Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federally funded grant program that does not have to be repaid. Pell grants are awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirement and demonstrate need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must be enrolled in an eligible program of study.  It is only available to students who have NOT earned a baccalaureate degree. While students are awarded the full-time award amount, each student’s actual Pell Grant payment is based on the number of credit hours the student takes that term.

The number of credit hours is set at the end of the College’s official Drop/Add period which can be located on the academic calendar. Classes added after the drop/add period at the beginning of the semester will not be covered by financial aid. Pell Grants are not automatically renewed from one academic year to the next, therefore students must reapply each year.

• 12 or more credit hours (full-time enrollment) = 100% of full award as shown on the offer letter.
• 9-11 credit hours (three-quarter time enrollment) = 75% of the full award.
• 6-8 credit hours (Half time enrollment) = 50% of the full award.
• 1-5 credit hours (less than) = 25% of the full award.

Summer Pell Grant

Students who were enrolled less than full time in the fall and spring semesters may be eligible to receive a portion of a Pell Grant for less than half-time enrollment. Summer Pell amounts are prorated based on enrollment just as in fall and spring. Students must be enrolled full-time (12 or more hours) to receive their full offer and meet the SAP requirements.

Federal Direct Student Loans

STUDENTS MUST ENROLLED IN AT LEAST HALF TIME (6 CREDIT HOURS) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS.

Federal Direct Student loans are a financial obligation that must be repaid. Students should pay careful attention to the amount they borrow and do not borrow more than they can repay after graduating or leaving school.  To be considered for loans students must complete the FAFSA application. Students can be awarded a Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan depending on the student’s demonstrated need and cost of attendance.

Federal Subsidized Loans are based on financial need as well as annual and aggregate loan limits. Interest on this loan does not accrue during eligible enrollment periods. Interest accrual will begin during the designated grace period and repayment begins six months after graduation or when a student is no longer enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours).

Federal Unsubsidized Loans are based on annual and aggregate limits and are not need based. Interest on the loan begins to accrue upon the first disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or when the student is no longer enrolled half time (6 credit hours).

Before a student can receive loan funds, the student must complete the following with the Department of Education:

• Students borrowing Direct Student Loans for the first time must complete an online Loan Entrance Counseling. Students who have completed entrance counseling with ESCC previously do not need to repeat entrance counseling. ESCC will receive electronic confirmation from the US Department of Education 24-48 hours after you have successfully completed the requirement.
• Students must also complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN). ESCC will receive electronic confirmation from the US Department of Education 24-48 hours after you have successfully completed the requirement.

• Students who are a first-year, first time Federal Direct Loan borrower, loan funds will disburse 30 days after the start of the loan period.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG Grant is awarded to students that demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. This grant does not have to be repaid. To receive FSEOG the student must be enrolled in at least six credit hours in an eligible program of study. Students are only required to submit the FAFSA to be considered for funding. Funding is limited, and not all eligible students will receive this grant. Awards are made based on need and the receipt date of the FAFSA application.

The Alabama Student Assistance Grant Program

The ASAP grant is a state funded grant program. Eligible students are Alabama residents, who demonstrate need as determined by their FAFSA application. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credit hours in an eligible program. Funding is limited and therefore awards are made based on need and the receipt date of the FAFSA application.

Federal Work Study Program