Types of Financial Aid

How to Finance College

One of the first steps to securing funding for college is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, called the FAFSA. Doing so opens doors to a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans.

Federal Programs

Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college in the U.S. Understand aid, apply for aid, and manage your student loans today:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Education Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Work-study (FWS)
• Federal Direct Loans

SCTC does participate in the federal direct loan program, however, it does not auto- award Federal Direct Loans. Students are required to complete a Loan Request Form, along with a copy of their Master Promissory Note (MPN), and loan counseling confirmation. Students interested in applying for a loan should do the following:

• • Submit FAFSA: To qualify for federal financial aid, including Direct Loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ensure that the FAFSA is submitted on time and accurately filled out.
  • Contact Financial Aid Office: Students should reach out to the financial aid office at SCTC to inquire about the process for applying for Federal Direct Loans. They can provide information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.
  • Review Eligibility: The financial aid office will assess students’ eligibility for federal loans based on factors such as enrollment status, demonstrated financial need, and satisfactory academic progress.
  • Consider Alternative Options: If students are not eligible for federal loans or need additional funding beyond what federal loans cover, they can explore alternative financing options such as scholarships, grants, set up NelNet payment plan, or work-study programs.

State Programs

The Georgia Student Finance Commission has a variety of grants, loans, and scholarships to help residents with the cost of a higher education:

• Dual Enrollment
• Georgia College Completion Grant
• Georgia National Guard (GNG) Service Cancelable Loan (SCL)
• Public Safety Memorial Grant
• Georgia HERO
• HOPE Career Grant
• HOPE Grant
• HOPE Scholarship
• REACH Georgia
• Student Access Loan (SAL)
• Zell Miller Grant
• Zell Miller Scholarship

VA Education and Training Programs

VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.

• Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

SCTC Foundation Scholarships

The Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation, Inc. offers scholarship opportunities to students. Scholarship funds are NOT paid directly to the student. Please read all application materials carefully – some restrictions apply. Foundation scholarships are reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff and awarded to a currently enrolled part-time or full-time SCTC student.

• Foundation Scholarships

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WIOA assists unemployed or underemployed individuals with re-entry into the workforce. WIOA funding is available for eligible students to assist with the costs of:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• Uniforms
• Medical related costs
• Required equipment/supplies
• Supportive Services for transportation & childcare

For additional information, check out our WIOA information on our financial aid page

Special Populations

Special Populations Services are available to support and serve students who are from economically disadvantaged families, including foster children, preparing for non-traditional fields, limited English proficient, single parents, including single pregnant women, displaced homemakers, or disabled individual.

• Special Populations

Nelnet Payment Plans

SCTC has partnered with Nelnet, a leading educational planning and financing company that provides billing and customer services for students.

• The Nelnet Automatic Payment Plan is not a loan program. There are no interest or finance charges, and there is no credit check. For a non-refundable enrollment fee (per semester), Nelnet will pay your tuition and fees and provide you with a monthly payment plan divided into several payments.