Millions of college students deal with some form of financial hardship, and the thought of paying tuition leaves many feeling on edge.
Salt Lake Community College offers alternative solutions for students who need help paying their tuition. The different types of support can vary from student loans to free assistance through Pell grants and tuition waivers.
All students are advised to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to determine what aid they may qualify for.
“I work part time and my husband is in the military. I applied for financial aid and they were able to pay for my tuition with Pell grants,” says SLCC freshman Iliana Alfaro. “They even gave me extra money to help me with school books!”
SLCC will also launch the SLCC Promise this fall. The school will pay the remaining balance of tuition and fees of full-time students who receive Pell grants.
In most cases, dependent students will receive less financial aid than those who are considered independent. Dependent students must also list income from one or both parents on the application, even if they do not contribute to their child’s education.
A student who falls between the cracks and does not qualify for Pell grants may have to turn to other forms of aid.
“I have had to take out a few loans since my parents make too much and I still live at home,” says 20-year-old sophomore Michael Hansen.
Instead of paying tuition in one lump sum, students can apply for the Semester Tuition Installment Loan, which offers a monthly tuition payment plan.
There are other types of loans available to give students some flexibility on how soon they can repay a loan. Exit counseling is required for individuals who take out federal student loans.
Loans have been a source of massive student debt. Any student who is considering a student loan will need to think about interest rates and other variables when making their decision.
“I don’t really have a plan on paying off my student debt right now since my payments are deferred,” Hansen says.
Scholarships offer a glimmer of hope to those who want to avoid more debt.
“I apply for every scholarship possible,” Hansen says.
Scholarship winners do not have to pay back any funds as long they meet all the requirements.
SLCC students can browse and apply for campus scholarships and tuition waivers. Scholarship funds from outside organizations are also available.
Eligibility information is provided in each application.
Any student who has questions about the different types of aid or the application process can talk to a financial aid representative at one of five SLCC campuses.
Yes, I have fallen between the cracks and do not qualify for Pell grants because I have not reached the 70% completion towards my degree needed to get student aid, even though I have the grades and everything. I moved back home to save money to finish school and my parents make too much income (not by much) for me to qualify for grants. I also qualify for vocational rehab but that is strapped because of budget cuts. So I have to work to pay for my schooling and my disabilities make it even harder for me to finish school. My parents can’t afford to pay for my schooling so I am on my own and it is really hard. I will be working my but off this summer and still may not be able to finish my education if I can’t afford to go back in the fall. Wish I was spoiled like 60% of the students here who parents pay for everything.
Comments are closed.