Financial Aid

Financial Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for most types of financial assistance, students must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need.
• Have a high school diploma or GED; pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education; meet other state-approved standards; or complete a home-school education that meets state law.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number. Some exceptions may apply.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college.

Entering students must also meet all admission requirements (see program descriptions). Returning students must be in good academic standing, meaning they are meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for financial aid recipients listed in the college catalog.

Deadlines

The Financial Aid Office processes applications throughout the academic year; however, students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available each fall for aid consideration in the following academic year.

It typically takes three to five business days for the FAFSA application to process, though it may take longer during peak periods. Submitting your FAFSA early helps ensure you’re considered for all available types of aid, including:

• Federal Work-Study
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• North Carolina state grants
• SCC scholarships

Tip: Completing your FAFSA early increases your chances of receiving certain limited funding opportunities.

Dependency Status

Your dependency status determines whose information must be reported when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If you are a dependent student, you must report both your information and your contributor’s (such as a parent or guardian). If you are an independent student, you will report only your own information—and your spouse’s, if applicable.

Federal student aid programs are based on the idea that students and their families share responsibility for educational costs. A dependent student is assumed to receive parental support, so parental financial information is required to provide a full picture of the family’s ability to pay. This information does not mean your parents are required to pay for your education; it is used only to determine your eligibility for aid.

If you have unusual circumstances that may make you independent, schedule an appointment with the Director of Financial Aid to discuss your situation. Documentation may be required to verify your status.

Special Circumstances

If you or your family have experienced a significant change in financial situation since the income year reported on your FAFSA, you may request a review of your financial aid eligibility based on your current circumstances.

Examples of qualifying circumstances include:

• Loss of employment
• Divorce or separation
• Death or disability of a wage earner
• High medical or dental expenses
• Other unexpected financial hardships

To request a review, schedule an appointment with the Director of Financial Aid. Additional documentation will be required to support your request and determine if your financial aid award can be adjusted.

Financial Need

Most types of financial aid are awarded based on financial need. The information reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI), which determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

Your financial need is calculated using the following formula:

Cost of Attendance (COA) − Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need

The SAI is calculated from the data you provide on your FAFSA and, in most cases, from federal tax information retrieved directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The lower your SAI, the greater your potential eligibility for need-based aid such as the Federal Pell Grant.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid is awarded by the SCC Financial Aid Office and disbursed by the SCC Business Office. Aid is released based on your enrollment status and the type of funding you receive.

Funds are disbursed in multiple installments throughout the academic year. For most students, refunds are issued approximately five weeks after the first day of classes and every 15 days after the initial disbursement.

Refunds are mailed to the student’s permanent address on file. To avoid delays, be sure your mailing information is current in Self Service.

Financial Aid Forms

Some students may be asked to complete additional forms to verify or update their financial aid information. Most forms are submitted electronically through SCC’s eForms system.

Access Financial Aid Forms

Types of Aid

Grants

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant provides funding to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. This grant does not require repayment. To be considered, complete the FAFSA and have it sent to SCC using school code 002964.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant assists undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and have a $0 Student Aid Index (SAI). Complete the FAFSA to apply.

Next NC Scholarship
The Next NC Scholarship is a need-based financial aid program for North Carolina residents pursuing higher education. It combines state and federal funding to fully cover tuition and fees at North Carolina community colleges for eligible students. To qualify, students must:

• Be a North Carolina resident as defined by the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
• Be enrolled in an eligible curriculum program at least half-time (six or more credit hours per semester).
• Have a household income of $80,000 or less and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the college.

To apply, simply complete the FAFSA and list SCC’s school code (002964).

SCC Foundation Grant
Through the nonprofit SCC Foundation, Inc., this grant provides assistance to full- or part-time students who have financial needs that cannot be met through other aid sources. Awards vary based on need and available funding. No repayment required.

Employment

Federal College Work-Study Program (FCWS)
This federally funded program provides part-time, on-campus job opportunities for students with financial need. Work schedules are flexible to accommodate classes. Students are paid hourly and are encouraged to work in positions related to their field of study.

Other Sources of Aid

Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may be eligible for financial assistance covering fees, books, and supplies through the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Contact your local office for details.

Veterans
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain dependents may receive education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit the VA Education Benefits site or contact SCC’s Veteran Affairs office for more information.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Eligible students may qualify for training assistance through the NCWorks Career Center in A-Building. Call (910) 788-6261 for details.

NC Army National Guard
The NC Army National Guard offers educational benefits that may include part-time employment, student loan repayment, state tuition assistance, and GI Bill eligibility. Contact your local National Guard office at 929 Washington Street, Whiteville, NC 28472 for more information.