Financial aid programs available at Bristol Community College.
A comprehensive list of programs and guidelines is available here.
Federal and State Grants
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal Teach Grant
Massachusetts Agnes Lindsay Scholarship
Massachusetts Christian Herter Scholarship
Massachusetts Early Childhood Education Grant
Massachusetts Educational Rewards Grant
Massachusetts Foster Child Grant
Massachusetts Furcolo Grant
Massachusetts Gear-Up Grant
MassGrant
Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship
Massachusetts John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
Massachusetts Need-Based Tuition Waiver
Massachusetts Part-time Grant
Massachusetts Paraprofessional Grant
Massachusetts Public Service Grant
Massachusetts Stanley Koplic Waiver
Rhode Island Challenge Grant
Rhode Island Promise Grant
Rhode Island State Scholarship
Loans
Federal Direct Student and Parent Loan
Alternative (Private) Loans
Work
Federal Work Study
Student Employment Program
Other
Institutional Grants
Foundation Grant
For more information
If you have questions about financial aid, contact the Financial Aid office at 508.678.2811, ext. 2515.
Financial Aid
Bristol Community College receives some of its funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is subsidized by state tax revenues. This means that students pay only a portion of the total cost of a BCC education.
Paying your way
The vision of the Financial Aid office is “to provide students with the most optimal financial aid packages, excellent customer service, and access to essential tools and resources for financial literacy.” The staff is available to assist with completing applications for financial aid, determining level of need, and offering financial aid to meet educational expenses.
The Financial Aid office provides assistance and counseling regarding the financial aid application, evaluation, and determination of need. Advisors and counselors are always available via email. Walk-in hours and appointments are available weekly.
Financial aid awards may include grants, loans, and work. The Financial Aid office uses federal and state regulations to estimate a fair student and family contribution and determine financial need.
All those forms confuse me. Where can I get help filing the right ones?
The Financial Aid office provides students and their families with information and assistance thorughout the Financial Aid application process. The FAFSA is required from all students who would like to receive federal and/or state financial aid. Additional documentation may be requested. The FAFSA can be filed online through the Federal Student Aid. Contact the Fall River, New Bedford, or Attleboro locations for information on walk-in counseling or appointments. The financial aid process can be complex and take time; stay in touch with the Financial Aid office and watch your AccessBCC account for updates.
What can I do to speed up the process?
Completing the FAFSA on the Web is the best option. You will get your Student Aid Report sooner than with the paper version.
Is there a deadline for applying for financial aid?
You may apply for aid anytime, but we give priority to students who complete their financial aid file by May 1. Some Rhode Island grant deadlines are March 1. Some Massachusetts grants have a May 1 deadline.
Once I have received financial aid, is it guaranteed for my whole college career?
You must apply for financial aid every year you need it, but every time you demonstrate financial need, we will work with you and your family to help meet your education-related expenses.
Are there any special requirements?
Assistance is available to a student who demonstrates financial need, is a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the U.S., meets Selective Service requirements, maintains satisfactory progress towards an eligible degree or certificate program, does not owe a refund to a federal or state grant program, is not in default on a federal or state education loan, and meets criteria in specific programs. Students in the U.S. on F1, F2, J1, or J2 student visas are not eligible for assistance.
For more information visit the federal student aid website.
Student rights and responsibilities
The College and the Financial Aid office reserve the right to determine the type, amount, and/or revision of financial aid. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funding, the student’s course load, and regulations governing funds.
Financial aid may be denied or cancelled if a student does not continue to meet eligibility requirements at any time during the academic year. If a student fails to meet satisfactory progress standards or is in default on Title IV or state grant or loan funds, financial aid will be denied or cancelled.
Bristol Community College Foundation Scholarship and Loan Programs
Scholarships funded through the Bristol Foundation and Alumni Association range in value from $100 to $2,000. To apply for a Bristol Foundation Scholarship visit https://bristolcc.academicworks.com/. The website runs from early March through the last week of June. Applicants are notified of award decisions by the start of the fall semester. If tuition and fees will be waived by the College, you are not eligible to apply for and receive a Foundation Scholarship through this scholarship process. Listed below are the endowed funds.
