College is a big step. While San Jacinto College offers an affordable education, you might not be able to pay for everything out of pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n If navigating financial aid is holding you back, we can help. Here to guide you in the process are Robert Merino<\/span>, dean of financial aid, and Tammy McAdams<\/span>, San Jacinto College Foundation coordinator of advancement.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn how to apply for financial aid and snag Foundation scholarships.<\/span><\/p>\n Campus welcome centers offer financial aid and other advising to help you achieve your goals at San Jac.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n Q: What is financial aid, and how do I apply for it?<\/span><\/p>\n Robert Merino:<\/span> Financial aid helps students and their families cover education expenses like tuition, course materials, transportation, and more. It includes grants, scholarships, federal or private loans, work-study, and paid internships.<\/span><\/p>\n You apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll complete the FAFSA if you are:<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll complete the TASFA if you\u2019re a Texas resident who is not eligible to complete the FAFSA.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: I hear the FAFSA is complicated. Has it gotten easier to complete?<\/span><\/p>\n RM:<\/span> The FAFSA keeps evolving every year. Since the application moved online, the questions have become dynamic. This means some questions are skipped if you or your parents meet certain criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA?<\/span><\/p>\n RM: <\/span>You need:<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What is expected family contribution (EFC), and what if I\u2019m paying my own way through school?<\/span><\/p>\n RM:<\/span> The EFC comes from a formula applied to FAFSA data. It estimates what your family can contribute toward your education expenses and determines how much financial aid you may receive. A low number allows you to receive the most aid.<\/span><\/p>\n If your EFC is high but your family can\u2019t help you, still complete the FAFSA. Our Foundation offers merit-based scholarships that require a FAFSA on file, and our financial aid administrators can adjust the FAFSA income criteria if your household income has changed.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: If I\u2019ve completed the FAFSA or TASFA, how will I find out the aid I\u2019m receiving?<\/span><\/p>\n RM:<\/span> You may have to submit verification documents first. Then the College sends you a financial aid offer letter via email. This tells you how much you will receive as a full-time student. However, you don\u2019t have to enroll full time to receive aid. The actual amount depends on your enrollment.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What kind of aid can I get?<\/span><\/p>\n RM:<\/span> The most common aid San Jac students receive is grants<\/span> (like Pell). Pell eligibility is based on the EFC. Those with an EFC between zero and $5,846 qualify. As the EFC approaches $5,846, the Pell amount decreases.<\/span><\/p>\n Student loans<\/span> must be repaid when you graduate or drop from at least half-time status.<\/span><\/p>\n Work-study<\/span> allows you to earn aid by working an approved position on or off campus. You must enroll at least half time and have financial aid need.<\/span><\/p>\n Exemptions and waivers<\/span> are paid to students who meet certain conditions. Examples include being deaf or blind, the child of a disabled firefighter or police officer, part of the foster care system, and\/or a child or spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: I feel overwhelmed. Can you help me?<\/span><\/p>\n RM: <\/span>Yes! We have experienced financial aid advisors standing by to help you with everything. Our campuses are open for walk-in assistance. You may also schedule a virtual appointment at www.sanjac.edu\/connect-virtually.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: How do I find the general scholarship application? When does this open?<\/span><\/p>\n Tammy McAdams: <\/span>First, make sure you\u2019ve applied to San Jac, claimed your SOS account, and completed the FAFSA or TASFA. You will need an SOS login to apply for Foundation scholarships.<\/span><\/p>\n Next, visit sjcd.academicworks.com. There are two application cycles:<\/span><\/p>\n For a greater chance of receiving a scholarship, apply during the primary cycle. This allows you to plan your finances for the full academic year since most scholarships are for two semesters.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What do I need to fill out the application?<\/span><\/p>\n TM:<\/span> Gather these documents and information:<\/span><\/p>\n Q: How will I know which specific scholarships I\u2019m eligible for? Do I apply separately for these?<\/span><\/p>\n TM:<\/span> There are two types of scholarship opportunities:<\/span><\/p>\n Q: I\u2019ve heard scholarships are hard to get. Should I even try?<\/span><\/p>\n TM: <\/span>Yes, apply! The Foundation works hard to raise scholarship funds to help students achieve their goals. AcademicWorks is a one-stop shop to give you the most comprehensive access to San Jac\u2019s generous scholarship offerings. Complete one application, and you will be considered for many. The application is completely online, making it easy to apply!<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What\u2019s your best piece of advice for me to stand out?<\/span><\/p>\n TM:<\/span> Write great short essay responses. Sing your own praises. Think carefully about each question and share things about yourself that you can\u2019t show anywhere else in the application. This is one time when you need to brag.<\/span><\/p>\n Talk about recognition and awards you’ve received. Emphasize activities that show your talents and passions and demonstrate your leadership, initiative, persistence through adversity, and community service. Have someone else check your grammar and spelling but do your own writing.<\/span><\/p>\n Check out these resources to get cash for college and lower your expenses!<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sanjac.mycareerfocus.org\/fall-2021-volume-1-issue-3\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/09\/Welcome_Center_Central_Campus-1024x683.jpg\")
Financial Aid 101<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Foundation Scholarships<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Cheat Sheet<\/h2>\n