Financial Aid

Important Information

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Top 5 Things to Know About Your Bill and Financial Aid

1. After Add/Drop, You’re Responsible

  • Once the add/drop deadline passes, you are financially responsible for every class you are still registered for.
  • This is true even if you never attend the class.

2. Financial Aid Only Covers Attended Classes

  • Financial aid can only be applied to classes you are registered for and have attended.
  • If you register but do not attend, you will still be charged and will not receive aid for that class.

3. Withdrawing Can Affect Your Aid

  • If you withdraw, fail, or take an incomplete, it lowers your completion rate.
  • You must complete at least 66.67% of all courses you attempt to keep financial aid.
  • Falling below this requirement could lead to suspension of aid.

4. Stopping Attendance Can Create a Bill

  • If you stop attending or withdraw from all your classes, a portion of your financial aid will be returned to the government.
  • This may leave you with a bill to pay, even if you withdrew due to illness or personal reasons.

5. Always Talk to Financial Aid First

  • Before you drop or withdraw from any class, meet with the Financial Aid Office.
  • We can explain how your decision will affect your current bill, your aid this semester, and your future eligibility.

Quick Tips for Success

  • Check the Academic Calendar for add/drop deadlines each semester.

  • Review your financial aid requirements and awards in MyRCC.

  • Ask questions early. If you are unsure, reach out to Financial Aid before making changes to your schedule.

Important Links

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MA Links 
Massachusetts higher education and financial aid resources. 

Mass Aid – Apply for Massachusetts state financial aid programs. 

Federal Links
Federal financial aid resources and information. 

FAFSA Application – Apply for federal student financial aid. 

Federal Student Aid  – Official federal student aid information and resources. 

National Student Loan Data System  – View your federal student loan and grant records. 

Order Tax Transcripts by Mail  – Request an IRS tax transcript by mail. 

Massachusetts State Aid

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Free Community College

In Massachusetts, we’ve made community college tuition and fees free for all students through MassReconnect and MassEducate.

Building on the success of MassReconnect, which made community college free for students 25 years and older, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and state Legislature made public community college free for students of any age and income in Massachusetts. 

MassEducate covers the full cost of tuition and fees for all eligible students. Students may qualify for an allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies based on income level. Some students may also be eligible for an additional allowance (up to $1,200) to help with other costs of attending college. 

 

See www.mass.edu/tuitionequity for more details.