• Student Medical Withdrawal — MGCCC has adopted a statement addressing the required procedures to accommodate credit students with an unforeseen medical problem. These procedures address the refund of tuition for currently enrolled students who must withdraw from classes due to a medical emergency. Copies of these procedures and required forms can be obtained at the campus Admissions Office.
• Residence hall fees are non-refundable.
• Appeals for any other refund due to extenuating circumstances may be made in writing to the Campus Vice-President via the Campus Business Dean or Center Administrative/Assistant Dean.

In all cases, unpaid charges will be deducted during the calculation of refunds.

A number of financial assistance options are available for students from federal, state and local sources. These options include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Financial Aid Offices at each MGCCC campus can provide further information about the options.

Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant:

Federal grant awarded to first-time undergraduate students with financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

Federal grant awarded to first-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based on financial need, amount of other aid and the availability of funds. Students who complete financial aid files by June 1 will receive priority consideration for this program.

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG):

Grant offered by the state of Mississippi through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for students who are residents of Mississippi with a 2.5 high school GPA and ACT score of 15 or above. Students may apply after January 1 each year at www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/.

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG):

Grant offered by the state of Mississippi through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for students who are residents of Mississippi with a 3.5 high school GPA and ACT score of 29 or above, or semifinalist/finalist of the National Merit Scholarship or National Achievement Scholarship competition. Students may apply after January 1 each year at www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/

Institutional Scholarships

The college is committed to assisting students with financial resources based on academic and participatory performance.

Students who receive Institutional Scholarships are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Institutional Scholarships at the College are comprised of three major categories: Merit Scholarships, Performance and Service-Based Scholarships, and Athletic Scholarships.

A maximum of two Institutional Scholarships may be applied to a student’s account each semester. In the case of multiple Institutional Scholarships, a student should choose the two scholarships which benefit him/her the most.

Scholarship value is dependent upon the type of scholarship awarded. An Institutional Scholarship’s value may be used to cover fees unless prohibited by a specific scholarship.

Merit Scholarships

Academic Scholarships:

The college provides academic scholarship opportunities for full-time, “first-time to enter college” freshmen students with qualifying ACT scores. Students must apply for admission and meet the requirements listed below to become eligible to receive an Academic Scholarship. Please note that hours taken as a dually enrolled high school student do not affect scholarship eligibility.

Presidential Scholarship: ACT Score 28 and above or Valedictorian/Salutatorian of High School graduating class. The value of the Presidential scholarship is Full Tuition, Book Service, and Room/Board (The value of Room/Board is only applicable at the Perkinston Campus).

To be eligible, a student must be a legal resident of Mississippi and enroll in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. This scholarship is renewable up to four consecutive semesters, not including summer.

To remain eligible, students must maintain a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average and complete the 15 semester hour requirement. Students who drop below the 3.5 cumulative GPA requirement and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 3.5 cumulative GPA and/or satisfy the 15 semester hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Priority deadline is April 1.

Deans Scholarship: ACT Score 25-27 the value of the scholarship is Full Tuition. To be eligible, a student must be a legal resident of Mississippi and enroll in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. This scholarship is renewable up to four consecutive semesters, not including summer.

To remain eligible, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average. Students who drop below the 3.0 cumulative GPA requirement and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 3.0 cumulative GPA and/or the 15 hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Priority deadline is April 1.

Incentive Scholarship: ACT Score 21-24 the value of the scholarship is Half Tuition. To be eligible, a student must be a legal resident of Mississippi and enroll in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. This scholarship is renewable up to four consecutive semesters, not including summer.

To remain eligible, students must maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average. Students who drop below the 2.5 cumulative GPA requirement and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 2.5 cumulative GPA and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement . If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Priority deadline is April 1.

Honors Scholarships:

Full-tuition scholarship awarded to eligible participants in the Honors College. Interested students should contact the program sponsor at the campus they plan to attend. Priority deadline is April 1. To be eligible for an Honors Scholarship, a student must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. To remain eligible, students must maintain a 3.2 or higher cumulative grade point average with no grade lower than a C and must complete 15 or more semester hours. Students must take seven hours of honors credit each semester to include the honors forum. Information regarding entrance and continued eligibility for the Honors College and Honors Scholarship can be found in the College Catalog.

