Financial Aid and Tuition & Fees

In this section, you will find our aid availability, tuition, fees, sources of funding, and our refund policy.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Rates:
(2013-2014 Academic Year, Subject to Change)

Fee Schedule:

Fees Required of All Students

 Other Fees:

 *Students who legally reside in a county within the State of New York other than Niagara County must provide a Certificate of Residence from their home county or pay the out-of-state rate for tuition.
**Insurance may be waived if student provides proof of existing medical insurance coverage.

New York State Non-Resident (Out of County) Charges

If you have been a legal resident of New York State for the past year but you have lived outside Niagara County, you will be charged tuition at the nonresident rate. The non-resident premium (difference between the resident and non-resident rates) will be credited back to your account if you provide a valid certificate of residence from your county of legal residence not more than two months prior to, and no later than 30 days after commencement of college term or program. The certificate of residence received from your county of legal residence is valid for one academic year and must be renewed annually.

Payment Information

Registering for classes creates a financial obligation which you should be prepared to satisfy before you register. If you register PRIOR to the tuition due date, your financial obligation must be satisfied by the tuition due date (published each semester). If registration occurs AFTER the tuition due date, you must satisfy your obligation at the time of registration.

 Failure to satisfy your financial obligation to the college by established due dates will put your account in a state of default and will result in the assessment of late fees. The college does not assume responsibility for, but reserves the right to cancel your class schedule if your account is determined to be in a state of default at any time from the time of registration to the start of the semester.

 Step by Step: How to Complete the Student Billing and Payment Process       

STUDENT BILLING CHECKLIST:

1.     Access you Schedule/Bill on Banner Web (bills are only available on Banner Web and will not be mailed*)
2.     E-Sign your Financial Obligation Agreement
3.     Make payment for any amounts due
4.     Out of County Charges - Submit Residency Affidavit (Erie County) or Certificate (All other counties)
5.     Payment Plan-Sign up if unable to pay full amount due and prefer installments
6.     Insurance Card-Waive or Accept Insurance 

       Full instructions on how to complete the student billing process can be found on-line at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/pdf/business/billing-instructions.pdf

 IMPORTANT DATES:

*E-BILL ACTIVATION DATES - Date when students can begin accessing their billing documents for the term on Banner Web. Approximate activation dates for electronic student billing are:      
Fall Term - June 13     Spring Term - November 15     Summer Term - April 8

  Acceptable methods of payment are:

• Cash, check, credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover)
  Any check or credit card payment returned by your bank unpaid will result in a $25 service charge to your account. 
• NCCC Tuition Payment Plan
  The NCCC Tuition Payment Plan affords students the opportunity to pay their term bill in four monthly installments in the spring and fall semesters and 3 monthly installments in the summer semester. You must complete a payment plan application and pay the non-refundable fee each term you wish to participate in this plan. You will find plan applications in our Billing Information Brochure available for download at www.niagaracc.suny.edu, on your Banner Web main menu page, and in the Cashier’s Office (Room A205).
• Financial Aid, scholarships or other grants

 Where to make payments:

• On the Web via your Banner Web Account
• Mail - Check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card only
• In person in the Cashier’s Office-Sanborn

  Send or deliver payments to:

Niagara County Community College
Cashier’s Office (Room A205)
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, NY 14132-9460

Using Financial Aid as Payment

To use financial aid to cover tuition and fee charges you must apply for Federal financial aid (FAFSA application) and should allow at least three weeks processing time. New York State aid programs (TAP, APTS) require at least four weeks processing time. Your aid must be fully processed before it can be applied as a credit to your student billing account.

All financial aid is tentative until you attend classes. Financial aid will not pay for classes in which you enroll but do not attend. Be aware that if you drop a class or classes, your financial aid benefits, including student loans, may be reduced or withdrawn. You are responsible for any balance due as a result of loss of financial aid benefits for any reason. Before you drop any classes, make sure to check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if your aid benefits will be affected. If you intend to drop any of your classes (or all, in the case of withdrawal), you should consider doing so before the start of the semester. After the semester begins, you will be held responsible for a portion (or all) of the cost associated with dropped courses in accordance with the refund schedule outlined below.

