Financial Aid

  • Grants
    • Pell Grants

      Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as medicine, law, or dentistry.) For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Show exceptional financial need.
      • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
      • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. (Students may not receive aid for correspondence or telecommunications courses unless they are part of an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree program.)
      • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
      • Have a valid Social Security Number.
      • Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria).
      • Sign a statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [ FAFSA] (https://studentaid.gov/) certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) certifying that the student is not in default on a federal student loan and that the student does not owe money back on a federal student grant.
      • Register with the Selective Service, if required. (If you are a male 18-25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can give Selective Service permission to register you by checking a box on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) or register online ( https://www.sss.gov/).

      Eligible students can receive the Pell Grant for a maximum of six years as a full-time student or its equivalent. For more information about award maximums and the number of Pell Grants a student can receive, visit https://studentaid.gov/. How much money a student qualifies for will depend not only on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) but also on cost of attendance, full-time or part-time status, and whether the student attends school for a full academic year or less. A student may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

      To apply, students should complete the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/), list the MCC school code (003590), and the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student if he/she is eligible for a Pell Grant.

    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

      This federal grant was designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Show exceptional financial need.
      • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
      • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. (Students may not receive aid for correspondence or telecommunications courses unless they are part of an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree program.)
      • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
      • Have a valid Social Security Number.
      • Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria).
      • Sign a statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) certifying that the student is not in default on a federal student loan and that the student does not owe money back on a federal student grant.
      • Register with the Selective Service, if required. (If you are a male 18-25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can give Selective Service permission to register you by checking a box on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) or register online ( https://www.sss.gov/).

      Awards range up to $800 per year at McLennan Community College (MCC). To apply, students should complete the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/), list the MCC school code (003590), and the Office of Financial Aid will notify the student if he/she is eligible for a FSEOG Grant.

    • Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) Program

      These grants are provided by the Texas Legislature to provide grant aid to financially needy students. To receive an initial award, a student must:

      • Be registered with the Selective Service or be exempt.
      • Have a nine-month EFC of no more than $6,454.
      • Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident.
      • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
      • Not be concurrently receiving a renewal Texas Grant.
      • Be enrolled at least half-time and in the first 30 hours (or its equivalency) of an associate degree or certificate program (excluding credits for dual enrollment or by examination).

      To receive a renewal award through the TEOG Program, a student must:

      • Be enrolled at least half time as a student who previously received a TEOG award and has not yet been granted an associate degree or baccalaureate degree.
      • Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident.
      • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
      • Not be concurrently receiving a renewal Texas Grant.
      • Have maintained satisfactory progress for this program, defined as:
        • 2.5 cumulative GPA.
        • 75 percent successful completion of attempted hours.

      Satisfactory Progress for the TEOG program is calculated differently than satisfactory progress for the other financial aid programs and is calculated only once per year after the spring semester.

      The maximum award varies each year and the award is adjusted based upon enrollment status.

    • Texas Public Educational Grants (TPEG)

      These grants are awarded based on financial need and availability of TPEG funds. Students must be enrolled for at least six semester hours of college-credit course work or the equivalent during each semester. Summer students (or continuing students who declare their intent to enroll at MCC in the following fall semester), must enroll in at least six semester hours during a nine-week term or four semester hours during a six-week term. A limited number of awards may be available to less-than-half-time students. Award amounts are based upon a student’s unmet need.

  • McLennan Community College Foundation Scholarships

    The McLennan Community College Foundation (https://www.mclennan.edu/foundation/) is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization independent of the College. Through the gracious gifts of many friends and donors, the Foundation is able to award more than 500 scholarships each year.

    For a complete list and instructions on how to apply during the annual application period (October 1-January 15 and May 1-May 15 for scholarships to be awarded for the following academic year) visit the Foundation Scholarship webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/foundation/scholarships-and-resources/index.html.

