Student Financial Aid Programs

Financial Aid Net Price Calculator | Eligibility requirements | FAFSA verification regulations | When applying | Useful web sites



The financial aid programs provided by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) postsecondary educational centers make it feasible for students who would normally be deprived of a career/technical education through lack of funds to obtain the education they desire. This is based on the principle that a postsecondary education should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford to purchase it. Educational opportunities should also be made available to students of families with limited financial resources.


M-DCPS postsecondary educational centers subscribe to the following:


  • The primary purpose of the financial aid program is to provide assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend school.
  • Financial assistance could consist of Federal Financial Aid (Pell and FSEOG Grants), District Financial Aid Program (DFAP), Work Study Grants, Tuition Exemption, and scholarships which may be offered to students in a single form or in various combinations which is called packaging.
  • Financial assistance is meant to supplement the efforts of the student and/or the student’s family.
  • Both the student’s family and the student are expected to make a maximum effort to assist with postsecondary educational expenses. This is referred to as Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • The total amount of financial assistance offered to students shall be limited to the amount of the educational costs that are greater than all other resources available to them.
  • In determining the amount of other available resources, the financial aid program shall take into account the financial support expected from income, assets, and other resources available to students and/or parents. All factors affecting family’s financial strength shall be considered, including other dependents, debts, etc.


Eligibility requirements


In order for students to receive financial assistance from federal, state or district financial aid programs, they must:

  • Apply for admission, complete the required basic skills assessments within the first six weeks of entry into a qualifying program, submit documentation required by the program, and receive notification of admittance to the desired program.
  • Not be receiving Title IV financial aid concurrently from another institution.
  • Be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program.
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be completed for each year of enrollment. The Application can be accessed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  • Have a verifiable financial need based upon the “Student Aid Report” (SAR)/ “Institutional Student Information Report” (ISIR) in relation to the institutional cost of attendance.
  • Be one of the following to receive federal student aid:
    - U.S. citizen
    - U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain’s island)
    - U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Permanent Resident card)
    Please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov for additional information on eligibility criteria.
  • Need to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in accordance with school policy.
  • Not be in default on a Federal Perkins Loan or any loans under the Federal Family of Educational Loan Programs (FFELP) made available through
  • M-DCPS or other institutions, or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay a defaulted loan, and must not have borrowed in excess of the loan limits under any Title IV program.
  • Not owe refunds on a Federal Pell Grant, or any other Title IV grant.
  • Have a signed statement of registration compliance indicating that they have either registered with the Selective Service or are not required to register.
    Please visit www.sss.gov/default.htm for additional information.
  • Have a signed statement of educational purpose saying that they will use the money only for expenses related to attending school.
  • Hold a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma. A diploma can be from a foreign school if it is officially verified as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
  • Not be enrolled in any high school completion program or hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Comply with attendance policies, safety regulations, and the Code of Conduct for Adult Students.
  • Comply with federal requirements regarding felony drug conviction policy in accordance with Title 34: Part 668.40, Student Eligibility, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).


FAFSA verification regulations


All students who have completed a FAFSA are subject to verification of the information submitted when completing the FAFSA application. This verification must be completed before the student can receive federal aid.



  • It is a process by which certain required data reported in the FAFSA is reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
  • Schools have the authority to contact students for documentation that supports income and other information reported.
  • The verification process is in accordance to Title 34: Part 668.51, Student Assistance, General Provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).


The English Center offers several programs


The English Center offers several programs of financial aid to assist students in meeting educational goal. The programs available are Federal Pell Grant, Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant (FSAG-CE), Fee Waiver, District Financial Aid Program (DFAP), and Scholarships.



Federal Pell Grant


Federal Pell Grant program is federally funded grant awarded by the United States Department of Education to students who demonstrate financial need.  The Pell Grant is available to students who enroll in an eligible program and meet all other requirements by the Department of Education.  Pell Grant doesn't have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).



Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant (FSAG-CE)


FSAG-CE program is a need-based grant program available to Florida residents enrolled in certificate programs of 450 or more clock hours and enroll for a minimum of 180 clock hours per term.



Fee Waiver


Fee Waiver is granted to financially needy students.  In order to qualify, the student must not be receiving other sources of financial aid from the institution for the trimester.  An application must be submitted each term, and the applicant must be able to provide documentation to verify financial need. 



Note: Fee Waiver funds are limited in the amount allocated to the school. District Financial Aid Program (DFAP) is granted to financially needy students.  In order to qualify the student must complete the 2010-2011 FAFSA application available on website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. DFAP funds are limited in the amount allocated to the school.



Office when applying for Financial Aid


  • Proof of income: copy of your previous year's income tax form, your spouse's income tax form, if married (e.g. 2009 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ, W2, 1099, unemployment stubs, current food stamp authorization letter, notarized letter of support, etc.)
  • Proof of immigration status: unexpired employment authorization card, resident card, or proof of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Certificate of Naturalization)
  • Social Security Card
  • Proof of Address: Florida Drivers License or Florida Identification Card

If you are applying on your own please obtain and complete a 2010-2011 FAFSA application available in Student Services or online on their website at www.fafsa.ed.gov You will need to enter our school code: 035704 and your PIN on the online application.



Useful web sites



If you have any questions regarding the Financial Aid process, please contact Ms. Elena Morejon by email in the Student Services office form Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 3:20 pm. Phone: (305) 445-3573, Ext. 2711

Derek Bok