Assistance Available from Federal, State, Local and Institutional Programs

Students attending Southeastern Community College may be eligible to receive financial assistance from the following programs. Students must qualify for aid according to the criteria established for each program.

  1. Federal Pell Grant
  2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  3. Work Study - Federal
  4. Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans
  5. Federal Direct Plus Loan
  6. Iowa Vocational - Technical Tuition Grants
  7. Iowa Kibbie Grant
  8. Iowa National Guard Tuition Assistance
  9. Iowa Gear UP
  10. Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship
  11. All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
  12. Education and Training Voucher
  13. Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  14. Workforce Investment Act Funds
  15. Veterans Benefits
  16. Southeastern Community College Scholarship Foundation
  17. Scholarships Administered by the SCC Financial Aid Office

*In addition to the programs cited above, students should explore private sources of financial assistance.

Gift Aid (aid you don’t pay back)

Federal Pell Grant

The eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is determined by the Federal Department of Education. The Department documents the students eligibility by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number reported on the Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR). The Pell Grant is adjusted according to the student's enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, halftime or less than half-time). Grants, such as the Pell Grant, do not have to be repaid. All students at Southeastern will receive their Pell Grant in two disbursements, 50% in the fall semester and 50% in the spring semester. You may be eligible to receive additional Pell Grant during the Summer term; this is known as Year-Round Pell. Year-Round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise. Students who were full-time in the Fall and Spring semesters must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours during the Summer term to be eligible for Year-Round Pell. If the student attends less than full-time during the academic year, he/she will then have remaining Pell eligibility for the summer term.

If the student does not use his/her entire grant to pay tuition and books, the balance will be forwarded no later than 14 days after a balance occurs on his/her account. Should the necessary financial aid forms not be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the 14th day, balance checks will be forwarded to the student after any remaining tuition and fees have been subtracted from the student's award.

A student's Pell award will be recalculated and based on the enrollment level at the time of the student’s census date. The census date will coincide with the 100% refund date. A student’s enrollment is “locked in” on the census date. “Locked in” means that financial aid will be based on the census date enrollment, even if the student began the semester with more credits. Withdrawing or dropping classes prior to the census date will affect the amount of financial aid received.

Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant

To be eligible for an FSEOG award at SCC, a student must:

  1. Not have earned a baccalaureate degree.
  2. Have applied for federal aid and have been determined eligible for a Federal Pell Grant with expected family contribution (EFC) of 0.
  3. Have an enrollment status of at least half-time.
  4. Initially awards are made by order of file completion. A portion of the grant allocation (15%) is awarded to students that begin enrollment in the spring semester and another percentage (approximately 5%) for those students with a 0 EFC that begin in the summer term. If the student does not use his/her grant to pay tuition and books, the balance will be forwarded no later than 14 calendar days after a balance occurs on the student's account. Should the necessary financial aid forms not be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the 14th day, balance checks will be forwarded to the student after any remaining tuition and fees have been subtracted from the student's award.

Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grants:

The Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant Program is for students enrolling in career education (vocational-technical) courses at Iowa community colleges. Students must have an ISIR receipt on or before July 1st of the academic year for which the award is being considered. These grants range from $1 to $1000 based on enrollment. To be eligible you must be:

  1. A resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents
  2. A United States citizen or in the United States on a permanent visa, and
  3. Enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a career education course that lasts at least 12 weeks.

Liberal arts (AA) students are not eligible to receive these grants.

Iowa Kibbie Grant

The Iowa Kibbie Grant is awarded to students enrolled in an Iowa Kibbie Grant eligible major (specific vocational Programs). Students must have an ISIR receipt date on or before July 1st of the academic year for which the award is being considered. As the EFC increases, so does the Iowa Kibbie Grant. The amount of the Iowa Kibbie Grant is based upon guidance received by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission and may fluctuate from year to year (and based upon the availability of funding).

Iowa National Guard Tuition Assistance

The authorization for payment of educational benefits associated with the Iowa National Guard is obtained via electronic announcement provided by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. A current National Guard Payment record can be accessed in the SCC Financial Aid Office. Only students appearing on the provided electronic announcement will be awarded Iowa National Guard educational benefits. The amount of benefit awarded is based on the student's cost of tuition.

