Complete the forms below only after you have submitted your FAFSA and Financial Services has requested the form.
Financial Aid Forms
- Consortium Agreement
- Dependency Status Override Request
- Information Release Form
- Loan Change Request Form
- Maximum Timeframe Appeal
- Satisfactory Academic Progress Suspension Appeal
- Veteran Certification
Annual Financial Aid Forms
| 2025-2026 | |
|---|---|
| American Indian Scholars Program | Form Link |
| Change of Situation | Form Link |
| Child Care Grant * | Form Link |
| Family Size (Household Size) - Dependent | Form Link |
| Family Size (Household Size) - Independent | Form Link |
| Legal Dependent Statement | Form Link |
| Non-Filing Statement | Form Link |
| State Grant Questionnaire | Form Link |
* Additional Child Care Grant Info
Upload all documents you need to submit for Financial Aid using this secure link:
Understanding Financial Aid Terms
What is Financial Need?
Financial need is the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and your Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by your FAFSA.
What is the Cost of Attendance?
The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes more than just tuition and fees. It also accounts for reasonable estimates of housing and meals (room and board), books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses related to attending college.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated based on the information you provide on the FAFSA. It represents your financial situation and is used by colleges to determine how much federal and state aid you may be eligible to receive. A lower SAI generally indicates higher financial need. If you have unusual financial circumstances, you may complete the “Change of Situation” form above.
What is the Award Year?
The award year at SCTCC begins with Fall Semester, continues with Spring Semester, and ends with Summer Term. Summer financial aid is awarded separately from fall and spring semesters.
Tax Benefits for Students
You may qualify for tax credits such as the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. These can help reduce your federal tax liability. To determine your eligibility, consult a tax professional or visit IRS.gov.
Financial Aid FAQs
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Be sure to include SCTCC’s school code: 005534. This application is required for most types of aid, including grants, loans, work-study, and some scholarships.
You should apply as soon as the FAFSA opens each year (typically in the fall for the next academic year). Some aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so earlier is better.
Yes. Financial aid is awarded for one academic year at a time, so you must submit a new FAFSA each year to be considered for aid.
Once your FAFSA is processed, SCTCC will receive your information (usually 5-7 business days after you submit it) and begin reviewing your eligibility. You’ll receive an email notification when your financial aid offer is available in eServices.
Yes. Many aid programs are available to part-time students, though the amounts may be reduced based on your enrollment level.
If you're selected for verification, SCTCC will request additional documents to confirm the information on your FAFSA. Your aid won’t be finalized until verification is complete, so respond promptly.
If you or your family experiences a significant change (job loss, medical expenses, etc.), you may complete the “Change of Situation” form above.
Yes, in many cases. Summer aid is awarded separately, and your eligibility depends on your remaining annual limits and enrollment level. Simply register for summer classes—Financial Services will handle the rest.
Financial aid is applied directly to your SCTCC bill. If there is money left over after your charges are paid, the remaining amount (called a refund) will be issued to you, typically by direct deposit or mailed check.
Yes. All students are allowed to charge up to $1,500 in required books and supplies at the SCTCC Bookstore, starting four weeks before the semester begins through the first Wednesday of the semester, regardless of whether their financial aid fully covers tuition and fees. If your financial aid does not cover the full cost of your charges, including any bookstore purchases, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance shown on your bill after aid is applied.
Visit our Financial Aid Office, call, or stop in—we’re here to help walk you through the process.
Northway 1-401
1540 Northway Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303