Tuition & Fee Refund Schedule

The calculation of refunds of tuition and fees will be based on your OFFICIAL withdrawal date in accordance with the college policy and the State University of New York regulations. Refund schedules are published each term and can be found on Banner Web,  the college website, and in the Billing Information brochure.

Module classes have varying refund dates.

Student Financial Obligations

Student Obligation for Payment of Tuition, Fees & Other Charges

By registering for classes you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the NCCC Financial Obligation Agreement  set forth below:

I acknowledge that I have registered for classes and agree to pay Niagara County Community College all tuition and fees and any other balances associated with my enrollment regardless of any expected payments from any third-party resource - including, but not limited to, financial aid, employer reimbursement, scholarship, or any other external resource. I am and remain personally responsible for paying any and all balances due to Niagara County Community College. 

I understand that my current charges may be revised to reflect adjustments to my enrollment, housing assignment, the assessment of additional fees, or bookstore charges.

 I understand that the amount of financial aid that may appear on my account is only an estimate until I earn it. I agree to pay any amount not covered by financial aid or that ultimately becomes due as a result of a change in my financial aid eligibility resulting from, but not limited to, non-attendance, insufficient academic progress, course ineligibility, and exceeding the maximum number of eligible financial aid credits.            

 Withdrawal Policy

I understand that my failure to attend classes does not absolve me from my financial responsibility. If I intend to withdraw (whether from an individual course or from the college), it is my responsibility to follow the proper withdrawal procedures. I will be held financially responsible for any course from which I withdraw based on the date of the withdrawal and the college’s published liability schedule. I fully understand that withdrawing from a course or from the college may affect my financial aid eligibility and I will be responsible for any outstanding balance not covered by my financial aid/student loans.                                                  

 Failure to Pay

I understand that failure to pay any amount by its due date will result in the assessment of a late payment fee. I further understand if my account reflects an unpaid balance after the tuition due date, it shall be considered to be in a state of default. This will result in my ineligibility to register for additional coursework and the impoundment of academic records (including, but not limited to, grades and academic transcripts) until such time as my financial obligation to Niagara County Community College has been paid in full.              

Collections for Non-Payment

Should my account fall into a state of default, I understand and agree that it may be referred to an outside agency for further collection efforts and that I am responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by Niagara County Community College in the enforcement of collection - including, without limitation, the collection  fees of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees, the college incurs in such collection efforts. I further understand that my failure to pay may be reported to credit bureaus, which will negatively impact my personal credit scores.

 Authorization

I authorize Niagara County Community College and their respective agents and contractors to contact me regarding my student billing account, including repayment of same, at the current or any future number that I provide for my cellular phone or other wireless device using automated telephone dialing equipment or artificial or pre-recorded voice or text message.                                                                                 

Eligibility for Reversal of Charges

The Student Charges Reversal Committee will review requests received within one year after the end of the term for which the tuition refund is requested. Requests must be submitted on the Student Charges Reversal Request (SCRR) form, signed by the student and include supporting documentation. Examples of supporting documentation are physician’s statement, military activation papers, death certificate, college withdrawal forms, documentation of communication used to support claim, etc.

The Student Charges Reversal Committee will review requests for reversal of charges that meet the following criteria:

• Personal Emergencies - When a student has withdrawn through circumstances beyond his or her control, under conditions in which the denial of refund would cause undue hardship, the college may, in its discretion, determine that no liability for tuition and fees has been incurred by the student, provided the student has not received or will not receive academic credit for the term. The student must include written verification of the emergency. Examples of such emergencies are:

  • Death of the student, or death in the student’s immediate family (parent, sibling, offspring, spouse).

  • Medical incapacitation. Such instances require written proof from a medical professional.

  • Other circumstances that prevent the student from completing registered courses and are beyond the student’s control.

• Military Duty - There shall be no tuition or fee liability for a student who withdraws to enter military service prior to the end of an academic term for those courses in which the student does not receive academic credit, provided the student submits proper certification of such military service from an appropriate military official
• College Error - Tuition and fees collected in error or in amounts in excess of the required amounts may be refunded. Proof of error must accompany appeal.