Iowa Gear UP

The GEAR UP Iowa Scholarship provides awards of up to $1500 per year to students who are part of the GEAR UP Iowa state-wide cohort. Scholarships are sent directly to the college/university that the student is attending and can be used to pay for tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, and personal/living expenses while in college.

To receive Scholarship funds, each student must:

  • Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma (HiSET/GED), or home school diploma
  • Be a GEAR UP Iowa Program participant, as certified by GEAR UP Iowa staff at Iowa College Aid
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be under the age of 22 upon first receipt of Scholarship funds
  • Enroll in at least 3 semester hours (or trimester or quarter equivalent) in a Title IV eligible undergraduate program of study* at a Title IV college/university** in Iowa or out-of-state • Complete a 2023-2024 FAFSA and in each subsequent year
  • Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies of their college/university to receive the Scholarship in subsequent years

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship

The Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship (Iowa LDS) provides financial assistance to Iowa residents enrolled in certain career and technical education (CTE) programs leading to certificate, diploma and associate degrees at Iowa community colleges and eligible private colleges and universities. Scholarships for eligible students amount to the remaining tuition and institution-wide mandatory fees charged after other federal and state scholarship and grant aid have been awarded.

Vocational Rehabilitation Funds

The authorization of Vocational Rehabilitation funds is provided by SCC's Vocational Rehabilitation Office via written contract.

Workforce Investment Act Funds

The authorization for Workforce Investment Act funding is provided to SCC's Financial Aid Office by a Workforce Investment Act representative. Aid under this program is awarded to the student under the terms and conditions outlined within the contractual agreement.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans benefits (with the exception of the Iowa National Guard Tuition Assistance program) are administered through the VA adviser located at each campus location. The VA advisers are not part of the staff of the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships

https://www.scciowa.edu/paying/scholarships/index.aspx

Scholarships administered by the SCC Financial Aid Office:

SCC's Financial Aid Office administers the Trustees and Trustees Diversity scholarships. SCC makes available the Trustees scholarship to the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class in any state accredited public or parochial high school in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. The scholarship is renewable for a second year of enrollment. The scholarship will pay for all tuition and required textbooks. The Trustee Diversity Scholarship will pay for tuition and required textbook as well. In order to be considered for the Trustee scholarship, students must complete a verification form with their high school guidance counselor. Also, it is strongly recommended to complete an SCC Foundation scholarship application and a FAFSA.

SCC's Financial Aid Office also administers the Missouri Honor Scholarship, also known as the "A+" scholarship. The scholarship will pay for the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Should the student have other scholarships, which must be applied toward tuition, fees and required textbooks, the Missouri Honors Scholarship will be applied until such time the total cost of tuition and required books have been met. In order to be considered for the A+ the student must be identified as having met the requirements by their high school guidance counselor. This identification may include a certification printed on the student's final high school transcript.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program provides students with an opportunity to earn money to assist with costs related to school attendance. To be considered for eligibility, a student must have an ISIR on file in the Financial Aid Office. In addition, the student must be pre- registered or currently enrolled at least halftime (6 credit hours) for the fall and spring terms.

The student's cost of attendance is based upon their enrollment level. A budget is constructed which will reflect the student's maximum earning potential.

Students are made aware of job openings by posting vacancies notices, SCC website and word of mouth. Interested students contact the Financial Aid Office which determines eligibility and arranges a conference with the supervisor and the student. The salary for FWS workers is reviewed annually and is published on the Part-Time Hourly Salary Schedule. No student will receive less than minimum wage.

Student workers are assigned supervisors and perform tasks which fit the job descriptions for each job.

FWS paychecks are available on the same schedule as college faculty paychecks. The 15th and the last day of each month are the designated dates.

Loans

https://www.scciowa.edu/paying/aid/loans/index.aspx

Student Loan Information

Application Process

The following process outlines the general steps taken to apply for a Federal Direct Loan:

  1. Students must file a Financial Need Analysis. Student must use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Results of this need analysis must be received by the college before a loan application can be filed.
  2. Accept your loan on Self-Service. Login to your Hawknet, click on Self-Service button. You can choose to accept the full amount offered or specify a lower amount you would like to accept.
  3. Financial Aid Loan Officer determines from the cost of attendance, expected family contribution, enrollment status, and satisfactory academic progress standards on whether or not the student is eligible for a Direct Loan and what amount they can borrow.
  4. The Financial Aid Loan Officer enters the loan information on the Ellucian system which is transmitted electronically.
  5. Loan funds will be disbursed as per the request of the Financial Aid Director.
  6. The normal processes will be performed by the Financial Aid and Business Offices to verify student eligibility. Once verified, the funds are applied to the student account.
  7. Balance funds that are available after paying the student account will be mailed in accordance to federal regulation.
  8. Students who are not making satisfactory progress or have withdrawn from classes prior to the loan disbursement date will have their loan funds returned.

