Financial Aid and Scholarships
Don’t let financial barriers stand in the way of your education and success. We can help you find ways to reach your goals and pursue your dreams. Learn the facts and utilize our tuition calculator to see how affordable Mitchell Community College can be. We invite you to contact a financial aid advisor to find out about payment options, financial aid and scholarships that can help you become a Mitchell student. To complete the package, we suggest exploring textbook rental at the campus bookstore.
*NEW* North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant Information
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Financial Aid Steps
Learn more about the process of completing the application process to receive financial aid and scholarships at Mitchell.
The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
MCC’s school code is 002947. Please note that you must also complete the Mitchell admissions process before the Financial Aid Office will be able to review the results of your FAFSA application.
To complete the FAFSA, you and your parents (if you are under the age of 24) will need to create an FSA ID (an account username and password). The FSA ID is used to electronically sign the FAFSA. Please keep your FSA ID in a safe place because you may need it to make corrections to your FAFSA and to reapply for aid in the future.
The following information will be needed for the online application, so have it handy:
- 2021 Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040)
- 2021 W-2 forms
- Driver’s license number (student only)
- Social Security Number (student)
- If you are under the age of 24, have no children, and are not married, you are classified as a dependent student and you will need your parents’ 2021 Federal Income Tax return and W-2s
- Parents’ Social Security Number (dependent students only)
- Parents’ Date of Birth (dependent students only)
(Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
Other information you may need (as applicable):
- Bank statements and records of investment
- Records of your Untaxed Income
- Record of amount of child support paid OR received
- Pensions, annuities, retirement income
Dates You Plan to Attend College | FAFSA Year | Income Tax Year Info Required |
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 | 2023-2024 | 2021 |
After processing your FAFSA, the Department of Education (DoE) will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR summarizes the information you submitted on the FAFSA. In addition, the SAR contains comments alerting you of any incomplete information required for processing your FAFSA. It is very important you review your SAR carefully.
The federal government may randomly select your FAFSA for a process called verification. If selected, MCC’s Financial Aid Office will request additional student and/or parent documents. You will be notified of the request for information via letter and email. It is important to provide the requested documents in a timely manner. Once all of the requested documentation is returned to our office and processed, you will be notified of your financial aid eligibility.
Grants
The North Carolina General Assembly allocates funds to community colleges to assist qualified students with child care expenses. Mitchell Community College has limited funds available. If you need help with paying for childcare and are enrolled in a college-credit program for a minimum of six credit hours, apply and demonstrate financial need to see if you qualify. You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to applying for childcare. Limited funding is available in the fall and spring semesters. No funding is available during the summer.
Contact
Rachel Knox , Financial Aid Specialist
704-878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
The Federal Pell Grant program is sponsored by the United States Department of Education. A standard formula is used to evaluate financial information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The results are used to determine each student’s expected family contribution and financial need. Complete the FAFSA to begin the application process for all financial aid and scholarshipsat Mitchell.
Contact Statesville Campus
If your last name begins with the letter A-L:
Mark West, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 978-1352
mwest2@mitchellcc.edu
If your last name begins with the letter M-Z:
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
Contact Mooresville Campus
Gwen Ramirez, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3254
gramirez@mitchellcc.edu
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the costs of attending Mitchell. When making FSEOG awards, the Financial Aid Office must give priority to students with exceptional need (those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions) and those who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients. Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process for an FSEOG.
Contact Statesville Campus
If your last name begins with the letter A-L:
Mark West, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 978-1352
mwest2@mitchellcc.edu
If your last name begins with the letter M-Z:
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
Contact Mooresville Campus
Gwen Ramirez, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3254
gramirez@mitchellcc.edu
Grants are available to North Carolina residents who have lived in the state for at least one year and demonstrate financial need. NC Community College Grant awards are projected based on 15 credit hours.
You may qualify for an NC Community College Grant if you:
1) Are a resident of North Carolina.
2) Are enrolled for at least six credit hours at a North Carolina community college.
3) Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the institution.
4) Have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for this grant based on their estimated family contribution (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report (SAR) generated by submitting a FAFSA. The value of the grant depends on the financial need you show through your FAFSA.
Students who have earned bachelor’s degrees are ineligible.