Since detailed information concerning procedures and dates for drop/add, withdrawal from school, and student charge liability schedules are widely publicized, the Student Charges Refund Committee will not consider requests that are not filed in compliance with these guidelines except for instances where such failure resulted from emergency situations beyond the student’s control.

Accounts with unpaid balances after the tuition due date shall be considered in a state of default. All grades and records shall be impounded and ineligibility for any further registration will remain in effect until such time as the financial obligation has been paid. All costs and expenses incurred by the college in the enforcement of collection of past due accounts, including without limitation, attorney’s fees shall be the responsibility of the student.

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid can be a challenging experience. Students and parents are often confused by the various applications, due dates and required documentation needed to complete the process. We encourage our students to complete the application as early as possible (by March 1 for classes beginning in September and by October 1 for classes beginning in January). If you have questions, please contact our office at (716) 614-6266 or by email at FinAid@niagaracc.suny.edu.

Federal and state assistance is available to students based on their financial need. However, aid will continue only if students attend classes and show academic progress during each semester. Application for aid must be filed each year. Students who are awarded financial aid take responsibility to repay any additional debt to the college.

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid at least three to four months ahead of their anticipated start date. Students who apply late may not receive approval of their aid by the beginning of the semester. Filing late may result in difficulty purchasing textbooks and materials against a student’s anticipated financial aid award.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Applicants for federal aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available in the Financial Aid Office at NCCC. Financial aid staff at the college will assist applicants to assess their financial need and to complete financial aid forms.

1. You may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
2. You may MAIL your FAFSA application to the address indicated in the application booklet.

Financial Aid Package

A financial aid package includes:

1. cost of attendance
2. estimated family contribution
3. TAP/PELL estimates
4. campus-based aid, if eligible
5. campus employment, if awarded
6. loan amount (as of date of application)
7. outside private scholarships if received by College Association Office or reported by student
8. other resources applicable to student’s circumstances. (e.g., Veterans; VESID; etc.)

In order to estimate your total annual cost of attendance at NCCC, please refer to NCCC’s Net Price Calculator online at www.niagaracc.suny.edu under the Student Section tab.

 Estimated annual cost for a student living on campus:

 In determining a student’s aid “package”, the Financial Aid Officer reviews these categories:

Example:

*These are the rates as of this catalog  - May 2013

Timely Follow-Up

When asked, students should provide all information requested by the Financial Aid Office in a timely fashion. NCCC must adhere to federal and state regulations which require the verification of certain information. At least 30 percent of our applicants are randomly selected by the United States Department of Education each year for a process called verification. Simply put, verification is the process of providing documentation and information used to complete the financial aid application. Being selected does not mean the application was completed incorrectly; it is a validity measure to ensure program integrity when awarding federal funds. A delay in providing information will result in a delay in receiving awards.

Students are responsible for any amounts charged to their account based on financial aid for which they become ineligible.

Accounts with unpaid balances after the tuition due date shall be considered delinquent. All grades and records shall be placed on hold and ineligibility for any further registration will remain in effect until such time as the financial obligation has been paid. All costs and expenses incurred by the college in the enforcement for collection of past due accounts, including, without limitation, attorney’s fees shall be the responsibility of the student.

Federal Financial Aid Programs - Grants

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a program for students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility requirements include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being enrolled in an eligible program as a matriculated student and demonstrated need as assessed by the federal needs analysis formula.

Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the Central Processing Service using the Federal Needs Analysis formula approved by Congress. Current award amounts are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Niagara County Community College’s Federal Pell Grant Identification number is 002874.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program Grants (FSEOG)

Students with exceptional financial need are eligible for this grant program if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled and matriculated on at least a half-time basis. Current award amounts are available in the Financial Aid Office. Funding for this program is limited. Regulations require that priority be given to students who receive Federal PELL Grants. The award amount is dependent upon the student’s level of need and the funding policy of the given academic period. Students who do not continue attendance in their enrolled classes may owe money back to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Program based on last date of recorded attendance.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program provides eligible students receiving Federal Financial Aid the opportunity to work on and off-campus in a variety of positions. Eligibility is based on a student’s Financial Aid package. Eligible students are awarded a set amount of funding, which can be earned through part-time work. Students are paid an hourly wage for the time worked; this wage is paid to students bi-weekly via direct deposit into the student’s bank account. A variety of positions are available on-campus. The college also contracts with a number of community service agencies for off-campus positions, which provide valuable community-based experience for students, in addition to a valuable service for the community. Students inquiring about Federal Work Study Program eligibility should contact the Financial Aid Office. 

