General Eligibility for Financial Aid

All students applying for financial aid must:

  • Submit required documents
  • Take the English and Mathematics assessment examinations
  • Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be working toward a degree or certificate
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress (see Academic Eligibility for Financial Aid)
  • Sign a statement of educational purpose affirming that funds received will be used solely for expenses related to attendance at Rockland Community College
  • Be registered with Selective Service (if required)
  • Demonstrate financial need for most financial aid programs
  • Not owe a refund on a Federal grant or be in default on a Federal educational loan

Students who do not hold a high school diploma or HSE (formerly GED) will be required to prove ability to benefit by scoring appropriately on tests approved by the Department of Education or to provide evidence of having completed a college or university degree at another institution.

Students concurrently enrolled in secondary schools are not eligible for Federal Title IV funds but may be eligible for the State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Students on a foreign visitor/student visa are not eligible for financial aid.

Student Responsibilities

  1. Students must re-apply for aid consideration each academic year (usually January 15 – May 15)
  2. Students must immediately report in writing any changes in resources such as scholarships, external loans, veterans benefits, etc.
  3. For students who complete their financial aid file prior to the beginning of the term, enrollment status for Pell Grant purposes (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time) is based on the total allowable credits in which the student is enrolled at the end of the schedule adjustment period for the term. Otherwise, enrollment status is based on the total allowable credits in which the student is enrolled at the time the student completes his/her financial aid file.
  4. Students who submit a complete Financial Aid application in a timely manner will be considered for financial assistance. Late applicants will be considered, but only after all other awards have been made.
  5. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  6. Students must be enrolled in an eligible program of study. Only courses that are required in their program will be used in determining enrollment status.
  7. Students who withdraw or reduce their course load must check with the Office of Financial Aid. Students who withdraw, drop-out, or otherwise stop attending all courses prior to completing more than 60 per cent of a term will be required by federal law to repay the unearned portion of their Federal student aid.
  8. First time Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) borrowers must participate in a Loan Entrance Counseling Session before receiving a FFEL. A Loan Exit Interview Session is required just prior to or shortly after a student ceases to be enrolled at the College.
  9. Financial aid recipients will be notified via mail when checks are ready to be disbursed. Checks are available at Student Accounts on campus during regular business hours. A validated ID for the term of the award and photo identification will be required. Any charges for fees, books, or other financial obligations will be deducted prior to check disbursement. Unclaimed checks are scheduled for cancellation 30 days after issue date.