Category Archives: Financial Aid

Access Student Support Services Until 7 p.m. on Campus

Posted on by

students being helped behind clear shield on campusCentral Piedmont is devoted to helping you have the best learning experience possible. Generalist student affairs support will be available at Student Success Centers at each campus until 7 p.m. Specialized support services including Financial Aid, Advising and Counseling will also be available for virtual assistance during these hours. Should you have questions or need support with any Student Affairs matter, stop by the Student Success Center, and our staff will connect you with the help you need.

Student Success Centers will be open Monday– Thursday, 8 a.m.– 7 p.m., and 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. Friday, at the following locations:

  • Cato Campus: Cato I Building, atrium
  • Central Campus: Central High Building, second floor
  • Harper Campus: Harper IV Building, Room 200
  • Harris Campus: Harris I Building, first floor lobby (Harris 1-1101) 
  • Levine Campus: Levine I Building, second floor lobby
  • Merancas Campus: Claytor Building, first floor lobby

Please remember, all academic and student support services are available online. 

If you visit us on campus, remember to wear a face covering and complete the weekly health acknowledgement form on Monday of each upcoming week. The Health Acknowledgement form resets every Monday, so please complete the form every Monday morning of each week you’ll be on campus.

New FAFSA Rules Make Applying Easier

Posted on by

Good news for students: applying for financial aid just got a little easier! To provide relief to millions of students facing challenges this year, the Department of Education is waiving verification of the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are no longer required to verify household size or federal tax filing information. This means when you apply for your FAFSA – the one form that makes you eligible for almost every scholarship and financial aid opportunity – you and your parents will not have to submit tax documents and other forms of verification that could slow down the process.

If you have already submitted your FAFSA, please check your Central Piedmont email to see if you’ve been awarded financial aid.

Some students may still have additional documentation required.  If you have questions, please check with the Financial Aid Office or MyCollege to get the most recent status update on your FAFSA.

N.C. Longleaf Commitment Grant Provides Financial Help for Students

Posted on by

student sitting in front of computer in business attire

Governor Roy Cooper announced this week the launch of the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, a program for eligible 2021 North Carolina high school graduates who plan to attend one of North Carolina’s “Great 58” community colleges starting in the fall 2021 semester.

Thanks to the new program, high school graduates may be eligible to receive grant funds – not a loan – to cover tuition and fees toward a degree or to attain transfer credit.

Full-time eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per academic year, for a total of two years. Part-time students may receive a partial award. The Longleaf Commitment Grant ends at the conclusion of the 2023 spring semester.

In addition, the Longleaf Commitment program will provide matching grants to affiliated colleges to help the institutions expand their student advising, success coaching, and related services to support student success after students have enrolled.

“This is tremendous news for prospective students,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president at Central Piedmont. “The funds provided by the Longleaf Commitment Grant will help our incoming students persist and complete, achieve their academic goals, secure a better paying job, begin a family-sustaining career, or pursue further education.”

Learn more about the North Carolina Longleaf Commitment Grant, including its eligibility requirements, and get connected to helpful resources.

To talk with a financial aid counselor at Central Piedmont, call 704.330.6942, or email financialaid@cpcc.edu.

Don’t miss out on free money! FAFSA Drive-In held on April 24

Posted on by

 

students being helped behind clear shield on campusDon’t miss out on free money for college!  Are you a high school senior or current college student working on your FAFSA form? We can help. We’re offering free WiFi and FAFSA Assistance — all from the comfort of your vehicle. Join us for the FAFSA Drive-In event on Saturday, April 24 on Harris Campus. 

Let us know you’re coming by registering today.

Filling out the FAFSA is a critical step in paying for college since schools use it to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid, including grants and scholarships. Let us help you check this important step off your list of things to-do. It’s important for families to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible because it increases the likelihood you will receive aid. Skipping out on this application means you’re leaving money on the table – don’t miss out! 

Learn more about event details and what to bring on April 24.

