CMI is eligible as an Institution of Higher Education and as a Postsecondary Vocational Institution (legally authorized by the USDOE, accredited by ACCJC, and with acceptable admissions policies) to participate in the federal Pell Grant program. Pell is available for undergraduate students from moderate to low income families. It is a grant that does not need to be repaid. Award amounts range up to a maximum of $7,395.00 and using the Student Aid Index (SAI) (from a valid ISIR) and a payment chart issued by U.S DOE. The award for each term is based on the student’s official enrollment status on the finalized enrollment report received from the Registrar’s Office and published award eligibility date (withdrawal/recalculation date). No adjustments will be made on Pell Grants after these dates. CMI-FAO has no discretion regarding the award amount. Students who are selected for verification will be afforded additional time on a case-by-case basis. At no time will a student be awarded beyond the deadline to receive disbursement from the Department of Education. Students who were enrolled as a full time (taking 12 credits or more) status during both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 should be enrolled as a full time (taking 6 credits or more) during the Summer 2025 to be eligible for additional Pell Grant.
Federal Pell Grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, and do not have to be repaid. It is usually awarded to students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. You are not eligible to receive Pell Grant if you are incarcerated or are submit to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or non-forcible sex offense.
It can be used to pay for all educational costs such as tuition, books, living expenses, and child care.
For students to be eligible for Pell Grant, you must be a citizen of the U.S., RMI, FSM, and Palau. It will be based on financial need, cost of attendance, the number of financial aid eligible credits enrolled, and how long you plan to attend college. The maximum years a student can use Pell Grant is up to six years (12 credits full-time semester or the equivalent), or 600%.
To apply, submit the FAFSA every year to see if you qualify for Federal Pell Grant. The amount of other student aid you qualify for does not affect the amount of your Federal Pell Grant.
Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Use (LEU)
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited to the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%.
Students who are required to take remedial courses should be aware that their financial aid eligibility is limited. Students may only receive Pell Grant for 30 credit hours of developmental coursework. Students may resume their Pell Grant eligibility once they reach credit-level coursework
Basic Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid
Students generally must meet the following criteria prior to establishing US federal financial aid eligibility:
Citizenship
Students must be in one of the following categories:
- A U.S Citizen or U.S. national.
- A permanent citizen of the Freely Associated States: The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
- A lawful U.S permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen.
Enrollment as a Regular Student in an Eligible Program
In order to be enrolled in a program, a student must complete the registration process and pay, or make arrangements to pay, any fees or charges which are due. Eligible programs at CMI are available as long as the program requires at least 16 credits of coursework in order to receive a certificate and is a minimum of 15 weeks long.
Ability to Benefit/High School Diploma
In order to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, a student must have a high school diploma, a GED or equivalency. CMI reserves the right to evaluate High School diploma(s). Applicants are required to submit official transcripts as part of the admissions process. The Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs (“VPASA”) or his/her designee may, at any time, request a copy of a high school transcript or other documentation to validate the authenticity of the High School diploma. The decision of the VPASA or his/her designee is final and cannot be appealed. CMI reserves the right to evaluate foreign and domestic transcripts.
Enrollment Status
Generally, a student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester) in order to receive student aid. For students who show exceptional financial need, Pell Grant funds may be available for less than half-time enrollment (less than 6 credits). Academic programs offered at CMI are calculated in credits and measured by semesters. CMI’s academic year consists of two 16-week semesters (fall and spring) and one 7-week summer session. This meets the federal minimum academic year definition (30 weeks of instruction minimum). For financial aid purposes, this definition is important because it affects how payment periods are calculated. In addition to the academic programs highlighted above, CMI also offers an Accelerated Program during the Summer Semester for 8 weeks, and an Intensive Program during a regular semester for 16 weeks.
CMI makes financial aid payments based on the college’s semester. The financial aid award for a student enrolled in a regular program is calculated by semester, rather than by weeks or classes attended.
