Shelton State Community College provides a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. These options include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Grants
Grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Shelton State offers a variety of grants, including:
- The Federal Pell Grant: This grant is available to low-income undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $6,895.
- The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is available to low-income undergraduate students who are also eligible for the Pell Grant. The maximum FSEOG award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $4,000.
- The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) Grant: This grant is available to Alabama residents who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Shelton State. The maximum ASAP Grant award for the 2023-2024 academic year is $2,000.
Scholarships
Scholarships are also free money that does not need to be repaid. Shelton State offers a variety of scholarships, including:
- The Shelton State Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 24 or higher. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to four years.
- The Shelton State Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to two years.
- The Shelton State Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to one year.
Loans
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Shelton State offers a variety of loans, including:
- The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: This loan is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The government pays the interest on this loan while the student is enrolled in school.
- The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: This loan is available to all undergraduate and graduate students. The student is responsible for paying the interest on this loan while enrolled in school.
- The Federal Direct PLUS Loan: This loan is available to parents of undergraduate students. The parent is responsible for paying the interest on this loan.
Work-Study
Work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for their education. Shelton State offers a variety of work-study programs, including:
- The Federal Work-Study Program: This program provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Students can work up to 20 hours per week.
- The Alabama Work-Study Program: This program provides jobs for students who are Alabama residents. Students can work up to 15 hours per week.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Shelton State, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Deadlines
The priority deadline for applying for financial aid at Shelton State is March 15th. However, you may still be eligible for financial aid if you apply after this deadline.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about financial aid at Shelton State, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
- Phone: (205) 391-2238
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sheltonstate.edu/finaid
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The first step to applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Step 2: Submit Your FAFSA to Shelton State
Once you have completed the FAFSA, you must submit it to Shelton State. You can submit your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov or by mail at the following address:
Office of Financial Aid
Shelton State Community College
P.O. Box 3037
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
Step 3: Review Your Financial Aid Award
Once Shelton State has received your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid award letter. This letter will outline the types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible for.
Step 4: Accept Your Financial Aid
If you accept your financial aid award, you will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN is a legal document that obligates you to repay your student loans.
Step 5: Disbursement of Financial Aid
Your financial aid will be disbursed to your student account at the beginning of each semester. You can use your financial aid to pay for tuition and fees, books, and other expenses.
Mistake 1: Not completing the FAFSA
The FAFSA is the most important step in applying for financial aid. If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will not be eligible for any federal or state financial aid.
Mistake 2: Submitting your FAFSA late
The priority deadline for applying for financial aid is March 15th. However, you may still be eligible for financial aid if you apply after this deadline.
Mistake 3: Not accepting your financial aid award
If you do not accept your financial aid award, you will forfeit the opportunity to receive the financial aid that you are eligible for.
Mistake 4: Not completing a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
The MPN is a legal document that obligates you to repay your student loans. If you do not complete an MPN, you will not be able to receive your student loans.
Mistake 5: Not using your financial aid wisely
Your financial aid should be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, books, and other expenses. Do not use your financial aid to pay for personal expenses, such as rent or food.
Financial aid can help you make college more affordable. If you need help paying for college, be sure to apply for financial aid.