Types of Aid Available
The following list represents the major federal and state financial aid programs at BRCC. Some students may qualify for more than one program depending on need. Please note that state grants are only awarded to qualifying domiciliary residents of Virginia.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a federal grant program. Qualifying students who have completed a rigorous secondary school program and are eligible for federal Pell grants may be eligible to receive additional funds from the Academic Competitiveness Grant Program. Eligible recipients may receive up to $750 for the first year of study and up to $1,300 for the second academic year of study.
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant entitlement program, which means that the federal government will pay all applicants who meet all program eligibility criteria. Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree are not eligible for grant aid. Awards are for both direct and indirect educational expenses. In some cases, an eligible student may receive a Pell Grant if enrolled for less than 6 credits.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federal grant program that is awarded to the “neediest” students. Preference is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients with the greatest financial need. There are limited SEOG funds and students should meet the March 15 priority application deadline to ensure consideration. Students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is an award from federal funds that enables a student to earn money to help meet their educational expenses. A student must have “financial need” to qualify. A work-study award does not guarantee a job, as the placement of a student into a job will be based upon the available jobs and the student’s qualifications to meet the requirements for these available jobs. Work-study employees are usually assigned an average of 15 to 20 hours of work per week and will receive a paycheck every two weeks.
College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)
College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP) is a state grant program administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. To qualify, a student must be domiciled in Virginia, demonstrate exceptional need, and must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Commonwealth Award (COMA)
Commonwealth Award (COMA) is a state-funded grant program under which students may receive support up to the average full cost of tuition. To qualify, a student must be a domiciliary resident of Virginia, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) is a state-funded grant program under which first time freshmen with financial need can receive up to the average full-time tuition and an allowance for textbooks. In order to be considered, a student must be a: first-time freshman, dependent, high school graduate with a high school GPA of at least a 2.5, Virginia resident, and demonstrate financial need. Recipients must be enrolled as a full-time student to qualify. Recipients must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain eligible for their VGAP award each semester and must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours each academic year to remain eligible for consideration during the next academic year.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP)
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP) is a state grant program funded by the Virginia Community College System. These grants are based on need and are awarded to eligible students who are enrolled for one to six credits per semester.
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal Stafford Loans provide students with the option to receive long-term, low interest educational loans. Students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis to be considered. All Stafford Loans are either subsidized (the government pays the interest while the student is in school) or unsubsidized (the student pays all the interest, although payments can be deferred until after graduation). To receive a subsidized Stafford Loan, financial need must be demonstrated. With the unsubsidized Stafford loan, payments can be deferred until after graduation by capitalizing the interest. This adds the interest payments to the loan balance, increasing the size and cost of the loan. All students, regardless of need, are eligible for the unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) enables parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow funds to supplement their children’s aid packages. Repayment normally begins 60 days from the date of disbursement and can continue over a ten-year period. Students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Related information: BRCC Student Financial Aid Services Website