General Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid
All students applying for financial aid must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year;
- Have earned a high school diploma or HSE (formerly GED), or meet federal and state exceptions to this rule;
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- Be working toward a degree or certificate as a matriculated student in an approved program;
- Be taking courses that are required within the student’s program of study;
- Be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP);
- Be registered with Selective Service, if required;
- Demonstrate financial need according to formulas established by federal and state governing bodies;
- Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan;
- Not be convicted of certain criminal convictions;
- Submit documents, as required by the College, state and/or federal government;
- Sign a statement of educational purpose affirming that funds received from financial aid will be used solely for educational expenses related to attendance at Rockland Community College.
Some students concurrently enrolled in high schools - for instance, students accepted to RCC as Early Admits-are generally not eligible for Federal Title IV funds, but may be eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Continuing For 2019/20: RCC was approved in 2016 to participate in a federal Department of Education Dual Enrollment Experimental Sites Initiative for our Early Admits. This will allow Early Admits who meet the Pell Grant income thresholds to receive this award.
The following students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid:
- Students who are undocumented immigrants;
- Students who have been granted employment authorization under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) who have no other permanent or conditional residency in the U.S.;
- Students who are in the U.S. studying on an international student visa.
Deadlines
The early application deadlines set by the College for filing financial aid forms are April 15 for the summer session, May 31 for fall semester, and November 15 for the spring semester. You may apply after these dates but awards may not be processed prior to the Bursar’s deadline for making payment arrangements.
Expect two to four weeks of processing time from the date of the FAFSA completion until you receive a Financial Aid Award Letter. You can expedite the process by immediately supplying any documentation that is required.