The basic premise upon which financial aid programs are based is that the primary responsibility rests with the student and the parents to pay college expenses to the extent that the family is determined able to do so. The analysis of a family's financial strength includes consideration of current family income, assets, family size, number of children and number in college, uninsured medical and dental expenses, and any other factors which seriously alter a family's financial strength and is determined through a process called Need Analysis conducted by the U.S. Department of Education servicer at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Financial aid programs are designed to supplement family resources by bridging the gap between cost and the family's measured ability to pay.

Once a financial aid application and file are completed, a student's record is submitted through an award packaging formula which awards students on a first come-first served basis of all eligible and available federal and state aid, such as Pell Grant, Supplemental (SEOG) Grant, LEAP Grant, Maricopa Grant, Work-Study, and/or student loan(s).

Balance of aid available after tuition and fees have been debited is refunded to the student through the MSRP (Maricopa Student Refund Program).  Students must review their email message from Citibank once financial aid has been awarded, and choose direct deposit, a pre-paid Citibank debit card or a paper check.  A paper check is the least recommended method as checks are mailed from an out-of-state Citibank processor and can take up to 2 weeks to be received. Every semester thereafter, all refunds will be processed through the selected method the student has chosen.  Any questions regarding Citibank refund processes can be directed to the SMCC Cashier's Office at 602.305.5627.