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Financial Aid

There are many costs associated with attending BMCC. Tuition, fees, books,  supplies,  and travel to and from school are just some of these school-related expenses. Financial aid is money that comes from the federal, state and city governments to help you meet these costs.

The most common sources of financial aid for BMCC students are:

Grants—money that does not have to be repaid

Loans—money that you borrow and agree to pay back with interest

Work-Study—money that you earn from a job obtained through the Financial Aid Office

To be eligible for most federal and state student aid, you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or other eligible classification of non-citizen, and enrolled in a program leading to a degree. You cannot be in default on a student loan or owe a repayment of a federal grant received at any other school. Most federal and state financial aid programs also require that you make satisfactory progress toward the completion of your degree to qualify for continued funding. (Refer to the section “Academic Progress Standards”)

We suggest that you apply for financial aid as soon as you have made your decision to attend BMCC. Don’t wait until after you have been admitted to the College to apply. It can take from 4 to 6 weeks to process your applications. The College can credit financial aid toward your tuition bill only if you have allowed sufficient time for your applications to be processed.

Sources of Financial Aid

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a New York State grant program that helps pay the tuition of eligible full-time  and part-time students. TAP is money that comes directly to the College for payment of your tuition. You must have lived in New York State at least one year prior to your first term of enrollment and meet certain income and enrollment criteria to qualify for TAP.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) is a New York State grant program for students pursuing a degree on a part-time basis. It is money paid to the school for tuition only. To receive APTS, you must be a New York State resident, meet certain income limits and not have exhausted your eligibility for TAP. Award amounts vary based on availability of program funds.

Federal Pell Grant can be used to pay your tuition, or, if your tuition is covered by other means, help you buy your books and supplies, or pay your transportation costs. PELL is available to full-time or part-time students who have not earned a first bachelor’s degree or professional certificate.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is an award given to undergraduate students who show exceptional financial need. FSEOG awards are made to supplement other forms of financial aid. This award is available only to students who have not earned a first bachelor’s degree or professional certificate.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs to students who need additional financial aid. FWS students work both on and off campus and are paid at least NYS minimum wage. You must be enrolled in at least six credits or the equivalent to participate in FWS.

Federal Perkins Loan is a low interest (5%) loan awarded by CUNY to help you meet your educational expenses. A Federal Perkins Loan is money that is borrowed and must be repaid. You must remain enrolled in at least six credits or the equivalent to receive this loan and must begin to repay it nine months after graduation or termination of attendance. Freshmen (entering or first-year) are not eligible to receive this loan.

Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan allows you to borrow money at low interest to help you pay for college. The federal government subsidizes or supports these loans by paying interest charges while you are attending school. You must remain enrolled in at least six credits or the equivalent to receive this loan and must begin to repay it six months after graduation or termination of attendance. You must demonstrate financial need to qualify for this loan.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan allows you to borrow money for your education in addition to the amounts allowed under the subsidized loan program. These loans are not subsidized by the federal government which means that you, the borrower, are responsible for all interest charges while you are attending school. You must remain enrolled in at  least six  credits or the equivalent to receive this loan.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan allows your parents to borrow money to help you supplement the amounts you may be receiving under other grant or loan programs. All Direct PLUS  loans require a credit check and will be approved based on your parents’ credit history. Repayment of PLUS loans begins within 60  days of disbursement.

College Discovery (CD) is a special program for financially and educationally disadvantaged students. Students in the CD program may receive money for books, fees and a small stipend. To be considered for CD, you must complete the special programs section of the CUNY admissions application. The Admissions Office chooses the students for this program by a lottery system. You must maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible for CD.

To learn how to apply for these financial aid programs, visit the College’s online financial aid office at http://www.bmcc.edu/finaid/. Here you will find eligibility requirements, application filing procedures, office contact information and a schedule of available application labs and workshops.

Scholarships

BMCC makes available  for its student  population a list of various scholarships, for which they may be eligible to apply. Some of these scholarships are administered by the College, and are for either continuing or graduating students.

