Types of 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.
      • Sign a statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA 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 or register online.)

      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 you can receive, visit studentaid.ed.gov. How much you qualify for will depend not only on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) but also on your cost of attendance, whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

      To apply, students should complete the FAFSA, 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.

    • Year-Round (Summer) Pell Grants

      Beginning in 2018, Pell Grants became available year round. Pell Grant eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award each year.

      Eligibility Requirements:

      • Have completed a 2022-23 FAFSA
      • Be Pell Grant eligible
      • Have lifetime Pell Grant eligibility remaining

      Minimum Credits for Summer Pell Grant:

      • If a student was enrolled full-time (12 or more hours) and received the full time Pell Grant amount for the fall and spring semesters, the student may be eligible to receive an additional Pell grant award if they are enrolled in 6 hours. For example, 6 hours in Summer I, and/or 6 hours in Summer II. Students enrolling in 3 hours in Summer I and 3 hours in Summer II are not eligible for the additional Pell Grant funds.
      • If the student was enrolled part-time in the fall and spring semester, any unused remaining annual Pell funds can be used in the summer (unless required by student’s EFC).

      Pell Grant eligibility will be determined after the student registers for classes. The Financial Aid Office will review each registered student to determine any additional Pell Grant eligibility. Students may start checking WebAdvisor/Financial Aid Self Service approximately two weeks after they register. Remember that processing times will grow longer the closer it gets to when classes begin, so register early.

      If the student did not attend MCC the previous fall or spring semesters, please complete a Summer Request form and have it sent to the financial aid office for processing.

      Maximum Pell Grant Eligibility

      Funding from the federal Pell Grant is limited to 12 semesters (6 years) as a full-time student or its equivalent. Students can check their remaining eligibility by logging on to: https://studentaid.gov/ using their FSA ID.

      Transient Students

      Students who are considered "transient" are not eligible for financial aid at McLennan Community College during the summer terms. A transient student is a student who comes to MCC from another institution, takes course work in the summer and transfers that work back to their other institution in the fall.

    • Changes to Pell Grant Eligibility

      In December 2011, President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74). This law has significantly impacted the Pell Grant Program. Beginning in Fall 2012, students are limited to 12 semesters or 600% (with each full-time semester representing approximately 50%) of Pell Grant eligibility.

      Who does this affect? This change affects all students. Students who are receiving the Pell Grant in the current academic year and have already used 600% of their Pell Grant eligibility will no longer be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. 

      How is the percentage calculated? The percentages are based on enrollment status. Students using 100% of their Pell Grant eligibility have taken 12 semester hours (full-time enrollment) for two semesters (e.g., fall and spring) for a total of 24 (or more) semester hours in an academic year.

      Therefore, 12 semester hours equals approximately 50% of Pell Grant eligibility regardless of the amount of the Pell Grant received. Each student's eligibility will be calculated separately based on their Pell Grant awards and semester hours.

      How can I see how much of my pell grant eligibility I have used? You may view your Pell Grant usage by logging into https://studentaid.gov with your FSA ID.

      How do I know if this affects me? If you have attended college for 4 years or longer and have received the Pell Grant each year, you are likely getting close to exhausting - or have already exhausted - your lifetime limit of eligibility.

      If you received second summer Pell Grant awards, the percentage of eligibility you've used will be greater than students who only received one Pell Grant award during an academic year.

      The Department of Education will email and mail letters to students who used greater than 450% of their Pell Grant eligibility.

      For More Information:
      254-299-8698
      financial_aid@mclennan.edu 

    • MCC Emergency Grant

      MCC emergency grants are awarded to students who encounter unexpected events or circumstances that could negatively affect their ability to continue their studies at McLennan. Emergency grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and generally do not exceed $250.

      Find out more about the MCC Emergency 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.
      • Sign a statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA 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 or register online.)

      Awards range up to $800 per year at McLennan Community College (MCC). To apply, students should complete the FAFSA, 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.

    • 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 $5,875;
      • 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; and
      • 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; and
      • Have maintained satisfactory progress for this program, defined as:
        • 2.5 cumulative GPA and
        • 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.

    • CARES Act Grants- NO LONGER APPLICABLE

      MCC received federal CARES Act funding to support students who have been financially impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These funds are a part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, a new federal grant funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

      Find out more about the CARES Act Grants here.

    • TASFA

      The Texas Application for State Financial Aid is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs that are administered by institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are encouraged to complete the TASFA. Find out which application you should fill out here: TASFA or FAFSA

  • Scholarships
    • MCC Foundation Scholarships

      The McLennan Community College 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 competition (which runs October 1 – January 15 and May 1 - May 15 for scholarships to be awarded for the following academic year) visit the Foundation scholarship website.

