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How
NOT to get Financial Aid
It doesn't have to be a difficult process
What to Watch Out for When Applying
Think
you need a treasure map to get financial aid? Free money for college
doesn't have to be a difficult process.
What should you be aware of when applying for financial aid? Here
are some things to NOT do to make the process easier:
Wait
Till the Last Minute:
SCC has a variety of financial aid available for students, but it's
important to apply for aid as soon as possible. The first step is
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is best
when filled out in January of each year for the following fall semester.
The application may be completed any time throughout the year, but
don't wait till the last minute because some monies may no longer
be available. The College receives a set amount of some funds from
the federal and state government, and after that's gone you may
have to find other resources. Federal Pell Grants are always available
for those who qualify.
Mix and Match:
Names that don't match with Social Security numbers cause problems
and delays. If a woman gets married and doesn't change her name
with the Social Security Administration, that will raise questions
during processing of the FAFSA. Be sure to change your name and
update all your personal information with any changes. This may
also raise questions of U.S. citizenship, and students may have
to produce other documents proving their citizenship.
Forget to Register:
Hey guys - Uncle Sam wants you to register for Selective Service.
All males 18 years of age must register, and that is another check
that occurs during the processing of the FAFSA. Failure to do so
will hold up your application.
Default on a Previous Loan:
If you've been a student before and had student loans, it's important
to be in good standing. There is a check through a government database
for previous loans to see if you may have failed to repay.
Offer Too Much Information:
When filling out your FAFSA, be sure to fill it out completely and
thoroughly. However, do not include any extra information that is
not requested if you mail in your FAFSA. Letters, tax forms or other
materials will not be read or considered by the federal processor.
Special circumstances should be referred to SCC's financial aid
office.
Slack Off in Class:
Failure to make satisfactory progress in your courses can hinder
your future eligibility for aid. Guidelines require that students
pass 70% of their attempted hours with a grade point of at least
2.0. Attempted credits means all courses registered. Withdrawing
or not completing courses will impact your financial aid eligibility.
Ashley
Reece, Financial Aid Officer, and Melody Lawrence, Director
of Financial Aid, are ready to help you explore your financial
aid options! |
Forget
Scholarships:
SCC offers a variety of scholarships for students, for a range of
areas and needs. Not applying for scholarships may mean spending
your own money when you don't have to. One easy application is available
in the Financial Aid Office for consideration of more than 20 scholarships
under the oversight of the SCC Foundation. Some scholarships are
earmarked for students in certain areas, such as a nursing scholarship,
so again it's important to fill out the application completely and
in a timely manner for consideration.
Overlook
Other Sources:
Scholarships are also available from a number of community organizations
and other groups. Churches, booster clubs, lodges or civic clubs
may offer scholarships, though the student will have to do some
checking to find out. SCC's Melody Lawrence, director of financial
aid, urges students to check with their immediate family members
first to see if they belong to an organization that may provide
money for higher education. There are also statewide and national
scholarship programs available if you do some digging.
For more information on financial aid, contact the Financial
Aid Office at ext. 224. SCC staff members are eager to answer
your questions and help you get on the right trail to a successful
financial future.
A
Great Value
With the climbing costs of college education, more and more
students are looking for ways to save money. One of the greatest
values may be choosing a community college, where keeping costs
affordable helps maintain accessibility to higher education
for all.
According to the American Association for Community Colleges,
the average community college's tuition and fees are about one-half
of that of state universities, and about one-tenth of private
universities. Add to that the smaller class size, more personal
contact with faculty instructors and the convenience and savings
of staying closer to home, and the community college is a true
value.
Two years at SCC, at the in-state tuition rate, is about $560
for full-time students. Full time undergraduates attending NC
public colleges and universities pay an average of $1757 according
to a national tuition and fee survey conducted by the Washington
State Higher Education Coordinating Board. |
| What
kind of financial aid is available? |
| Grants...
|
financial
aid that doesn't have to be repaid. |
| Loans... |
borrowed
money that must be repaid with interest. |
| Work
study... |
lets
you earn money for working part-time while enrolled in school
to help pay for education expenses. |
| Scholarships... |
monies
that are donated or provided by the College or other organizations
to help with expenses. Scholarships do not have to be repaid. |
Career
Focus Table of Contents - Summer 2003
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