Sussie Gyamfi,

Coordinator Scholarships and Special Services, (212) 220-8133, Room S-225

Scholarships for Continuing Students

Borough of Manhattan Community College Fund Inc. Scholarship (Full-Time)

The BMCC Fund, Inc. Scholarship is a general scholarship made available annually by the Board of Trustees of the BMCC Fund, for continuing BMCC students who demonstrate high academic performance and financial need. The scholarship amount varies and may cover up to $2800.00 per   year. Eligible applicants must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA; maintain a full course load; have completed at least one semester with at least 12 content credits prior to application, and demonstrate financial need.

Borough of Manhattan Community College Fund Inc.: Scholarship (Part-Time)

This competitive scholarship is awarded to part-time BMCC students who have completed at least 24 BMCC credits and have attended part-time in the previous or current semester. Eligible applicants must have 3.3 minimum G.P.A. and maintained a minimum of at least 6 credits each semester. The scholarship amount varies and may cover up to $1,440 per year.

Borough of Manhattan Community College Fund Inc.: Presidential Pathway to Success

This competitive scholarship is made available to incoming freshmen who demonstrate high academic performance and financial need. Eligible applicants must have an 80 or better high school average and show evidence of community or volunteer service. The scholarship amount varies and may cover up to $2,800 per year.

Borough of Manhattan Community College Fund Inc.: MoneyWorks Scholarship

The MoneyWorks competitive scholarship is made available by the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and The Financial Planning Association of New York (FPANY),  and is sponsored by Merrill Lynch to provide continuing BMCC full-time and part-time students with an exciting financial learning experience and scholarship opportunity. Students selected for the program will  receive an award up to $2,800.00 towards  the cost of their education at BMCC for one academic year. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in financial awareness seminars and be paired with mentors from the business community.

Dennis Bonner Scholarship This memorial scholarship is awarded to continuing full-time African-American students, who  demonstrate high academic performance and financial need. This scholarship is awarded to honor our late Admissions Director, Dennis Bonner. To be eligible, students must have 12 or more credits completed at BMCC with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Simon Peskoff Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is awarded in memory of Simon Peskoff, the father of Professor Fred Peskoff of the Mathematics Department. The  eligible candidate must be a full-time BMCC mathematics or nursing major, who has completed at least one semester at BMCC with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

BMCC Out-in-Two Scholarship This scholarship began as a Presidential Initiative to help students complete their associate degree within two years or less. First-time college freshmen are eligible to apply if they accumulated at least 12 real degree credits prior to the beginning of their second regular semester (fall or spring) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students enrolled in Nursing, Undeclared Health, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information Technology, and Paramedic are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive a minimum of $1600 for three consecutive semesters.

BMCC/Pearson Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to students who are enrolled in the Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information Technology or Paramedic program. Eligibility requirements for this scholarship are a minimum of twelve degree credits earned with at least a 2.5 GPA. Applicant must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident, who has taken courses in his or her declared major in the fall. Students must graduate within five semesters from the time of first award.

Houghton Mifflin/BMCC Scholarship Awarded to Business Management majors. Interested applicants must contact the Business Management Department, Room F-730 for additional information.

National Science Foundation (CSEM) Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to full-time students who intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering or mathematics. Applicants must be  a  U.S. citizen or permanent resident, must file for financial aid, have a minimum GPA of 2.8; and be willing to work on a research project as determined by the scholarship committee.

Salzburg Seminar Award

This is a seven-day intensive seminar for BMCC students to explore issues of global concerns. The seminar takes place during spring break  in Salzburg, Austria. Travel and housing costs are covered by the College. Eligible applicants must be matriculated, have completed 24 BMCC credits and have an overall BMCC GPA of 3.3 or better.

Academic Progress Standards

The federal and state financial aid programs require that you register for and maintain enrollment in your classes in order to receive financial aid awards. You are expected to make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree in order to keep receiving your awards. Please note that the academic performance standards for the federal and state financial aid programs exist separately from the College’s own retention requirements.

Remedial Course Work and Federal Aid Eligibility

You may receive federal financial aid payments for no more than 30 hours of non-credit remedial course work. If you have attempted and received payment for a total of thirty or more remedial or developmental hours, you cannot receive federal financial aid for any additional remedial or developmental course work you attempt. This restriction does not apply to English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

You will still be eligible to receive federal financial aid payments for credit bearing course work, subject to your ability to meet the federal satisfactory academic progress standard outlined below.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard for Federal Financial Aid Programs

In order to remain eligible for federal financial aid at BMCC, you must be making satisfactory academic progress towards the completion of your associate degree in order to remain eligible for federal financial aid at BMCC.

