Federal Student Aid (FSA) can offer assistance programs to help fund your attendance costs for approved academic programs. Everyone should complete the FSA application process on a yearly basis. You may be required to submit additional forms. These forms will be posted on your online To Do List found in your Student Information when logged in to myDabney. Offer amounts are generally posted online within 1-2 weeks on average, depending on how quickly you submit required documentation.
Federal Pell Grant (Pell)
Offered only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. You are not eligible to receive Pell if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Offers are limited to funding availability and issued depending on when you file your FAFSA and your FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amount.
Virginia Commonwealth Grant (COMA)
Offers are based upon remaining level of need after all other resources are applied. You may not receive COMA, when combined with other tuition/fee-only assistance (e.g. tuition waiver, tuition scholarship, VA Benefits, or employer tuition reimbursement), which exceeds your charges for tuition/fees. The fees portion of the “tuition/fee” figure includes the basic required fees included in tuition, not additional course fees. Therefore, if you are offered COMA and then receive another tuition/fee-only award, the COMA will be cancelled or prorated accordingly. There is no offer for enrollment less than half time (1 to 5 credits).
Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
Offers are based on your remaining level of need after all other resources are applied. VGAP eligibility is based on Virginia residency, academic standing as seen on your high school transcript, and your anticipated full-time enrollment status in an approved degree or certificate program. Click here for more detailed information about the VGAP award criteria. You may receive a VGAP award for a second year if you meet the renewal criteria:
- Maintain full-time enrollment in an eligible program
- Maintain domiciliary residency in Virginia
- Maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Have advance class levels upon completion of first full year (12 months) of enrollment (30 credit hours)
- Continue to demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA
You may not receive VGAP when combined with other tuition/fee-only assistance (e.g. tuition waiver, tuition scholarship, VA Benefits, or employer tuition reimbursement), which exceeds your charges for tuition/fees. The fees portion of the “tuition/fee” figure includes the basic required fees included in tuition, not additional course fees. Therefore, if you are offered COMA and then receive another tuition/fee-only award, the VGAP will be cancelled or prorated accordingly. There is no offer for enrollment less than half time, (1 to 5 credits). Students can receive VGAP for up to 2 years (4 semesters) at MGCC.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP)
PTAP is a state-funded grant, which provides assistance to undergraduate Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need. Award amounts cannot exceed tuition, fees and books per academic year. A minimum of 1 credit hour and a maximum of 11 credit hours are required each semester in order to receive PTAP. This grant is typically not awarded as part of the initial aid package as that is based on projected full-time enrollment. As a result, this grant is normally awarded during the repackaging process that takes place after the end of the add/drop period where aid is based on actual enrollment.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Offers depend on funding availability, your FAFSA’s EFC, course load, and department placement. To be considered, you must complete a Federal Work-Study Application. W-4/VA-4 Withholding Tax Forms and an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) must be completed before beginning work.
Direct Stafford Loan Program
Students and parents who do not qualify for sufficient grant aid to cover college costs may apply for a Direct Stafford loans. Keep in mind that loans must be repaid with accrued interest. It is advisable to keep borrowing at a minimum. Eligibility for loans requires a student to be in good standing and that they meet the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Special Notes: Direct Stafford Loan recipients must be actively enrolled and participating in at least 6 credit hours at the time of disbursement in order to be eligible to receive loan funds. If you are offered any Federal Student Aid (grants and/or loans) and decide not to attend any or all classes you had previously registered for, you must officially drop your classes prior to the start of the semester.
Virginia Community College Supplemental Grant (VCCS)
Offered to students who are Virginia state residents who have remaining need and are registered in at least 1 credit. The grant will pay tuition and fees and is awarded until funds are exhausted. Funds are provided by Virginia’s Community College System.
Approved Academic Programs
- Administrative Support Technology
- Advanced Health Care
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Arts Management
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Business Administration
- Business Administration with a Specialization in Business Foundations
- Business Fundamentals
- Business Management
- Business Management with a Specialization in Administrative Support
- Culinary Arts and Management
- Culinary Arts
- Cybersecurity
- Early Childhood Development
- Education
- Electrical and Instrumentation Technology
- Electrical Wiring Fundamentals
- Forensic Science
- Forest Management Technology
- General Studies
- General Studies with a Specialization in Administration of Justice
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR)
- Hospitality Services
- Industrial/Structural Welding
- Information Systems Technology
- Instrumentation Technology Fundamentals
- Law Enforcement
- Massage Therapy
- Microcomputer Operations
- Networking Technologies
- Non-Profit Management
- Nursing
- Office Skills
- Pipe Welding
- Practical Nursing
- Private Security Services
- Renewable Energy Technology Fundamentals
- Science
- Science and Mathematics
- Small Business Management
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture
- Unmanned Aerials Systems Maintenance and Operations
- Urban Forestry
- Web Page Design
- Welding
- Wilderness Emergency Management
- Wind Turbine Service Technology
- Wind Turbine Service Technology (Basic)