Career-Technical (CTE) Scholarships:

Full-tuition scholarship awarded to Mississippi residents that are full-time, “first-time to enter college” freshmen career/technical students who have a high-school diploma and have completed a two-year secondary career/technical/ program with an overall high school average of B or above.

A half-tuition career/technical scholarship is also available for students with a “C” average in academic courses and an “A” average in career/technical courses.

A student must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. The eligibility requirement to continue to receive a CTE scholarship is that a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (an IP grade does not count as successfully completing a course). Students who drop below the 2.5 cumulative GPA requirements and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 2.5 cumulative GPA and/or satisfy the 15 semester hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship.

For career programs, these scholarships are renewable for the length of the program. For career/technical programs, it is renewable for the length of the program, which may include summer enrollment for programs that require summer attendance as indicated in the college catalog. For two-year programs that do not require summer attendance, the scholarship is renewable for four consecutive fall/spring semesters.

Career and Technical Student Organization Competition Scholarships:

Full-tuition scholarship awarded to Mississippi residents that are full-time, “first-time to enter college” freshmen career/technical students who have a high-school diploma, have completed a two-year secondary career/technical program and have either placed first in a state competition or first, second or third in a national competition sponsored by an MDE recognized student organization.

A student must be enrolled in and complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. The eligibility requirement to continue to receive this scholarship is that a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and complete the 15 semester hour requirement (an IP grade does not count as successfully completing a course). Students who drop below the 2.5 cumulative GPA requirements and/or 15 semester hours will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 2.5 cumulative GPA and/or satisfy the 15 semester hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship.

The Career and Technical Student Organization Competition Scholarship is renewable for the length of the program as prescribed in the college catalog and is applicable to all career technical programs which award a diploma, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Education degree.

MDE Nationally Recognized Vocational Student Organizations are:

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
SkillsUSA
Technology Student Association (TSA)

GED Scholarships:

Students who earn a GED score of 577 or higher are awarded a half-time scholarship for one semester covering a maximum of six semester hours. This scholarship covers tuition.

Students who earn a GED score of 450 to 576 are eligible to take one free class for one semester covering a maximum of three semester hours. This scholarship covers tuition.

In order to qualify for these awards, students must have taken the GED test within the past three years, be over the age of 17, and their attendance at MGCCC must be their first-time college attendance. (Special conditions may permit students who are under the age of 17 to be considered.)

Mississippi Distinguished Young Women, Miss Mississippi America, and MS Miss Hospitality Scholarships:

A full-tuition scholarship awarded to full-time, “first-time to enter college” freshmen student (hours taken as a dually enrolled high school student do not affect scholarship eligibility). To be eligible, a student must be a Mississippi Distinguished Young Women preliminary winner and/or a Miss Mississippi America preliminary winner and/or a Mississippi Miss Hospitality preliminary winner and enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester.

This scholarship is renewable up to four consecutive semesters, not including summer. To remain eligible, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average and remain enrolled in a minimum of 15 semester hours. Students who drop below the 3.0 cumulative GPA requirements and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 3.0 cumulative GPA and/or satisfy the 15 semester hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Priority deadline is April 1.

Performance and Service-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded on a student’s individual abilities. Interested students should contact the appropriate departments regarding tryouts. These scholarships include such performance and/or service groups as managers, band, cheerleaders, choir, drama, Mississippi Sound, Perkettes, Reflections, and Resident Assistants.

To be eligible for Performance and Service-Based Scholarships, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester. This scholarship is limited to six total semesters. To remain eligible, students must also maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative grade point average. Students who drop below the 2.5 cumulative GPA requirements and/or the 15 semester hour completion requirement will be placed on scholarship probation for one probationary semester to allow the student to regain the 2.5 cumulative GPA and/or satisfy the 15 semester hour completion requirement. If the student does not meet the probationary requirements, the student will no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship. Priority deadline is April 1.

Athletic Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on a student’s individual abilities. Athletic Scholarships require students to comply with all MACJC and NJCAA policies. The awarding of athletic scholarships will be in accordance with the MACJC Handbook as approved by the community and junior college presidents.