There are 3 components to the college’s federal satisfactory academic progress standard:

  1. Minimum GPA: You  must  achieve  the GPA required to meet the college’s minimum retention standard (that is, you cannot be on academic probation, special probation or academic dismissal).

  2. Maximum Timeframe: You may attempt not more than 150% of the credits normally required for completion of the degree (that is, you may attempt no more than 90 credits to earn 60).

  3. Pace of Progression: You must successfully complete a certain percentage of the total number of credits that you attempt. For more information, visit: http://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/finaid/upload/SAP_Requirements.pdf.

Financial Aid Suspension

If you exceed the maximum timeframe, or fall beneath the pace of progression standard, you will be placed on financial aid suspension and lose your eligibility to participate in federal student aid programs. Students on financial  aid suspension will remain ineligible for federal student aid until they take actions that once again bring them into compliance with the appropriate progress standard.

Your Right to Appeal

If you have been placed on financial aid suspension, you may appeal to the Committee on Academic Standing to regain eligibility to receive federal student aid.

Your appeal must be based on mitigating circumstances resulting from events such as personal illness or injury, illness or death of a family member, loss of employment, or changes in your academic program. Your appeal must include an explanation of why you failed to make satisfactory progress and what has changed in  your situation to allow you to meet the appropriate progress standard in a future evaluation.

Your appeal must also include a reasonable and attainable academic plan that, if followed, will ensure that you will achieve completion of your program or make substantive progress towards program completion for the terms you wish to receive financial assistance.

Financial Aid Probation

If your appeal is granted, you will be placed on financial aid probation and have your federal student aid eligibility reinstated for one semester. At the end of the probationary semester, your record will be reviewed to determine if you have fulfilled the requirements specified in your academic plan.

If you meet all the conditions of your academic plan in your probationary semester, you will continue to receive federal student aid on a monitored, semester-by-semester basis until the next scheduled progress evaluation.

There is no limit on the number of times you may follow the financial aid appeals procedure. Additional appeals to extend financial aid probation are allowed, but, as in the original appeal, you would have to indicate mitigating circumstances, the reasons why you did not meet satisfactory progress requirements, the reasons why the objectives of your academic plan were not achieved, and what has changed to ensure you will be able to meet the progress standard at the next evaluation.

Re-establishing Eligibility

Other than having eligibility restored through filing a successful appeal, you may have your financial aid suspension removed only by taking actions that bring you into compliance with the appropriate progress standard. The mere passage of time, by itself, is insufficient to restore your aid eligibility. One such action would be to continue attendance without using federal financial aid funds.

If you remain enrolled without receiving federal financial aid, you may request a review of your academic record after any term you were on financial aid suspension to determine whether you are meeting the standard of satisfactory progress. If the standard is met, you will regain eligibility for federal aid in the subsequent terms of the academic year.

Determination of Credits Attempted and Credits Earned

Credits attempted reflect the courses maintained in your permanent enrollment record at the College. Credits earned are those credits you have actually earned toward your degree.

In measuring satisfactory academic progress, certain courses and situations will be treated in the following ways:

Basic Skills Courses

Remedial or basic skills courses do not carry degree credit and are not included in the cumulative record of credits earned or attempted for determining your pace of progression. The credit-bearing portion of courses classified in prior years as developmental or compensatory are included as part of the cumulative record of earned or attempted credits.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals recorded on your permanent record will be counted in your cumulative record of credits attempted and will adversely affect your ability to meet the pace of progression standard.

Note: Changes to your enrollment record caused by retroactive “non-punitive” administrative withdrawal activity can result in your having to repay the assistance that you received that term.

Incomplete Grades

Your cumulative record of credits attempted must include any course in which you receive an incomplete grade. This course cannot be counted in your earned credits until you have received a completion grade. If you fail to meet the pace of progression standard due to an incomplete grade for a course, the recording of a successful completion grade within a term which brings your accumulated credits up to the appropriate standard will restore eligibility for this and subsequent terms within the academic year.

