Funding Support

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid comes in various forms and helps to make college or career schools more affordable. Financial aid can assist in covering expenses such as tuition, housing, fees, books,  and supplies. 

Grants are a form of financial aid that you can be awarded and you are not responsible for paying back.  Find out more about grants HERE. 

Loans are available for students to borrow money to pay for college or career school and money borrowed will need to be paid back with interest. Find out more about loans HERE. 

Work-study awards are given by the Federal Work Study Program and allow you to earn money for college while working a job on campus. Students are paid the federal minimum wage but have the opportunity to earn more depending on their skills.  Find out more about work-study HERE. 

How to Apply?

To apply for financial aid (grants, loans, or work-study), students must apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form. 

Prior to completing the FAFSA application, you must create a FSA ID which will serve as your electronic signature on all FAFSA documents. Students and parents will each need to create their own FSA ID. You will need your Social Security number and your own e-mail address to apply. This information should be kept confidential and stored in a safe place. You will need your FSA ID each year as you apply for financial aid. Create your FSA ID HERE.

Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your eligibility for federal financial aid and your Student Aid Index. This may help students and families understand the options that may be available to them for paying for college or career school.

Lastly, students will need to complete the FAFSA application. Applicants will need:

• FSA ID information

• Parent information (name, date of birth, social security information, and e-mail address)

• Income and asset information (if required)

Click HERE to complete a FAFSA form.

In SCPS, we host financial aid workshops and FAFSA labs to help you complete the process. Contact your school counselor to find out more information. 

Aid From Your College or Career School

Start building relationships with your post-secondary institution's financial aid office early! Call, e-mail, or visit the financial aid office to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to visit their financial aid website for further scholarship opportunities within your major and make yourself aware of college deadlines. 

Related Links

Federal Student Aid Homepage

Aid for Military Families

Aid for International Study

Tax Benefits for Education

Education Awards for Community Service

Vouchers for Current/Former Foster Care Youth

State Grant Agencies

Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens

Eligibility for Students with Criminal Convictions

Students with Intellectual Disabilities