If you can’t join us, complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA today and contact Financial Aid at (704) 330-6942 or visit us online, if you need help.

We Are Here To Help

Posted on by

financial aid counselorThe last few weeks have been tough. Despite the challenges we are facing together, our priority has and will always be ensuring your success. We understand the move from Blackboard to Brightspace has been a challenge, but please know there is a plan in place for you. Each instructor in every class has a plan to make sure you successfully complete the spring semester.

We will work with you to make sure your grades, attendance, and completion goals are not impacted permanently as a result of these technology disruptions. Contact your instructor directly with any questions or concerns and we will work to find a solution.

View the student technology interruptions page for the most up-to-date information about available support services, resources, and updates. You can now sign up for orientation, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor, or contact your financial aid counselorfor more help.

Thank you for your hard work and resilience. Please stay encouraged and focused on your goals. We will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future. And if you need support, please complete the Central Piedmont Cares form.

Are You Studying Music, Visual Arts, Dance, or Theatre? Your Scholarship Opportunity Awaits

Posted on by

Central Piedmont's Dance Theatre

The Paul J. Koehnke Fine Arts Scholarship honors Dr. Paul J. Koehnke, former dean at Central Piedmont Community College. This $1,000 scholarship honors Koehnke for his 31 years of service to students, faculty, and staff in higher education administration.

The scholarship is open to any Northwest School of the Arts graduating senior or current Central Piedmont Community College student studying music, visual arts, dance, or theater, and specifically those pursuing an Associate in Fine Arts. Don’t wait — submit your application today!  

The application deadline is March 1, 2021. For more information, contact Ashley Sherrill or Stacy Moore.

Gratitude Endowment Scholarship Available for Non-traditional Students

Posted on by

line of students in graduation gownsThe purpose of the Gratitude Endowment Scholarship Fund of Central Piedmont Community College  is to provide scholarships for students age 25 or older entering or re-entering college studies or students with a physical disability at Central Piedmont Community College.

Gratitude Endowment Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a ‘nontraditional” student age 25 or older attending Central Piedmont Community College
  • Be a legal resident of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
  • Must have a 3.0 minimum GPA

Scholarships awards range up to $3,000 annually at the discretion of the scholarship committee.

Visit the Foundation of the Carolinas website for more information and to apply.

Don’t wait! The application Deadline is March 5, 2021.

Need Financial Aid? Speak to Your Dedicated Counselor

Posted on by

financial aid counselorEvery student has an assigned Financial Aid Specialist. While you are not obligated to interact only with your assigned specialist, your specialist will usually know your file best, and when you always contact the same specialist, this only becomes even more true.

To find your assigned Financial Aid Specialist:

  • Log into MyCollege and select Financial Aid.
  • Your Central Piedmont Financial Aid Specialist’s name, phone number, and direct link to their email is displayed in the “Financial Aid Counselor” section.
  • When communicating with Financial Aid via email, always use your Central Piedmont student email.Using your Central Piedmont email account protects your personal information and allows us to serve you better.

Did you know we also offer virtual one-on-one or group FASFA Workshops to provide you direct support? Learn more about upcoming sessions you can join today!

How Do I Find My Financial Aid Counselor?

Posted on by

counselor sitting alongside student while looking together at a computer screenEvery student has an assigned Financial Aid Specialist. While you are not obligated to interact only with your assigned specialist, your specialist will usually know your file best, and when you always contact the same specialist, this only becomes even more true.

In MyCollege, your assigned Central Piedmont Financial Aid Specialist is displayed on the bottom of the page when you first log in to Financial Aid Self-Service under “Financial Aid Counselor”:

financial aid counselor screenshot in MyCollege

Next to your specialist’s name will be his or her phone number and extension as well a  direct link to his or her email.

When communicating with Financial Aid via email, you must always use your Central Piedmont student email. Central Piedmont Financial Aid will not send updates and messages to non-Central Piedmont email addresses and will not be able to fully respond to emails sent from personal email accounts.

