Main Content Section
Types of Financial Aid
Students applying for multiple types of financial aid should be aware that total financial aid award packages which include Title IV aid and/or state funded aid and/or institutional aid may not exceed the cost of education or the financial need of the individual student as determined by the needs analysis document (FAFSA).
Federal Aid
The Federal Pell Grant is available to the student pursuing a first under-graduate degree or certificate who demonstrates exceptional financial need. A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree or first professional degree is not considered to be an undergraduate and cannot receive a Pell grant. You are eligible to receive a Pell Grant for up to 12 semesters or the equivalent. If you have exceeded the 12-semester maximum, you will lose eligibility for additional Pell Grants beginning July 1, 2012. Equivalency is calculated by adding together the percentage of your Pell eligibility that you received each year to determine whether the total amount exceeds 600%. The Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used by the financial aid administrator to determine eligibility for this grant. Minimum awards and maximum awards are established by the federal government. (Example: $574-$5645 per year for 2013-2014). The Federal Pell Grant is an entitlement program and once final eligibility is established the award is the base for all other financial aid. The eligible student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continuation. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov. MDCC school code is 002416. Help is available for students online or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to a limited number of undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need. The SAR from the FAFSA is used by the financial aid administrator to determine eligibility for this grant; typically $200 – $4,000 per year. Priority consideration is given to the full-time student with demonstrated need. The eligible student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continuation.
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time, on-campus employment to eligible students. The SAR from the FAFSA is used by the financial aid administrator to determine eligibility for this work-study program. Depending on need, an eligible student may earn from $750-$1800 per year by working up to twenty hours per week on campus. The eligible student must maintain full-time enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress for continuation.
State Aid
Apply for state financial aid online at mississippi.edu/financialaid
State-funded financial aid may be available to first-time students who are enrolling at MDCC for the spring semester. For more information and applications for the following state programs, contact Mississippi Student Financial Aid, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211-6453, call 1-800-327-2980 or visit mississippi.edu/financialaid.
The Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG) offers up to $500 per year for eligible students who are residents of Mississippi and do not qualify for a full Pell Grant. The SAR from the FAFSA is used by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid to determine eligibility for this grant. Eligible students should have a high school grade point average of 2.5 and a minimum ACT score of 15. Other eligibility criteria may apply. Interested students should apply online at mississippi.edu/financialaid. DEADLINE - SEPTEMBER 15
The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG) offers up to $2500 per year (not to exceed the actual tuition) for students who are residents of Mississippi with a high school grade point average of 3.5 and a minimum ACT score of 29. Other eligibility criteria may apply. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not used to determine eligibility for this grant; however, MESG recipients may also be eligible for MTAG (see MTAG criteria). Interested students should apply online at mississippi.edu/financialaid. DEADLINE - SEPTEMBER 15
The Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) provides full tuition to qualified, college-bound Mississippi residents who meet certain eligibility criteria. Requirements are a 2.5 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 20. The SAR from the FAFSA is used by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid to determine eligibility for this grant. Interested students should review the full criteria available at mississippi.edu/financialaid and apply online. DEADLINE – MARCH 31
MDCC Scholarships
Institutional scholarships are awarded during the fall/spring terms, and are not awarded during summer term. Limited funds are available for institutional scholarships and MDCC strives to provide eligible scholars with funds. Students receiving institutional scholarships are required to successfully complete a minimum 15 credit hours each semester. Students applying for multiple institutionally funded scholarships should be aware that certain institutional scholarships cannot be combined or “stacked”. In some cases, when combined with other aid (federal and state and other institutional), the actual amount of one or more scholarships may be reduced or rescinded. In no case will an institutional scholarship be refunded in full. The individual scholarship descriptions will provide specific information regarding "stacking" institutional scholarships. Scholarship eligibility is established based on the published deadline. The student who achieves the academic criteria for an institutional scholarship after the beginning of an academic year may apply for institutional scholarships for the next academic year. The student who will be attending MDCC for the first time in the spring semester may apply for institutional scholarships for the following academic year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not used to determine eligibility for these scholarships; however, applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid.
HONORS COLLEGE
The MDCC Honors College provides academically gifted students an educational experience beyond the standard curriculum in an environment that promotes discovery and creativity.
The Honors College at Mississippi Delta Community College offers academically gifted in-state students a scholarship which covers 100% tuition and room and board, and provides a book allowance in the bookstore. Students who elect to forgo a dorm room and commute may request to receive the commuter meal plan, instead.
