How to apply for financial aid

Complete and file your IRS tax return.

You and your parent (if dependent) should apply for an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm before starting FAFSA online so you can sign the application electronically and transfer tax information from the IRS. (If you already have an FSA ID, you do not need another one.)

Approximately two weeks after filing the IRS tax return, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov

Simplify the process by using the IRS Data Retrieval option when your tax return data is requested this saves you time and expedites the application process. The FAFSA must be completed once per year between January and May for the following school year. The school year consists of the fall semester (begins in August), the spring semester (begins in January) and the following summer semester (begins in May). Priority deadline is May 1 (or closest business day) each year.

SCC's Title IV school code is 003994.

You do not have to wait for your financial aid award before continuing with the testing, advisement and registration process. However, to be awarded financial aid you must be admitted to the college. Contact the SCC admissions center.

Be admitted to the college and complete your financial aid file by the December 1 priority deadline to be considered for all financial aid funds available.

The majority of communications from the financial aid office will be sent to your SCC email account. You must review your email and announcements regularly through the MySCC Portal for the latest information about your financial aid status.

Once the FAFSA is submitted, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor in the mail. Review the information on the SAR to verify that it is correct. Do not bring this form in unless there is a problem - keep it for your records. About the same time, the SCC Financial Aid office will receive your application information electronically, an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR).

 If additional information is needed to complete your file, you will receive an email to your SCC email account (generally within one week following receipt of your SAR). Items needed can be viewed through the MySCC Portal in Student Self-Service under the Financial Aid tab. Submit the requested information as soon as possible and make sure all documents are signed.

After receipt of all requested information, we may submit necessary corrections to the federal processor. This step may add an additional one-to-two weeks to the process.

If you apply in time and are eligible, you can use financial aid award(s) (excluding Federal Work Study, FWS) to pay tuition and fees and to make purchases at the Book Inn. A student may request to "opt out" and use an allowance to purchase books and supplies elsewhere by submitting to the SCC Business Office a Request to Opt Out form by the first day of class for each semester you wish to use an allowance. Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) cannot be used for books and supplies. Funds available after tuition, fees, books and supply expenses have been paid will be disbursed by the business office.

If you do not apply in time, you will be expected to pay for tuition, fees, books and supplies and be reimbursed for financial aid awards in the amount for which you are eligible