Student Aid Programs 

Cuyahoga Community College awards grants, scholarships, work-study and non-work study employment and loans through the campus Student Financial Assistance offices. For consideration of all programs provided through the school as they are detailed on this page, a student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For definitions of commonly used financial aid terms, please see our glossary.

All forms of financial assistance have certain criteria that must be met to receive and maintain eligibility. For example, a student must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits to receive a loan. Because funding is limited, students must adhere to the priority filing deadlines, established by Tri-C, to ensure consideration for campus-based programs, such as the Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work-Study (FWS) funding. Consideration for these funds is given to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal and State Grant and Loan Programs

Student Aid Program Type of Aid Program Details Annual Award Limits

Federal Pell Grant (Pell)

Grant: does not have to be repaid.

Available to students who do not have a first Bachelor's degree.

$890-$5,350 based on EFC (pro-rated based on Actual Enrollment)

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

Grant: does not have to be repaid.

Must be enrolled full-time, be a Federal Pell Grant recipient and have successfully completed a rigorous high school program after January 1, 2005

Up to $750 for first-year students and up to $1,300 for second-year students with at least a 3.0 grade point average

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) 

Grant: does not have to be repaid. 

Must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant; based on availability of funds for early applicants.

$400 based on a zero EFC first; may be awarded to higher EFC students based on available funds.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Work: Money earned.

Must be enrolled for 6 credits during the academic year.

Up to $5,000 based on unmet need and availability of funds.

Nursing Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP)

Loan: Must be repaid if student does not serve as a full-time nurse in Ohio for five years

Ohio students enrolled in at least six credit hours and accepted into an approved Ohio pre-licensure nurse education program

Up to $1,500 based on EFC and enrollment status

Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG)

No longer available due to budget cuts (As of July 1, 2009)

No longer available due to budget cuts (As of July 1, 2009)

No longer available due to budget cuts (As of July 1, 2009)

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) For more information, click here

No longer available to Tri-C students due to changes in state policy.(As of July 1, 2009)

No longer available to Tri-C students due to changes in state policy. (As of July 1, 2009)

No longer available to Tri-C students due to changes in state policy. (As of July 1, 2009)

William D. Ford Federal Subsidized Loan (FDLS)

Loan: Must be repaid

Must be enrolled in 6 credits per semester

Up to $3,500 for students (0-29 credits) Up to $4,500 for students (30+ credits)

William D. Ford Federal Unsubsidized Loan (FDLU)

Loan: Must be repaid

Must be enrolled in 6 credits per semester

Up to $4,000 in addition to the subsidized loan limit and independent status

William D. Ford Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Loan: Must be repaid

Student must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per semester

Varies; amount up to the cost of attendance less any financial aid that the student receives; Rates and amounts based on approved credit rating and may require a cosigner