All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. However, the primary responsibility for financing an education rests with the student and his/her family. Therefore, financial aid should be viewed only as a supplement after resources of the student and family are used.
Application for Student Aid - FAFSA
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step all students must take in obtaining student financial aid (grants, loans and workstudy). This link will take you to the FAFSA web site through the Federal Government.
- SCC's School Code is 005537
- SCC has a priority FAFSA application date of May 1st
Students must apply for financial aid every year using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Students should complete the FAFSA application online. Make sure to select the appropriate year term. Students should request a PIN number so you can sign your FAFSA electronically. YOUR PARENTS (if applicable) should also request a PIN if their information is required on the FAFSA. If you (and your parents) do not request a PIN, you will then be required to print out a signature page and mail it to the Federal Processor.
- Renewal FAFSA. Students who applied for financial aid for the previous academic year may apply using the FAFSA on the web. Make sure to select the appropriate year term.
You may also view the Financial Aid Handbook for details regarding grants, loans, and workstudy.
Important FAFSA Tips
- Apply correctly. Submitting an application with errors may cause significant delays in the processing of your financial aid.
- Follow the directions. This is the best way to prevent costly errors. Filling out the FAFSA is not as difficult or confusing as it may appear. Follow the directions completely.
- It is highly suggested that you utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the Financial sections of the FAFSA. This can be done for both students and parents if you electronically filed your Federal Income Tax Return at least one week prior to completing your FAFSA (6-8 weeks if you filed your taxes on paper). This tool links your tax return information into the income fields on the FAFSA. This saves you time in completing the FAFSA and reduces the chance that the school will need to collect follow-up information from you regarding your income. If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you will then need to closely follow the instructions enter your income information into your FAFSA by hand.
- Do not second guess the directions. The Federal Processor is looking for very specific information and uses that information in a variety of ways. If the FAFSA directions indicate a specific line item from your federal tax return, enter the amount from that line. Do not assume the Federal Processor actually intended you to enter an amount from a different line. Do not assume the reason that particular information is requested. For example, if the FAFSA requests the amount you have on line 37 of your 2012 1040 tax return, enter the amount on line 37, not any other line.
- Do not submit any documents with your FAFSA. Tax returns, letters, any other paper document that the Federal Processor receives with a FAFSA application is disregarded and shredded. If you have special circumstances you feel need to be addressed when determining your financial aid eligibility should be directed to the financial aid office at your school. Submitting a request does not guarantee an adjustment of your eligibility.
- Sign your FAFSA. You must sign the FAFSA application. It is highly recommended that you use a PIN to electronically your FAFSA. For Dependent students, at least one parent must also sign your FAFSA application. This signature can also be electronic. Obtaining a PIN and signing with the PIN will be done during the application process. If you are unable to sign with a PIN, you will also be given the option of printing a signature page which you would then sign and send to the address on the form. Please note that signing with a signature page takes significantly longer to process than signing with a PIN.
- It may seem like there is an overwhelming amount of information coming to you from the Federal Processor and the financial aid office. It is very, very important that you read and keep everything you receive. It is suggested your create a financial aid file to keep all of your records in one convenient place. It is your responsibility to understand your financial aid. The staff of the financial aid office will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
From application to award
Please follow these steps EXACTLY (and as early as March 15, 2012) and you will flow smoothly through the process of financial aid to receive your Award Letter and funds.
Print the Checklist for Financial Aid.
