We get it. Paying for college is a big deal but there are ways we can help. Applying for financial aid and scholarships can help offset the cost and help get you on your way to achieving your goals.

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Financial Aid

There are many sources for funding to help pay for college including federal, state and private funds. The good news is that most use the same, free application known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Follow the steps below to apply and remember, we’re here to help. Our Financial Aid Guide will walk you through the process and we even have free FAFSA Workshops and Financial Aid Coordinators who are available for virtual appointments.

  • 1.

    Complete the FAFSA

    You must complete the FAFSA each academic year. The 2024-25 application is now available.

    • The first step is to create an FSA ID and you will need income and tax information from the prior year to apply.
    • Some types of aid are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
    • Before beginning the FAFSA, please review the basic eligibility criteria for receiving federal financial aid.
    • You will need the Madison College Federal School Code 004007 in order to complete the FAFSA.
  • 2.

    Complete a program application

    In order to be eligible for financial aid, you must be admitted to a financial aid eligible program or formally accepted onto the program waitlist.

  • 3.

    Register for classes

    It’s important that you are registered for classes that meet the enrollment status requirements. Most types of aid require at least half-time enrollment status which means at least 6-8 credits. Check out our Financial Aid Enrollment Status page for additional helpful information.

  • 4.

    Stay on top of your communications

    There are many deadlines and steps involved with staying on top of your financial aid. That’s why it’s important that you’re diligent about activating and checking your student email. That’s where you’ll receive important notifications and action items.

    In addition, be sure to complete any items on your To Do List within MyMadisonCollege. All items on that list need to be completed prior to receiving any financial aid information.

  • 5.

    Evaluate your award notification

    Your award notification will be sent to your student email. Once you receive it, log into myMadisonCollege, evaluate your award and accept/decline your funds.

    Award amounts are subject to change based on your enrollment status as of 4:30 p.m. on the Pell Recalculation Date each semester.

    If you have received additional funds, from scholarships or state grants for example, your award may need to be adjusted, reduced or cancelled. It’s important to let the Financial Aid Office know about any other aid that is not listed on your award.

  • 6.

    Complete any necessary loan requirements

    Federal Direct Loans require you to take some extra steps once you receive notification of the award. You’ll need to complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) on the Student Loans website. Your loans won’t be released until you’ve taken care of these requirements.

  • 7.

    Disbursement and get to work!

    Once you’ve met all the requirements of your award, the funding will begin being distributed after the Pell Recalculation Date and are typically disbursed once a week after that.

    Remember that most awards require that you’re enrolled in at least six credits and that you meet certain academic standards known as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). So be sure you’re keeping up on your class work and take advantage of all of the academic support that Madison College has to offer.

Pell Grants

Nearly 50% of our associate degree students qualify for Pell Grants (2019-20 data)

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“Financial aid made my life easier because I could earn my degree without delay.”
Dave J.
Marketing Graduate

Scholarships

In addition to loans, there are a lots of different scholarships available for Madison College students that can help offset college costs and don’t have to be repaid.

Some of these scholarships are specifically designated for Madison College students and are administered through the Madison College Foundation. Still others are external scholarships.

All told, The Madison College Foundation has distributed $20 million in support to more than 45,000 students.

Check out our scholarships page for detail on available scholarships and how to apply.

Learn about Scholarships!