Repeated Courses

Successfully completed courses can generally be accepted toward degree requirements only once. However, each time you attempt a course, it is included as part of your cumulative record of credits attempted. Therefore, repeating a course, regardless of prior grade, reduces your ability to meet the pace of progression standard.

Treatment of Non-Standard Situations

Readmitted Students

Upon readmission after any period of non re-enrollment, your satisfactory progress standing will be re-evaluated as it stood at the end of your last semester of attendance. If  you have taken any action during your period of non re-enrollment that would bring you into compliance with the progress standard (such as successfully completing transferable courses at another institution) this will also be factored into the assessment. If you have taken no such action, or if the action you took is not sufficient to bring you into compliance with the progress standard, you would remain on financial aid suspension and would have to file a successful appeal to re-establish eligibility.

Transfer Students

As a transfer student, you will have your status initialized for measuring pace of progression by counting the transfer credits accepted toward the degree as both credits attempted and credits earned.

Second Degree Students

If you are enrolled for a second degree, you shall have your status initialized for measuring pace of progression by counting the credits accepted toward the second degree as both credits attempted and credits earned.

Change of Major/Change of Degree

If you change majors within the same degree  or certificate program, or if you change your educational objective and begin pursuing a different degree without having earned the first degree, you must complete your academic program within the maximum timeframe allowed or file a successful appeal to extend the maximum timeframe.

Good Academic Standing Requirements for New York State Financial Aid Programs

To receive New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) payments, you must maintain good academic standing as defined by the state for these programs. The good academic standing requirement consists of both an “academic progress” and a “program pursuit” component. Please refer to the Academic Progress Chart at www.bmcc.cuny.edu/finaid/.

If you do not meet the NYS academic standing requirements in any semester you receive a state award, you lose your eligibility for TAP, APTS, and other NYS award programs. Further payments of these awards to you will be stopped.

You may regain good academic standing by any one of the following procedures:

  1. Combine two or more semesters’ work, provided that only one of those semesters is paid for through New York State support.

  2. Be readmitted to BMCC after a leave of absence of at least one calendar year.

  3. Transfer to another college. There, you will be eligible to receive New York State awards your first semester.

  4. Apply to the Committee on Academic Standing for a one-time TAP/APTS waiver.

If the waiver is approved, you may continue your studies without interruption of New York State program assistance.

How to Get a TAP/APTS Waiver

If you feel you may be eligible for a TAP/APTS waiver, you must follow these instructions:

  1. Obtain a TAP/APTS Waiver Request Form from the Bursar’s Office.

  2. Provide an explanation of your circumstances on the request form. You should attempt to document all pertinent facts related to your case. The final decision will be based on the documentation received.

  3. See a Student Life Counselor to help you fill out the form and advise you on what documentation you may need. Make sure your counselor signs and dates the form.

  4. Obtain faculty statements, if necessary, and attach them to the request. Faculty statements should be submitted by persons whom you feel will help the Committee on Academic Standing better understand your case.

  5. Sign, date, and return your request, with all supporting documentation, to the Registrar’s Office.

  6. After your request has been acted upon by the committee, you will be notified of the action taken on your case by means of a letter to your home address.

Possible Reasons for a Waiver

A. Personal Criteria

  1. Personal illness involving either hospitalization or extended home confinement under a physician’s supervision.

  2. Illness in the immediate family (of origin or of generation) forcing you to be absent from class for an extended period.

  3. Emotionally disabling conditions which force you to miss class for an extended period.

  4. Changing work conditions beyond your control and upon which you or your family must depend forcing you to leave classes.

  5. Inability to attend classes because of  military duty orders, temporary incarceration, or other involvement with agencies of government (local, state or federal).

B. Academic Criteria

  1. A change in major causes you to fall behind in the pursuit of program requirement although prior to this your academic performance was sound.

  2. You have consistently met the minimum academic performance standards but, for one semester, do not meet them.

An assessment of your academic record indicates that granting you a waiver will be to your benefit.

If you are granted a TAP/APTS waiver, you can continue to be eligible for New York State tuition assistance for that semester only. In order to continue to be eligible in any following semester, you must again begin to meet the Academic Progress and Program Pursuit requirements as stated in the TAP Progress Chart (www.bmcc.cuny.edu/finaid/) for the payment indicated. Remember: you may be granted a waiver from the New York State academic standing requirements only once.