San Jacinto College offers many financial aid resources.
Most realize that earning a college credential increases earning capacity. And yet college can be expensive, and costs seem to steadily increase.
The average cost to attend a community college in Texas is around $3,000 per year, and it costs at least three times that a year to attend most universities in the state. “That can be a big financial burden, especially for low- to medium-income families,” commented Robert Merino, San Jacinto College dean of financial aid services.
Robert Merino, San Jacinto College dean of financial aid services, looks over files with Margarita Lerma, who works in the College’s financial aid office through a work-study program.
Photo credit: Rob Vanya, San Jacinto College.
Consequently, San Jacinto College is proactive in letting students know about financial aid resources. “Many students feel intimidated by application forms, but San Jacinto College has financial aid advisors to provide assistance,” Merino said. “They can help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and can provide information about all types of available financial aid.” And students do not have to pay for financial aid assistance – it is available free at San Jacinto College.
The following are some of the financial aid opportunities available to San Jacinto College students.
- Grants, which awards money to students and does not have to be repaid. There are several different grants, and award amounts differ depending on the grant.
- Federal work-study programs, which enables students to work for money while attending school. Jobs can be on campus or off campus, and pay can vary, but there are no minimum or maximum amounts that can be earned.
- Low-interest student loans, which must be repaid, but some loans are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Alternative loans, which are available through outside financial institutions. Interest rates vary and borrowers must qualify based on their credit scores.
- Scholarships, which are available through the San Jacinto College Foundation.
San Jacinto College student Margarita Lerma is taking advantage of two financial aid opportunities to finance her education. She qualified for a Pell Grant, which does not have to be repaid, and she works part-time in the College’s financial aid office under a work-study program. Thanks to the two resources, the cost of her first two years of college will be completely covered. “With the grant and the job at the College, I thankfully have no stress about how to pay for my education,” Lerma commented. “That leaves me free to just focus on studies. I honestly do not think I could attend college without the financial aid assistance.”
Lerma, a graduate of Pasadena Memorial High School, will earn a general studies associate degree from San Jacinto College in 2017, and plans to transfer to the University of Houston – Clear Lake.
Her story illustrates how students need not let money keep them from attending college. Help is as close as the financial aid office at any of the three San Jacinto College campuses. To learn more, please visit sanjac.edu/financial-aid.
– Rob Vanya