Financial Aid

The goal of the Financial Aid Office is to assure that students do not have financial barriers if they want to earn a college degree or certificate. Our office is committed to helping students receive the financial assistance they need to attend QCC. We offer a wide variety of federal, state and institutional assistance programs.

Who is Eligible for Financial Aid?

Students must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for financial aid:

• Be admitted to an eligible program. Please note that undeclared majors are not eligible for financial aid.
• For most programs, students should enroll in at least six credits each semester. However, students with very low income may qualify for as little as one class per semester.
• Have a complete financial aid file by responding to all requests for additional information.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Verification may be required.
• Not be in default on any educational loan or in repayment of any educational grant.
• For the grant programs, students must not have a previous bachelor degree.
• Be making progress toward a certificate or degree program according to the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Applying for Financial Aid

To begin the financial aid application process, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. FAFSA contributors (student, student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent’s spouse) are required to provide their information, signature, and consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form using an FSA ID.  Information on FAFSA contributors and who is required to provide information is available within the online FAFSA application. Be sure to designate Quinsigamond Community College (Federal School Code 002175) in the College release section. Make sure to select the application for the correct academic year.

Allow 3-5 business days for the FAFSA to be processed. Students will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary, which should be reviewed for accuracy.

If additional documentation is required, students will receive a letter or email to their student email account from the Financial Aid Office. It is important to respond to these requests as quickly as possible.

When Should One Apply?

The priority filing date for the Fall semester is April 1 and Spring semester is October 1. The deadline to apply for MASSGrant is August 1. These priority filing dates assure that students receive the maximum financial aid possible and that funding will be available to pay the bill by the billing due date, assuming all requirements are completed. If a student misses the priority filing date, he or she may still apply for financial aid. Funding is still available.

Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year.

Determining Financial Need

Financial aid from most sources is awarded on the basis of financial need. Once students meet the other eligibility criteria, the information they report on their aid application will be used in federal formulas to calculate their need and eligibility.

Financial need is determined by taking the cost of education (educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other related expenses), and subtracting the amount the student and his or her family are expected to pay toward that cost. Detailed information on how the “cost” of education at Quinsigamond Community College is calculated may be obtained at the Financial Aid Office.

Certain federal loan programs not based on financial need are also available. In order to be considered for these programs, students may be required to complete the entire financial aid application process to first determine if they are ineligible for need-based assistance.

Repeated Courses

Students may qualify for financial aid for repeated coursework. For most programs, the Financial Aid Office can count repeated coursework in students’ enrollment status for financial aid purposes as long as (1) the student has not yet earned credit for that course, or (2) it is the student’s first attempt to retake the course following the student having previously earned credit. In other words, once a student receives a grade in a class (A through D-), he or she can only get financial aid for that class one more time if he or she needs to repeat it.

Some programs at Quinsigamond Community College follow different eligibility rules, and students may not qualify for repeat coursework even under the conditions above. Those programs are: Practical Nursing (Day and Evening), Nurse Education Evening, Nurse Education Advanced Placement LPN, Nurse Education Advanced Placement Paramedic, and Radiologic Technology.

Billing Information for Financial Aid Applicants

Financial aid awards are applied toward a student’s bill when an official award letter is issued from the College. If students have applied for financial aid, but have not been notified of their eligibility for assistance by the College, they must make payment arrangements with the Business Office or go through Financial Counseling Acknowledgement process.

Students will need to visit The Q, QCC’s online student portal, to see their financial aid award and/or any missing financial aid documents.

Should Quinsigamond Community College become aware of any misrepresented or omitted information in a financial aid application, any funds awarded to the student will become due immediately and payable to either the College or the Department of Education.

Return of Federal and State Funds for Students Who Withdraw

Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend the College for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. If students withdraw, drop out, are expelled from the College, or if they otherwise stop attending classes, prior to the 60% point of their payment period (typically a semester), their financial aid will be prorated based on the number of days he or she attended. If financial aid was disbursed to the student prior to withdrawal, he or she may be required to pay back a portion of the money, based on a federal determination of the eligibility as of the date he or she withdraws.

