Mid-Plains priority scholarship deadline March 1

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- As people assess their finances at tax time, it's also time for those attending college to fill out federal financial aid forms, prepare for scholarship deadlines and explore the best options for paying for college.

At Mid-Plains Community College there is more than $1.2 million in scholarships available but the priority scholarship deadline is March 1.

"We encourage anyone applying for scholarships to meet that March 1 deadline so they are among the first ones our scholarship committee considers when distributing scholarship dollars," said Erinn Brauer, Area Director of Financial Aid at MPCC.

Missing that deadline doesn't mean applicants won't be considered, but it may affect what scholarships might still be available.

"Over the years we've worked hard to make our scholarship application a very simple, stream-lined application process and it will probably take you less than five minutes," said Kelly K. Rippen, MPCC Area Dean of Enrollment Management.

"And I know sometimes when it comes to finances and filling out forms it can get complicated but we have staff that are happy to help," Rippen said. "Some applicants bring in their tax forms and we're able to sit down and help them complete the federal forms and scholarship application on the spot."

MPCC officials also encourage those interested in attending college look at all their options including an assessment of how their high school academic work can pay off in college in the form of tuition waivers.

For instance, at MPCC the average annual tuition cost is $2,430. However, any high school student who either maintains a 3.7 grade-point average or scores a 24 or higher on their ACT test is eligible for free tuition. Those with a 3.5 G.P.A. or a 23 ACT are eligible for a $1,500 annual award.

Students with G.P.A.s of 3.25 or ACT scores of 22 or higher are eligible for a $1,000 annual award; those with 3.0 G.P.A.s or 21 ACTs are eligible for $750 and those with G.P.A.s of 2.5 or score at least 20 on their ACT can get a $500 annual award.

These tuition waivers are a major reason why MPCC students fare much better than the national average for accumulating loan debt. Nationwide, the average amount of loan debt for graduating college students is near $30,000. According to MPCC financial records, 41 percent of its students borrow money to pay for college but their overall average is $4,143.

"Staying out of debt is often a major factor for many who are considering their college options," said Andy Long. "For many, $30,000 is a life changer, I mean, that's a new car"!

Brauer points out that the nationwide average of $30,000 in loan debt means the average college student will enter the workforce with a $300 loan payment every month for 10 years.

Long said MPCC officials have worked hard over the years to make Mid-Plains Community College not only affordable but a great academic option.

"All of our focus is on the first two years of a college education -- so we aren't funding research, graduate education, or paying salaries for professors who don't teach," Long said.

"Our intense focus, allows us to have small class sizes with faculty that are hired to teach and we can do it for around $3,000 a year, less than half of what you might pay your freshman year at a larger school to sit in large lecture halls and get taught by graduate assistants."

Including tuition, when you add the average cost of room and board, books and supplies, fees and other expenses it costs about $11,610 a year to attend MCC compared to $20,576 at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, $22,786 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; $40,400 at Doane; or $32,573 for an out-of state school with non-resident tuition like Colorado State.

To get started, MPCC officials encourage applicants to begin filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and enter the MPCC school code 002557.

MPCC Scholarship forms can be found on the web at www.mpcc.edu. Click on "Become A Student" and follow the scholarship link to lock in funding today.

Financial aid specialists in McCook and North Platte can help with any questions on line by emailing finaid@mpcc.edu or by telephone at 800-658-4348, extension 8111 for the McCook campus or 308-535-3705 in North Platte.