Financial Aid
Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan or paid employment offered
for the express purpose of assisting students in meeting their educational
expenses. Financial aid at CCRI is specially designed to help those students
whose limited financial resources would seriously jeopardize their ability
to begin or continue their college careers. Students must be enrolled in
an eligible degree or certificate program before the add period for the
semester for which aid is requested and must maintain registration and a
satisfactory level of progress to receive Federal aid.
Requirements
Financial Aid Programs
Financial Aid FAQs
CCRI has academic standards consistent with Federal Guidelines concerning
the satisfactory academic progress of students receiving financial aid.
Financial aid recipients must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Satisfactory Cumulative Grade Index
Students in degree programs may receive financial aid for not more than
150 percent of program completion. For most students the 150 percent completion
time frame is 90 credits. Certificate programs vary; contact Financial Aid.
Students who do not compile a cumulative grade index as indicated below
will not be eligible to receive financial aid the following semester:
The criteria for good academic standing will be reviewed each semester and
is subject to change.
All attempted credits (includes transfer)
0-15 credits 1.25 cumulative index
16-30 credits 1.50 cumulative index
31-45 credits 1.75 cumulative index
46-90 credits 2.00 cumulative index
A student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 66 percent or more
of his/her attempted credit hours per semester as well as cumulatively over
the entire period of matriculation. Completion is defined as obtaining a
grade of A, B, C, D, S or P.
Students suffering a loss of financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic
progress may appeal. Instructions for the appeal process are available from
Financial Aid. Appeals must be submitted within two weeks of notification
to the Financial Aid Application Committee.
Students not meeting the standards required to receive aid may attend
classes at their own cost. Students will be considered for aid again when
their cumulative index and completion ratio meet the established standard.
Financial aid policy allows students who otherwise are making academic
progress the opportunity to repeat a required course once if the first grade
received is withdrawn or failing. Policy does not allow students to utilize
financial aid for audited courses. Financial aid policies are subject to
change based upon federal regulations. Contact the Financial Aid Office
for details.
CCRI utilizes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In
addition, federal verification worksheets, tax returns and possibly other
forms will be required as documentation to complete a student's file. Financial
need is determined by the results of this process.
For fall semester attendance, the College requires all students to submit
a completed FAFSA listing CCRI as a recipient so that it is received by
the processor no later than March 1 of each year. All requested information
for the student’s financial aid file must be completed no later than May
1 each year. Spring semester applicants must complete files no later than
September 1. Any students completing their file after these dates will be
considered late applicants and are responsible for their bills. If eligible
for financial aid and all requirements have been met, reimbursement will
be made.
Applicants may obtain the form by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
Due to the large number of eligible students, it may not be possible to
give the full consideration of all financial aid programs to those who file
late applications.
Students should remember that the purchase of textbooks will be a
necessary expense.
To qualify, your financial aid file must be complete prior to the end
of the last day of classes for the semester attended.
Federal Pell Grants – The
Federal Pell Grant is available to needy students through the federal
government. Grants range from $400 to $4,050, depending upon eligibility
and enrollment status.
Federal Supplemental Education Grants – Available primarily to
students eligible for Pell and demonstrating exceptional need.
CCRI Grants – awarded to needy students and financed through institutional
funds. Generally, CCRI Grants are distributed in accordance with the need
guidelines as established by the federal government. Students who have an
extraordinary circumstance may make written appeal to the financial aid
professional staff. Financial aid officers will evaluate the particular
situation that is outlined in the written appeal and recommend to the Associate
Dean of Enrollment Services a disposition of the appeal.
Scholarships – The CCRI Foundation
assists incoming, continuing, and graduating/transferring students in meeting
their financial needs through its scholarship and loan programs. Over 40
scholarships, which are both need-based and/or merit-based, are awarded
to deserving students each year by the Foundation. Detailed information
about each scholarship and applications can be obtained in the
Learning Resource Center at any campus or CCRI's Web
site at http://www.ccri.edu/foundation/Scholarships.shtml.
Other Financial Aid – in the form of grants and scholarships includes
those awarded through the
Rhode Island Higher Education
Assistance Authority (Rhode Island State Grant).
Work Programs – Students who exhibit financial need may also be
offered financial aid in the form of employment under the
Federal College Work-Study Program.
Eligible students may be placed in part-time positions on campus. CCRI’s
Federal Work-Study Program seeks to offer students relevant work experience
while helping them to defray some of the cost of education.
Student Help– Students who aren't eligible for need based work
may be considered for the Student Help Program which is financed through
institutional funds.
Loan Programs – In cases where a student’s need cannot be met
with other forms of financial aid, a Federal Stafford Loan may be recommended.
Such loans enable a student to borrow directly from a local bank in order
to finance educational expenses. Eligible students may qualify for federal
interest benefits and may not be required to repay the loan until such time
as they complete their education or leave school. Loans are repayable according
to a payment schedule arranged by the lending institution.
Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate
Students (FPLUS) are available to students who are ineligible for need-based
assistance. Loan applications are available from the lender of choice.
Alternative loans, such as College Bound and TERI are also available.
For more information, call the Office
of Enrollment Services at 825-2003.
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