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. Students can submit an application by logging into their Bobcat Portal: "Student" tab > "Financial Aid and Funding" > "Financial Aid".

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Eligibility Requirements:

Must have a completed ORSAA/FAFSA®. This includes the submission and completed review of any requested documentation.
Must be registered in a minimum of 6 credits at the time application is reviewed.
Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements includes those appeals that have been approved.
Must be seeking a certificate or degree program at COCC and making academic progress toward that certificate/degree.
OSU dual admit student are not eligible to apply

Approved Requests Will Be Based On:

Documented financial need.
Explanation of emergency and how it is affecting your education
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

Relief Fund Requests Examples:

Utilities and bills - attach a current statement of balance.
Emergency vehicle repair - Attach an 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. Must attach a copy of their Gradtracks. Will consider if registered in less than 6 credits if needed for degree completion.
Rent and housing - Attach a copy of balance and/or rental agreement.
Other unexpected expenses - Documentation may vary.
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.

Childcare Fund Requests:

This is for students with dependent children who pay out of pocket childcare costs. For your application to be complete, you must attach copies of current monthly statements, cancelled checks or other documentation of childcare expenses. This funding will be limited to $2000 per year per family.

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.

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

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.