Endowed Fund Eligibility
Edward Adaskin Family Scholarship
Student who is a resident of Fall River, Swansea, Westport, or Freetown Massachusetts, and demonstrates financial need
Altrusa Club/Camilla C. Pickering Memorial Scholarship
Student who is a resident of Bristol County, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrates volunteer community service
Argy Scholarship
Full-time student majoring in engineering, science or health science who demonstrates financial need, scholastic merit, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Leonard and Ruth Baker Scholarship
Full-time student enrolled in Business Administration, who has completed 24 credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and financial need
BayCoast Bank Scholarship
Student enrolled in a business-related major, demonstrated financial need, from the Greater Fall River area, minimum 3.0 GPA; must be enrolled in at least 6 credits
BFI Waste Systems Scholarship
BFI employee, spouse, child or grandchild of employee; if no BFI applicant by 5/1, open to Fall River, Somerset, Swansea or Westport resident, environmental technology, GPA 3.0, financial need
BJ Voss Memorial Scholarship
Providing annually a scholarship to a Criminal Justice student enrolled at Bristol Community College who demonstrates financial need.
H. M. Booth Theatre Scholarship
Theatre student
Borden-Remington Scholarship
Student in top 30% of class who demonstrates financial need. Preference is given to child of Borden-Remington employee
Michael K. Bosi Memorial Scholarship
Student matriculating in journalism or communications who demonstrates scholastic merit. Preference will be given to BMC Durfee alumnus. Special application requires submission of work samples
Zelma Braga Scholarship
General requirements, full or part-time student
Gerald M. Brown Scholarship
Greater Fall River resident, financial need, GPA 3.0
Ruth P. Brown Scholarship
Full or part-time student in the Business Program. Preference given to female student
Kenneth M. Candeias Scholarship
To a graduating student who displays outstanding leadership and academic achievement.
Prof. C. John Capone P.E. Memorial Scholarship
Student matriculating into the engineering or environmental technology program, minimum six credits per semester, financial need and scholastic merit
Chef John J. Caressimo Scholarship
Second year student matriculating in culinary arts
John A. and Eileen F. Carr and Kathryn V. Whalen Scholarship
Nursing or elementary education student with financial need
Donna Castro RN Nursing Scholarship
Nursing student with preference given to a student with prior experience working in the health care field
Judith B. Chace Memorial Scholarship
Chace employee, spouse, child or grandchild; if no successful applicant by 5/1, open to Tiverton resident or graduate of Tiverton High
Francis J. Colaneri Scholarship
Student with financial need enrolled in the engineering program with preference given to students residing in Bristol County, MA or Rhode Island
Pamela Colaneri Dental Hygiene Scholarship
Second year Dental Hygiene student who demonstrates academic merit and financial need
Christopher M. Cordeiro Memorial Scholarship
Student taking credit or non-credit course who demonstrates financial need, with minimum GPA of 3.0
James D. Crosson Scholarship
Second year student in the Criminal Justice Program who is from the greater Fall River area, son or daughter of a policeman if possible and demonstrates scholastic merit
Charles E. Crowshaw, Jr. Memorial Award
This award is given annually to a returning Criminal Justice student for academic excellence and leadership ability
Michael T. Davis Memorial Scholarship
Second year student matriculating in Journalism communications at BCC with the intent to pursue a career in journalism who has a minimum GPA of 3.0
Dr. and Mrs. Paul P. Dunn Scholarship
Student matriculating in a health science program, financial need, minimum GPA 3.0
Johanna Duponte Occupational Therapy Assistant Scholarship
Student matriculating in OTA program, having completed first year with minimum GPA of 2.75who demonstrates professionalism, collegiality, and commitment to OTA profession
Fall River Country Club Scholarship
Employee of Fall River Country Club; if no applicant, a culinary arts student
Fall River Opportunity Fund
Fall River resident who demonstrates financial need
J.B. Fernandes Memorial Trust I Scholarship
Portuguese-American student who demonstrates financial need
Paul Fletcher Scholarship
Student matriculating into the arts/humanities field, taking a minimum of 6 credits per semester, financial need, scholastic merit, GPA 3.0
John G. Fonseca Memorial Scholarship
Non-traditional student, minimum GPA of 3.5, financial need
Sally Gabb Vision Scholarship
Sally S. Gabb was a lifelong educator and activist, a person who had a generous, creative spirit and a vision of social justice for all. She firmly believed that justice comes through the route of education. In her fifteen years at BCC, Sally worked with many students to help them live the vision they had of their own best futures. Sally’s work with students entering the college at developmental-levels was close to her heart, therefore, those eligible for this scholarship must be a student who is or has been enrolled in at least two developmental-level courses.