    • Presidential Scholars

      Policy G-X-N   (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-X-N.pdf)

      The Presidential Scholars Program provides scholarships to as many as 20 students who are high school graduates, General Educational Development (GED) Test completers or currently enrolled college students. Students who have demonstrated scholastic ability (B average or higher) and academic potential are eligible to apply. The scholarship supplies funds required for tuition, fees, and books.

      The recipient must begin using the scholarship no later than the fall semester following award of the scholarship. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to maintain the scholarship. Students receiving the Presidential Scholarship will meet with the President of the College regularly and serve as ambassadors for the President of the College at designated events.

      For more information, visit the Presidential Scholars webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/scholarships/presidential.html.

    • First Generation Scholars

      The Bernard and Audre Rapoport McLennan Community College Endowed First Generation Scholarship Program provides scholarships and resources of up to $6,000 over a two-year period for students whose parents or guardians have not earned an associate’s degree or higher.

      High school seniors are encouraged to apply each fall when the application period for the next academic year opens. A 2.5 GPA is required to apply and remain in the program. Students who successfully complete the First Generation Program may also be eligible for additional scholarships at four-year institutions for bachelor's degrees.

      For more information about the program, visit the First Generation Scholars webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/firstgen/index.html.

  • McLennan Community College Scholarship Programs
    • McLennan Honors College

      Policy G-X-S   (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-X-S.pdf)

      McLennan Honors College brings together a community of motivated and gifted learners whose interests are served through an interdisciplinary program of academic inquiry that is both challenging and nurturing.

      For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Honors College webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/honors-college/.

    • McLennan Scholars Program

      Policy G-X-k   (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-X-K.pdf)

      The College offers scholarships to students graduating in the top 10 percent of each accredited high school class in McLennan County or to the top five students in each graduating class; whichever represents the greater number. If the class has fewer than 21 students, the top two students will receive the scholarship. Students are identified for these scholarships by their respective high schools, so no application is necessary. Recipients are notified by the Office of Financial Aid and their high school principals.

      The scholarship is valid for four consecutive long semesters after graduation from high school. The scholarship covers tuition and fees. Recipients must attend school full time and maintain a 3.0 grade point average and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/.

      For more information, visit the McLennan Scholars webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/scholarships/mclennan.html or contact your high school counselor or principal.

    • Rising Star Scholars Program

      Policy G-X-h   (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-X-h.pdf)

      The College offers scholarships to McLennan county high school students who rank in the top 11-20% (or students ranking 6 th through 10 th) of their class at the end of their junior year in high school. If the class has fewer than 21 students, the 3 rd and 4 th ranked students in the class are eligible. Recipients of the Rising Star Scholarship will be notified by the College and their high school principal at the end of their junior year.

      The scholarship covers 50% of McLennan’s tuition and fees for four semesters (excluding summer terms) and is valid for four long semesters after high school graduation. Recipients must enroll full time (12 credit hours or more per semester, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/.

      For more information, visit Rising Star Scholars webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/scholarships/star.html. Home school students may contact our Financial Aid Office at 254-299-8698. 

    • Departmental Scholarships

      Scholarships in music ( https://www.mclennan.edu/music/scholarships ), theatre  ( https://www.mclennan.edu/theatre/students.html ), visual arts, and athletics (including the McLennan Dance Company) are offered to outstanding students in these areas. Recipients are selected by a departmental committee. For more information, contact the program director in the respective department.

  • Waco Foundation Scholarship

    The MAC Grant

    Funded through gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Duncan Sr. to the McLennan Community College Foundation, the MAC Grant pays MCC tuition, books, and fees for any McLennan County high school graduate not receiving other financial aid. The MAC Grant requires a student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [ FAFSA] (https://studentaid.gov/) to determine eligibility. To apply for a MAC Grant, students should contact the Waco Foundation (https://wacofoundation.org/community-impact/mac-college-money-program/how-to-apply), 1227 N. Valley Mills Dr., Suite 235, Waco, TX 76710, or call 254-754-3404 for more information.

