Financial Aid Options Financial Aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help students meet college expenses. Not sure if you qualify? Start by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov.
Free Aid SC Need-Based Grant – SC state grant provided for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need Lottery Tuition Assistance – state-funded program for SC residents South Carolina Workforce & Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS) – state funded program for SC residents based on eligible majors
LIFE Scholarship Graduates of SC high schools can receive LIFE Scholarship if they earn at least a 3.0 high school GPA on the SC uniform grading scale. Determine eligibility by sending your final, official high school transcript and submitting a LIFE Scholarship affidavit available on our website: tctc.edu/forms.
Loans Student and Parent Loans are provided by the US Department of Education via TCTC. Consider all other aid options before accepting a loan. The full loan amount plus interest must be repaid. To request a student loan: • Complete a Loan Affirmation form available on our website: tctc.edu/forms. To request a Parent PLUS Loan: • Parents who meet credit check standards can borrow to help with their dependent child’s educational expenses. Parents must complete the PLUS application at studentloans.gov using their FSA ID. • Student and parent must complete and return the Federal Parent PLUS Loan Affirmation.
Veteran’s Educational Benefits • Go to vets.gov and complete the online application to apply to use one of the Veteran’s Benefits programs (e.g., Chapter 33/Post-9/11). • Complete the VA Certification Form. This form must be completed each semester you wish to be certified. Certification forms should be picked up and returned to TC Central in Ruby Hicks Hall 105 or emailed to veterans@tctc.edu.
Federal Work Study – Student Employment (EARN) Program designed to give eligible students financial assistance for educational expenses along with workplace skills and experiences. Positions are available on and off campus. More information can be obtained at tctc.edu, under Life@TCTC and select Beyond the Classroom or by emailing tccentral@tctc.edu. 17
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant – federal government grants for qualified students who demonstrate exceptional financial need