Other Financial Assistance Programs
Cougar Emergency Loan Fund (CELF)
The Cougar Emergency Loan Fund is designed to help students at Lehigh Carbon Community College navigate financial challenges in order to stay in school. Unexpected events can interrupt a student’s college career. The Cougar Emergency Loan Fund gives students access to a means to help them recover from unexpected financial difficulties and to avoid abandoning a college career. The CELF can be used for bus passes, daycare assistance, bookstore vouchers, cafeteria vouchers, minor car repairs ($100 or less), expenses incurred from a fire or flood, small tuition and/or fee balances (less than $250). The fund cannot be used to pay residential utility bills, rent, mortgage payments, credit card payments or other expenses unrelated to attending school. All loans must be repaid by the end of the semester in which the loan was received. For additional information, please contact Financial Aid at 610-799-1133 or email finaid@mymail.hjhmw.com.
Cougar Payment Plan
Although tuition at Lehigh Carbon Community College is the lowest of any college or university in the area, many students find it difficult to make one lump-sum payment at the beginning of each semester. To make it easier for students to pay tuition, the college has introduced an interest-free monthly payment option. An enrollment fee is charged per semester. The payment plan provides students with the option to stretch tuition payments to 5 interest-free monthly payments. The amount due is based on the date students enroll in the payment plan For additional information or to enroll in the plan click on online tuition payments Credit Card/ACH Payment/Cougar Payment Plan Link.
Employment Retraining Opportunity (ERO)
LCCC created the ERO program to offer tuition-free education to workers laid off by Lehigh and Carbon County employers. Applicants must complete the ERO Application and provide appropriate documentation from their employer. Approved applicants receive one semester of a maximum of 12 credits tuition-free. Students are responsible for payment of fees. Students who plan to enroll more than one semester will be provided assistance in identifying alternative forms of financial aid. Call the Admission Office to learn more about eligibility requirements at 610-799-1575.
Tuition Support for Children in Foster Care
Through the Fostering Independence through Education Act, Lehigh Carbon Community College will award a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees to Pennsylvania resident students who have been in foster care. Waivers will be available beginning in the fall 2020 semester.
Student Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to receive the waiver, the student must be:
Accepted to attend LCCC
Awarded all grants and scholarships for which he or she qualifies by filing the FAFSA
Eligible for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (be a youth who was in foster care after age 16)
Under age 26
A current Pennsylvania resident
If you have questions, contact Douglas Vore at 610-799-1734 or dvore@hjhmw.com.
Tax Credit
Tax benefits may be available to you if you are paying for education costs for yourself or for an immediate member of your family. Additional information may be obtained from your tax preparer or the internal Revenue Service. (www.irs.gov)
Private Scholarships
The college annually receives information about funds from individuals and foundations in our sponsoring area.
The college also receives information from companies and groups that are interested in providing scholarships to deserving students. Eligibility and application procedures are determined by the donor. Further information is available on the LCCC web page under scholarships.
Veterans Benefits
The Veterans Administration provides benefits to veterans and eligible dependents of veterans. Interested students should contact Veterans Information in Enrollment Services, 610-799-1177.
