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FAFSA4caster

Welcome to the COM Student Financial Services Office home page! One of COM's best qualities is our affordability and our ability to financially assist our students. Our financial aid web page is another effort to communicate valuable information to assist students in securing the most beneficial financial aid package each may be eligible to receive.

The most successful applicants start early in their high school years to explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities. They prepare early to submit all applications and documentation well in advance of their enrollment in order to ensure timely completion and notification of their award status.

We encourage you to review our page and check out the helpful links we provide.

Student Financial Services Office staff

Student Financial Services Application

All students applying for financial assistance to attend College of the Mainland must complete the Student Financial Services Application for each academic year you plan to attend.

This application form is required in addition to completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

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FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAFSA
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
COM's Federal School Code is 007096

The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet allows you to read and complete the questions before entering your information online. The questions are listed in the same order as they appear on the Web site.

Applicants who do not complete the application process by August 1 for the Fall semester, November 15 for the Spring semester and May 1 for the Summer, should be prepared to pay all educational costs incurred until their application is processed and eligibility is determined. A file is complete when all necessary paperwork has been received, the information verified, and the file reviewed. Processing time on a file is approximately four-to-six weeks.

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Drug Conviction Worksheet

A federal law suspends your eligibility for federal student aid if you have been convicted under federal or state law for possession of or sale of illegal drugs (not including alcohol or tobacco). If you have been convicted in the past, this does not automatically mean that you are ineligible for federal student aid. This worksheet will help you determine your eligibility. You should complete and submit your FAFSA even if you are not eligible for federal student aid. You may be eligible for financial aid from other sources.

Download the appropriate form, complete and return the form to the Student Financial Services Office. Be sure to put your name and Social Security Number on the form before submitting the form.

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Verification Worksheet

If requested by the financial aid office, a student applying for financial assistance to attend College of the Mainland must also complete the Verification Worksheet (either dependent or independent, as requested) for each academic year you plan to attend. Download the appropriate form, complete and return the form to the Student Financial Services Office.

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Scholarships

Institutional Scholarships

College of the Mainland offers several academic scholarships annually. Many individuals and organizations cooperate with the college in their search for scholarship recipients. Some donors do not contribute annually, so it is not possible to catalog and list each donor. General requirements include a minimum GPA (usually 3.0), demonstrated academic progress toward academic goals, full-time enrollment, and in some cases financial need may be a consideration. Recipients are chosen according to donor specifications by the Scholarship Committee. Contact the College of the Mainland Foundation office for more information.

Foundation Scholarships

College of the Mainland Foundation, Inc., offers a wide variety of scholarships to both current and prospective College of the Mainland students. All scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process held each Spring. Information and criteria for these scholarships can be obtained in the annual Foundation Scholarship Brochure. Copies of the brochure are available in high school counselors' offices, the COM Learning Resources Center, Student Financial Services, the Academic Advisement Center and the Foundation office. Scholarship applications are available in the Foundation office located in Appomattox Square, Suite 16. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SCHOLARSHIPS, REFER TO THE BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE THE STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFICE OR CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE AT 409-938-1211, EXT. 508.

A selection of books detailing additional sources of scholarship or grant funding for students is located in the Student Financial Services Office and in the reference section of the college library. This collection includes information on minority and gender-related funding sources as well as information on different areas of study. Students are invited to peruse these books to locate additional funding for their college expenses.

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Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are offered each year through various College of the Mainland departments and are generally based upon performance, merit, skill and ability. Specific information and application requirements may be obtained by contacting the particular department of the scholarship in which the student is interested.

  • Division of Business. Based on academic merit and awarded to business majors. Provides tuition, fees and books for one academic year. Selection by business faculty on basis of grades, hours carried and a brief essay. Apply to Business Team.
  • Fine Arts Scholarship. Apply to Performing & Visual Arts and Theater Art. Instrumental, theater and vocal scholarships are available.
  • Texas Nurses Association, District #29. Apply to the College of the Mainland Nursing Team.

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Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program designed to help the neediest undergraduate pre-baccalaureate students continue their education. The purpose of this program is to provide eligible students with a foundation of financial aid to assist with the costs of attending college. All students applying for financial assistance through College of the Mainland must apply for a Federal Pell Grant. Other types of financial aid may be awarded if the student applies and qualifies. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and satisfactory academic progress. Applications and additional information concerning the Federal Pell Grant are available in the Student Financial Services office and in the counseling offices of most high schools. The FAFSA must be sent electronically over the internet. Approximately four to six weeks after making application, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. The student should immediately review the information, making sure it is correct, and make corrections if necessary. The exact amount of the Federal Pell Grant award will depend upon the expected family contribution (EFC) as listed on the Student Aid Report and the number of hours for which the student enrolls.

Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal FSEOG program provides assistance for eligible undergraduate students who show greatest financial need and are making satisfactory progress toward their educational goal. The actual amount of the grant will vary depending on the availability of funds at the school, the student's family financial condition and other financial aid the student is receiving.

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)

The TPEG program is a state financial aid program to assist students attending state-supported colleges. To be eligible, students must show financial need and be making satisfactory progress toward their educational goal. The actual amount of the grant will vary depending on the availability of funds at the school, the student's family financial condition and other financial aid the student is receiving. Minimum enrollment is six (6) semester hours.