Federal Family Education Loan Programs

William Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Subsidized)

Matriculated students who are enrolled in at least six credit hours, are in good academic standing and have demonstrated financial need may be eligible for this low-interest student loan program. The William Ford Direct Loan application can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office. The William Ford Direct Loan application is submitted to the Financial Aid Office. The maximum loan eligibility per academic year is as follows:

$5,500 for first-year students (less than 30 earned hrs.
$6,500 for second-year students (30 or more earned hrs.

All Direct loan applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Stafford loan application to determine loan eligibility. All determinations are evaluated based on current federal regulations. Once an aid package is determined, the college’s loan section of the application is completed and forwarded to the Federal Government which approves or denies funding under the William Ford Federal Direct Loan program. The Federal Government will then notify you if you are approved or denied for the loan.

Prior to disbursement of the loan, it will be reduced by the lender by a three percent origination and insurance premium fee. Repayment on this loan begins six months after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time (6 credits) enrollment.

William Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Unsubsidized)

The William Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (unsubsidized) operates identically to the terms and conditions of the Direct Loan Subsidized Program except that the borrower is required to pay the interest while in school.

Eligibility for a William Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (unsubsidized) is determined when a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Direct Loan Application. A Direct Loan under the subsidized component is determined first; if the student does not qualify for the subsidized loan, the borrower will then qualify for all or a portion of the unsubsidized loan.

Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The Direct PLUS is a loan program for parents of dependent undergraduate student, who may borrow up to the yearly cost of attendance (budget) minus any expected financial aid. Loans are made by the Federal Government. Direct PLUS borrowers must begin repayment within 60 days. A borrower does not have to show need but will have to undergo a credit analysis. Students who do not continue attending classes in which they are enrolled will be reported to their lenders if they drop below six credit hours of attendance, leave school or graduate.

New York State Financial Aid Programs

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP is a state-funded grant program for New York State residents to be used only at approved post-secondary institutions within New York State. Grants range from $200 to $3,390 based on the family’s prior year’s New York State net taxable income and the program of study enrolled in at NCCC. There is no academic competition for this award; students must be enrolled on a full-time basis and be matriculated in a program of study. Students must complete the TAP application to be considered for funding. Students will receive an award certificate in the mail from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation which must be turned in to the Cashier’s Office for credit to the student’s account. Niagara County Community College’s (TAP) code is 2215.

Part-Time TAP Program

Eligibility for part-time TAP is limited to undergraduate students who are first-time freshmen in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter. To be eligible for part-time TAP a student must complete 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive semesters one-time requirement and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. The student must be enrolled for at least six credits but no more than 12 credits per semester.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

APTS is a state-funded grant program for New York State residents attending college on less than a full-time basis. A student must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Program: (1) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; (2) be a New York State resident; (3) be matriculated (enrolled in a degree/certificate program); (4) maintain a 2.0 grade-point average; (5) be in good academic standing; (6) be enrolled in at least six credit hours but not more than 11 credit hours per semester; (7) have remaining state aid eligibility. Students must complete an APTS application in order to be considered for funding. Awards are based on NYS net taxable income and depend on state allocation and tuition costs.

APTS requires a 50 percent completion of half-time course load for the first year and 75 percent completion of the second year; thereafter, a 100 percent is expected to be completed to continue receiving APTS awards.

Veterans and Military Tuition Programs

See the Veterans Affairs section in Student Services  section in this catalog.

