Federal and State Financial Aid programs help cover the cost of attendance for eligible academic programs at Mountain Gateway Community College.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
- Submit the FAFSA Yearly: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every academic year. (MGCC Federal School Code: 004996).
- Check Your To-Do List: Log in to myMGCC and open the Student Information System (SIS) tile to check your online To-Do List for required verification forms.
- Review Your Offer: Aid offers are typically posted in your SIS student portal within 1–2 weeks after all required documentation is submitted.
1. Grants & Scholarships (Free Money)
Grants do not need to be repaid as long as you maintain course attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Federal Pell Grant
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not previously earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
- Requirements: Subject to federal eligibility guidelines.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Eligibility: Exceptional financial need based on your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Note: Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Virginia Commonwealth Grant (COMA)
- Eligibility: Virginia residents demonstrating financial need. Requires enrollment in at least 6 credit hours (half-time).
- Conditions: Covers tuition and mandatory fees. If you receive other tuition-specific awards (such as VA benefits or tuition waivers), COMA will be reduced or canceled accordingly so total tuition aid does not exceed charges.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
- Eligibility: Virginia residents enrolled full-time (12+ credits) in an eligible degree/certificate program who demonstrate academic achievement on their high school transcript.
- Maximum Duration: Up to 2 years (4 semesters) at MGCC.
- Renewal Criteria for Year 2:
- Maintain full-time enrollment and Virginia domiciliary residency.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Advance class standing by successfully completing at least 30 credit hours in your first 12 months.
- Demonstrate continued financial need on the FAFSA.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP)
- Eligibility: Virginia residents enrolled part-time (1–11 credit hours) demonstrating financial need.
- Award Process: PTAP is normally awarded during the repackaging process after the semester add/drop deadline based on actual enrolled credits. Covers tuition, fees, and books.
VCCS Supplemental Grant
- Eligibility: Virginia state residents registered in at least 1 credit hour with remaining unmet financial need.
- Conditions: Covers tuition and fees until state-allocated funds are exhausted.
2. Federal Work-Study (Earned Money)
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Earn money through part-time campus employment to help cover educational expenses.
- Eligibility: Based on FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), course load, and funding availability.
- How to Apply: Submit a Federal Work-Study Application (It's part of the FASFA application). If selected, tax withholding forms (W-4/VA-4) and Form I-9 verification are required before starting work.
3. Student Loans (Borrowed Money)
Loans must be repaid with accrued interest. MGCC advises students to keep borrowing to a minimum.
Direct Stafford Loan Program
- Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans: Available to eligible students who need additional funding beyond grant aid.
- Requirements: Must be actively enrolled and participating in at least 6 financial aid-eligible credit hours at the time of disbursement.
- Academic Standing: Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
⚠️ Important Registration Note: If you receive financial aid (grants or loans) and decide not to attend any or all registered classes, you must officially drop your classes prior to the start of the semester to avoid owing a balance.