Financial Aid
All students applying for financial aid should first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This foundational information is evaluated to determine whether you are eligible to receive federal grants, certain institutional scholarships, and campus work-study programs.
Financial Aid Eligibility Matrix
Review the quick reference chart below to understand the fundamental mechanics, repayment rules, and merit criteria for each primary financial aid type:
| Aid Type | Needs to be Repaid | Based on Financial Need | Performance or Grade Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant) | No | Yes | Yes (You must successfully pass your classes) |
| Work-Study Programs | No | Yes | Yes (You must successfully pass your classes) |
| Scholarships | No | Sometimes | Some programs require specific minimum GPAs |
| Student Loans | Yes | Subsidized: Yes Unsubsidized: No | Yes (You must successfully pass your classes) |
Core Program Overviews
Awarded based on demonstrated financial need and secondary federal criteria. These funds do not have to be repaid after you graduate.
Awarded based on academic grades, financial need, or alternative specialized qualifications. They do not have to be repaid.
Allows eligible students to receive financial assistance while working in convenient part-time positions on campus. Positions are awarded based on financial need and institutional criteria.
Funds borrowed for college expenses that must be paid back with interest after graduation or after dropping below half-time enrollment.
An eligible student may receive a Federal Pell Grant for summer sessions even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the preceding Fall and Spring semesters.
- Accelerate Your Degree: Year-Round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of a single academic year, enabling them to continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster.
- Important Planning Considerations: The summer term is significantly shorter than Fall and Spring semesters. Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the accelerated summer term.
- Eligibility Rules: To receive additional summer Pell Grant funds, a student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell funds for the payment period, must maintain standard Satisfactory Academic Progress, and must only take courses that are explicitly required toward their declared program of study.
- Note: Any summer Pell Grant received will be included when determining the student's maximum Pell Grant duration of eligibility and Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).
To ensure your funding is secured, complete the following application phases:
- Review the step-by-step instructions for applying for financial aid at COM.
- Complete all items listed on the official Student Application Checklist.
Priority Application Deadlines
The most successful financial aid applicants submit all applications and supporting documentation well before class registration begins to ensure they are eligible to receive the maximum amount of funding. Required documents should be turned in by the following target dates:
- Fall Semester Priority Deadline: June 1
- Spring Semester Priority Deadline: November 1
- Summer Semester Priority Deadline: May 1
Students must make satisfactory academic progress (successfully pass their classes) to remain eligible for financial aid. If you fail to maintain these standards and lose eligibility, you may participate in the formal review process:
- Meeting Schedule: Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Meetings are scheduled on the second or third Friday of every month.
- Inquiries: For information about upcoming monthly meeting times or to check your eligibility status, check directly with the Financial Aid Office.
Questions? We're here to help.
If you have questions about financial aid or need any assistance applying, please connect with our campus team:
Hours:
- Monday–Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Wednesday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