Contact Statesville Campus
If your last name begins with the letter A-L:
Mark West, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 978-1352
mwest2@mitchellcc.edu
If your last name begins with the letter M-Z:
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
Contact Mooresville Campus
Gwen Ramirez, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3254
gramirez@mitchellcc.edu
Scholarship Opportunities
College may be a lot more affordable than you think! Mitchell has an array of scholarships that are awarded based on donor criteria or demonstrated financial need.
Every student applying for a Mitchell scholarship is required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Mitchell Scholarship Application (PDF here). The College will consider all applicants who complete their financial aid file for available scholarships.
Requirements
1) A 2.0 GPA or higher
2) Enrollment in nine or more credit hours at Mitchell.
Scholarships set up by outside donors will be awarded to students based on donors’ criteria.
Scholarship information may be released for publicity. Mitchell awards financial aid without regard to race, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. The priority date to apply for scholarships is May 31. All scholarships are awarded on an annual basis.
Contact
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist/ Childcare /Scholarship Coordinator
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
The North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina students attending eligible colleges and universities located within the state. The scholarship is available to qualifying Mitchell students.
To qualify, you must
1) be a resident of North Carolina.
2) complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
3) be admitted to the College and enrolled for at least six credit hours per semester.
4) meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
5) be classified as an undergraduate in matriculated status in a degree, certificate, or diploma program.
Eligibility is determined using the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant with one exception–students who are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, but have an estimated family contribution of $5,000 or less, will be eligible for an Education Lottery Scholarship. Students who have earned baccalaureate (four-year) college degrees are ineligible. The value per grant will vary according to information that is generated from the FAFSA.
Contact Statesville Campus
If your last name begins with the letter A-L:
Mark West, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 978-1352
mwest2@mitchellcc.edu
If your last name begins with the letter M-Z:
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
Contact Mooresville Campus
Gwen Ramirez, Financial Aid Specialist
(704) 878-3254
gramirez@mitchellcc.edu
Westmoreland Memorial Scholarship for Hospice Nursing (PDF link) NEW! (May deadline is waived)
For more information, please call (704) 978-5435 or email financialaid@mitchellcc.edu
Financial Aid Forms and Resources
The following forms support fillable fields with Adobe Reader. If your browser does not automatically show fields as fillable when you open the form, click the box on the top right of the screen “Open With Different Viewer.” Choose “Open with Adobe Reader.” Complete the form and print.
Financial Aid Policies
Financial Aid is essential for so many students to be able to attend college. It’s important to know the federal, state and college rules on getting financial aid and maintaining eligibility for future semesters.
The U.S. Department of Education requires financial aid recipients to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to be eligible for financial aid. Mitchell’s policy applies SAP standards to all federal, state and institutional financial aid programs.
Minimum Requirements
1) Completion Rate
You must successfully complete at least 67 percent of all credit hours attempted.
2) Grade Point Average
You must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 as calculated by the Financial Aid Office. The calculation includes developmental coursework.
3) Timeframe
You must complete your program of study without exceeding 150 percent of the credit hours required. All credit hours attempted are counted. Changing programs of study does not allow you to attempt more credits utilizing financial aid.
If you do not meet any of the minimum requirements, you will be placed on Financial Aid Warning status for a semester. At the end of the semester you will be reviewed for Satisfactory Academic Progress, and either awarded Satisfactory status or suspended from receiving financial aid.
Measuring Satisfactory Academic Progress
The formula for measuring satisfactory academic progress includes a qualitative measure of progress and a quantitative measure of progress.
Qualitative Measure (Grade Point Requirement)
You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) as calculated by the Financial Aid Office. This GPA may be different than what appears on your transcript. For example, developmental courses are not included in calculating the GPA on a transcript, but are included in calculations for financial aid. You must have a “C” average at the end of two academic years to graduate.
Quantitative Measure (Completion Requirement)
You must successfully progress through your educational programs at a prescribed pace to ensure program completion within the maximum timeframe. Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of hours you have successfully completed by the cumulative number of hours you have attempted, regardless of enrollment status. Transfer credits are included in both the attempted and completed hours. If you successfully earn 67 percent of the total cumulative credits attempted in your program of study and for each semester enrolled, you should complete the program within the maximum timeframe.
Pace is measured at the end of each semester by the Financial Aid Office.
Pace calculation example:
A student attempts 12 credits in the fall semester and successfully completes 12 credits.
The student has earned 100 percent of the credits attempted.
In the spring, the student attempts 18 credits and successfully completes 15.
Student has a cumulative total of 27 credits completed.
The cumulative total of attempted credits is 30.