*Please note that residence hall students on the Perkinston campus are required to take a minimum of 12-seated hours on campus. Students living in residence halls are allowed to take on-line classes for any additional hours above the 12-seated hour requirement.

Foundation and Alumni Scholarships

Scholarships made available through gifts from individuals, corporations and organizations. They are awarded to students based on merit and/or need, based on the eligibility criteria established by the donor.

Applications are available from any MGCCC Financial Aid Office or a high school guidance office. The priority deadline to apply for alumni/foundation scholarships is April 1 of each year. For a current listing of scholarships, go to http://www.mgccc.edu/future_students/financial_aid/scholarships.php

Employee Fee Waiver

Full-time employees/retirees, their spouse, and dependents who are children of full-time employees/retirees are awarded a full-tuition waiver. In cases of children being married or over 21 years of age, it will be necessary for the employee to certify in writing to the Vice President of Administration and/or the Vice President on the campus affected that he or she is contributing at least fifty percent to the support of the child. Recipients of the employee fee waiver are expected to maintain “satisfactory academic progress” as outlined in the financial aid section of the MGCCC catalog. These funds are non-refundable to students.

Senior Citizens Tuition Waiver

Persons above the age of 65 may be admitted on the first day of classes on a space-available basis to any course offered by the College without tuition; however, all fees must be paid by the student (registration, book service, and technology fees, etc.) This does not include private or semi-private music lessons. Those 62-64 are admitted under the same conditions if retired. Regular admission requirements must be met prior to registration.

College Employment Programs

Work-Study Program:

Part-time, on-campus employment is available to eligible students. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility and the college work-study application. Eligibility is based on financial need, other aid awarded and availability of funds. Students are employed part-time and are paid monthly. Students who complete financial aid files by June 1 will be given priority consideration.

Cooperative Education:

Cooperative education is a program which provides students with the opportunity to apply their educational learning experience to the practical world of work. Students alternate periods of college with periods of work in business, industry, social services, and private agencies. These periods of work are an integral part of the student’s education and are arranged with employers by MGCCC.

Two approaches are available for cooperative education. The alternating plan provides for a semester of full-time (12 hours or more) study followed by a semester of full-time employment (40-hour work week) until completion of school. The parallel plan enables the student to attend classes for a part of the day and work for a part of the day.

For more information, contact the Dean of Career, Technical, Workforce and Community Education at the Jackson County, Jefferson Davis or Perkinston Campus.

Loan Programs

Federal William D. Ford Loan Programs are low interest loans that students and parents of dependent students may obtain from the U.S. Department of Education. They include the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan and the Federal PLUS Direct Loan. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loan counseling Master Promissory Note and separate application forms with the college before a loan can be certified.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Complete the MGCCC application for admission.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 for the upcoming school year. Students must submit an electronic application at www.fafsa.gov. MGCCC school codes are 002417 (Perkinston Campus), 002418 (Jackson County Campus), 002419 (Jefferson Davis Campus).
3. Complete the MGCCC Work-Study Application prior to June 1 to receive priority consideration.
4. Complete the Alumni/Foundation Scholarship application by April 1 for priority consideration for scholarship assistance.
5. Respond to any requests from the Federal Processor and/or campus financial aid office for additional information.
6. Reapply for financial aid each school year.
7. Schedule an appointment with the campus financial aid director, as needed, for additional information and assistance.

Total financial aid awards for a student may not exceed the cost of attendance or the student’s financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.

Title IV Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) (Effective Fall 2013)

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is required by federal regulations to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) that recipients must make toward completion of a diploma or degree program. These standards encourage successful completion of an educational goal in a timely manner. This policy is separate from the MGCCC Scholastic Progress Standards policy and is monitored by the Directors of Financial Aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress standards apply to the following Title IV federal financial aid programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplement Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Federal Work Study
• Federal Direct Loan Program
• Federal PLUS Program

Students Receiving Federal Financial Aid Must:

1. Maintain a minimum completion rate for all attempted hours and
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA); and 
3. Complete a diploma or degree program before they have attempted 96 hours

Hours Earned and Grade Point Average Required for Eligibility

• Academic history is reviewed for all students applying for financial aid, regardless of whether financial aid was received during past enrollment.
• Academic history includes transfer hours, scholastic forgiveness hours, withdrawal hours, incomplete hours, repeated hours and developmental hours.
• Attempted Hours include all MGCCC and transfer hours in which the student has enrolled.
• Earned Hours include all MGCCC and transfer hours completed a grade of A, B, C, D, P, S.
• The formula for calculating the completion rate is: Earned Hours/Attempted Hours.

