Federal Financial Aid
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a grant from the federal government that does not have to be paid back. The grant may only be awarded to undergraduate, degree-seeking students who have not already obtained a bachelor's degree. The award amount is based on a student's financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
SEOG awards are made to undergraduate students with financial need. SCC has a limited amount of funds to award to eligible students. Eligible Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contribution are considered first for available federal SEOG funds.
Academic Competitiveness Grant
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is a federally funded/need-based grant for undergraduate students who graduated from high school after Jan. 1, 2005. The ACG is a grant awarded to full-time students who have completed rigorous high school coursework and have met other criteria. Students must be seeking a qualified two-year degree, and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
Federal College Work-Study Program
SCC participates in the Federal College Work-Study Program. FCWS funds are awarded to students on the basis of financial need. Students seeking FCWS need to complete and return a Work-Study Application for consideration. Forms can be picked up at the SCC Placement Office on the Lincoln campus, or any Financial Aid Office where you will be completing your Program of Study.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
The Federal Direct Stafford Loan program enables students to borrow from the U.S. Department of Education. The loan amount is limited to the cost of education minus EFC, and in some instances minus other financial aid the borrower is expected to receive for the loan period. Dependent, first-year students may borrow a maximum of $5,500 per school year. Dependent, second-year students may borrow a maximum of $6,500 per school year (subject to other restrictions per federal regulations). Independent, first-year students may borrow a maximum of $9,500 per school year. Independent, second-year students may have a loan limit of $10,500.
Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)
The Federal Direct PLUS is for parent borrowers of dependent students and provides additional funds for educational expenses. Federal Direct PLUS loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow for each dependent child who is enrolled at least half-time. Federal Direct PLUS loans are made by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants do not have to show financial need, but must undergo a credit analysis. Repayment begins within 60 calendar days of disbursement, and deferments are available under certain conditions. Federal Direct PLUS loans cannot exceed the College’s estimated cost of education minus other financial aid. Parents may apply for a PLUS loan at: www.dlenote.ed.gov.
Nebraska State Financial Aid
Nebraska Grant (NOG)
NOG funds are awarded to Nebraska residents on the basis of financial need eligibility. Students apply by completing the FAFSA. Eligibility is determined by state guidelines.
Institutional Financial Aid
SCC Tuition Grant
The SCC Tuition Grant is a waiver of tuition, or a portion thereof, for one or more terms and is not a cash award. Students apply by completing the FAFSA. This institutional grant is awarded on the basis of financial need.
Scholarships
SCC’s scholarship program was established to promote and encourage interest in education for students planning to enroll, to reduce the student's financial obligation, and to recognize outstanding academic achievement in course work already completed at SCC. Scholarships are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment unless the donor has clearly indicated repayment procedures in the scholarship announcement. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and/or financial need. Applicants are evaluated on criteria specified by the scholarship donor. Selection is made by the SCC Scholarship Committee or the scholarship donor. Students applying for scholarships awarded on the basis of financial need must file a FAFSA.
Scholarships are added to the student’s aid package. In case aid is terminated or a student withdraws or is academically suspended, unused funds are returned to the appropriate fund, including, but not limited to, NOG, SEOG and SCC Tuition Grant. Scholarships available include those provided through the SCC Educational Foundation and others designated by contributors for specific categories.
Students may apply for scholarships online each term. Students must provide an accurate e-mail address in order to be notified of awards and other related scholarship communications. Thank-you letters are strongly encouraged for all scholarship awards.