Native American/Indian Aid

Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Grant Program

Federal Grants may be made to full-time students who are members of tribes served by the Bureau, possess one-fourth or more degree Indian blood, have a definite financial need and are enrolled in an approved program. Continuing eligibility will depend on satisfactory academic progress toward degree requirements. Priority funding for unmet need is provided to those presently residing or who have resided on the reservation. The student is required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a New York State Tuition Assistance Program application (NYS TAP). For more information, please contact:

United States Department of Interior
Bureau of Indian Affairs
South and Eastern States Agency Education Office
Suite 260
3701 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, Va. 22203

New York State Indian Aid

New York State Indian Aid is financial assistance for eligible American Indians for study in approved undergraduate programs. Native Americans who are on an official tribal roll of one of the eight Indian tribes and nations recognized by New York State or who are the child of such an enrolled member are eligible to apply. Students should apply one semester at a time and should do so prior to the semester for which aid is desired. (For example, if a student wants aid for spring semester, he or she should apply in early fall.) Students must comply with deadlines in order to receive aid. For more information, please contact:

New York State American Indian Aid
(518) 474-0537

or

The State Education Department
Native American Indian Education Unit
Room 474EBA
Albany, N.Y. 12234

Native American Community Services of Erie & Niagara Counties Inc.

Services and financial assistance is offered to any person who needs assistance in completing his/her individual education goals. Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc., provides direct and supportive services which are based on the needs and eligibility for the program. Services include classroom training, transportation, child care, books, supplies and tuition (only for specialized curricula). There are no assessments, information/referral, financial aid or academic follow-up. For more information, please contact:

Native American Community Services of Erie & Niagara Counties Inc.
1005 Grant St., Buffalo, N.Y., 14207-2854
(716) 874-4460

OR

1316 Main St., Suite A, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14301
(716) 285-5658

Student With Disabilities Aid

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCESS-VR)

 ACCESS-VR (formerly VESID)provides vocational counseling and rehabilitation services that result in successful employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their employers. A satellite office is located at: 

Buffalo District Office

580 Main Street
Buffalo, N.Y. 14202-9921
1-888-652-7062

Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Academic Standing and Financial Aid

The state and federal governments have mandated that each institution adopt a measure of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving aid under its programs. NCCC’s standards are in accordance with institutional academic rules.

Students should be aware that they may lose eligibility for one or more financial aid programs governed by different standards. Reinstatement under one standard does not necessarily mean that eligibility is restored under all standards.

Foremost, the student must maintain matriculation and good academic standing according to the standard set forth by the college to receive any type of financial aid.

Matriculated status and good academic standing are granted at the time a student is accepted to an approved curriculum at NCCC and may be held by both full- and part-time students. In order to maintain matriculated status (and all the benefits associated with it including financial aid eligibility), a student must meet NCCC’s standards. Failure to meet the required standards will result in academic dismissal (loss of matriculated status and loss of financial aid). In addition to the college academic standard, financial aid recipients must meet additional academic criteria for the receipt of State and/or Federal financial aid. For descriptions of college and financial aid academic policies see the Academic Policies & Services  section in this catalog.

Maximum Credit Hour Policy

Federal financial aid regulations (also known as the 150 percent rule) dictate that a student can only attempt a maximum of 150 percent of required credits; typically 95 credit hours for an associate’s degree or 45 credits for a certificate in order to maintain eligibility for Federal financial aid programs (PELL grants, student loans, Federal SEOG grant, and Federal college work study). This regulation also includes students who are pursuing a second degree or certificate at NCCC as this policy is institutionally based. This policy also includes all of a students previous attempted hours at NCCC whether the student has received financial aid or not.

The Financial Aid Office during each semester (fall and spring) will issue a warning letter to all those students that have reached the 100 percent threshold in their program of study. This practice will help a student seek out guidance from their academic advisor in an effort to prevent the student from exceeding the maximum credit hour policy.

At the end of each semester the Financial Aid Office will notify students affected by this policy via a letter. A student affected by this policy may attempt to temporarily regain financial aid eligibility by following the directions on the letter once the student is notified of the suspension of their federal aid.

Summer Student Loans - If you wish to borrow a student loan for summer session, you must be taking at least 6 credits for the summer session. Please be advised that you must pass all 6 credits in order to receive the loan payment. If you drop below 6 credits during the summer session, then you are not eligible for any loan funds. Students must carefully consider borrowing a loan for the summer session as borrowing a loan for summer means the amount of the summer loan is deducted from a student’s total loan eligibility for the upcoming financial aid year.

Summer Pell Grant- If you choose to take the Pell grant award during the summer session, then your Pell grant award for the upcoming financial aid year will be reduced by your summer Pell grant payment amount. In addition your Pell grant will not be paid to your account until a week after the end of the entire summer session. Please be advised that you will only be paid for the classes that you receive a passing grade in. For example if a student takes 9 credits for summer session and only passes 6 credits, then the student’s Pell grant will only cover the amount of the 6 credits passed.

Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds

Federal Student Aid funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.

Up through the 60 percent point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a pro data schedule is used to determine the amount of Federal Student Aid funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal. After the 60 percent point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student has earned 100 percent of the Title IV funds he or she was schedule to receive during the period.

Unearned funds will be returned to the funding sources in the following order:

• First - to outstanding balances on Federal Family Education Loans (Federal Subsidized Stafford, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal PLUS);
• Second - to outstanding balances on Federal Perkins Loans;
• Third - to Federal Pell Grant awards;
• Fourth - to Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) awards;
• Fifth - to other Title IV federal assistance programs as required by regulation;
• Sixth - to the student.

Title IV Return regulations will have no affect on the tuition refund schedule which is established in accordance with college policy and the State University of New York regulations (see NCCC Tuition and Fee Refund Schedule).

Rights and Responsibilities for Receipt of Financial Aid Awards

Students should be aware that:

All financial aid eligibility is reviewed for academic progress after each enrollment period. A student must be making academic progress toward the completion of his or her program to continue receiving financial aid funds. Students who feel they must drop a course or withdraw from school should contact the Financial Aid Office before completing paperwork for dropping/withdrawing to know the financial aid implications of their actions.

Attendance in classes is mandatory for receiving financial aid payments. Students should inform instructors when returning to class after missing a session.  The financial aid of students reported by an instructor as not attending will be reduced to reflect the enrollment status for only those classes attended.

Students are responsible for any amounts charged to financial aid for which they become ineligible.

Accounts with unpaid balances after the tuition due date shall be considered in a state of default. All grades and records shall be impounded and ineligibility for any further registration will remain in effect until such time as the financial obligation has been paid. All costs and expenses incurred by the college in the enforcement of collection of past due accounts, including, without limitation, attorney’s fees shall be the responsibility of the student.

You Have the Right To:

• Know what financial aid programs are available.
• Know the deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs available.
• Know how financial aid will be distributed, how decisions on that distribution are made and the basis for these decisions.
• Know how your financial need was determined. This includes how costs for tuition and fees, room and board, travel, books and supplies, personal and miscellaneous expenses are considered in the budget.
• Know what resources (such as family contribution, other financial aid, your assets, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your need.
• Know how much of your financial need as determined by the institution has been met.
• Request an explanation of the various programs in your student aid package.
• Know your college’s refund policy.
• Know what portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid, the pay back procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan and when repayment is to begin.
• Know how the college determines whether you are making satisfactory progress and what happens if you are not.
• Request the college to reconsider your aid package if you believe a mistake has been made.

It is Your Responsibility to:

• Consider all information about your program of study before you enroll.
• Complete all financial aid applications accurately and promptly. Errors can delay your receiving aid.
• Submit any additional requests for information and documentation promptly.
• Read, understand and keep copies of all forms you are asked to sign.
• Inform the lender of any loans received, of changes in your name, address and enrollment status.
• Perform in a satisfactory manner the work agreed upon in a Federal Work-Study employment opportunity.
• Acquaint yourself with financial aid deadlines, forms and application process by reading the catalog and financial aid brochures or contacting a Financial Aid advisor.
• Officially withdraw from the college if you are unable to complete your program. Contact the Admissions Office for procedure.
• Understand NCCC’s refund policy. You are responsible to pay the college any money you owe even if you do not attend for the entire enrollment period.
• Inform the college of any significant changes in your economic or financial aid circumstances. This includes the receipt of any private scholarship or other educational assistance.

Repeated Courses and Student Financial Aid Eligibility

Please check with the Financial Aid Office before repeating any coursework to find out how it can affect awards for that or future semesters.

NCCC Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Opportunities

The NCCC Foundation, Inc. was established in 1987, in part to provide scholarship awards to deserving students. The Foundation has grown significantly from awarding three scholarships its first year to over 200 this past year. The funds for these scholarships are secured from a variety of sources, including generous donations from local businesses, alumni, individuals, memorial gifts, grants, revenue from the annual Scholarship Gala, Annual Fund, Alumni events, and Presidential Partners program.