Maximum Time Frame:

All recipients of federal financial aid have a maximum of 96 attempted hours (1.5 x 64 minimum hours required for most MGCCC programs) to complete a diploma or degree program. Transfer hours are included in the 96 attempted hours. The maximum time frame is adjusted on an individual basis for programs which require more than 64 hours.

Developmental Courses:

Developmental Classes will be treated in the same manner as other college courses attempted.  At the student’s request, a maximum of 15 hours of developmental courses can be removed from the completion rate and maximum time frame determination.

Repeated Courses:

Repeated courses are counted as attempted hours in the completion rate and maximum time frame determination. Students cannot receive financial aid for more than one repetition of a previously passed course. Also, students cannot receive financial aid for any repetition of a previously passed course due to the student failing other coursework (Example:  Student fails Nursing I and has to repeat the entire semester.  Financial Aid will cover the failed class but not the other classes.)

NOTE: STUDENTS HAVE A LIFETIME PELL GRANT LIMIT OF 12 FULL-TIME SEMESTERS OR THE EQUIVALENT. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL TRACK THIS VIA THE NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATABASE SYSTEM (NSLDS). THIS IS A FINAL DECISION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND CANNOT BE APPEALED TO THE SCHOOL.

Transfer Students:

• Official transcripts from all previous colleges attended (regardless of whether or not financial aid was received) must be forwarded to the MGCCC Admissions Office and be evaluated for transfer credit and SAP compliance before eligibility for Federal Financial Aid can be determined. All credit hours attempted (including those for which grades of W, WF, I, and WP) that are received will be included as hours attempted.
• Transfer credit will be subject to the same SAP standards as institutional credits, and a SAP status will be assigned to the transfer student as calculated according to this policy. This status will be effective beginning the student’s first term of enrollment at MGCCC.
• Transfer students who have attempted 15 hours or less at previous institutions and are not compliant with the MGCCC SAP Policy will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for their first semester at MGCCC. At the end of the first semester, those students on Financial Aid Warning will be re-evaluated for SAP and will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension if they are still not in compliance with the MGCCC SAP Policy.
• Transfer students who have attempted more than 15 hours at previous institutions and are not compliant with the MGCCC SAP Policy will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. This suspension will be enforced beginning in their first semester at MGCCC.

SAP Review and Notification

• Academic progress is reviewed at the end of each term to determine compliance with the grade point average (GPA), completion rate and maximum time frame standards.
• Students who fail to meet the GPA and completion rate standard for the first time will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status.
• Student who began the semester on “Financial Aid Warning” and still failed to meet the GPA and completion rate standard at the end of the semester will be placed on “Financial Aid Suspension”.
• Students who exceed the maximum time frame standard for the first time, and subsequent times, will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension status.
• Attempts to notify all ineligible students via their MGCCC e-mail account will be made; however, MGCCC Web Services will serve as official notification of SAP eligibility.
• It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with SAP and to monitor his/her progress each term.

Financial Aid Appeals

• Students placed on “Financial Aid Suspension” due to extenuating circumstances may appeal this status by completing the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy Appeal form.
• Each appeal will be considered on its own merit, and students will be notified of the appeal decision via e-mail and Web Services within 30 working days.
• Students who have completed the appeal process and have been approved will be placed on “Financial Aid Probation”. Students must complete each probationary term in good standing to avoid being placed back on “Financial Aid Suspension”.

• Because students must demonstrate “progress” in the GPA and completion rate, the minimum standards for students on probation are:

  • Must follow the approved Academic/Graduation Plan
  • Must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of the probationary term
  • Must not receive any withdrawals, failing, or incomplete grades (W, WP, WF, F, I, IP)
  • Students who fail to meet the above standards at the end of the “Financial Aid Probation” semester will be placed on”Financial Aid Suspension” for future semesters.