Using your Central Piedmont email account protects your personal information and allows us to serve you better.

Lessen The Financial Burden with Scholarships and Grants

Posted on by
Need-based and merit-based scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons – choice of major, community involvement, special interests, creative talents – and that’s just to name a few. Regardless of your economic situation, take every opportunity to lessen the financial burden of college.
Central Piedmont has over 250 scholarship opportunities available each year. Students can access a number of these opportunities by completing the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works for spring. The Spring 2021 application deadline is November 30, 2020.
*Students who complete the application will automatically be considered for all auto-match scholarship opportunities. Certain opportunities may require supplemental information (i.e. transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Finishline Grant

The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist you in addressing financial situations that would prevent you from continuing or completing your program of study or credential. If you are facing a financial hardship, you may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester. This is not a monetary award — funds will be paid to the vendor directly to cover your expense. If eligible, you can receive the grant a maximum of two semesters.

 Application Steps:

To apply for the Finish Line Grant, log in to MyCollege, select “Student Services,” then “Online Forms.”

Here is the information to apply for our student emergency grants/ student relief grant:

Eligible students are allowed to apply for The Student Relief Grant (CARES Act) funds through their my college account. The grant is for students with expenses that can be related to COVID (ex: loss of income, can’t pay bills, need technology for class, tuition, etc.). Students can upload their expenses (take a picture and attach it to the application) and the team will make a determination on how much to award you. This is a direct cash payment to you. Funds through this grant are dispersed to your Bank Mobile account.
To apply:

*   Go to your My College account
*   Click on Student Services
*   Click on Online Forms
*   On the bottom right hand side click on Central Piedmont Student Relief Grant

Learn more about eligibility requirements before you apply.

Student Emergency Grant:

Students can also apply for the Student Emergency Grant, that grant will pay up to $500 of expenses. This grant however pays the expenses directly for you, this is not a cash grant. So for example, if you need help paying your Duke Power bill we will pay that on your behalf.

Learn more information and how to apply today!

Short Semesters Lead to Long-Term Success

Posted on by
There’s still time to add classes for fall! Whether you prefer to take classes online, completely in-person, or a mixture of both, short session classes allow you to learn more in less time. Fast and effective short session courses are offered in a condensed schedule during the semester to better meet your needs.
You can quickly gain a new skill, earn credits for high-demand classes, and move onto the next step in your educational journey.
Advisors are available to create a roadmap of the classes you need to complete your degree or certificate in order to transfer or enter the workforce. Meet with an advisor today to get started.
  • 12-week short session and classes begin September 14.
  • 8-week short session classes begin October 14.
Need financial aid or scholarships?
You could be eligible to receive grants or emergency funding to help pay for classes. Let us review your FAFSA to determine if you qualify. Visit cpcc.edu/financial_aid to learn more.
Ready to register?
Log into MyCollege and click on “Student Planning,” then “Plan Your Degree and Register for Classes” to create your class schedule and register.

Virtual Q & A Sessions With Central Piedmont

Posted on by

Have questions about how to enroll at Central Piedmont? How to register for courses? Want to know more about student life opportunities?

Get answers to these questions and more or get connected to the service you need — join us for a virtual Central Piedmont drop-in question and answer session.

AVAILABLE SESSIONS

Each session will be available for 30 minutes. There is no sign up or registration — on the day and time of the session you want to join, simply click the link for that session. Learn more about the available drop-in sessions scheduled throughout the week.  (We will continue to add information for upcoming sessions).

Central Piedmont staff will be available to answer your questions and guide you to helpful resources.

Purchasing Textbooks with Financial Aid

Posted on by

With classes moved online, Central Piedmont Barnes & Noble bookstores has new virtual processes to support you. If you’ve been awarded financial aid for fall semester, you may be eligible to cover the cost of your textbooks with remaining funds.

