Financial Aid

Get the Financial Aid You Deserve

Financial aid is money that helps you pay for college. It can come from the federal government, the state, your college, or private organizations. Financial aid can include grants and scholarships (money you don’t have to pay back), work-study jobs (where you earn money while in school), and loans (money you borrow and pay back later).

At OCC, financial aid can help cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes living expenses — so you can focus on your education instead of worrying about how to pay for it.

How it Works: Getting Financial Aid

Step 1: Apply to OCC

To be eligible to receive financial aid, you first need to apply and get accepted for admission.

When is the best time to apply? For high school seniors, the best time to apply is usually late summer or into early fall the year before you want to start college. When applying, be sure to have and include your social security number. By applying early, this can help students maximize their aid through any priority or need-based aid that is first-come, first-served, as well as ensuring timely completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA; Step 2).

Apply to OCC

Step 2: Complete and Submit Your FAFSA

After acceptance, you need to complete and submit your FAFSA. This is a form you complete to receive financial aid for any college. It also must be completed every year you are seeking aid.

FAFSA typically opens in the fall, around October 1. Make sure you are filling out the correct form:

2025-26 FAFSA: Covers Fall 2025, Winter 2026 and Summer 2026
2026-27 FAFSA: Covers Fall 2026, Winter 2027 and Summer 2027

Everyone who is considering college is advised to complete the FAFSA, as it is free and only requires some basic personal and tax information. Even students who do not think they will qualify for financial aid may be surprised at what they could qualify for. When filling out the FAFSA, use school code 002303 for Auburn Hills Campus. Do not enter other codes listed for OCC.

Complete Your FAFSA

Step 3: Accept and Manage Your Award

Once you've completed the FAFSA, you should receive a confirmation email from OCC. If no additional information or verification of your eligibility is needed, an evaluation of your financial aid status should be complete within two weeks. If you have not received an email after two weeks, contact the Financial Aid department to check the status of your application at (248) 341-2240.

You will be notified via email and through MyOCC regarding your awards status. It usually takes several weeks. Be sure to activate your student email account and create your profile in MyOCC.

If you receive a scholarship or other funds from an outside agency, you must inform OCC's Financial Aid office so we can coordinate your aid.

Learn more about how we deliver your financial aid

MyOCC Login.

Step 4: Maintain Your Status

Once you've received financial aid, there are certain obligations and conditions for students to maintain their status and stay in good standing. Not meeting certain academic requirements or not carrying enough credits, for example, could put your award at risk.

Learn more about your responsibilities and maintaining your status

Types of Financial Aid

There are several kinds of financial aid, and each works a little differently. Some help you pay for college without having to pay the money back, while others allow you to borrow the money you need to support your education. Here's a quick look at the major types: