Frequently Asked Questions

What forms do I need to complete in order to apply for financial aid? 
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you need assistance filling out the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office at Cumberland County College, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4FEDAID. The FAFSA cannot be completed before January 1 of the year during which you plan to attend Cumberland County College.
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How often do I apply for financial aid? 
The FAFSA is valid for one year (July 1 through June 30), so it is necessary to reapply each year.
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What is the FAFSA Title IV Code for Cumberland County College?
002601
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What is the deadline to apply for financial aid? 
To be considered for all financial aid funds at Cumberland County College, your FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processor on or before JUNE 1st FOR THE FALL, AND, NOVEMBER 1st FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER. The deadline for applying for a Tuition Aid Grant from the State of New Jersey, which also requires submission of the FAFSA, is October 1 for incoming freshmen, and, June 1 for returning students. 
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Do I have to be admitted to Cumberland County College before applying for financial aid? 
Prospective students who apply for financial aid must also apply for admission and be accepted into a regular degree program at Cumberland County College before any consideration or decision on financial can be made.  However, you should not wait for formal acceptance to Cumberland County College to apply for financial aid; apply early for both financial aid and admission.
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Can I still apply if I missed the deadline?
Yes. Although applications can be submitted at any time during the academic year, FAFSA's received after our priority filing date of June 1st will be considered for funding only after all on-time filers have been awarded and then only if funds are available.
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What is the maximum family income cutoff for financial aid? 
There is no specific cutoff. Each family's financial situation is different.
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What factors are considered in determining financial aid? 
Variables, such as family size, number of family members in college, age of older parent, and asset information are included in the calculation of a student's financial need.
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Do I need to submit copies of my family's federal tax returns to the Office of Financial Aid? 
We will request copies of all required documents after your FAFSA is initially reviewed. Do not submit any documents to our office unless we have specifically requested you do so.
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How do I apply for a Student Loan?

    * NOTE: New procedure for Federal Direct Student Loans!

You need to submit a FAFSA to be considered for a Student Direct Loan.

       a) Go to the Student Direct Loan website - https://studentloans.gov/ 

       b) Click on "Sign In" - enter your Social Security Number, First Two (2) letters

            of Last Name, Date of Birth, and FAFSA PIN number

       c) On the next screen, select "Complete Entrance Counseling," when complete,

            be sure you receive a confirmation screen  

       d) After completing that process, select "Complete Master Promissory Note," then  

             on the next screen select "Subsidized / Unsubsidized."  Upon completing the MPN,

             be sure you receive a confirmation screen  

       e) When your Financial Aid file is completed by our office, your loan will be certified.

       f) Click here for Student Loan Application Visual Guide 

            (screen-by-screen instructions).  

    *Exit Loan Counseling - This is required for all graduates who have borrowed under the

     Federal Stafford Loan Program(s).  Before you graduate you must complete this process

     in person or online at the Student Direct Loan website - https://studentloans.gov/, sign in 

     & click on "Exit Counseling".

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How do parents of dependent students apply for a Parent PLUS Loan? 

    * NOTE: New procedure for Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans!

Student must submit a FAFSA & receive a valid S.A.R. (Student Aid Report). 

Parents of dependent students must fill-out the following form,"a William D. Ford Federal PLUS Direct Loan Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN)" which will be certified by the Financial Aid Office. 

       a) Go to the Student Direct Loan website, https://studentloans.gov/ 

       b) Click on "Sign In" - enter your Social Security Number, First Two (2) letters

            of Last Name, Date of Birth, and FAFSA PIN number

       c) On the next screen, select "Start PLUS Application Process" 

            (Parent Loan Application) 

       d) Later, the Parent PLUS Direct Loan application will be certified by our office.

How do I apply for Work-Study?
There is no separate application required to apply for work-study. You must complete the FAFSA by the priority filing deadline and demonstrate financial need. After being notified of the work-study award, eligible students must complete and return a Job Preference Form in the Business Office (Administration Building).
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What if my family circumstances change after I apply? 
If your situation changes after filing the FAFSA because of unusual circumstances, contact the Office of Financial Aid. You may submit an appeal with appropriate supporting documentation.
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Is there aid available for summer session and how do I apply? 
Yes. Limited funding is available. Contact the Financial Aid Office at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the summer session.
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Can part-time students receive financial aid?
Yes, however, a student must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis to be eligible to receive student loans. Some NJ grants and scholarships are awarded only to full-time students.
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Where can I find information about scholarships? 
Visit our homepage and click on "Foundation." then on the next page click on "Scholarships." Also visit the FastWeb Scholarship Search web site at www.fastweb.com.
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How will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid award from Cumberland County College? 
Each recipient of federal student aid has a calculated financial need; and the combination of all sources of aid cannot exceed this need figure. It may be necessary to reduce your financial aid, especially loans, if an outside scholarship arrives after our aid offer.
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What will happen to my financial aid award if I drop a course or withdraw from the college?
If your tuition is adjusted because you drop a course, it may be necessary to reduce your financial aid. Changes in enrollment status may change your award amounts.  If you totally withdraw from the college during the first 60 percent of the term, your financial aid eligibility must be recalculated.

Dropping courses and withdrawing are academic actions which might have serious financial implications and may affect your future aid eligibility because of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress. It is your responsibility to understand the effects these actions will have on your financial aid award.
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Does CUMBERLAND COUNTY COLLEGE offer a tuition payment plan?
Yes. Visit the following CCC webpage, "Tuition & Fees - College Costs" webpage, then on the left click on "Tuition Payment Plan" for additional information.
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Will I get a new bill if there are changes in my registration? 
Students will only receive one term bill a semester. If you make subsequent changes to your registration, you will not receive an adjusted bill through the mail.
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What do I do if charges are missing from my term bill? 
You must contact the Bursar’s Office at (856) 691-8600 ext.218 regarding your term bill.
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Can I check the status of my financial aid application on IRIS?
You can view your file status and awards online using IRIS (see CCC’s homepage for IRIS access).
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Will I receive a refund if my financial aid award is more than my semester charges? And if so, when will it be ready?