Enrollment Status Calculations
A student’s enrollment status is based on the number of credits in which he/she is enrolled and in which semester. For the Fall and Spring semester the following criteria will be used:
Full time = 12 or more credits
Three-quarter-time = 9.0 credits–11.9 credits
Half-time = 6.0 credits–8.9 credits
Less than half-time= .1 credit–5.9 credits
For students attending the summer session, the following enrollment status is used:
Full time = 6 or more credits
Three-quarter-time = 4.5 credits–5.9 credits
Half-time = 3.0 credits–4.49 credits
Less than half-time= .1 credits–2.9 credits
| Credit | % of Pell |
|---|---|
|
12 |
100% |
|
11 |
92% |
|
10 |
83% |
|
9 |
75% |
|
8 |
67% |
|
7 |
58% |
|
6 |
50% |
|
5 |
42% |
|
4 |
33% |
|
3 |
25% |
|
2 |
17% |
|
1 |
8% |
Standard Term – 2 semesters (Fall & Spring)
12 credits – 7,395/2 =3,698 and 3,697
11 credits – 7,395 * 0.92 =6,803/2 = 3,402 and 3,401
10 credits – 7,395 * 0.83 = 6,138/2 = 3,069
9 credits – 7,395 * 0.75 = 5,546/2 = 2,773
8 credits – 7,395 * 0.67 = 4,955/2 = 2,477 and 2,476
7 credits – 7,395 * 0.58 = 4,289/2 = 2,145 and 2,144
6 credits – 7,395 * 0.50 = 3,698/2 = 2,145 and 2,144
5 credits – 7,395 * 0.42 = 3,106/2 = 1,553
4 credits – 7,395 * 0.33 = 2,440/2 = 1,220
3 credits – 7,395 * 0.25 = 1,849/2 = 925 and 924
2 credits – 7,395 * 0.17 = 1,257/2 = 629 and 628
1 credit – 7,395 * 0.08 = 592/2 = 296
For students attending the summer session, the same calculations will be used based on enrollment intensity. 6 credits or more is considered full time during the Summer.
Student Application for Financial Aid Basic Application
Federal: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The basic application for student financial aid at CMI is the FAFSA. No student is ever required to use a form where a fee is charged for processing. Students are instructed to complete the entire form, all sections, in order to be considered for the maximum number of student aid programs. The form must be submitted online to the federal central processing system for the first calculation.
Deadlines
The priority deadline for 2024 – 2025 is April 1, 2024. Students are advised to have the application reach the processor (Financial Aid Office) by that date. Internally, CMI uses April 1st for the first priority cut-off. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if the priority deadline has been missed. The last date for filing a 2024 – 2025 FAFSA is June 30, 2025 (this date is set by USDOE). Internally, the deadline is June 27, 2025. In addition, CMI advertises a series of deadlines by which students should attempt to complete their follow-up documentation and other requirements. The priority deadlines are set annually and this Policy will be updated as necessary to reflect each year’s priority deadlines.
Output from FAFSA
When the FAFSA has completed the FAFSA processing system (FPS), there are two forms of output. 1) The FAFSA submission summary and 2) The Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) which is provided to CMI) through the federal Windows-based software called EdConnect). The ISIR is then downloaded into CMI’s Jenzabar Financial Aid (JFA) system which is integrated with SONIS on a daily basis.
The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
The FSS is the basic document by which the US federal government communicates with a student. All information submitted is summarized, special issues are highlighted, certifications required and opportunity for amendment provided.
FSSs are sequentially numbered to show each transaction through the FAFSA processing system.
The calculations on the FSS produce a Student Aid Index: (SAI) for each student. The SAI provides the basis for determining a student’s eligibility for financial aid assistance.
Documentation Required of All Students
Once CMI receives an ISIR, the following action is taken:
- The students’ educational goals and credits are verified through their program sheets in the SONIS Student Information System (CMI’s enrollment management system).
- The students’ Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is verified through students’ transcripts in the SONIS (SIS) enrollment management system.
- A request for additional documents is sent to students, via email, who need additional paperwork as identified in the SAR. A financial aid staff will review the information in JFA to determine if additional documents are required.
- For federal aid purposes, if the student is not a US Citizen, and if the FSS is unable to confirm citizenship status, the financial aid office will request appropriate documentation if no attachments are found in SONIS.