    The application deadline is usually May 1 of the student's senior year.

    Students may also apply for MAC Grant transfer scholarships for the third and fourth years of college. Students must have applied for a MAC Grant by May 1 of their senior year in high school and must apply for the MAC Grant transfer scholarship by Dec. 1 of their sophomore year at MCC.

  • Financial Assistance through Income Tax Credits

    Education tax credits can help offset the costs of higher education for yourself or a dependent. American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are two education credits available that may benefit you. Because they are credits rather than deductions, you may be able to subtract them in full, dollar-for-dollar, from your federal income tax.

    For more information about the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit, including credit amounts and requirements, see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, which can be obtained online at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

  • Federal Direct Loan Programs
    • Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan

      The purpose of the Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is to provide low-interest educational loans that enable a student to pay the cost of attendance at a public, private, or nonprofit college or university. The federal government pays the interest on these loans while a student is in school, during a grace period, and during authorized periods of deferment.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
      • Complete a FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/) and be eligible to receive federal financial aid.
      • Be enrolled at least half time.
      • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria) requirements.
      • Must not owe a refund (also called an "overpayment") on any federal grant program or be in default or delinquent on a previously obtained federal student loan.

      Annual Loan Limits:

      • First-year undergraduates --------------------------- $3,500
      • Second-year undergraduates ----------------------- $4,500
      • Aggregate limit for undergraduate students -- $23,000

      An origination fee is deducted from the proceeds of each loan disbursement. There are no guarantee or insurance premium fees. Loans will have a fixed annual (simple interest) rate for the life of the loan. The interest rate will change each spring. The borrower is not responsible for the interest accrued while he/she is enrolled at least half time, during the six-month grace period, and during certain authorized deferment periods. Interest is not capitalized at any time and may be paid as it accrues.

      Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. The loan repayment schedule will require a minimum monthly payment of $50 or an amount required to repay the loan plus interest within 10 years, whichever is greater. Borrowers may be eligible for postponement of loan repayment under certain circumstances.

    • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

      The purpose of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is to provide low-interest educational loans that enable a student to pay the cost of attendance at a public, private, or nonprofit college or university. The borrower is responsible for interest that accrues while in school, during a grace period, or during authorized periods of deferment or forbearance.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
      • Completed a FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov/).
      • Be enrolled at least half time.
      • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria) requirements.
      • Must not owe a refund (also called an "overpayment") on any federal grant program or be in default or delinquent on a previously obtained federal student loan.

      Annual Loan Limits:

      • First-year undergraduates --------------------------- $6,000
      • Second-year undergraduates ----------------------- $6,000
      • Aggregate limit for undergraduate students -- $57,500 (including up to $23,000 of Subsidized Direct Loans)
      • Students considered dependent for financial aid may only borrow $2,000 more than the Subsidized loan amounts listed above from the Unsubsidized Loan Program.

      An origination fee is deducted from the proceeds of each loan disbursement. There are no guarantee or insurance premium fees. Interest accrues from the date the funds are issued until the loan(s) are paid in full. Interest is capitalized if it is not paid as it accrues.

      Repayment of the loan begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. The loan repayment schedule will call for a minimum monthly payment of $50 or an amount required to repay the loan plus accrued/capitalized interest within 10 years, whichever is greater. Borrowers may be eligible for postponement of loan repayment under certain circumstances.

    • Federal Parental Loans to Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

      The purpose of the PLUS loan is to enable parents with good credit histories to borrow to pay the educational expenses of their dependent undergraduate students. To be eligible, parents must:

      • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
      • Have student(s) enrolled at least half time.
      • Have student(s) who are meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria) requirements of the college or university.
      • Have good credit.
      • Are not in default or owe a refund (the Financial Aid Office may call this an "overpayment") to any student financial assistance program.
      • The parent seeking the PLUS loan must pass a credit evaluation in order to be eligible to qualify for this loan.

