Welcome to the Financial Aid Office at Mesa Community College.
The Financial Aid Office is committed to providing financial aid and scholarship assistance to help remove educational cost barriers so that you can pursue your educational goals.
Our office is committed to providing our students with the services they need, virtually, in person, or by phone.
Key Changes to Federal Student Aid
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, which made changes to Federal Student Aid. Institutions are awaiting official guidance from the Department of Education; however, below is a summary of how parts of this law may impact students at MCC beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year.
There are no changes to Federal Student Aid for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms.
Notice: The information shared on this page is currently evolving. Information on this page reflects the most current guidance available. Information may change as federal rules and guidelines are established. Additional updates may be issued by the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Changes (effective July 1, 2026)
Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:
Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or greater than twice the maximum Federal Pell Grant award amount for the award year will be ineligible for the grant even if the minimum Pell criteria is met.
- For example, if the max Pell amount for 2026–27 is $7,395, and a student has an SAI index of 14,790 or greater, the student will not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Students who receive non-federal grants or scholarships (such as state, institutional, or private aid) that are equal to the full Cost of Attendance, they will be ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant. The foreign earned income exclusion amount reported on the FAFSA will be added to the adjusted gross income when determining Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal Loan Changes (effective July 1, 2026)
Beginning with the 2026-2027 award year:
New Limits for Parent PLUS Loans: New borrowers will have an annual limit of $20,000 and an aggregate limit of $65,000 per dependent student.
- Parents who borrowed a PLUS Loan in 2025-2026 or before can continue to borrow under current limits for 3 years (if the student remains continuously enrolled) or until their student graduates, whichever comes first.
Annual Loan Amount Proration for Less than Full-Time Enrollment: Students enrolled less than full-time must have their annual loan limit reduced proportionally.
Student Loan Repayment Options: Repayment options will be streamlined into two plans: a new tiered standard repayment plan and a new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).
- MCC recommends that borrowers contact their loan servicer or review information available from the Department of Education concerning Federal Loan Repayment Options.
Additional Information about Annual Loan Amount Proration
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester credit hours to be eligible for loan funds. Those enrolled less than full-time would only be eligible for a portion of the annual loan limit. Full-time status is defined as 12 or more semester credits per term.
Full-Time Enrollment Example: You are a student enrolled in 12 credits for the fall term and expect to also enroll in 12 credits for the spring term. At 12 credits each term, you are eligible 100% of the annual loan limit of $3500 subsidized loan as a first-time, first-year student. This would be offered to you as: $1750 fall and $1750 spring ($3500 for the year).
Part-Time Enrollment Example: You are a student enrolled in 6 credits for the fall term and expect to also enroll in 6 credits for the spring term. At 6 credits each term, you would be eligible for 50% of the annual subsidized loan limit of $3500 as a first-time, first-year student. This would be offered to you as $875 fall and $875 spring ($1750 for the year).
Note: Students can also request additional unsubsidized loans, which will also be subject to the new annual loan proration rules.
Begin Planning Now
Plan ahead: Review your borrowing needs.
Budget carefully: Consider updated Loan limits when planning for future semesters.
Stay informed: Watch for official updates from the U.S. Department of Education.