Verification
Selection for Verification
The US Federal FAFSA Processing System (FPS) randomly selects certain students for Verification. The FSS/ISIR is printed with a notice of selection for verification. All students who are selected by the FPS are required to provide verification documents to the Financial Aid Office through email to financialaid@cmi.edu.
Additionally, CMI reserves the right to select additional students for verification, particularly if there is conflicting data in any information submitted to the College. Once a student is selected for verification by CMI, the student’s verification status is identical to US federal selection and must be completed.
Verification Documents
The USDOE has instituted 6 categories of Verification (V1 – V6). CMI verification
selections follow the V1, V4 and V5 model for verification. Each status requires that the student, and the parents (if the student is dependent), provide verification for the items within these groups. If a student is selected for verification, FAO will contact them to stop by the office for a clear explanation of the selected verification application.
Conflicting Information
Any conflicting data or special situation may require additional documentation from a student to resolve (whether selected for verification or not.) This verification will be requested in writing by email and must be provided by the student within the time period specified or processing of the student’s aid application will cease. The authority to request any documentation deemed necessary and to withhold funds is expressly granted by USDOE.
Financial Aid Award Calculation
Eligibility for financial aid is determined by the following formula:
Cost of Attendance (COA) – Resources (SAI) = Eligibility
Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance (COA) refers to the average amount a full-time student can expect to spend while enrolled at CMI over the award year. The cost will differ depending on a student’s housing status and residency: living independently, off campus, living at home, being an RMI resident, or being a legal resident of another country. Included in COA are the following:
In-State Residence Rates
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs
| Tuition and Fees for 12 credit hours (Full Time | Living in Residence Halls | Living w/Parents or Relative | Living Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
$ 4,410.00 |
$ 4,410.00 |
$ 4,410.00 |
|
Fees |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
|
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Living Expenses
|
$ 7,247.00 |
$ 3,623.50
|
$ 10,150.00
|
|
Transportation
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
|
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
|
$ 2,763.00
|
$ 1,381.50
|
$ 5,132.00
|
|
Total Estimated COA
|
$ 20,538.00
|
$ 15,533.00
|
$ 25,810.00
|
In-State Residence Rates
Bachelor Degree Program
| Tuition and Fees for 12 credit hours (Full Time | Living in Residence Halls | Living w/Parents or Relative | Living Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
$ 4,650.00 |
$ 4,650.00
|
$ 4,650.00 |
|
Fees |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
|
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Living Expenses
|
$ 7,247.00 |
$ 3,623.50
|
$ 10,150.00
|
|
Transportation
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
|
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
|
$ 2,763.00
|
$ 1,381.50
|
$ 5,132.00
|
|
Total Estimated COA
|
$ 20,778.00
|
15,773.00
|
$ 26,050.00
|
Out-of-State Residence Rates
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs
| Tuition and Fees for 12 credit hours (Full Time | Living in Residence Halls | Living w/Parents or Relative | Living Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
$ 5,050.00 |
$ 5,050.00
|
$ 5,050.00 |
|
Fees |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
|
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Living Expenses
|
$ 7,247.00 |
$ 3,623.50
|
$ 10,150.00
|
|
Transportation
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
|
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
|
$ 2,763.00
|
$ 1,381.50
|
$ 5,132.00
|
|
Total Estimated COA
|
$ 21,178.00
|
$ 16,672.50
|
$ 26,450.00
|
Out-of-State Residence Rates
Bachelor Degree Programs
| Tuition and Fees for 12 credit hours (Full Time | Living in Residence Halls | Living w/Parents or Relative | Living Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
$ 5,290.00 |
$ 5,290.00
|
$ 5,290.00 |
|
Fees |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment
|
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 2,175.00 |
$ 3,048.00 |
|
Living Expenses
|
$ 7,247.00 |
$ 3,623.50
|
$ 10,150.00
|
|
Transportation
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
$ 895.00
|
|
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses
|
$ 2,763.00
|
$ 1,381.50
|
$ 5,132.00
|
|
Total Estimated COA
|
$ 21,418.00
|
$ 16,912.50
|
$ 26,690.00
|
