FINANCIAL AID

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.

Click for Scholarship and Grant Application


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 Foundation, private companies, etc.). Institutional scholarships recipients are selected by a designated scholarship committee using the student's information provided on a completed SCCC Scholarship. This scholarship application is available in the Student Financial Aid Office or the Development Foundation Office. Outside scholarship recipients are selected by the different organizations and are based on their own unique criteria. Application for a SCCC Foundation Scholarship is made on the same application form mentioned above. Other outside scholarships require application through the organization.

Outside sources of Scholarships

Other Scholarships Links

Seward County Tuition Grant
The Seward County Tuition Grant is authorized by the Seward County Community College Board of Trustees and will be awarded to qualifying students based upon availability of funds. The Tuition Grant for full-time students will pay the tuition cost for the recipient for a maximum of 18 credit hours, in a Fall or Spring semester. The In-District rate of tuition will be utilized; the student recipient is responsible for tuition costs that exceed the maximum credit hours or exceed the In-District rate of tuition.

A limited number of Part-time Tuition Grants will be available for students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours; based upon availability of funds, these Part-time Tuition Grants will pay the tuition cost for the recipient for a maximum of 6 credit hours, in a Fall, Spring, or Summer semester. The In-District rate of tuition will be utilized; the student recipient is responsible for tuition costs that exceed the maximum credit hours or exceed the In-District rate of tuition.

Tuition Grants will be awarded by the Scholarship Committee of Seward County Community College based upon the following criteria:

  1. An application should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the priority date.
  2. The student must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and be officially admitted to Seward County Community College.
  3. The student must be a legal resident of Seward County, Kansas, for tuition purposes.
  4. Full-time student Tuition Grant recipients must be certified in at least 15 credit hours and complete 12 credit hours each Fall/Spring semester.
  5. The student must participate in an approved SCCC activity or organization. Participation will be verified each semester and reported to the Scholarship Committee.
  6. The recipient must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average for previous college work completed and must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to continue eligibility.
  7. Part-time student Tuition Grant recipients must be certified in at least 6 credit hours and complete the 6 credit hours.
  8. The recipient is required to sign a Tuition Grant agreement; failure to fulfill the obligations of the award will result in suspension of the award and the student possibly being charged for the tuition amount.

The priority date for applications to be submitted for the Fall/Spring academic year is May 1. Tuition Grants are renewed for the Spring Semester if the recipient has met all requirements; only one application for the Fall/Spring academic year is necessary.

The priority date for applications to be submitted for only the Spring Semester is November 1, and for the Summer Semester is April 1.

Tuition Grants for all semesters are contingent upon available funds.

Book Rental Scholarship
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: DECA, Journalism, Ag Judging, Athletic Training, Drama, Sports Medicine, Cheerleading, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Art Club, and Criminal Justice. Funds are limited and competitive. Priority application dates are May 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).

Student Living Center Book Scholarship
Residents of SCCC Student Housing who are full-time students are eligible to apply for a Student Living Center Book Scholarship in the amount of $400 (maximum of $200 per Fall/Spring Semester). Applicant must have residency in SCCC Student Housing, be enrolled in 15 credit hours on Certification Date each semester, maintain Minimum 2.0 GPA, comply with SCCC Student Code of Conduct, and have recommendation of Student Housing Manager. Application available from Student Services, the Student Housing Manager, the Financial Aid Office, or the Admissions Office.

Federal Pell Grant
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 2005-06 award year will be $4,050. 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
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.

Work-Study
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.

An application for Work-Study and a list of jobs are 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 completed Work-Study Application, 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.

Student Loan
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.

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 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.