Students enrolled in modular coursework (i.e., coursework that does not span the length of the entire semester) may be considered withdrawn for financial aid purposes even if they have successfully completed another modular course in a given semester. Students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology, Nurse Education Advanced Placement LPN, or Nurse Education Advanced Placement Paramedic programs will have a different assessment of their 60% point, as their financial aid award may not be based on a single semester of enrollment. Similarly, students in these programs who are unable to continue in their program from one semester to the next may need to have their eligibility adjusted. Detailed information is  available at www.QCC.edu/financial-aid-scholarships/ReturnofTitleIVFunds. We strongly advise all students to consult with the Financial Aid Office prior to making changes to their enrollment.

Types of Financial Aid Available

The College will inform students in writing by means of a financial aid award letter of the amount of their award. The amount of one’s award may be adjusted based upon changes in the student’s enrollment or other eligibility criteria. Their award may consist of any combination of the federal, state, and institutional programs listed below.

Grant Programs

• Federal Pell Grant: This is gift aid awarded by the federal government to students demonstrating substantial financial need. Changes in enrollment status through the add/drop period will result in an adjustment to this award.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: This is a federally-funded grant program. Recipients are selected by Quinsigamond Community College according to federal regulations that require SEOG be awarded to students with the lowest family contributions and greatest financial need, usually Federal Pell Grant recipients.
• MA Cash Grant: This is a state-funded grant program designed to assist needy Massachusetts residents attending public colleges and registered for at least three credits. Eligibility is determined by the College according to state regulations. The Cash Grant cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees.
• MASSGrant: This is a state grant awarded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to its residents with exceptionally high financial need. The state Office of Student Financial Assistance notifies residents of their eligibility and the College certifies this eligibility. Funds are not available until this certification is completed. A student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits to receive this grant.
• MASSGrant Plus: This is a state-funded grant available to both full-time and part-time students who are residents of Massachusetts, have completed the FAFSA by January 1, and demonstrate financial need for tuition and fees after accounting for expected family contribution (EFC) and all forms of institutional and public grant aid.
• MassReconnect: This is a state-funded last-dollar grant available to students registered in at least six credits each semester who are residents of Massachusetts, 25 years of age or older, and have not earned an associate degree or higher. Students must complete a FAFSA and financial aid file. There are no income requirements for this fund.
• MA Public Service Grant: Established to provide educational opportunity to family members in recognition of the hardship that a family experiences upon the loss of a parent and/or spouse who is killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The award value is equal to the College’s full-time tuition charge.
• Nursing Scholarship: This is a state-funded last-dollar scholarship available to students who are Massachusetts residents, have not earned an associate degree or higher, and are enrolled in an eligible Pre-Nursing or Nursing degree or certificate. Students must complete a FAFSA and financial aid file.  Students must also register for at least six credits each semester. There are no income requirements for this fund.
• Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant: Provides financial assistance to paraprofessionals in a Massachusetts public school who wish to pursue teacher education and become certified to teach full-time in Massachusetts’ public schools.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program offers students an opportunity to earn money through on-campus or off-campus employment. Students are placed in a position that will provide them with valuable work experience. The Work-Study Program offers off-campus placements in community service positions at non-profit agencies. It also offers students an opportunity to tutor in area elementary schools with the America Reads and America Counts Programs.

A student’s work schedule and hours may vary according to the amount of the Work-Study award. Students are paid hourly, and rates of pay may vary.

Loans

Federal Direct Loan Program: The Direct Loan Program provides low-interest loans to students enrolled for six or more credits per semester. Payments for interest or principal do not begin until six months after the borrower graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or leaves school. Borrowers are charged a fixed interest rate. A variety of repayment options are offered.

If the student demonstrates financial need, a portion of the loan may be subsidized, which means the Department of Education will pay the interest on the loan during eligible periods. Students who do not demonstrate financial need may qualify for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The interest on this loan begins to accrue from the date of disbursement.

