Important News regarding the FAFSA®
The 2026-2027 FAFSA® Application is now available! If you plan to attend in Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027, or Spring 2027 complete your 2026-2027 FAFSA® or WASFA application today!
Important Loan Information
New to award year 2026-2027: Federal Direct Loan funding will not be initially awarded; you must complete a Financial Aid Loan Request form to be awarded eligible loan aid.
What You Need to Know: 2026–27 Financial Aid Changes (OB3 Act)
Starting July 1, 2026, a new federal law called the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) Act will change how federal student loans and grants work. Review these critical updates to see how your financial aid at SCC might change.
Part-Time Students Get Less Loan Money (Loan Proration)
Previously, taking 6 or more credits (half-time) gave you your full loan amount. Now, your loan money matches your exact credit load. There is no grandfather exception for this rule.
- 12+ Credits (Full-Time): You receive your full loan amount you are eligible for.
- 6 to 11 Credits (Part-Time): Your loan amount is reduced proportionally.
- Under 6 Credits (Less than Half-Time): Your loan is cancelled.
Important: If you drop or withdraw from a class mid-quarter, your loan will be recalculated. You may have to pay back money you already received.
New Caps on Parent PLUS Loans
Parents can no longer borrow up to the full cost of attendance. New caps are now in place:
- Annual Limit: Maximum $20,000 per year, per student.
- Lifetime Limit: Maximum $65,000 total, per student.
- Combined Limit: These limits apply to the student. If multiple parents borrow for one student, their combined total cannot exceed these amounts.
- The "Grandfather" Exception: If your parent borrowed a PLUS loan before July 1, 2026, they may keep higher limits for up to three years or until you graduate.
Questions? Talk to Us First!
Planning to change your schedule, program, or status? Contact the SCC Financial Aid Office before making changes to ensure your funding remains secure.
Disclaimer: This information reflects current federal guidance and is subject to change.
Need one-on-one FAFSA®/WASFA® completion assistance?
Our Financial Aid Team is here during business hours to answer questions. If you would like one-on-one assistance completing your FAFSA®/WASFA application, please visit the Sasquatch One Stop (SOS) desk in building 15 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. no appointment necessary.
Application Processing
To help ensure timely processing for your financial aid applications for the upcoming quarter, please make sure to enroll in classes or for student orientation (if required) as soon as possible!
If any information is needed before we can determine your eligibility, we will contact you at the email address you have listed in ctcLink to let you know. You can view your awards status on your ctcLink Student Homepage once your application is processed, along with receiving an emailed Award Notification.
For more in-depth information on how to apply for financial aid and our office’s process, visit our Apply for Financial Aid page.
Alternate Funding Resources