Charge eligible book and supply purchases to your student account today! Orders purchased with financial aid will be shipped via UPS and charged to your student account beginning August 1. But don’t wait – its best to place your order early for faster delivery.

In order to purchase books using financial aid, students must be awarded in MyCollege and have all requested documents submitted. To confirm you’ve been awarded, please follow these steps:

  1. Log into MyCollege.
  2. Select ‘Financial Aid’ on the right side of the page.
  3. Click the dropdown titled ‘Select an Award Year.’
  4. Make sure the term says ‘2020/2021 Academic Year.’
  5. Click on “Go to Account Summary” to view current aid status.

If you do not have a financial aid award letter, please follow these steps in MyCollege:

  1. Check your Self-Service Checklist for missing or incomplete documents.
  2. Review the “Action Needed” section and complete any required actions.
  3. Please note: When documents are received by the Financial Aid department, the checklist items will show “Completed” status.

Due to COVID-19, Barnes & Noble may experience delivery delays from publishers which could impact delivery timeframes for certain orders. The bookstore will notify you directly if any textbooks are on backorder. You can also log into B&N accounts to view order status for deliveries.

We encourage you to buy your books now in order to receive them as early as possible!

CARES Act Relief Grants for Students

Posted on by

Over the next year, Central Piedmont will receive more than $10 million from the U.S. Department of Education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This funding is intended to support students and institutional expenses related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Over $5 million will be disbursed directly to eligible students for qualifying expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, and child care. Due to federal regulations, Central Piedmont will only be able to provide grants to students who are eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV aid) and who meet additional eligibility requirements.

Central Piedmont is working hard to contact all eligible students by email. If you are eligible, you will receive an email from the Central Piedmont Financial Aid Office with additional instructions for how to apply. The email will be sent to your official Central Piedmont student email account. Be sure to check your college email ( and remind your friends) to ensure you don’t miss this opportunity for financial assistance.

Please visit the Central Piedmont CARES Act website for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, disbursement, and general CARES Act related information. 

Not eligible? We are still here to support you! Visit the Central Piedmont Cares page for information regarding other available resources, including other emergency financial assistance. If you need additional help, fill out the Central Piedmont Cares student form.

FAFSA Deadline Approaching – Don’t Wait!

Posted on by

To keep you moving forward with your educational goals at Central Piedmont, our Financial Aid office is available remotely to assist you with the completion of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If you don’t fill out the FAFSA, you risk losing out on money that you might be eligible for – so don’t wait! The deadline is June 30, 2020.

If you apply for Central Piedmont and external scholarships, you will need to have completed the FAFSA which is the primary form used by federal, state, and financial assistance programs to determine your eligibility for grants, work-study, and scholarships.

If you haven’t done so already, complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA today and contact Financial Aid at (704) 330-6942 or visit us online, if you need help.

It’s Not Too Late – Complete your FAFSA Today

Posted on by

Get ready to complete your 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

  • The FAFSA for 2020-21 is available now.
  • The FAFSA for 2020-2021 will collect income information from the 2018 tax year.
  • It’s not too late to complete the FAFSA for the 2019-2020 school year. The FAFSA for 2019-2020 uses information from the 2017 tax year.

Join us as we kick off FAFSA Tuesday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s by hosting a FAFSA Workshop on all three days. FAFSA Workshops will continue through the month of June. Have a financial aid expert guide you through the process.

It is important to complete your FAFSA early as some funding is limited. Complete your FAFSA today.

Workshop Dates:

  • Friday – May 15                 10 am – 12:00 noon
  • Saturday- May 16              8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Tuesday, May 19               10:00 am – 12:00 noon
  • Friday, May 22                   7:00 am – 9:00 am
  • Saturday, May 23              3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, May 26               10:00 am – 12:00 noon
  • Friday, May 29                   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, May 30              10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Join us online via WebEx Meetings. Please download the app onto your smartphone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The login instructions will be emailed to you once you have scheduled your appointment. Sign up for an appointment today.