The College receives funding for these loans directly from the United States Department of Education, and repayment is made to a loan servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education once the loan has been disbursed. There is no separate application. Before receiving any loan funds, first-time borrowers must complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans: A Federal Direct PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent students and is not based upon financial need. The amount of a Federal Direct PLUS Loan may not exceed the cost of education minus any other financial aid. The parents’ credit history will be reviewed to establish eligibility. A fixed interest rate will be charged. Ordinarily, repayment begins 60 days after the final loan disbursement; however, a deferment may be available while the student is enrolled in school. Students need to complete a FAFSA even if they are only applying for a PLUS loan.

Tax Credits

The tax code provides a variety of tax incentives for families who are saving for, or already paying, higher education costs or are repaying student loans.

There is an opportunity to claim an American Opportunity Tax Credit and/or Lifetime Learning Credit for the qualified tuition and related expenses of the students in a family (i.e., self, spouse, or an eligible dependent) who are enrolled in eligible educational institutions. Different rules apply to each credit. If an American Opportunity Tax Credit is claimed for a particular student, none of that student’s expenses for that year may be applied toward the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Students may be able to claim a tuition deduction of qualified education expenses paid during the year for themselves, their spouse, or their dependent. This deduction can only be claimed if one's filing status is married filing separately or if another person can claim an exemption for them as a dependent on their tax return. The qualified expenses must be for higher education.

Students may be able to deduct interest paid on a qualified student loan. And, if the student loan is canceled or forgiven, the student may not have to include that amount in income. Consult with a qualified tax advisor regarding eligibility.

Tuition Waivers

If a student qualifies for more than one tuition waiver, the total of all waivers received cannot exceed the cost of tuition each semester.

Categorical Tuition Waivers: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides tuition waivers to (1) Veterans, (2) Native Americans, (3) Senior Citizens, (4) members of the Armed Forces, and (5) Clients of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission or Commission for the Blind. Eligibility is determined by the College according to state regulations.

City of Worcester Tuition Waiver: The city of Worcester issues up to five 100% tuition waivers per semester, for the Fall and Spring semesters, to employees of the city of Worcester.

DSS Adopted Children Tuition Waiver: This waiver is designed to lessen the financial burden on adopting parents in the Commonwealth. This Waiver extends eligibility to all children and young adults, age 24 or under, adopted through the Department of Social Services by state employees or eligible Massachusetts residents, regardless of the date of adoption. The program provides funding for state-supported courses from available state funds.

DSS Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Children: This waiver is designed to provide financial support for higher education to foster children in state custody who were neither adopted nor returned home. Students must maintain full-time enrollment. The program provides funding for state-supported courses from available state funds.

Higher Education Employee Tuition Waiver: Employees of institutions of higher education in the state of Massachusetts are eligible for a tuition waiver for themselves, their spouses and their dependent children. Full-time employees may receive a 100% waiver; part time employees receive 50%.

Human Service Provider Tuition Waiver: This waiver is a program of the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers Inc. Eligible employees of certain Human Service Providers may receive a 100% tuition waiver by submitting a Certificate of Employee Eligibility for Tuition Remission approved by their Human Resources representative. Qualification of an organization as an Eligible Human Service Provider will be determined on the basis of lists of providers under contract with the Commonwealth that are maintained by the Comptroller of the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts National Guard Tuition Waiver: Certain eligible members of the Massachusetts National Guard may receive a 100% tuition waiver for up to 30 credit hours per school year. A certificate for this waiver must be issued by the member’s unit Administration or Education office.

Need Based Tuition Waiver: This waiver is a state-funded program available to needy Massachusetts residents attending public colleges and registered for at least three credits. Eligibility is determined by the College according to state regulations. If students receive any other type of tuition waiver they may not receive this need-based tuition waiver as well. The amount of the waiver cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

Quinsigamond Community College Full-Time Employee Tuition and Fee Waiver: QCC employees, their spouses and their dependents are eligible for a 100% waiver of tuition charges. In addition, employees may receive a 100% waiver of educational fee charges. Spouses and dependents of employees may receive a 50% waiver of educational fee charges.

Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition Waiver: Honors students who are awarded Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Awards by the Department of Education.

