Financial Aid at LMC
School Code (FAFSA) 002277
Questions about completing the FAFSA? We can help!
Do you qualify for FREE tuition at LMC?
If you haven't considered financial aid because you think you won't qualify, you should take another look. Each year, students leave millions of dollars on the table because they didn't apply for financial aid.
Email: finaid@lakemichigancollege.edu - For general Financial Aid inquiries, including questions regarding your student account.
To maintain the utmost security and confidentiality of your student information, we will not communicate any details regarding your student account to any external sources, including your personal email without exception. If you are a student, please reach out to us using your LMC student email, as it is the most secure method of contact.
To best assist you, please include your LMC student ID number when submitting your inquiry to the Financial Aid Office.
Due to federal law, we are prohibited from discussing any details regarding a student's account to any external source or to anyone that is not the direct student without an official FERPA release on file authorized by that student for approved person(s) to discuss.
FA Forms Email: faforms@lakemichigancollege.edu - For submission of Financial Aid Documents only. Financial Aid documents should be submitted from your LMC student email.
Apply for Financial Aid
It is important that you apply for financial aid early. You may only apply for financial aid once each academic year. For best consideration, your application should be on file in the Financial Aid Office by:
| Fall Semester | March 1 |
|---|---|
| Spring Semester | November 1 |
| Summer Term | February 1 |
It takes at least a week for a FAFSA application to be processed; if selected for Verification, it can take up to two weeks. Apply early so you don't miss out on getting financial aid. Info to know:
- The government determines your financial aid eligibility.
- You must complete the FAFSA each year to be considered for financial aid.
If you haven't applied to Lake Michigan College, do it before you apply for financial aid. The application is free and it takes about ten minutes to complete.
You can apply for financial aid starting October 1 of the year before you plan to go to college. You'll need to apply for aid each year that you wish to receive financial aid. Be sure to have the following documents on hand when you apply for financial aid:
- Tax returns - you'll need your prior year's tax return or your parents' if you were listed as a dependent on their tax return. Learn how to easily transfer tax return information with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
- W-2 - if you didn't file a tax return, you'll need to provide information from your W-2
- Social Security Number - you'll need your social security number and your parents if you are a dependent
- FSA ID - if you created an FSA ID, great! Visit the FSA website and create an ID if you don't have one. Watch this video if you need help creating an FSA ID.
If you're applying for federal financial aid, you should also consider applying for scholarships. Unlike student loans, you don't need to pay back scholarships. Learn more about available scholarships.
Complete these forms only if your financial aid counselor indicates you need to submit for your financial aid application.
2024-2025 Forms
2025-2026 Forms
SAP Forms
After you have completed the previous steps, the Financial Aid Office will prepare a personalized financial aid package that may consist of grants, scholarships, and/or student employment. Students interested in student loans must initiate that process with the Financial Aid Office. An award letter including specific amounts and types of aid will be mailed to you. All subsequent award letter will be emailed to your LMC email account. It is very important that you read this letter thoroughly to find out the terms of any financial aid awarded to you.
Once you complete all of the steps and have registered for classes, your financial aid will be applied to your school account. If your award does not cover the balance in full, you are responsible for paying the difference. If your award does cover your balance, but you stop attending your classes, your aid may be reduced and you will be responsible for paying any funds to which you are not entitled. Questions about financial aid can be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (269) 927-8112 or by visiting the Student Services area on the Benton Harbor Campus. You can also call the Niles Campus at (269) 695-1391 or the South Haven Campus at (269) 637-7500.
Who is Eligible?
To receive aid from any of the federal and state student aid programs at LMC, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have financial need, except for some scholarship and loan programs. Financial need is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Have a high school/adult high school diploma or GED Certificate
- Be accepted for enrollment in an eligible program at LMC
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards set by LMC (as mandated by federal law)
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant
- Register (or be registered) with the Selective Service, if required
- Meet federal eligibility requirements regarding drug-related convictions
Email: finaid@lakemichigancollege.edu
Fax: (269) 927-8183
Mail:
Lake Michigan College
Financial Aid Office
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
There are lots of ways to pay for college, including federal financial aid, scholarships, and more!
Lake Michigan College has the lowest tuition and fees around compared to other area community colleges and universities. Contact the Business Office at (269) 927-8610, or call any campus if you have questions about tuition and fees.
How to Apply Steps
Ready to get started?
Connect with us! Request more information or apply today, and we'll send you everything you need to begin your journey at LMC.