The financial aid programs provided by Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) postsecondary educational centers make it feasible for students who would normally be deprived of a career/technical education, due to limited funds, to obtain the education they require. This is based on the principle that a postsecondary education should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it. Educational opportunities should also be made available to students of families with limited financial resources.

M-DCPS postsecondary educational centers subscribe to the following:

• The primary purpose of the financial aid program is to provide assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend school.
• Financial assistance could consist of Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grant,) District Financial Aid Program (DFAP,) Florida Pre-Paid, Fee Waivers, Bright Futures and scholarships which may be offered to students in a single form or in various combinations, called packaging.
• Financial assistance is meant to supplement the efforts of the student and/or the student’s family. Both the student’s family and the student are expected to make a maximum effort to assist with postsecondary educational expenses. This is referred to as Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• The total amount of financial assistance offered to students shall be limited to the amount of the educational costs that are greater than all other resources available.
• In determining the amount of other available resources, the financial aid program shall take into account the financial support expected from income, assets, and other resources available to students and/or parents. All factors affecting the family’s financial strength shall be considered, including other dependents, debts, and/or monetary obligations.