September 11, 2001 Tragedy Tuition Waiver: This waiver provides a 100% tuition waiver to children and widowed spouses of Massachusetts residents for any state supported course or program offered by a Massachusetts public college or university.

State Employee Tuition Waiver: Employees of state agencies are eligible for a 100% tuition waiver for themselves and their spouses.

Valedictorian Program Tuition Waiver: Honors students who were designated as valedictorians by a Massachusetts High School.

Scholarships

Please note: All scholarships are subject to available funding.

Amy H. Carberry Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to an exemplary student, preferably a single parent, with demonstrated financial need who is studying the arts or participating in arts activities.

Andreana Grimaldo Women in STEM Scholarship: The Andreana Grimaldo Women iin STEM Scholarship provides a scholarship to a deserving student who identifies as female and is passionate in furthering her education in a STEM field. Andreana was her students' biggest cheerleader, and this scholarship will continue her life's mission of supporting and encouraging women to get involved in mathematics and science studies. Awarded to females in STEM programs, with a preference for engineering.

Ann R. Carroll Scholarship: Established by QCC to recognize Ann Carroll’s 25 years of distinguished service to the College. Ms. Carroll retired as Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services. Awarded to a student leader involved in QCC Athletics or an approved QCC Student Club or Activity.

Aram and Mary Tashjian Scholarship: Awarded annually in the Fall and Spring to a deserving QCC student in the Human Services program or pursuing Psychology or Social Sciences.

Barbara Olson and Kathy Fournier Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Established in memory of two nurses from Harrington Hospital. The scholarship was developed to assist students pursuing a career in nursing.

Captain James L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to a student in the Fire Science Program who graduated from a Worcester Public High School.

Carmen Tobin Nursing Scholarship: In memory of Carmen Tobin who graduated from the Quinsigamond Community College Nursing Program, this scholarship is funded through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and is awarded each year to assist students in achieving their Nursing degree.

Carol Lawson Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Carol Lawson who served as the Director of the QCC Early Childhood Education Lab School from 1991 to 2000. The award is given each Spring to a student in the Early Childhood Education program.

Cornelius B. and Edna P. Spencer Scholarship: Awarded to a student enrolled in any degree program with a commitment to community involvement and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to US citizens who are of African descent.

DCU Last Mile Scholarship: Funded by the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), this scholarship is awarded to students with financial barriers that prevent them from completing their final semester to graduate.

The Delta Dental of Massachusetts Scholarship in Honor of Dennis J. Leonard: This scholarship, in honor of Dennis Leonard, longtime President and CEO of Delta Dental of Massachusetts (DDMA), retired in March of 2023, supports DDMA's goal of increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in dentistry and creates greater opportunities for students of color to enter the dentistry profession.

Dental Hygiene Scholarships (Alumni and MDHA): Awarded to Dental Hygiene students.

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Theerman Scholarship: Awarded to a student in the health professions with preference of medical assistant/medical support.

Dr. Gail Carberry Vocational and Technical Scholarship: Funded by the QCC Foundation and the Bay Path Education Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School graduates who attend QCC. Apply to the BPBTHS Foundation during senior year.

Dr. Roger S. & Mary E. LaBonte Scholarship: In memory of Anna (Boehnke) LaBonte, a self-educated immigrant to the United States in the 20th Century who was unable to obtain a formal education due to societal limitations of her times, which caused discrimination against many immigrants and citizens. Preference is given to students who are in a healthcare program, a single parent, in a minority population. 

The Francis A. and Jacquelyn H. Harrington Foundation Scholarship: Awarded for credit and non-credit coursework for residents in Main South Worcester.

Fuller Foundation Scholarship: The Fuller Foundation has donated funds to assist non-traditional students with high academic achievement and financial need.

Gene Haas Manufacturing Scholarship: Funded by the Gene Haas Foundation and awarded to students in the manufacturing program.

Heiten Auto Tech Scholarship: Awarded to an Automotive Technology student.

Hermann Foundation Scholarship: Awarded to a student with financial need and academic achievement.

Jack and Steven Toney Memorial Scholarship: Established through donations and awarded in memory of Jack Toney and Steven Toney, sons of QCC’s former vice president of academic affairs, Pat Toney.

