General Information
A college education is among the most valuable investments a person can make. Many SCCC students rely on financial aid to help with the expenses of a college education. The main purpose of financial aid is to supplement, not replace, the amount that students and their families spend on an education. Financial aid is packaged with different sources of assistance and combined to meet the financial need of the student. Federal, state, local, private organizations, and institutional financial aid programs are available in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Most financial aid programs require the student to show specific financial need and to maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate. The type and amount of aid received are primarily based on the eligibility requirements of each specific financial aid program and the student's enrollment status.
Financial Aid Philosophy
The student and his/her parents are expected to pay as much of the education costs as can be reasonably afforded. Contributions to educational costs are expected to come from all available sources; employment, savings, and/or assets. The difference between the student's expected family contribution and the cost of attending SCCC is considered financial need.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
Traditional and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply for student financial aid. Selection to receive financial aid through SCCC will be made without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, or disability. The majority of student financial aid is available through the federal government and eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Accuracy is of the utmost importance when completing the FAFSA since verification may be required of the information submitted. This "verification" is similar to an IRS Audit. If a student's file is selected for verification, support documents will be requested. Notification of specific documents such as a Verification Worksheet, signed copies of federal income tax returns, W-2's, etc. may be requested by the SCCC Financial Aid Office.
Application for grants, scholarships through SCCC and/or the SCCC Development Foundation, loans and work-study jobs are made through the SCCC Financial Aid Office. Numerous grants and scholarships through outside agencies are available; it is the responsibility of the student to locate these opportunities.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships and grants are considered gift-aid and do not have to be repaid. Students may apply for scholarships and grants in addition to other financial aid. They are available through many sources including the federal government, state agencies, professional and service agencies, private organizations, and Seward County Community College. More information concerning specific scholarships and grants can be found in the SCCC Catalog. All scholarships or grant funds awarded to the student must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarships at this institution are categorized into two groups, institutional scholarships (those funded by SCCC) and outside scholarships (those funded by other organizations, such as the SCCC Development Foundation, private companies, etc.). Institutional scholarship recipients are selected by a designated scholarship committee using the student's information provided on a completed SCCC Scholarship application. This scholarship application is available in the Student Financial Aid Office, the Development Foundation Office, or by clicking the following link ( Scholarship and Grant Application ). Outside scholarship recipients are selected by the different organizations and are based on their own unique criteria. Application for a SCCC Development Foundation Scholarship is made on the same application form mentioned above. Other outside scholarships require application through the organization.
The Seward County, Kansas, Tuition Grant is available only to Seward County, Kansas residents who have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The grant pays the tuition costs for full-time students (15+ hours not to exceed 18 hours) and requires participation in an on-campus activity and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Funds are limited and competitive. Priority application dates are April 1 for the following Fall Semester and November 1 for the following Spring Semester. Fall Grants are automatically renewed for Spring if the recipient has met all the scholarship's criteria (application is necessary only once an academic year).
The Book Rental Scholarship is available to students who participate in certain programs. This scholarship pays book rental for full-time students (15+ hours) and requires sponsor recommendation. Programs participating are: SIFE, Journalism, Ag Judging, Athletic Training, Drama, Sports Medicine, Cheerleading, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Dance, Peer Tutor, SGA, Student Manager, Art Club, and Criminal Justice. Funds are limited and competitive. Priority application dates are April 1 for the following Fall Semester and November 1 for the following Spring Semester. Fall scholarships are automatically renewed for Spring if the recipient has met all of the scholarship's criteria (application is necessary only once a year).
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant funded by the federal government for undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year will be $4,731. The amount a student is eligible for depends upon the estimated family contribution (EFC) and their enrollment status for each semester they attend. Federal Pell Grant funds may not be received at more than one institution at a time. This grant money is to be used toward education-related expenses. To determine eligibility, the student must complete the FAFSA which is available in the Student Financial Aid Office.
Athletic Scholarships made by SCCC are governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) regulations which allow the total award amount for a certified athlete not to exceed the cost of tuition and books. If a student who receives an SCCC Athletic Scholarship is awarded another scholarship by a source not affiliated with a particular college, and if that source awards such scholarship without restriction to college of attendance, and if the student competes for the scholarship in the same manner as any other student, he/she may accept such additional scholarship. If a student who receives an SCCC Athletic Scholarship has a high school GPA of at least 3.5 on his/her final official transcript, they may be eligible to receive an additional SCCC Academic Scholarship that does not exceed $500 each semester. The 3.5 GPA must be maintained each semester for the student to continue to receive the award. This academic scholarship is awarded semester by semester as long as the 3.5 GPA is met and is not based on a cumulative GPA. Students must complete the SCCC Development Foundation Scholarship and Grant Application.
Work-Study is considered self-help aid. It provides jobs for students who wish to earn a portion of their college expenses while gaining practical work experience. At SCCC there are federal (Federal Work-Study) and institutional (College Payroll) positions available. A student will typically be employed for one academic year, August through May. Summer employment, June and July, may also be available. The work-study positions are located on campus and the rate of pay is at least the current federal minimum wage. The scheduled hours and pay may vary according to the job position. The amount earned cannot exceed the total amount of the work-study award. A maximum of 10 hours may be worked weekly.
Application for Work Study is made by indicating an interest in Work Study on the FAFSA. A list of jobs is available in the Student Financial Aid Office. Students must file a FAFSA to be considered for a work-study job. Priority is given to full-time students in good standing. Before a student may start working, the following documents must be on file: FAFSA or SAR/ISIR, a W-4, and an I-9. A valid photo ID and Social Security Card are required to complete the I-9. Students are required to attend a seminar explaining SCCC procedures.
A Student Loan is considered self-help aid. It is a legal obligation to repay all funds that are borrowed (principal plus interest). All borrowers are encouraged to read and understand the obligation assumed in any student loan; know what the terms and conditions of the loan are and do not borrow more than is needed.
Outside sources of Scholarships
Other Scholarships Links
Financial Aid Requirements
Federal Student Aid Requirements
Students must:
- have earned a high school diploma or GED Certificate and provide official transcripts to SCCC Registrar's Office as proof of their accomplishment.
- enroll as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
- be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- have a valid Social Security Number.
- make satisfactory academic progress.
- sign statements regarding Educational Purpose and a Certification on overpayments and Defaults (both are on the FAFSA).
Institutional Aid Requirements
Students must:
- have earned a high school diploma or GED Certificate and provide official transcripts to SCCC Registrar's Office as proof of their accomplishment.
- be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- make satisfactory academic progress.
- have a completed scholarship application on file.
- abide by individual award criteria.
Eligibility requirements for different financial aid programs vary; therefore, specific requirement inquiries should be directed to the financial aid program for which application is being made. Please refer to the SCCC Financial Aid Handbook or the SCCC College Catalog for additional information.