Federal and State Financial Aid Programs

• Federal Pell Grant
  The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal grant program. These grants provide a foundation to which aid from other sources may be added.
  
  To qualify you must be an eligible undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Pell Grants are available for full-time students and part-time students who are taking as little as a one credit course.
  



• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) FSEOG is a federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional need. Since these funds are limited, only Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Estimated Family Contribution will receive these grants which typically range from $400 to $900 at ESCC. Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time.
  



• College Scholarship Assistance Program (CSAP)
  This need-based state grant is available for Virginia students who are enrolled at least half-time in a qualified degree or certificate program. The student's Estimated Family Contribution must be less than one-half of the total cost of attendance. At ESCC awards range from $300 to $800.
  
  
  
• Commonwealth Awards
  The Commonwealth Award program provides grants to qualified students who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 semester credits) in a qualified degree or certificate program. The VCCS Grant must not exceed the cost of tuition and fee charges.
  



• Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)
  Full-time Virginia domiciled dependent students who graduated from a Virginia high school with at least a 2.5 grade point average may receive this state grant. Students must be a first-time freshman and may qualify for renewal awards up to three additional years.
  



• Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP)
  This state-funded, need-based grant program is available for Virginia students who are enrolled in three to five credits in a qualified degree or certificate program. The grant will cover up to the cost of tuition.
  



• Federal Work-Study (FWS)
  This program provides part-time jobs for students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). Student class schedules, curriculum, and job skills are considered in assigning jobs. Most employment is on-campus; however, additional employment opportunities have been established for off-campus community service employment. Students are paid every two weeks.