Kathy Torpey Garganta Attleboro Scholarship
Scholastic Merit and minimum GPA of 3.0. Student must have completed a minimum of 12 credits at BCC Attleboro. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a BCC Attleboro student who demonstrates financial need.
Kevin J. Garganta Human Services Scholarship
Student matriculating in Human Services, minimum of 30 credits who demonstrates financial need and has a minimum GPA of 2.5
Officer Thomas J. Giunta Memorial Scholarship
Child/grandchild of active or retired Fall River police officer, financial need; if no successful applicant, open to criminal justice student
Globe Manufacturing Scholarship
Greater Fall River resident, financial need and scholastic merit
Max and Edith Gold Scholarship
Fall River resident, GPA 3.0, financial need
Harry Gottlieb Scholarship
Accounting/business major, greater Fall River resident, financial need and scholastic merit
Nick Grossi Culinary Arts Memorial Scholarship
Student entering the 2nd year of the culinary arts program
HarborOne Credit Union Scholarship
Student enrolled at Bristol Community College who is studying predominantly at the Attleboro Center
Bruce O. and Virginia I. Hawes Scholarship
General Requirements
Lincoln T. Hawes Scholarship
General Requirements
Hebrew Ladies Helping Hands Society Scholarship
Full-time student who demonstrates academic promise and financial need with preference given to a Jewish student with second preference to a resident of greater Fall River
Anne P. Hindle Scholarship
Student matriculating in one of the BCC allied health programs. Based on scholastic merit and financial need
Dr. Rachel V. Holland Memorial Scholarship
Student enrolled at BCC from a financially or educationally disadvantaged background. Student should exhibit a dedication to utilizing his/her education in helping others in the community
Jack P. Hudnall Memorial Scholarship
Second year student, financial need and scholastic merit
Ruth E. Hurley Nursing Scholarship
The student shall be a member of the graduating class and demonstrated superior clinical competence
Ernest Israel Scholarship
Full-time student who graduated within last five years from Durfee High School, letter of recommendation from teacher or friend required
Jewish Omni Services Scholarship in Honor of Richard B. Wolfson
Nursing student demonstrates financial need and preferably an interest in entering the gerontic nursing field.
Dr. Cynthia K. Karr Scholarship
Student in liberal arts: language, literature or philosophy. Based on scholastic merit/potential and financial need
Joseph and Jeanette Koppelman Scholarship
Financial need, top 30% of class
Virginia Lash Memorial Scholarship
Full-time student who demonstrates financial need.
Virginia and Harold Lash Scholarship
Full-time student, financial need, scholastic merit
Hugh Lavery Memorial Scholarship
BCC student based on scholastic merit and financial need. Student must be a resident of Fall River.
Raymond J. Lavertue, Sr. Criminal Justice Scholarship
Award to be given annually to a deserving, graduating Criminal Justice student who has completed all requirements toward his/her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Candidates must have shown outstanding leadership qualities and have demonstrated a dedication to the enhancement of the Criminal Justice System as well as a high level of personal integrity.
John A. & Mary V. Lima Memorial Scholarship
BCC student based on financial need. Student must show academic merit with a grade point average of 3.0. The student must be registered for at least one Portuguese course.
William List Scholarship
Student who is a resident of Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, or Freetown Massachusetts who demonstrates financial need
Luso Centro Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a BCC student based on financial need. The student must show academic merit with a grade point average of 3.0. The student must be registered for at least one Portuguese course.