Pace: 27 credit hours÷30 credit hours = 90%.
Maximum Time Frame (MTF)
Your maximum time frame to complete a program utilizing financial aid cannot exceed 150 percent of the published length of the program. If you change majors, the total hours continue to accrue regardless of program completion.
Maximum Time Frame example:
If an academic program requires 68 credit hours to complete a degree, a student may attempt a maximum of 102 credit hours before exceeding his/her eligibility for financial aid.
MTF: 68 credit hours X 150%=102 credit hours
Withdrawal
Students who receive a “W” or “WF” will have those credits included in the number of attempted hours and they will not count as successful completed hours.
Incomplete
Students who receive an “I” will have those credit hours included in the number of attempted hours. If the “I” is converted to an actual grade, the credit hours attempted and earned will be used in the computation to determine satisfactory academic progress.
Repeated Course
The highest grade is recorded as the final grade for a repeated course. The grade points and credit hours earned will be used in the computation of satisfactory academic progress.
Developmental Education courses are included in the computation of satisfactory academic progress. However, only up to one academic year’s worth, equivalent to 30 semester hours, can be counted in your enrollment status for federal aid. Developmental credit hours earned in excess of 30 semester hours cannot be counted towards enrollment status for federal and state grants.
To ensure financial aid applicants and recipients of financial aid are making sufficient progress, each student’s progress will be evaluated by the Financial Aid Office at the end of each semester. Both qualitative and quantitative progress will be analyzed.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Statuses
Satisfactory
Students who meet the qualitative and quantitative measure and maximum time frame requirements.
Financial Aid Warning
The first time students fail to meet SAP standards, they are placed on Financial Aid Warning for one semester and may continue to receive financial aid for one semester. No appeal is necessary. Students are responsible for meeting SAP standards by the end of the warning period.
Financial Aid Suspension
Students who fail to regain SAP during their semester under Financial Aid Warning are placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension are no longer eligible for financial aid and their financial aid is terminated.
Financial Aid Probation
Students are placed on Financial Aid Probation when their financial aid is reinstated as result of an approved appeal. Students must follow and meet the conditions of their Academic Plan developed during the appeal process to remain on continued probation.
Maximum Time Frame
Students are designated Maximum Time Frame when their enrollment exceeds 150 percent of the published length of the educational program. Students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office of their SAP status for financial aid by letter and/or email.
ould you lose your eligibility for financial aid, you may have your eligibility reinstated if:
1) You attend college and pay without receiving federal or state aid and meet the qualitative and quantitative components of the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirement.
Once Satisfactory Academic Progress is met, your financial aid eligibility will be reinstated for the beginning of the next semester of attendance. Financial aid awards are dependent upon you qualifying for financial aid. Funds must be available.
OR
2) You make a successful appeal through the Financial Aid Appeal Process.
You may appeal financial aid suspension or maximum time frame by completing an appeal form. You must explain what has changed in your situation that will allow SAP to be met by the next SAP evaluation.
Appeals must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office with supporting documentation to verify mitigating or extenuating circumstances surrounding the appeal. Examples of mitigating or extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to the death of a family member, separation or divorce, an accident or an illness. Appeals submitted without supporting documentation will not be reviewed.
The Financial Aid Committee will review appeals and you will be notified by letter of the committee’s decision. You should be prepared to pay tuition and fees by the published deadline, even though you have filed an appeal. If the appeal is approved after tuition and fees are paid, you may be reimbursed based on your eligibility and enrollment.
If you appeal financial aid suspension successfully, you will be given an academic plan to help put you on track to successful program completion.
Your academic plan may be individualized. For example, your plan could require you to earn and maintain a minimum 2.5 semester GPA and have a 100 percent completion rate for your courses.
Example
A student who attempts 12 credit hours and successfully completes 12 has a 100 percent completion rate.
Your plan may be as complicated as a course-by-course plan toward degree completion. There may be other conditions included in the academic plan depending on your individual situation.
Federal Pell Grant funds have a lifetime limit of 12 semesters. The same provisions apply to students eligible for the NC Community College Grant.
The calculation of the duration of your eligibility will include all years that you have received Federal Pell Grant funding.
Learn more about calculating Federal Pell Grant limits.
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Public Law 105-244 require colleges to calculate the Return of Title IV Funds Policy when a recipient of Title IV aid completely withdraws from the college through the 60 percent point during a payment period. The institution must calculate the amount(s) of Title IV aid the student earned and return the unearned portion(s) of the Title IV fund(s) to the Title IV program(s). The institution and student may be required to return unearned Title IV funds to the Title IV programs.
