Financial Aid

WCCC participates in federal and state financial aid programs that help remove the economic barriers that may prevent a student from attending college. There are three basic types of financial assistance:

• Grants (including scholarships) – funds that do not have to be repaid
• Loans – funds that have to be repaid with interest
• Work-study – employment on campus to earn money to help pay for educational expenses

Student Eligibility and Requirements
To receive financial assistance, a student must meet the following conditions: complete the FAFSA form and have financial need; have a high school diploma, a GED, or meet Ability to Benefit (ATB) requirements; be registered for classes at WCCC and working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program; be a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen; maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while at WCCC; not be in default of a Federal student loan; register with the Selective Service, as required.

The Financial Aid Application Process WCCC encourages all students to file for financial aid, even if you think you may not qualify. The application process is free and should be done as early as possible before the semester begins so that financial assistance can be in place prior to the payment due date. You must apply annually for assistance. If you have never received financial aid at WCCC, apply by following the instructions below:

1. Apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov. Parents of dependent students must also apply for a PIN.
2. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the renewal FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. WCCC’s Federal School Code is 016857.
3. Once the Financial Aid Office processes your FAFSA information, you will receive information on WCCC’s Easy Access Grant Loan Entry (EAGLE) System where you can view the status of your financial aid. You may be asked to submit additional information to complete the application process. Applications are selected for verification on a random basis by the federal government. This selection does not imply there is something wrong with the application. If your application is selected, you must submit additional documentation so that your financial aid can be determined.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Annually, a student must meet qualitative and quantitative standards of academic progress to remain eligible for financial aid.

Refund and Repayment Policy
Students who withdraw from school or stop regular attendance will have their financial aid award prorated according to federal and state regulations. If a student officially or unofficially withdraws, they may be responsible for partial or full repayment of financial aid funds.

Rights and Responsibilities
Students accepting financial aid have certain rights and responsibilities and must comply with any rules, regulations and conditions governing such awards. Failure to read the WCCC Catalog, WCCC Student Handbook, Financial Aid Applications or any other publication pertaining to financial aid does not excuse the student from compliance. Further information regarding rights and responsibilities may be obtained in the Office of Student Services.

Types of Aid Available at WCCC

Academic Competitiveness Grant - A federal grant program based on need and the completion of a rigorous secondary school program.

Federal PELL Grant - A federal grant program based on financial need and awarded based on the PELL Grant formula, cost of attendance and enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - A federal grant program based on exceptional financial need.

New Jersey Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) - A grant program based on financial need for New Jersey residents attending New Jersey Colleges.

New Jersey STARS Program - A scholarship program that provides tuition and fees to students attending their local community college who graduated in the top 15% of their high school class. WCCC contacts eligible students during their senior year regarding eligibility. STARS who graduate from WCCC with at least a 3.25 may receive a scholarship at a 4-year NJ public college.

Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program - A grant program based on exceptional financial need and awarded to first-generation undergraduate students.

Garden State Scholarship (GSS) - Scholarships provided to high achieving NJ High School students to attend NJ Colleges.

WCCC Foundation Scholarship - Special scholarships available annually. See the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Federal Work-Study - Part-time employment on-campus or in community service positions to help meet educational expenses.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan - This loan is based on financial need and the government pays the interest for the student during the following periods: while the student is enrolled at least half-time; during the six month grace period after the student stops attending; and during periods of authorized deferment.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan - This loan is not based on financial need and is available to all students regardless of income. The student is responsible for the interest which accrues while in school, grace and deferment periods. Interest payments may be made while in school or can be deferred until repayment.