Financial Aid

PELL Grants are awarded to eligible students as determined by the Federal government on the basis of information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is easily completed online at www.studentaid.gov. Eligible students must enroll in a minimum of 3 credits to receive a PELL Grant and the amount is adjusted on the basis of number of credits you are enrolled in.

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Delaware County Community College’s Educational Foundation offers over $600,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholarship has its own criteria for eligibility established by the donor. The application process generally begins in February, with a deadline of May 1. Notifications typically go out to students over the summer months preceding their next academic year’s enrollment. 

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External Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to students going to college. Taking the time to research and apply will pay off. The College has some tips on what to look for while doing your scholarship search. 

Taking out a modest loan to help with educational expenses may be more beneficial than trying to work too many hours to make ends meet, and not being able to keep up with your school work. Most students who file the FAFSA will be offered loan money by our Financial Aid Office. You can accept the amount being offered, lower it, or decline it altogether. Under the Federal Direct Loan program, you may be offered either a subsidized loan, an unsubsidized loan, or both. 

The good news is that, as long as you are enrolled in college and making satisfactory academic progress, you do not need to begin repaying your loan. Once you stop attending—for whatever reason—you will be required to begin repayment. However, the payment schedule is one that most students find to be manageable.

Student Loan facts at DCCC:

In 2024-2025 46% of enrolled DCCC Financial Aid Applicants borrowed from the Federal Direct Loan program.

A Cohort Default Rate (CDR) is the percentage of a school’s federal student loan borrowers who entered repayment in a specific federal fiscal year and then defaulted on their loans within the “cohort default period”.  Reported rates are based on 3 years prior to the current year.

DCCC cohort default rates as reported by the Department of Education (NSLDS)

Three-year Official Cohort Default Rates

DCCC compared to National Cohort default rates are the same due to the Covid 19 national pause on student loan repayments.

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Students participating in Work Study are employed part-time for up to 15 hours a week in jobs located at the College or in the local community and receive a paycheck from the College each pay period. Many Work Study jobs provide students with experience related to their field of study. To qualify for Work Study, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits and be in satisfactory academic standing (minimum GPA of 2.0).

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Pennsylvania State Grants are awarded to eligible students as determined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania using the FAFSA, so you do not need to file a separate application for this aid. Eligible students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits with at least 3 credits in regular college-level course work (not developmental/remedial).

Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver
A waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most post-secondary institutions located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for youth who are or were in foster care. This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other gift aid (federal, state, and other scholarships or grants) have been applied to the student’s account.