Book Allowance
$800 book allowance for students with an ACT of 25+
$500 book allowance for students with an ACT of 23 or 24
For more information, visit the Honors College page.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Must have an ACT score of 25 (minimum) and be a first-time entering freshman. Limited scholarships are available for full-time students who meet these academic requirements, who have not completed the requirements for an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. STUDENTS MUST BE MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS. The Presidential Scholarship for the on-campus student may be up to full tuition and room/board (a book allowance is not included). The Presidential Scholarship award for the off-campus student may be up to full tuition and a $1200 annual book allowance. This scholarship is renewable up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters. VCC fees are not covered by this scholarship. To remain eligible, the student must be enrolled in and complete no less than 15 credit hours per semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the scholarship. There is no appeal process for this scholarship. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not used to determine eligibility for this scholarship; however, Presidential scholars may also be eligible for other types of financial aid. In some cases, when combined with other aid (federal and state and other institutional), the actual amount of the Presidential or other scholarship(s) may be reduced or rescinded. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid. Maximum Award - up to the published cost of tuition, room and board. Minimum Award - $400.00/year. Maximums and minimums are subject to change based on availability of funds and other financial aid eligibility. Scholarships are subject to the availability of funds.
DEAN'S SCHOLARSHIP
Must have an ACT score of 18-24 and be a first-time entering freshman. Limited scholarships are available for full-time students who meet these academic requirements, who have not completed the requirements for an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. STUDENTS MUST BE MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS. This scholarship provides full tuition and is renewable up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters. VCC fees are not covered by this scholarship. To remain eligible, the student must complete 15 credit hours per semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the scholarship. There is no appeal process for this scholarship. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not used to determine eligibility for this scholarship; however, Dean's scholars may also be eligible for other types of financial aid. In some cases, when combined with other aid (federal and state and other institutional), the actual amount of the Dean's or other scholarship(s) may be reduced. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid. Maximum Award - up to the published cost of tuition. Minimum Award - $200.00/year. Maximums and minimums are subject to change based on availability of funds and other financial aid eligibility. Scholarships are subject to the availability of funds.
OTHER INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
There are limited funds for other academic scholarships including GED, DOC, Dual Enrolled, and Faculty/Faculty Dependent. The amount of the award will vary depending on availability of funds. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid.
ACTIVITY SCHOLARSHIP
Based on talent and need. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the activity. These scholarships are renewable up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters. Unless otherwise stated, the student must maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average and complete full-time enrollment (minimum 15 earned credit hours) each semester to continue receiving an activity scholarship. Applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.gov. In some cases, when combined with other aid (federal and state and other institutional), the actual amount of the Activity or other scholarship(s) may be reduced or rescinded. Out of state students may not receive a scholarship greater than that which could be awarded to a Mississippi resident. Maximum Award - up to the published cost of tuition, room and board. Minimum Award - $400.00/year. OUT OF STATE TUITION WILL NOT BE COVERED BY ANY ACTIVITY SCHOLARSHIP. Maximums and minimums are subject to change based on availability of funds and other financial aid eligibility. A limited number of Activity Scholarships are available for each sponsored activity (Band, Dance, Cheer, Ambassadors, etc.) Deadline - based on tryout date. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid.
Students interested in applying for an Activity Scholarship should contact the sponsor or department for an application. More information about clubs, organizations and activities is available in Section II - Student Life of the College Catalog.
SERVICE/LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the organizational guidelines. These scholarships are renewable up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters. Unless otherwise stated, the student must maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average and complete full-time enrollment (minimum 15 earned credit hours) each semester to continue receiving a service/leadership organization scholarship. Applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.gov. In some cases, when combined with other aid (federal and state and other institutional), the actual amount of the service/leadership organization or other scholarship(s) may be reduced or rescinded. Maximum Award – varies by service organization. Minimum Award - $100.00/year. Maximums and minimums are subject to change based on availability of funds and other financial aid eligibility. A limited number of Service Organization Scholarships are available for each sponsored activity (Delta Directors, RA, SGA, etc.) Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid.
Students interested in applying for a Service Organization Scholarship should contact the sponsor or department for an application. More information about clubs, organizations and activities is available in Section II - Student Life of the College Catalog.
MDCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Final application deadline is June 20. All applicants for foundation scholarships must apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To apply online for Foundation Scholarships, visit mdcc.awardspring.com.
ATHLETIC GRANT-IN-AID
Based on ability and need. Athletic grant-in-aid is available for baseball, basketball (men & women), football, and women's softball. This grant-in-aid is renewable up to four consecutive fall/spring semesters. To remain eligible, the student must maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average and complete full-time enrollment (minimum 12 earned credit hours) each semester. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid. Maximum and minimum awards are determined by availability and subject to guidelines established by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Deadline - based on tryout date. Contact the MDCC Athletic Department for tryout information.
COLLEGE WORK STUDY
Fully funded by the institution, the college work-study program provides part-time, on-campus employment to eligible students. Eligible students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAR from the FAFSA is used by the financial aid administrator to determine eligibility for this institutional work-study program. An eligible student may earn from $750-$1800 per year by working up to ten hours per week on campus. The eligible student should maintain a 2.0, or higher, grade point average and complete full-time enrollment (minimum 12 earned credit hours) each semester. Applicants are required to apply for federal financial aid and have a completed FAFSA, including all required supplementary documentation, on file with the MDCC Office of Financial Aid.