Purpose
The primary purpose of student financial assistance is to provide financial resources to students who would otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education. The Financial Aid staff at MCC will attempt in an ethical manner to meet the needs of all students, to the extent funding will permit.
Most assistance is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Though it is felt that the primary responsibility for financing post-secondary education rests with the student and his/her family, every effort is made to provide necessary supplemental funding to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to attend MCC due to financial limitations. Additionally, strict confidentiality is maintained in regard to all aspects of financial assistance.
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These forms are available in the Financial Aid Office or by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Essentially, aid is packaged from the following sources: Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG), North Carolina Educational Lottery Scholarship (NCELS), Targeted Assistance, Federal Work-Study and MCC institutional scholarships. In addition, information on Veterans Benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation services and several specific scholarship awards is available through the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office staff is available to assist any individual with information or completion of application forms in connection with financial assistance.
Confidentiality
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 prohibits the release of a student’s educational record, which includes student award information, to parents or spouses without the written permission of the student. Once submitted, a written request must be reviewed and approved before any information is released. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. The Financial Aid Office staff will not disclose financial information or award amounts over the phone to anyone, including the student.