There are several scholarships available to NCCC students.  Scholarship deadline dates vary each semester.  For more information, please visit the scholarship web page at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships.  For scholarships offered through the NCCC Foundation, Inc. apply by clicking “Login Now” through the Scholarship Tracking and Review System.  For information on how to apply for Additional and Outside Scholarships or to check for upcoming Scholarship Workshops, click on the labeled tabs from the Scholarship web page.

The tabs on the web page are listed as follows:

• DSS (Distinguished Student Scholarships)  
• Additional (Scholarships)
• Outside (Scholarships)
• Workshops (Scholarship Information Sessions)

The NCCC Foundation, Inc. reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to decrease the actual dollar amount granted from its scholarship awards based upon the economic performance of its investment portfolio from which scholarships are granted.  PLEASE NOTE: A student’s financial aid package is based on the cost of attendance which includes not only tuition but also such costs as books, fees, living expenses, and transportation.  Please be aware that scholarship awards may affect your financial aid.  To avoid an over award of financial aid, students are advised to inform the NCCC Financial Aid Office of any scholarship awards received.  Scholarships given by the NCCC Foundation, Inc. are automatically calculated into a student’s financial aid package.  The Scholarship office is located within the Financial Aid Complex, A-114 or by calling (716)614-6205.

Distinguished Student Scholarships

Each year Niagara County Community College awards two years of tuition-free education at NCCC, valued at nearly $8,000.00.

These scholarships are given to recent Niagara County high-school graduates who have received a Regents diploma and are planning to enroll as a full-time, matriculated student at NCCC during the fall semester of the year the award is issued.

The applicant must present evidence that he/she is academically capable of pursuing collegiate study at an above average level of achievement, must have volunteer community service and participated in high school activities and provide assurance that they plan to remain in or return to Niagara County after completion of his/her education.

Applicants must complete the application available on the college web site, in the NCCC Scholarship Office located in the Financial Aid Department or from Niagara County high-school guidance offices.  Submit a type-written essay outlining community, civic and/or high school activities and career goals, two letters of recommendation and DSS application to the high-school guidance counselor for completion of academic standing, high-school transcript, and confirmation of a Regents diploma.

Contact: High-school counseling office or NCCC Scholarship Office located within the Financial Aid Department, A-114 (716) 614-6205 for criteria and procedures, as well as deadline for applying. Applications are also available at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships under the DSS tab.

Major Contributors to the Distinguished Student Scholarships

Albert J. Certo Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Albert J. Certo, a founding member of the NCCC Board of Trustees.

Sandra Donato Memorial Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Sandra Donato, the wife of the late NCCC President, Donald Donato. It is awarded to students enrolled in the nursing curriculum.

George Curtis Lewis, Jr./Burt H. Grigg Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established by the late Henrietta Lewis to honor members of one of Lockport’s most prominent families.

Jeffrey D. Lux Memorial Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who exhibits academic achievement and strong work ethic that exemplifies Jeffrey’s beliefs.

Monroe-Tresselt Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Mrs. Walter Tresselt, a founding member of the NCCC Board of Trustees.

Niagara Educational Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This former Niagara County-based organization offers this scholarship to reward outstanding scholastic achievement.

NCCC Foundation, Inc., Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 1987 to provide scholarship awards to deserving students.

Niagara Frontier Travel Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Brian Deters and Robert Collins, co-owners of the former Niagara Frontier Travel and graduates of NCCC.

Norman and Ruth Sinclair/First Niagara Bank Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 2000 by First Niagara Bank in honor of the late Norman and Ruth Sinclair.  Mr. Sinclair, who was a founding NCCC Foundation Board member, was the bank’s former CEO.

Trek, Inc. Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

The Trek Corporation of Medina established this scholarship to award to an outstanding student enrolled in the math, science or technology curriculum.

Father William Warthling Memorial Distinguished Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created by his family and named in memory of “Father Bill,” a popular philosophy professor and the 1982 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at NCCC.

Scholarship Questions?

Visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships

or call (716) 614-6205

for applications and deadlines