Types of Financial Aid

For a detailed description of types of aid available, please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. However, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. Pell Grants are considered a foundation of Federal financial aid.  Eligibility for the Pell Grant is determined by the information gathered on the FAFSA.  Awards are prorated depending on level of need as determined by the Department of Education.  Awards amounts will also vary depending on the number of credits the recipient is enrolled in.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a SEOG and funds are limited. The SEOG does not have to be repaid.  Apply early!

The Academic Competitiveness Grant is for first year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year college students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is a need based award.  You must qualify for the Pell Grant and have demonstrated completion of a rigorous high school academic program.  If you feel that you meet these requirements, please submit an official copy of your HS Diploma to a PCC Financial Aid Office. 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient's course of study.

FFEL Stafford Loans can be subsidized, or unsubsidized.  The Federal government pays the interest on a Subsidized loan while you are attending school.  Unsubsidized loans accrue interest while you are in school.  The interest rates on these loans differ and are different for each aid year that you borrow.  Funds for your loan will come from a lender of your choosing, provided that lender participates in the FFEL Stafford Loan program. Eligibility rules and loan amounts are identical under both programs, but repayment plans differ somewhat.

Parents can borrow a PLUS Loan to help pay your education expenses if you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. PLUS Loans are available through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Your parents must have an acceptable credit history, as determined by the lender that they select when applying for the loan.  If you are interested in a PLUS loan, please have your parent apply for the loan with the lender of their choice.  If the lender approves the loan, please visit a PCC campus financial aid office for directions about how to proceed with funding.

A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan for students with exceptional financial need. Federal Perkins Loans are made through a school's financial aid office. Your school is your lender, and the loan is made with government funds. You must repay this loan to your school.

The Leveraging Education Aid Partnership Grant (LEAP) is funded through contributions from state and PCC.  This award is for Pell eligible students with demonstrated financial need and funds are limited. 

Arizona Higher Education has a number of grants available to student each year.  Please visit their website for more information.

Pima Community College also offers scholarships to students.  Funds are limited, so apply early.  Deadlines and requirements vary by program.