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    How to Pay for College > Eligibility and Awarding Criteria

Eligibility and Awarding Criteria

Basic Eligibility for Financial Aid

  • Have a valid Social Security number (except for students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palua);

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;

  • If male, be registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25);

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible SCC degree or certificate program;

  • Show you are qualified to obtain a college education by

    • Having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate; completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law; enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the “ability-to-benefit” alternatives described on the studentaid.gov website.

  • Is maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

  • Not be in default on a loan or owe a repayment of grant funds.

For more information about this criteria, visit studentaid.gov

How is a Financial Aid Award Determined?

Financial Need

Most grants and loans are awarded based on financial need. SCC uses the following formula to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Aid Eligibility
 

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimated amount that it will cost you to attend school for a period of one year. To get an estimate your Cost of Attendance, use the net price calculator tool.

  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is from your processed FAFSA application and is a measure of your family’s financial strength. It’s calculated according to a formula established by law using your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security).

Enrollment Requirements

Most financial aid programs will require you to be enrolled in a minimum amount of credits per quarter. Federal Loans for example, require a minimum of six (6+) credits.