Steps to Apply

• Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. It is necessary for you and your parents (if required to provide their information) to sign your FAFSA using your FSA ID.
• To determine your dependency status (if you need to provide Parents information), please click here https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.
• When completing the FAFSA, be sure to include RCC’s school code, 011930. RCC will determine which financial aid programs you are eligible to receive based on the results of your FAFSA.
• Take your time and complete your FAFSA accurately and read each question carefully, as your aid eligibility is dependent upon accurate information.
• When completing questions about income, the easiest way is to first complete your families taxes (if you are required to file) and then use the IRS Tax Data Retrieval Tool to import your tax information directly from the IRS to your FAFSA!
• Allow 3-5 business days for your FAFSA to be processed. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which you should review for accuracy.
• If additional documentation is required, you will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office. It is important to respond to these requests as quickly as possible.

If you get confused, or need other assistance, don’t worry, collect your tax documentation and bring it to the Office, we can help!

• Apply for admission. Your application for financial aid will be reviewed once your application is complete and you have been accepted into a qualified academic program.
• Once you have been accepted we will start the financial aid process. Initially we will use the email you provided on your RCC application to notify you of any documents needed to complete your financial aid. Once you have registered for class, you will be assigned a RCC email. Please monitor this email for financial aid notifications and updates.
• Reapply for aid every year. Complete your FAFSA every year as early as possible. The State of Massachusetts priority consideration is May 1st, while you should try to meet this deadline you will still receive the full amount of federal aid each year. Remember your FAFSA PIN, you will need it often.
• Approximately 30% of all students are chosen by the Department of Education to complete a process called Verification. If you are chosen for Verification we cannot complete your financial aid award until we have collected and reviewed your documents. Mark all documents clearly with your name and RCC student ID number.
• Keep copies of everything.

You may be eligible for more than one type of Financial Aid.

• Federal Pell Grant: This is gift aid awarded by the federal government to students demonstrating substantial financial need. Changes in enrollment status through the add/drop period will result in an adjustment to this award.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: This is a federally funded grant program. Recipients are selected by Roxbury Community College according to federal regulations that require SEOG be awarded to students with the lowest family contributions and greatest financial need, usually Federal Pell Grant recipients. Priority is also given to students enrolled in at least six credits.
  MA Cash Grant This is a state-funded grant program designed to assist needy Massachusetts residents attending public colleges and registered for at least three credits. Eligibility is determined by the college according to state regulations. The Cash Grant cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees.
• Federal Work-Study (FWS): A need-based federal program that provides on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities. Students must complete a financial aid application (FAFSA) and meet all eligibility requirements. Students are notified through the financial aid award process if they have been awarded FWS. Only students with an accepted FWS award as a part of their financial aid package can seek a FWS job.
• MASSGrant: This is a state grant awarded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to its residents with exceptionally high financial need. The state Office of Student Financial Assistance notifies residents of their eligibility and the college certifies this eligibility. Funds are not available until this certification is completed. You must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits to receive this grant.
• MASSGrant Plus: This is a state funded grant available to both full-time and part-time students who are residents of Massachusetts, have completed the FAFSA by January 1, and demonstrate financial need for tuition and fees after accounting for expected family contribution (EFC) and all forms of institutional and public grant aid.

• Tuition Waiver: Need-based grant aid from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to undergraduate students who are residents of Massachusetts and have no prior bachelor’s or professional degree.

Grants are a form of need-based financial aid which do not have to be repaid. Federal grants are awarded based on the results of your FAFSA. State grants may require an application.  Information on state grants is available at https://www.mass.edu/osfa/home/home.asp. Due to our low cost of attendance, Roxbury Community College does not participate in the Federal Student Loan program.

Scholarships do not have to be repaid. They are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic talent, interest in particular fields of study, or financial need. Scholarships may be funded through the RCC Foundation which helps current students based on the generosity of RCC alumni and friends.

We encourage all students and parents to review the following policies and procedures carefully to ensure a better understanding of our financial aid program

• Your Financial Aid Rights 
• Your Financial Aid Responsibilities
• Financial Aid Package Revisions