Terms of, the Schedules for, and the Necessity of Loan Repayment and Required Loan Exit Counseling

When applying for a Direct Stafford loan or a Direct Plus loan, the student/parent must promise to pay to the order of the lender all loan amounts disbursed under the terms of the MPN, plus interest and other charges and fees that may become due as provided in the MPN. The student/parent must understand that multiple loans may be made under the MPN. The student/parent must understand that by accepting any disbursements issued at any time under the MPN, he/she agree to repay the loans. The student/parent understands that, within certain time frames, he/she may cancel or reduce the amount of any loan by refusing to accept or by returning all or a portion of any disbursement that is issued. Unless the student/parent makes interest payments, interest that accrues on his or her unsubsidized Direct Stafford loans during in-school, grace, and deferment periods will be added as provided under the Act to the principal balance of such loans. If he/she does not make any payment on any loan made under the MPN when it is due, he/she will also pay reasonable collection costs, including but not limited to attorney's fees, court costs, and other fees. The student must not sign the MPN before reading the entire MPN, even if he/she is told not to read it, or told that he/she is not required to read it. The student/parent is entitled to an exact copy of this MPN and the Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Statement. The student/parent signature certifies he/she have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of the MPN, including the Borrower Certifications and Authorizations, the Notice About Subsequent Loans Made Under The MPN, and the Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Statement.

The student/parent understands that all loans made under the MPN must be repaid. The repayment period for Direct Stafford loans begins the day after the 6-month grace period ends. The lender will notify the student/parent of the date the first payment is due. The student/parent must make payments on his or her loans even if he or she does not receive a bill or repayment notice. Billing information is sent to the student as a convenience, and he/she is obligated to make payments even if no notice in received. The student/parent will be given the opportunity to choose one of the following repayment plans (for the following repayment plans, the time limits shown do not include periods of deferment and forbearance):

Repayment Plans

https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans

Repayment Examples

Examples of each loan repayment schedule can be accessed by visiting https://studentaid.gov/loan-simulator/. A student may enter his or her data based on their borrowing amount, and selected repayment plan.

Loan Exit Counseling

Within 30 days of leaving SCC the student is notified via US Postal Service Mail that he or she must complete exit counseling online at studentaid.gov.

Deferments

The Terms and Conditions Under Which Students Receiving Federal Education Loans may Obtain Deferments While Serving in the Peace Corps; Under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act; and as a Volunteer for a Tax-Exempt Organization of Demonstrated Effectiveness in the Field of Community Service:

Peace Corp Deferment

Get information on the Peace Corp and paying your federal student loan at https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/peace-corps-and-loan-repayment.pdf

Tax-Exempt Organization

The following conditions must be met in order to qualify:

  1. You must be serving full-time in an organization that has a tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
  2. You must assist low income people and their communities in eliminating poverty and poverty-related human, social, and environmental conditions.
  3. You must not earn more than the federal minimum wage; however you may receive fringe benefits like those received by other employees of the organization.
  4. You must not engage in religious instruction, proselytizing, fund raising to support religious activities, or conduct worship services as part of your duties.
  5. You must have agreed to serve in the tax exempt organization for a period of at least one year.
  6. You must complete a Tax Exempt deferment form and have it certified by an organization official.
    1. Complete, sign and date your form
    2. Include with your application the information described below:
      • Certified by an Authorized Official of the Volunteer Program (have the authorized official complete Section 4: "Authorized Official’s Certification" section of the deferment).

A summary of loan deferment options and conditions is located https://studentaid.gov/h/manage-loans

Institutional Code of Conduct for Education Loans

Code of conduct: https://www.scciowa.edu/paying/aid/loans/code-of-conduct.aspx

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