So What's the Bottom Line?
See How Much Money You Could Get
How much will you actually pay to attend OCC? Our Net Price Calculator provides an estimate. It starts with the cost of attendance, then subtracts grant
and scholarship aid it estimates you will receive.
The results number is just an estimate of how much you'll pay. But it can be helpful
as you make plans to attend OCC.
Types of Financial Aid
As an OCC student, you’re potentially eligible for four types of financial aid:
-
- Grants | free money, typically based on financial need, that you don't have to repay
- Scholarships | free money, typically based on accomplishments or merit, that you don't have to
repay
- Federal Student Loans | borrowed money you must repay
- Work-study | earned money through a part-time job, based on your financial needs
Eligible students can receive financial aid for fall, winter, and summer semesters.
Attending school in the summer can help you get your degree faster.
OCC also participates in educational benefit programs for veterans.
FAFSA: How can I pay for college?
The federal government, which supplies most money for financial aid, has established
some eligibility requirements. One says you must make Satisfactory Academic Progress, which shouldn’t be a problem as long as you attend your classes and do the work.
What happens after you submit your FAFSA for community college? Find out in How We Calculate Your Financial Aid and How We Deliver Your Financial Aid.
Eligible students can receive financial aid for fall, winter, and summer semesters.
Attending school in the summer can help you get your degree faster.
OCC also participates in educational benefit programs for veterans.
If you want to drop a class because you're not doing well, a better option is to get
tutoring or supplemental instruction at OCC's Academic Support Center. Tutoring and supplemental instruction are available in person at all five OCC campuses
and online. All services are free.
Here are a few other great sources for financial aid information:
- The office of Federal Student Aid has excellent publication, videos, forms, worksheets, webinars, and other tools.
- You can all the Federal Student Aid Information Center, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Education, at (800) 433-3243. The center also offers live chat and email options.
- MI Student Aid from the Michigan Department of the Treasury offers information about state financial
aid programs. It also has webinars about financial aid, a scholarship search engine
based on where you live, numerous publications, and more. You can call MI Student
Aid with questions at (888) 447-2687 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Contact Us Before Dropping a Class
If you receive financial aid and you’re thinking about dropping a class or leaving
school entirely, talk with us at the Financial Aid office first. Changing your enrollment
status may harm your current and future eligibility for financial aid. In some circumstances,
you have to pay back financial aid that you’ve received. We can explain the consequences
of dropping a class or leaving school so you can make an informed decision.
If you want to drop a class because you’re not doing well, a better option is to get
tutoring or supplemental instruction at OCC’s Academic Support Center. Tutoring and supplemental instruction are available in person at all five OCC campuses
and online. All services are free.
Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application for the upcoming
2024-2025 aid year!
Check out our 2024 - 2025 FAFSA resource page to find out what you need to know and prepare for these upcoming changes.
After You Apply for Financial Aid
Check your OCC email regularly, even if you leave school. It’s the main method the
Financial Aid office uses to communicate with you. To get the latest news about financial
aid, check the Financial Aid News & Announcement page.
If you receive a scholarship or other funds from an outside agency, you must inform
OCC's Financial Aid office so we can coordinate you aid.
If you want the Financial Aid office to discuss your financial aid application with
your spouse, parents, or others, you must fill out a proxy authorization. To access
the form:
- Log into MyOCC,
- Click on the Financial Aid card,
- Click on your student name in the top-right, and
- Choose View/Add Proxy Access from the pull-down menu
Financial Situation Changes
If your financial situation changes, contact us at the Financial Aid office to see
if we’re able to increase your aid. You must have compelling reasons and documentation
to support any adjustment.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Guest students, high school dual-enrolled students, and students who aren’t seeking
a degree or certificate aren’t eligible for financial aid. Guest students may be eligible
for state aid.
Your financial aid doesn’t automatically renew. You must fill out a new FAFSA each
year you’re in school. Be sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient.
If you submit fraudulent data on your FAFSA, we’ll refer your case to the U.S. Department
of Education for possible prosecution.