J. Allan Chupka Memorial Scholarship: Established in the memory of J. Allan Chupka, who served as Registrar and later as Chairperson of the Business Department at Quinsigamond Community College. This scholarship is open to all full-time students at Quinsigamond Community College. The award is based on academic achievement and financial need.

Jeanne Remillard Curtis Nursing Scholarship: Awarded to students enrolled in the Nursing Program.

Jessica Simone Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to a student with financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference given to single parents.

Kathleen Griffin Jennings Nursing Scholarship: Awarded to a non-traditional nursing student in the Nursing Education program with demonstrated financial need.

Luzviminda Dy Recla Scholarship: Awarded to an Engineering Student with financial need.

Maykel Family Scholarship: Awarded to a Dental Hygiene student.

Olga Lopez-Hill Scholarship: Awarded to a student involved in community service.

Patricia Lamusta Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Patricia Lamusta, who served as a secretary in the Registrar’s Office at Quinsigamond Community College. Open to students in the Business Administration Career and Administrative Professional degree or Clerical Office certificate programs. 

Paul Connell Memorial Scholarship: Awarded in memory of QCC Professor Paul Connell.

Professor Paul Rossman History/Political Science Memorial Award: Awarded to a student who is passionate about Political Science or History and has a minimum
GPA of 3.00.

QCC Employee Memorial Scholarship: Funded by donations made in memory of QCC employees.

QCC Foundation Scholarships: The QCC Foundation Scholarship program awards students for academic achievement and considerable financial need. Visit the QCC website to read more and apply.

Quinsigamond Community College Alumni Association Scholarship: Funds are raised through the efforts of QCC alumni to support current students.

Radiologic Technology Scholarship: Awarded to Radiologic Technology students.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship is awarded each Fall to a student who represents the ideals of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nominated by members of the QCC community.

RISE Campaign Endowed Scholarship: Funds raised through the RISE (Regional Investment in Service and Education) campaign.

Robert Mortell Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to a student in either the Fire Science, Criminal Justice or Emergency Medical Services programs who have high academic achievement and financial need.

Roland Lajoie Scholarship: Established in memory of faculty member Roland Lajoie. This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a humanities or social sciences academic program. The student must have completed 12 credits, maintained a 3.00 GPA or better and demonstrate financial need.

Ronald E. Josephson ‘70 Memorial Scholarship: In memory of QCC’s dear friend, alumnus, Guardian and colleague Ron Josephson.  Awarded to students in the Electronics Technology programs.

Ruth C. Pelkey Memorial Nursing Scholarship: Awarded in the Fall and the Spring of each academic year to a prospective QCC Nursing IV student.

SALMON Health and Retirement Nursing Scholarship: SALMON has partnered with QCC to offer two $5,000 scholarships to current nursing students. Preference is given to current SALMON employees. A commitment for employment with SALMON is required for acceptance of this scholarship.

Santander Scholarship: Awarded to First-generation college students with financial need.

Sharon Kerr Richardson Scholarship: Awarded to a Dental Hygiene student with financial need.

The Weiss-Belding Scholarship in Social Sciences: Established in memory of Meredith Anne Weiss, who served in both administrative rolls and as Social Science faculty at QCC from 1979 to 2020. Awarded to students in the Social Sciences with financial need.

United Parcel Service (UPS) Scholarship: Awarded to students with high academic performance and financial need.

Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship/Claire E. Hayes RN Scholarship: Awarded to an LPN student with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and a resident of Worcester County. Preference is given to a graduate or relative of a graduate of the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing.

Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing Alumni/Mary Clifford RN Scholarship: Awarded to an RN student with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and a resident of Worcester County. Preference is given to a graduate or relative of a graduate of the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing.

Worcester Rotary Club Scholarship: Awarded to non-traditional students.

Working Towards a Bright Future in Honor of Paul J. Brown, Jr Scholarship: Designed to empower individuals, with a preference given to women, by supporting their ability to gain career training and enter the workforce as well as advance along a career pathway. Supports students in the SNAP Path to Work program and Workforce Development students who are dealing with the “cliff effect.”