LEAP/SLEAP

To receive a grant, a student must be a Texas resident enrolled on at least a half-time basis. He or she must also be making academic progress as defined by the financial aid office. If the student is male, he must meet US Draft Registration requirements. Students must contact the Student Financial Services office to apply for this grant.

Valedictorians of Each Accredited Texas High School

Exempted from tuition during first two regular semesters following high school graduation.

Hazlewood Act

U. S. Veterans who were Texas residents when they entered the service; served at least 181 days of active military duty (excluding training); have an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions; have used all available federal veterans education benefits; must not be in default on a loan made or guaranteed by the state or federal government. Eligible vets separated from active duty may qualify even if in the reserves.

Persons Employed as Fire Fighters

Allows eligible persons to enroll in courses offered as a part of a fire science curriculum while being exempted from the payment of tuition and lab fees.

Students on AFDC During Senior Year of High School

Exemption from payment of tuition and fees for one year. Student must provide institution proof of having received or been on AFDC for at least six months during the year of high school graduation. Students must apply within 12 months of high school graduation; must be younger than 22.

Certified Educational Aides

Exemption from the payment of tuition and mandatory fees other than class or laboratory fees. Student applies through the financial aid office of the college, which forwards the application to the Coordinating Board. If the student is selected, the school is notified by the Board of the student's eligibility.

Early High School Graduates

Exemption from the payment of up to $1000 in tuition. Letter from Coordinating Board, indicating student is eligible; confirmation of residence status by institution.

Towards EXcellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant Program

The following information is accurate for students entering the program on or after September 1, 2005.

Who can apply?

For an initial award, students who:

  • Are Texas residents
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance
  • Show financial need
  • Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement
  • AND
    • Complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in high school
    • Enroll in a non-profit public college or university in Texas within 16 months of graduation from a public or accredited private high school in Texas and
    • Have accumulated no more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual or concurrent courses or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB or CLEP).
  • OR
    • Have earned an associate degree from a public technical, state or community college in Texas and
    • Enroll in any public university in Texas no more than 12 months after receiving their associate's degree.

Students entering the program from high school who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor's degree, or for five years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or six years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever comes first.

Students entering the program based on acquisition of an associate's degree who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 90 semester credit hours, until they receive a bachelor's degree, or for three years if enrolled in a 4-year degree plan or four years if enrolled in a 5-year degree plan, whichever comes first.

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (formerly TEXAS Grant II) (TEOG)

Who can apply?

Individuals who:

  • Are Texas residents;
  • Show financial need;
  • If applying for a first-time award, have a family contribution of no more than $2,000;
  • Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement;
  • Are enrolled at least 1/2 time (6 semester credit hours) in the first 30 hours (or their equivalent) in an associate's degree or certificate program at a public two-year college in Texas;
  • Have not been granted an associate's or a baccalaureate degree; and
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance. *

Students who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 75 semester credit hours, for four years, or until they receive an associate's degree, whichever comes first. The academic requirements for continuing in the program are: At the end of the first year, the student must meet the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. At the end of the second year, the student must complete at lease 75 percent of the hours attempted in the prior academic year and have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

* An individual convicted of a crime involving a controlled substance can compete for an award in this program two years after he/she has fulfilled his/her obligation to society.

Students must apply through the Student Financial Services office for this grant.

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Work Study

Federal College Work-Study

The Federal College Work-Study program is designed to assist students with jobs. To be eligible, students must demonstrate financial need, must be enrolled for at least six credit hours per semester, and be making satisfactory progress toward their educational goal. Students will generally work up to 15 hours per week.

State College Work-Study

The State College Work-Study program has the same criteria as the Federal College Work-Study program, only the funding source is different.

Student Assistant Program

The student assistant program is designed to assist students with jobs who do not qualify for the Federal or State College Work-Study programs. Students in this program generally work up to 15 hours per week and must be enrolled for at least six credit hours per semester.

View currently available Work-Study positions »

More information on the Work-Study Program at COM »

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Short-Term Loans

Short-Term Loans

College of the Mainland has a limited amount of short-term loan funds available to assist eligible students pay a portion of their tuition/fees or book charges. Applications, which are accepted during the late registration process, and further details are available in the Student Financial Services Office. Loans are made for up to 50% of tuition and fees.

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Loans for Texas Residents

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Alternative Loan Lenders

Alternative Loans : Private loans that a student can apply for to assist with educational expenses or to cover past due balances. These loans are credit-based (student's credit history will be evaluated by lender) and may require a credit-worthy co-signer.

Apply directly online and if approved, lender will contact financial aid office to complete certification.

Lenders:

This is a loan that must be repaid; be conservative and borrow only what is necessary!

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Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

The United States Department of Education requires standards of satisfactory progress for students who receive federal funds. Measures must include the student's total academic history, regardless of whether the student received financial aid. In compliance with federal regulations, College of the Mainland has established a policy applicable to all financial aid recipients including student loans and those students who work on campus and are not eligible for federal funding.

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Financial Aid Suspension and Termination Appeal Procedures

Appeals must be submitted on or before the 15th of each month. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee meets once a month when school is in session, generally during the last week of the month. Students may appeal their financial aid suspension and termination status when they have documented extenuating circumstances such as personal injury or illness, death in the immediate family, or undue hardship.

Financial Aid Links

The following are some web sites to aid in your search for scholarships and financial aid:

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