Marie B. Maalouf Scholarship
Nursing student, financial need, scholastic merit
Senator William and Marjorie MacLean Scholarship
Full-time student who is a resident of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford or Rochester with financial need, academic achievement and interest in public service and /or leadership
Alfred J. and Marie B. Macomber Music Scholarship
Student with an interest in music with financial need and/or scholastic merit
George and Doris Magnan Memorial Scholarship
Student matriculating in the Fire Science Technology Program who has completed at least 12 general education credits and at least 12 Fire Science credits at BCC with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Basil and Theresa Maravelas Memorial Scholarship
Student in the natural sciences who has scholastic ability, academic potential and financial need
Marie Marshall Nursing Scholarship
Nursing student who demonstrates scholastic merit and financial need
J. Robert Mello Scholarship
Student demonstrating outstanding ability and talent in the art program
Loree Moglia Mullen Memorial Dental Hygiene Scholarship
First year BCC Dental Hygiene student
Mullins Family Nursing Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a nursing student enrolled at Bristol Community College who demonstrates scholastic merit and financial need
Evelyn Pacheco Nursing Scholarship
Second year student enrolled in the nursing program who demonstrates scholastic merit and financial need
Luis Rodrigues Pavao Scholarship
Full-time student with demonstrated financial need and /or scholastic merit
Pierce Foundation Scholarship
Nursing student with minimum GPA 3.0, with financial need
Richard and Doris Quirk Nursing Scholarship
Second year nursing student with financial need, minimum GPA of 3.5, and a resident of Dartmouth, New Bedford, or Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Jessica Raposa Memorial Scholarship
The award shall be given to a Graphics Art student
The Mary Raposa Memorial Scholarship
Students enrolled at Bristol Community College. Preference to be given to members of ESPIRITO SANTO PARISH, located in Fall River, MA.
Rhode Island Society of Governmental Accountants & Auditors Scholarship
Student enrolled in business administration with accounting option who demonstrates financial need and scholastic merit. Priority to Rhode Island residents and additional preference if child or grandchild of SOGAA member
Jessie E. Richardson Art Scholarship
Awarded annually to an art student with a painting concentration, has completed the first year and intends to continue at the College, has exhibited ability and potential for development in painting, demonstrates financial need
Ella A. Rodgers Memorial Scholarship
Student from Greater Fall River who demonstrates financial need and/or scholastic merit
Lucy Rose Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Student entering the second year of the nursing program; demonstrated scholastic and clinical competence and has financial need. Preference to a student from Fall River, MA or Tiverton, RI
Al and Jeannine Roy Student Elementary Education Scholarship
A student who is majoring in Elementary Education.
Dr. August I. Ryer Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Second year nursing student who demonstrates academic promise and financial need
Diane M. Roussel Memorial Scholarship
Nursing student, scholastic merit and financial need
Mary Lou Hallal Sabra Memorial Scholarship
Student who is a G.E.D. recipient enrolled in either credit or non-credit courses leading to further certification or degree
Philip and Evelyn Sacknoff Scholarship
Student demonstrating financial need and academic promise, preferably in the health sciences or computer science programs
Angela Rose Sbardella Memorial Scholarship
A resident of Fall River, demonstrates scholastic merit and financial need and who will transfer to a four year college upon completion at Bristol Community College
Jenifer E. Serpa Memorial Scholarship
To a full-time student from the Medical Laboratory Technology Program or a graduate of said program who has transferred to a similar program who demonstrates financial need and/or scholastic merit
Edward Terral Smith Memorial Scholarship
Graduating, transferring student, GPA 3.5, with 75% of credits completed at BCC, must attend graduation
Rev. Dr. Lex King Souter Memorial Scholarship
Student enrolled in the liberal arts and humanities program who demonstrates financial need and/or scholastic merit
Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Foundation Scholarship
Accounting/business/business transfer student GPA 3.0, financial need
Sally Sweeney Memorial Scholarship
Full or part-time student demonstrating financial need
Truesdale Hospital Nurses Alumnae Association Scholarship
Student entering the second year of the nursing program, who has demonstrated scholastic and clinical competence and has financial need
Union Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Scholarship
Student entering the second year of the nursing program; that demonstrates outstanding clinical skills and has financial need
BJ Voss Memorial Scholarship
Providing annually a scholarship to a Criminal Justice student enrolled at Bristol Community College who demonstrates financial need.
Elizabeth A. and Sumner James Waring, Jr. Scholarship
Full-time student at BCC who demonstrates financial need and/or scholastic merit
Watuppa Masonic Foundation Scholarship
Student who is a resident of greater Fall River and demonstrates scholastic merit and financial need
Betty M. Welch Scholarship
Business administration/accounting major, with minimum GPA 3.0