An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students (30 completed credits) must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The program will be available for the first time for the 2006-07 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005.

Federal Work Study Program

Students who demonstrate financial need may be awarded a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $1,500 per academic year under the Federal Work-Study program.  This program gives the student the opportunity to earn money to pay educational expenses.  When possible, the program encourages community service work and work related to course of study.  Work-study jobs are available on and off campus.  The amount a student can earn cannot exceed the total work-study award.

Federal Stafford Loan Program

Federal Stafford Loans are a way for the student to borrow money from a participating lender to help finance his/her educational expenses.  The student may authorize the college to use loan proceeds to pay for college charges, and balances will be refunded to the student to be used for other educational expenses. Be a Smart Borrower!

There are three types of Federal Student Loans:

1. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans - A Subisidzed loan is based on financial need.  Interest will be deferred while the student is in college.
2. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - An Unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need.  Interest starts accuring at the time the loan is disbursed and continues until it is paid in full.
3. Federal Parent PLUS loans - A PLUS loan is for parent(s) of eligible dependent students to assist with their child's educational expenses.  Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed.

Use the chart below to determine your loan amount.  First year students are defined as students who have earned 0-29 credits.  Second year students are defined as students who have earned 30+ credits

*Stafford Loan Maximums listed below are effective July 1, 2008

*FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN MAXIMUMS Academic Year 2007-2008
DEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES	Subsidized	Subsidized & Unsubsidized
First Year	$ 3,500	$ 5,500
Second Year	$ 4,500	$ 6,500
INDEPENDENT UNDERGRADUATES (and dependent students whose parents are denied the PLUS loan)
First Year	$ 3,500	$ 9,500
Second Year	$ 4,500	$10,500

To apply for a Federal Stafford Loan please complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Student Loan Request Form available at the Financial Aid Office or print one from this website by clicking the Forms Link. 
2. Use a Lender from a previous application or choose from the eMPN listing (HESC).
3. Complete the Stafford Entrance Counseling, and the Master Promissory Note (eMPN) (also available for Parent Plus Loans).
4. Submit your completed Student Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid Office.

Veteran's Benefits

Eligible veterans are entitled to receive monthly educational benefits for full- or part-time study under the provision of several different veteran programs.  They include:

• Chapter 30 Montgomery G.I. Bill - Active Duty
• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 32 Post - Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program
• Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
• Chapter 106 Montgomery G.I. Bill - Selected Reserve

Application forms are available at and submitted to the Registrar's office.

New York State Financial Aid: 

• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
• Aid for Part Time Study (APTS)

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) (School Code - 2240)

TAP is a New York State grant program available to qualified New York State residents who attend an approved postsecondary institution within the State on a full-time basis.  Eligibility is based on the family's previous year's New York State taxable income.  Awards will range from a minimum of $500 per year to a maximum of the annual cost of tuition or $5000 whichever is less.

Students and families will initiate the TAP application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) administers the TAP program.  TAP is a grant and does not have to be repaid.  New York State TAP requires a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average after a student has received 4 payments.

New York State Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Students who want to apply for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) must complete the State University of New York Admissions Application or the Fulton-Montgomery Community College Free Admissions Application indicating that the student wants to be considered as an EOP applicant.  This program is available to qualified New York State residents who are academically and financially disadvantaged, according to definitions of the State University and Economically Disadvantaged Guidelines approved by the Board of Regents and the Director of the Budget.  Selection of eligible applicants is conducted by Financial Aid/EOP office.

New York State Aid for Part Time Study (APTS)

The APTS grant program provides funding for students who are attending college on a part-time basis (3-11 degree applicable credits per term).  At FMCC this grant is awarded only to students who have a 2.00 cumulative grade point average from prior attendance.  First time applicants are accepted, but must achieve and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.  APTS awards range from $100 to $1000.  A separate APTS application is required along with a signed copy of the NYS tax return.  APTS applications are available on this website under Forms.