    • Presidential Scholars

      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 shall pay for tuition, fees, and books.

      The recipient shall begin using the scholarship no later than the fall semester following receipt of the scholarship. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 shall be required to maintain the scholarship. Students receiving the Presidential Scholarship shall 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 website.

    • First Generation Scholars

      The Bernard and Audre Rapoport McLennan Community College Endowed First Generation Scholarship Program provides scholarships and resources of up to $5,000 over a two-year period for students whose parents or guardians have not earned an associate’s degree.

      High school seniors are encouraged to apply each fall when the competition for the next academic year begins. A 2.5 GPA is required to enter 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 website.

    • McLennan Honors College

      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 website.

    • McLennan Scholars 

      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.

      For more information, visit the McLennan Scholars' website or contact your high school counselors.

    • Rising Star Scholars

      The Rising Stars Scholarship is offered to McLennan county high school students who rank in the top 11-20% (or students ranking 6th through 10th) of their class at the end of their junior year in high school. If the class has fewer than 21 students, the 3rd and 4th ranked students in the class are eligible.

      For more information, visit the Rising Star Scholars' website or contact your high school counselors.

    • Departmental Scholarships

      Scholarships in music, theatre, 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 .

    • Non-MCC Scholarship Opportunities

       

    • 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) to determine eligibility. To apply for a MAC Grant, students should contact The Waco Foundation , 900 Austin Ave., Suite 1000, Waco, TX 76701, or call 254-752-9457 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. 

  • 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 and be eligible to receive federal financial aid.
      • Be enrolled at least half time.
      • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress 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

      Borrowers in the Direct Subsidized Loan program will have eligibility limited to 150 percent of the time required for a degree. For example: A student in a two-year associate degree program will be eligible for only three (3) years of Subsidized Loan eligibility. A student in a one-year certificate program would have only one-and-a-half (1 1/2) years of eligibility for the loan.

      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.
      • Be enrolled at least half time.
      • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress 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 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.

    • Master Promissory Note & Loan Counseling

      After the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has been completed and the Direct Federal Stafford Loan Award is listed on the WebAdvisor, the following steps must be completed.

      1. Accept/Reject your Loan(s) on WebAdvisor.
      2. Complete Loan Entrance Counseling (if you have not already done so for MCC).
      3. Complete and e-sign a Master Promissory Note (if you have not already done so for MCC).
      4. Complete an Institutional Short Term Loan Application (if applicable).
    • Direct Loans for Summer terms

      Students interested in Direct Loans for the summer must complete and submit a financial aid Request Form (available in Highlander Central or online). Direct Loan eligibility will be based on any unused eligibility from the fall and spring semesters.

      Loan eligibility is based on FAFSA results, and the student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours in the summer. This can be accomplished by taking 3 hours in Summer I and 3 hours in Summer II, or by taking 6 hours in Summer I, or by any combination of hours over the two summer terms that totals 6 or more hours.

      Eligibility

      In order to be eligible for these awards, all students must be making satisfactory progress according to standards at McLennan Community College.

      Students who are considered "transient" are not eligible for financial aid at McLennan Community College during the summer terms. A transient student is a student who comes to MCC from another institution, takes course work in the summer and transfers that work back to their other institution in the fall.

      Students applying for summer financial aid who were not enrolled at MCC in the fall or spring semesters and who also plan to attend MCC in the next fall semester will need to complete and submit a Summer Request Form. The financial aid office will determine if the students has summer financial aid eligibility.

      If you have not completed the FAFSA, now is the time to do it!

    • Institutional Loan Application

      Institutional Short-Term Loan Applications for First Time Loan Borrowers

      As part of a federally mandated default-management plan, first time loan borrower's first loan disbursement must be delayed until 30 days after classes begin. Institutional loans are available through MCC Financial Aid to assist first-time loan borrowers pay for books and supplies until their federal loan can be disbursed.

      Institutional Short Term Loan Application available to download (Applications are term specific):

      Those who qualify can have funds available at MCC Follett Bookstore within four business days. The institutional loan, plus a $10 service charge must be repaid to MCC within 60 days.

      Applications can be scanned and emailed to financial_aid@mclennan.edu, faxed to 254-299-6215, or turned into Highlander Central located in the Enrollment Services Center.

      Bookstore charges begin on financial aid bookstore charge date. Please see Follett Bookstore for dates.

  • Work-Study Programs
    • Work-Study Application

      If you are interested for any of the following work-study programs, please fill out our online application.

    • Federal Work-Study Application

      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) 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.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
      • Sign a statement on the FAFSA 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 or register online.)
    • 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). 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, office workers, etc. Financial need is not a requirement for this program.

  • Other Sources of Financial Aid

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