      Applicants do not have to show financial need. The PLUS may be used to cover the family's expected contribution (EFC). The amount of PLUS combined with other financial assistance cannot be greater than the cost of attendance.

  • Institutional Loan Program

    Short-Term Emergency Loan

    Policy G-X-c   (https://www.mclennan.edu/employees/policy-manual/docs/G-X-C.pdf)

    This loan is available to a limited number of students to assist in meeting emergency financial demands. The loan is offered on a short-term basis, not to exceed 60 days, when other funds are expected but currently unavailable. This enables the student to continue his/her educational pursuits.

    Students should be enrolled for at least six semester hours and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria). Loans generally do not exceed $500 and are due before the end of the semester in which they are made.

  • Student Employment 
    • Federal Work-Study Program

      The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the course of study. In order to be eligible, students must:

      • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [ FAFSA] (https://studentaid.gov/) and have financial need.
      • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education or meet other standards your state establishes that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education. (See the financial aid administrator at the college for more information.)
      • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program. (Students may not receive aid for correspondence or telecommunications courses unless they are part of an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree program.)
      • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
      • Have a valid Social Security Number.
      • Make Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria).
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov) certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov) certifying that the student is not in default on a federal student loan and that the student does not owe money back on a federal student grant.
      • Register with the Selective Service, if required. (If you are a male 18-25 years of age and you have not yet registered with Selective Service, you can give Selective Service permission to register you by checking a box on the FAFSA (https://studentaid.gov) or register online (https://www.sss.gov/).
    • State Work-Study Program

      The State Work-Study Program was created to provide part-time jobs to eligible students with financial need to enable them to attend college.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Be a Texas resident.
      • Show financial need.
      • Register for the Selective Service or sign a statement that you are exempt from this requirement.
      • Enroll at least half time.

      To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  [ FAFSA] (https://studentaid.gov/). The Financial Aid Office will determine eligibility and notify eligible students.

    • Non-Work-Study Program

      This program provides on-campus work opportunities for a limited number of students with special skills, i.e., tutoring, lab assistants, etc. Financial need is not a factor in this program.

  • Up to $1,000 Tuition Rebates for Certain Students

    Students who are pursuing a baccalaureate degree from a Texas public four-year university may qualify to receive up to a $1,000 rebate of tuition paid at the time that they receive their bachelor's degree. To be eligible, a student must meet all of the following criteria:

    • Enrolled for the first time in college in Fall 1997 semester or later.
    • Must be requesting a rebate for work related to a first bachelor's degree received from a Texas public university.
    • Must have been a resident of Texas.
    • Must have attempted all course work at a Texas public institution.
    • Must have been designated to pay resident tuition at all times while pursuing the degree.
    • Must have attempted no more than three hours in excess of the minimum number of semester credit hours required to complete the degree under the catalog under which they were graduated.
    • Must apply for the rebate prior to receiving their bachelor's degrees on forms provided by the school.
    • Student is solely responsible for enrolling only in courses that will qualify them for the rebates.

    The institution that grants the bachelor's degree is the institution that will pay the rebate to students. Students can be eligible by transferring from a two-year public institution to a four-year institution by following the above rules and providing a copy of the transcript to the four-year school.

    The amount of the rebate may be reduced by the amount of any outstanding student loan owed to or guaranteed by the state, including the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp.

    For more information, contact Student Engagement at 254-299-8614.

  • Veterans Services

    McLennan is an approved training facility for veterans and their dependents under the provisions of the various public laws commonly referred to as the GI Bill and Dependents Educational Benefits. For more information, visit our Veterans webpage at https://www.mclennan.edu/veterans/.


Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy 

(https://www.mclennan.edu/financial-aid/Satisfactory%20Academic%20Progress%20Criteria)

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