Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to qualified students at Columbia-Greene Community College (C- GCC). Financial aid is considered any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity with the purpose of assisting students with educationally related expenses. Financial aid at C-GCC is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds. Funds are limited so students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after October 1 as possible. Financial aid funding comes primarily from four sources, the Federal government, State government, colleges and universities, and private organizations. Descriptions of the aid programs, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and award amounts are summarized on the following pages. Students wishing to be considered for assistance from aid programs administered by C-GCC must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA School Code 006789) annually. The FAFSA may be completed online at www.studentaid.gov. New York State residents who complete their FAFSA online will also have the opportunity to complete their Express TAP Application (TAP School Code 2038) online in the same session (to apply for a TAP award).
General Financial Aid Requirements
To be eligible for financial aid a student must:
- Be a U.S. or eligible noncitizen
- Have graduated from a high school in the U.S., or earned a High School Equivalency Diploma (TASC or GED), or passed federal approved “Ability to Benefit” test as defined by the commissioner of the State Education Department
- Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing
Verification Procedures
The College will comply with all verification requirements as required in the current year
U.S. Department of Education Verification Guide. If an application has been selected for verification, no disbursement for any Title IV program will be given until verification has been completed.
Deadline Dates for Verification
All applicants for whom the College has received a valid FAFSA Submission Summary while the student was enrolled must submit all required documentation by the deadline date. The deadline date for completing the verification process is Aug. 31, at the end of each academic year, or no later than 120 days after the student’s last day of enrollment, whichever is earlier. Any applicant who does not complete the verification process by the deadline date will forfeit all right to payment.
Notification to Student of Required Documentation of Verification
When a student’s financial aid application indicates a need for verification, the student will be informed by mail in a timely manner what documentation is needed to satisfy the verification requirements. Any student who does not respond to requests for documentation will be contacted and informed about the appropriate deadlines for verification and the consequences of failing to complete the verification process.
Degree Applicable Credit Hours
Students can only receive federal and state aid for courses that count toward their degree program. Tuition bills will NOT reflect financial aid credits for courses that are not degree applicable. Students should review their schedule and tuition bills very carefully for any discrepancies relating to courses and financial aid.
High School Completion Status
Certain federal aid applicants are now required to verify their high school completion status (i.e., high school diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma (TASC or GED) or homeschool). College policy requires that students must submit appropriate documentation to the Admission's Office to prove their status. The Financial Aid Office must review these documents prior to awarding federal financial aid. Additional documentation from the student may be required.