Federal Financial Aid Programs
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Federal Financial Aid Programs

Federal Programs

All federally funded aid requires the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  SAI - Student Aid Index is determined from the FAFSA. Cost of attendance is calculated by totaling estimated fees, tuition, books and supplies, and living expenses based on whether a student lives on campus, with parents, or off campus. 
 
    • Federal Pell Grant: A need-based program, 100 percent federally funded. No repayment is required. Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) computed by the Federal Processing Center and hours enrolled. Amounts can change yearly. 
    • Summer Pell: An additional Pell grant is available to students who would like to accelerate their degree. Students can be eligible even though they may have received all their regular Pell over the fall and spring  semesters. To be eligible, a student must be taking a minimum of six semester hours that will count toward their degree, during the June and/or July summer terms. Once a student registers, he/she must come by Lion Central so we can award this additional Pell for them. There are limits on how much Pell a student may receive in his/her lifetime and this additional Pell will count toward that maximum of 600% or 12 full-time semesters. If you have questions about the additional Pell, please contact our Lion Central offices at  662.476.5089. We are more than happy to help you.
    • Pell Grant for Service Members' Survivors: Students who have lost a parent or guardian as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001 may be eligible for maximum Pell Grant. Students should talk with the EMCC Financial Aid Office for more information.
    • Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): No repayment is required. EMCC funding is limited in this program and awards are made to students with the greatest financial need. Students with maximum Pell eligibility have priority as long as funding lasts. Grant amounts range from $200 and up.
    • Federal Work-Study: Students must visit Lion Central to apply and are generally prioritized on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Students with an unmet need are generally awarded Federal Work-Study. Award amounts average approximately $750 -$1,500 per semester. Approximately 200 students are employed each year. Current minimum wage is paid.
    • Federal Direct Loan Program: 

      If you are interested in applying for a student loan you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and then fill out the EMCC Financial Aid LOAN REQUEST FORM.  Please contact one of EMCC’s Lion Central offices for any questions regarding the loan application packet. You may call:  662.476.5080.

If you have not already done so you must complete the Entrance Interview process and Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov 
Students must show a need to qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans. (The government pays the interest while you are in school). A freshman student can borrow up to $3,500 per year through the Direct Subsidized Loan program. A sophomore student can borrow up to $4,500 per year.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans (interest starts accruing from the time you take out the loan) are also available. These loans are not based on need and are available to eligible students. Interest begins to accrue on these loans when issued. Amounts vary depending on the student's status (freshman or sophomore, dependent or independent) and other aid awarded.
  • Parent Plus Direct Loan Program: Parents may apply for the Parent Plus Direct Loan online at https://studentaid.gov. EMCC Financial Aid will certify eligibility for the loans. Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid and resources. Plus loans must be repaid.
  •  Questions? contact the Financial Aid Office at 662.476.5089, email finaid@eastms.edu, or any of the contacts specified under a particular scholarship.