COCC Student Relief Fund

COCC recognizes that students sometimes encounter financial obstacles that greatly affect their ability to successfully complete their goals at COCC. The COCC Student Relief Fund may be able to help these students with unexpected emergency expenses and childcare assistance. Applications can be submitted each term up to a maximum award of $1000 per term. Please note that these funds are limited and based on availability.  All complete applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Applicants must have a completed ORSAA/FAFSA®. This includes the submission and completed review of any requested documentation.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits at the time they apply.
  • Applicants must be meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements includes those appeals that have been approved.
  • Students in need of childcare assistance are also eligible for emergency funds. Students may receive up to $1,000 each term from these combined funds ($500 for childcare and $500 for other emergency needs).

Approved requests will be based on:

  • Documented financial need.
  • COCC enrollment at the following prorated amounts:
    • 12+ credits - up to $1,000 per term
    • 9-11 credits - up to $750 per term
    • 6-8 credits - up to $500 per term

Examples of accepted requests and required documents:

  • Childcare expenses: This is for students with dependent children that they pay out of pocket childcare costs. Students must attach copies of monthly statements, cancelled checks, or other documentation of childcare expenses. 
  • Vehicle repair: (estimate of type of repair and cost). 
  • Tuition/fees: This is only for students who are close to completing their degree but have been denied financial aid due to maximum credit limits. Students must attach a copy of their Gradtracks. Will consider if registered in less than 6 credits if needed for degree completion.
  • Other Financial Need: This is for other types of unexpected financial expanses that may interfere with your ability to be successful at COCC. Student must attach a copy of utilities/bills, emergency vehicle repair estimates, or other unexpected expenses.

Please note that, with the exception of childcare, requests for expenses already paid or to pay credit card debt or other loans will generally be denied.

Process overview:

  • Completed applications are reviewed by a committee once a week.
  • Submit a complete application by Sunday at midnight to be reviewed the following week.
  • Students will be emailed through their COCC student email account regarding the committee's decision by Wednesday (if application was submitted by Sunday at midnight).
  • Approved amounts will show in the financial aid offer section of the Bobcat Web Account as a COCC Foundation Scholarship.
  • Refunds will be sent to the student through the normal student refund process handled by the Cashiers Office.  

Submit a COCC Student Relief Fund application through your Bobcat Web Account.

Often time students find that they may not qualify for the COCC Student Relief Fund or realize that while it may help it simply is not enough to meet their needs.  Students may consider reviewing other resources on the Student Resources web page.