What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, or loan specifically designed to help students cover education-related expenses. Grants and scholarships are considered gift assistance and typically do not need to be repaid. On the other hand, loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid over time, usually after the student graduates or reduces their enrollment to less than half-time, and they come with varying interest rates.

The federal government, state governments, private organizations, and individuals fund financial aid programs.

For more detailed information and to apply for financial aid, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office in Bladen Hall, Room 121. The office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Students can also call 301-546-0822 during these hours. Note that extended hours are available during peak registration periods for the fall and spring semesters.

What is Financial Need?

Many financial programs, especially federal student aid programs, are awarded based on students' financial need. Financial need is determined by the difference between the cost of attendance at Prince George's Community College (PGCC) and the student’s or their family’s ability to pay. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. 

The ability to pay, known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is calculated by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The information provided in this application is used in a formula established by U.S. Congress to determine the EFC.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can be filled out electronically at studentaid.gov. Please follow the steps and instructions provided on the website. Make sure to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which is a username and password required to log in to most U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and allows you to sign Federal Student Aid documents electronically.

The FAFSA must be completed each academic year you request financial aid. In addition to submitting the FAFSA, you (and your parents, if you are a dependent student) may need to provide additional information to verify your eligibility for financial aid. This additional information may include copies of tax return transcripts for the student, parent, and/or spouse; proof of citizenship or high school graduation; and any other documents necessary to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Application Deadlines

Students who want to ensure their paperwork is processed promptly during a specific semester must submit all applications and required documents to the Student Financial Aid Office by the following priority deadlines:

  • March 1: For financial aid consideration and Maryland state scholarships (Maryland residents only)
  • April 1: For financial aid needed by the start of the fall semester
  • November 1: For financial aid needed by the start of the spring semester

Students must ensure that all required paperwork is submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the priority deadlines. Students should be prepared to pay their tuition and fees out of pocket if the paperwork is not submitted on time. However, these payments may be reimbursed later if eligibility for financial aid is confirmed and the aid is authorized.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

The institution, supported by the Board of Trustees, guarantees to all students at Prince George's Community College certain rights and responsibilities subject to College policies and regulations. The College president is authorized to make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures to carry out this policy, which was adopted June 8, 1978.

  1. Each student shall have the right of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy.
  2. Students, while in the classroom, shall exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy in a manner that is relevant to the subject matter of the instructional program and to the right of the instructor to maintain order and have authority over the conduct of the class.
  3. Each student shall be free to form and join organizations for legal purposes.
  4. Students may, individually and through representative organizations, express views on matters of instructional policy and issues of interest to the student body.
  5. The rights of students to a student press that is free of censorship are guaranteed.
  6. Students shall meet the obligations of responsible journalism in the student press.
  7. Students shall have the right to participate in committees responsible for recommendations that impact the allocation of funds derived from student fees.
  8. Competent instruction, relevant to the subject matter at the times and places assigned for each course, shall be provided to all students.
  9. Each student shall have the right to fair and unbiased academic evaluations, based upon defined course-appropriate criteria. That criteria shall be set forth in writing and distributed by the instructor at the beginning of each course.
  10. Students shall be able to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of instruction, and shall reserve judgment about matters of opinion.
  11. The institution guarantees the rights of students to participate in the evaluation of faculty performances.
  12. Students shall be responsible for meeting the established requirements of the course(s) they are enrolled in.
  13. The institution guarantees protection against improper disclosure of information pertinent to students’ views, beliefs, political associations, academic evaluations, and educational records, without the express written consent or permission of the student concerned.
  14. Students have the right to due process in disciplinary proceedings, as prescribed in the Prince George’s Community College Code of Conduct.
  15. Students shall be responsible for complying with policies, rules, procedures, and regulations governing student conduct as well as College operations.

For more information about student rights and responsibilities, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. Stop by the office at Kent Hall, Room 119, or call 301-546-0412.

Contact Us

Bladen Hall, Room 121
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.*
Email: finaid@pgcc.edu 
Phone: 301-546-0822

* From May 30 to August 1.