A student’s withdrawal date is determined:
(1) when a student begins the institution’s withdrawal process; or notifies the institution of their intent to withdraw, is the last date of academic attendance as determined by the school from its attendance records in class(es).
(2) when a student is unofficially withdrawn by instruction, the last date of academic attendance is determined by the attendance records in class(es).
Under the new regulations effective July 1, 2021, for all programs offered in modules, a student is considered withdrawn for Title IV purposes if the student ceases attendance and is not scheduled to begin another course within a payment period or period of enrollment for more than 45 calendar days after the end of the module the student ceased attending, unless the school obtains written confirmation from the student that he or she will attend a later module in the same payment period or period of enrollment. If a school obtains a written confirmation of future attendance but the student does not return as scheduled, the student is considered to have withdrawn.
In addition, a student is not considered to have withdrawn, if the student successfully completes:
(1)All requirements for graduation from his or her program before completing the days or hours in the period that the student was scheduled to complete
(2)One module that includes 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period
(3)A combination of modules that when combined contain 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period; or
(4)Coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for the institution’s definition of a half-time student.
The Financial Aid Office determines if the student was a recipient of Title IV funds who withdrew prior to the 60 percent point and performs the Return of Tile IV Funds calculation. Under this policy, the school determines the amount of Title IV funds a student has earned and returns the unearned portion. The Financial Aid Office sends written notification to the student informing the student of the amount owed no later than thirty calendar days after the date of the school’s determination that the student withdrew. The school must return any unearned Title IV funds it is responsible for within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew.
If the Return of Title IV funds calculation determines the student received less Title IV funds than the amount earned, the institution must make a post-withdrawal disbursement to the student of the earned aid that was not received within 180 days of the date the institution determines the student withdrew. In order to make a post-withdrawal disbursement, the school must have a processed Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) with an official Expected Family Contribution (EFC). To be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement, the student must also meet all Federal Guidelines outlined by the Department of Education. For a student who withdraws after the 60% point in time, a R2T4 calculation will be performed to determine whether the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement.
A school must return Title IV funds to the programs from which the student received aid, in the following order:
FPELL
FSEOG
If applicable, funds must also be returned to the State Grant Funds.
NOTE: The Return to Title IV Funds policy is separate from Mitchell Community College’s institutional refund policy.
During the Registration Period
Schedule adjustments during registration should be made through Self-Service.
During the Drop/Add Period
Schedule adjustments during Drop/Add must be made in person in the Student Services centers located on the Statesville or Mooresville campus.
After the Drop/Add Period
You must submit a withdrawal form to the Student Records office located in Statesville and Mooresville. If you receive financial aid and/or veterans’ benefits, you must have the forms signed by the financial aid specialist and/or VA coordinator. If you are a Career and College Promise or early college student, you must see your designated liaison prior to dropping a class. Note the withdrawal deadlines published in the Academic Calendar.
Disbursement of Financial Aid Refunds
If you are due a financial aid refund, it will be mailed to you at the address that Mitchell Community College has on file in the Records Office.
*Should you have any change of address, it is important that you report it to the Records Office immediately to ensure receipt of your refund check.
Financial Aid Refund Schedule 2022-23
Fall 2022 – September 23, 2022
Spring 2023– February 17, 2023
Summer 2023 – June 16, 2023
*subsequent refunds are generated on the 15th of each month following.
Financial Aid / Veterans Affairs Team
Mark West, Financial Aid Specialist
Federal Work Study Coordinator/Serves students based on last name A – L
(704) 978-1352
mwest2@mitchellcc.edu
Rachel Knox, Financial Aid Specialist
Child Care/Scholarship Coordinator/Serves students based on last name M – Z
(704) 878-3255
rknox@mitchellcc.edu
Gwen Ramirez, Financial Aid Specialist
Return to Title IV Coordinator/Serves students on Mooresville Campus
(704) 878-3254
gramirez@mitchellcc.edu
Amanda Tompkins, Veteran Affairs Specialist
(704) 878-3295
atompkins@mitchellcc.edu
Candace Cooper, Financial Aid Director
(704) 878-3256
ccooper@mitchellcc.edu
Financial Aid Office
(704) 978-5435
financialaid@mitchellcc.edu
