Below are brief descriptions of the financial aid programs administered by SCC:
Grants
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is an award made to undergraduate students to help pay for their education after high school. The Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be completed at www.fafsa.gov and received by the college’s Financial Aid Office before consideration can be made for this grant. If all requirements are met, this grant does not require repayment.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal SEOG is an award to help undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Application is made by completing the FAFSA. SEOG is given to students with an expected family contribution of $0.
North Carolina Scholarship
The North Carolina Scholarship works with federal aid to provide a guaranteed amount of financial assistance with additional state funding provided to students with exceptional need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by the published deadline. Applicants must be North Carolina residents and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in an eligible curriculum program. The award range varies based on income reported on the current FAFSA. For more information visit www.cfnc.org.
Other North Carolina Community College Grants
There are several other grants offered for NC residents. These grants have varying criteria and are based on certain qualifications. These additional grants require a student to be a NC resident and be enrolled in an eligible program. For more information on additional NC grants, visit www.cfnc.org/pay-for-college/grants-and-scholarships/.
SCC Foundation Grant
Through the non-profit SCC Foundation, Inc., this grant provides assistance to both full- and part-time students having financial needs that cannot be met by other sources of financial aid. Awards vary, depending on need and available funds. Does not require repayment.
Scholarships
A large number of scholarships from $500 to $2,500 are offered to SCC students by businesses, civic organizations, service clubs, individual donors, and the state of North Carolina. They are awarded annually to students who have demonstrated above-average academic ability, exhibit financial need or in recognition of those pursuing particular careers.
All scholarships require a 3.0 GPA, with a few exceptions. Applicants must maintain full-time student status (12 or more credits) at SCC each semester if awarded a scholarship. In most cases, when scholarships are awarded, financial need is secondary to academic achievement. Some scholarships are especially for students in designated programs or from specified high schools.
All scholarship amounts are based on funds available each year, and some amounts vary from year to year. A scholarship application is required.
Interested persons should contact the Financial Aid Office for details. For Scholarship details, please visit Scholarships.
Student Employment Program
Federal College Work-Study Program (FCWS)
This federally funded program provides on-campus work opportunities for students with limited financial resources. Students are paid an hourly wage. An effort is made to assign students to jobs related to their major field of study or to utilize their specific skills and interests. Does not require repayment. FCWS program details are available at Federal Work Study.
Other Sources of Aid
Students with disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid covering fees, books, and supplies through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service.
Veterans Administration funds may be available to those who have served in the armed forces, as well as to dependents of deceased veterans or disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. For more information, contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office, 251 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27155.
Eligible students may qualify for training assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other available programs. They may contact the Columbus County NCWorks Career Center, located in A-Building, for further information.
NC Reach is a state-funded scholarship offered to qualified applicants for up to 4 years of undergraduate study at NC public universities and community colleges. NC Reach provides comprehensive student support to help all students be able to navigate their post-secondary education. For more information and eligibility criteria, visit NCReach.