Program to allow first-time students earn a debt-free education at LCC

A new program at Laredo Community College is designed to help first-time college students earn a debt-free education beginning this fall.

The Palomino Pact program allows qualifying students to maximize their federal and state financial aid, which would cover tuition and fees at LCC and leave students with an extra $2,000 per academic year to help with other educational expenses, including food, transportation, and textbooks.

Although the program begins with the fall 2011 semester, qualifying students only have until March 1 to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and sign the Palomino Pact contract at the Student Financial Aid Center at either LCC campus to guarantee their expenses are covered.

"The Palomino Pact program is really to make sure students maximize free federal and state grants, to cover all college tuition and fees, books," said Rick Moreno, LCC financial aid director. "And thanks to our affordable tuition at LCC, students will still have cash left over for other expenses."

The Palomino Pact program is open to incoming freshmen attending LCC beginning this fall semester. To qualify, students must have a family household income of $31,000 per year or less, with a minimum of three family members. As part of the agreement, students must register as a full-time student for both the fall and spring semesters.

Students also must maintain at least a grade point average of 2.0, and must successfully complete 70 percent of the courses they attempt at LCC. Applicants also must meet federally required citizenship status, and have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

"Students who opt to participate in this program will be able to graduate from LCC debt-free and ready to move on to a four-year university or transition into the workforce," said Vince Solis, vice president for Student Services. "Those students who qualify to participate in this program will have all educational expenses paid for including tuition, fees, and books. Additionally, many of the participants will end up with remaining funds to help pay for other college related expenses such as food, gas, and clothing."

Students can complete their FAFSA by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and have all necessary documents in order by March 1.

For more information on the Palomino Pact program, contact the LCC Financial Aid Center at 721-5361 at the Fort McIntosh Campus or at the South Campus at 794-4360.