Before coming to the FAFSA workshops, students and parents will need to obtain an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA electronically.

  1. Go to fsaid.ed.gov.
  2. Create your FSA ID (username and password).
  3. Provide personal information (make sure your social security number, date of birth and name match what’s on your government-issued social security card).
  4. Provide profile Information (confirm information you entered and provide additional information). Make sure your information is correct. Errors could result in a delay or problem receiving aid.
  5. Select/create challenge questions and answers.
  6. Review info and agree to terms.
  7. Verify your email address.

Here’s what to bring to your FAFSA Workshop:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your 2018 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to electronically transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • An FSA ID to sign electronically.

If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to complete a portion of the FAFSA with the above information.

Additional Resources:

Summer Payment Deadline Extended to May 11

Posted on by

The payment deadline for summer 2020 course registration has been extended through Monday May 11th. If you would like to apply for financial aid, you can still submit a FAFSA to see if you qualify. Over the next couple days a Central Piedmont representative will contact you to discuss your needs and assistance options.

It’s not too late.  If you have not  completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now is the time to do so https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

If you need help or would like to talk to a financial aid representative, pleases telephone (704) 330-6942 or contact your financial aid representative listed on your MyCollege account.

It’s Not Too Late – Apply for FAFSA This Summer

Posted on by

Did you know?  You can still apply for the 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to attend summer courses.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application that you must complete to determine your eligibility for federal, state, or institutional student aid, such as Pell grants and work-study opportunities. Complete the FAFSA even if you are not sure that you are eligible for aid. You could be eligible for more than you expect.

It is tough to predict exactly how much money your family will receive, but complete the FAFSA even if you are not sure your will get financial aid. If you wish to apply for Central Piedmont scholarships and many other scholarships, you will need to have completed the FAFSA. Additionally, if your family’s financial situation changes while you are in school, it will be easier to determine if you qualify for any resources if you have completed the FAFSA.

If you haven’t done so already, complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If you need help, contact a Financial Aid Representative at (704) 330-6942 or visit us online.

Student Employee of the Year: Michael Padgett

Posted on by

Each year, during the second week in April, colleges and universities across the country recognize the importance of the student work experience during National Student Employment Week. Student employment offers students career-enhancing opportunities, the ability to develop skills relevant to any career, and better preparation for the job market upon graduation.

At Central Piedmont our student employees perform invaluable services with enthusiasm, dedication, and initiative. Indeed, many departments depend on the contributions of this reliable workforce for their daily operations.

Congratulations to Michael Padgett on representing Central Piedmont as Student Employee of the Year for 2020.  Michael works in the Military Families and Veteran Services Department at the Levine Campus. His passion to help students succeed and strong work ethic led him to be selected for this award. Michael is a wonderful teammate to his co-workers and goes above and beyond for everyone. His dedication to helping others only comes second to the dedication he has to being there for his family.

On behalf of the Financial Aid Office and the Federal Work-Study Program, thank you to all our student employees for their hard work and contribution to Central Piedmont.

Mark Your Calendars for these Important Scholarship Deadlines

Posted on by

Need-based and merit-based scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons – choice of major, community involvement, special interests, creative talents – and that’s just to name a few. Regardless of your economic situation, take every opportunity to lessen the financial burden of college.

Central Piedmont has over 250 scholarship opportunities available each year. Students can access a number of these opportunities by completing the General Scholarship Application on Academic Works for fall, spring and summer semesters.

Here are some important deadlines to keep in mind:

  • Summer 2020 application deadline – April 30, 2020
  • Fall 2020 & spring 2021 priority application deadline – May 15, 2020
  • Fall 2020 & spring 2021 regular application deadline – July 30, 2020
  • Spring 2020 only application deadline – November 30, 2020

*Students who complete the application will automatically be considered for all auto-match scholarship opportunities. Certain opportunities may require supplemental information (i.e. transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.).