Financial Aid
All students applying for financial aid should first complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This information is used to determine whether you are eligible for federal grants, certain scholarships and work-study programs. Learn more about the FASFA.
Types of Financial Aid
| Need to be repaid | Based on financial need | Based on grades | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid (Pell grant) | no | yes | yes (You must pass your classes.) |
| Work-study | no | yes | yes (You must pass your classes.) |
| Scholarships | no | sometimes | some have minimum GPAs |
| Loans | yes | Subsidized loans are based on need. Unsubsidized loans are not based on need. |
yes (You must pass your classes.) |
*Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant)
Federal financial aid is awarded based on financial need and other criteria. It does not have to be repaid after you graduate.
*Scholarships
Scholarships can be awarded based on grades, financial need or other qualifications. They do not have to be repaid.
*Work-Study Program
A work-study program allows students to receive financial aid while they work on campus. Positions are awarded based on financial need and other criteria.
*Loans
Loans are funds that have to be repaid after graduation.
Applying for Financial Aid at COM
Priority Application Deadlines
The most successful financial aid applicants submit all applications and documentation well before class registration to ensure they are eligible to receive the most funding.
Financial aid applicants are encouraged to submit all required financial aid documents by the following deadlines:
- Fall – June 1
- Spring – Nov. 1
- Summer – May 1
Applications submitted after these dates will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and could be processed after payment deadline dates. In this situation, students must make other payment arrangements before the payment deadlines.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Meeting Schedule
Students must make satisfactory academic progress (pass their classes) to remain on financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Meetings are scheduled on the second or third Friday of the month. For information about the upcoming monthly meetings, check with the Financial Aid Office.