Ways Students Pay for 4Cs

There is no single way to pay for college.

Most students use a combination of free college programs, grants, scholarships, work-study, payment plans, and sometimes loans.

Start with free money. Then build from there.

Free College

Massachusetts offers programs that cover tuition and fees at 4Cs for eligible students.

You may qualify if you:

• Do not already have a bachelor’s degree
• Have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year before your first term
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Enroll in at least 6 credits per semester
• Complete the FAFSA or MAFSA each year
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Every degree and certificate program at 4Cs is eligible.

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Federal Financial Aid

To be considered for federal aid, complete the FAFSA each year.

Federal Grants

Grants are money you do not repay.

Federal Pell Grant

• Based on financial need and your Student Aid Index from the FAFSA
• Available to eligible students, including some enrolled less than half time
• Does not require repayment

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

• Awarded to students with the highest financial need
• Must be eligible for a Pell Grant
• Does not require repayment

Federal Work-Study

Work-study provides part-time job opportunities on campus and in certain community service positions.

• Based on financial need
• Requires enrollment in at least 6 credits
• Paid biweekly based on hours worked
• Earnings are paid directly to you
• Does not require repayment

Contact the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans must be repaid. Borrow only what you need.

Subsidized Loan

• Based on financial need
• No interest accrues while enrolled at least half time

Unsubsidized Loan

• Not based on financial need
• Interest accrues while enrolled

Loan amounts depend on:

• Your dependency status
• Your year in school
• Your total cost of attendance
• Other financial aid received

Federal student loans require:

• FAFSA completion
• Enrollment in at least 6 credits
• Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• Completing Loan Counseling
• Signing a Promissory Note

Federal loans also have lifetime borrowing limits across all colleges attended.

For the most current loan limits and terms, visit studentaid.gov.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent students.

• Not based on financial need
• Requires credit approval
• Parent is responsible for repayment
• Student must be enrolled in at least 6 credits

Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid.

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Massachusetts State Financial Aid

Massachusetts offers additional aid programs for eligible residents.

To qualify, you must have lived in Massachusetts for at least one year before receiving funds.

Programs may include:

Mass Grant

• Based on financial need
• Requires full-time enrollment
• FAFSA must be submitted by the state deadline

MA Access Grant

• Based on financial need
• Available to part-time and full-time students
• Cannot exceed tuition and fees

MA Part-Time Grant

• Available to students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits
• Based on financial need

MA Need-Based Tuition Waiver

• Based on financial need
• Applies to eligible state-supported courses

MA Categorical Tuition Waivers

These waivers:

• Do not require a FAFSA
• Are not based on financial need
• Do not require a minimum number of credits

Available to:

• Active Duty military
• Veterans
• Native Americans
• Senior Citizens
• Clients of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• Clients of the Commission for the Blind
• Children or spouses of 9/11 tragedy victims

State grants and waivers do not need to be repaid.

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4Cs Institutional Awards

4Cs also offers campus-based funding to help close gaps.

4Cs Gap Fund

• Designed for students who’s federal and state aid does not fully cover, tuition, fees, and books
• Requires at least 6 credits
• FAFSA required
• Does not need to be repaid

4Cs Whitehouse Grant

• Available to students in the Evening Nursing program
• Helps align program costs with Day Nursing rates
• FAFSA required
• Does not require financial need
• Does not need to be repaid

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4Cs Educational Foundation Scholarships

The 4Cs Educational Foundation awards over $200,000 in scholarships each year.

• Open to current and incoming students
• Award amounts and criteria vary
• Recipients are selected by a committee
• Applications typically open in late February or early March
• Scholarships do not need to be repaid

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Private Education Loans

Private or alternative education loans are available through outside lenders.

• Require credit approval
• May require a co-signer
• Interst rates and terms vary
• Maximum amount is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid

Students are encouraged to explore federal loan options before considering private loans.

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Not Sure What You Qualify For?

Start with:

1. Checking Free College eligibility
2. Completing the FAFSA
3. Reviewing your financial aid offer

If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office. We can help you understand your options and build a plan that works for you.

You do not have to figure this out alone