CCBC Student Finance: A Guide

Attending college is a significant investment, and understanding student finance options is crucial. For students attending the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), navigating the financial aid process can seem daunting. This guide provides an overview of the resources available to help you fund your education at CCBC.

Understanding Your Options

CCBC offers a variety of financial aid options, primarily falling under the following categories:

• Federal Financial Aid: The cornerstone of many students’ financial plans is federal aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking these resources. Through FAFSA, you may be eligible for Pell Grants (need-based grants that don’t need to be repaid), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study programs (allowing you to earn money through part-time campus jobs). Subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans may also be available. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time.
• State Financial Aid: The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers state-funded grants and scholarships to eligible Maryland residents. Complete the FAFSA to be considered. Examples include the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, the Educational Assistance Grant, and various scholarships based on specific criteria like academic merit or field of study.
• CCBC Scholarships: CCBC itself offers numerous scholarships based on academic achievement, program of study, leadership, and financial need. Explore the CCBC website for a complete list of scholarship opportunities and their specific requirements. Some scholarships require separate applications.
• External Scholarships: Don’t limit yourself to just CCBC-specific resources. Numerous external organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Websites like Sallie Mae, Peterson’s, and Scholarship America provide searchable databases of scholarships.
• Payment Plans: CCBC offers payment plans to help students spread out their tuition costs over several installments. This can be a more manageable option for students who may not qualify for significant financial aid or prefer not to take out loans.

The Application Process

The first step in accessing financial aid is completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Ensure you use CCBC’s school code (002063) so your application is sent to the college. After submitting the FAFSA, carefully review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. You may be required to submit additional documentation to CCBC’s Financial Aid Office to verify your information.

For CCBC scholarships, check the deadlines and specific requirements for each scholarship of interest. Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts and essays, and submit your application according to the instructions.

Important Tips

• Apply Early: Financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit your FAFSA and scholarship applications well before the deadlines.
• Stay Organized: Keep copies of all your financial aid documents, including your FAFSA submission, SAR, and any correspondence with the Financial Aid Office.
• Communicate with the Financial Aid Office: Don’t hesitate to contact CCBC’s Financial Aid Office with any questions or concerns. They are there to assist you through the process.
• Understand Your Award: Carefully review your financial aid award letter to understand the types and amounts of aid you are receiving.
• Be Aware of Deadlines: Keep track of all deadlines for application submissions, acceptance of awards, and tuition payments.

By proactively researching and applying for financial aid, you can make your education at CCBC more affordable and accessible. Good luck!