The mission of the Financial Aid Office is to assist students in securing the funds necessary to pursue their education and training goals at South Florida Community College. This mission includes a commitment to assisting students in maximizing grant/scholarship aid. The office is committed to providing quality customer service and reliable information. Staff members are committed to working with the community by providing financial aid workshops and consultation for high school counselors and other members of the public.

PHILOSOPHY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The South Florida Community College program of financial aid exists to provide students who, without assistance, would be unable to attend. Most financial aid is offered based on financial need as determined by the federal government's system of analysis of need.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL NEED?

Financial need is the difference between the costs of attending college (cost of attendance) and the amount the student (and parents for dependent applicants) can be expected to contribute towards the cost of attendance. South Florida Community College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need based on federal regulations and information supplied by you and your family. The FAFSA is available on the web: www.fafsa.ed.gov

Financial aid consists of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or part-time employment offered to help a student meet college expenses. Such assistance is provided by, or through, federal and state agencies, foundations, corporations, private donors, and the College.

The amount and types of financial assistance a student receives are determined through federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Awards are generally offered to students in combinations, or packages, which may consist of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or employment designed to help students meet their educational costs.

     Grants and Scholarships are "gift" aid and need not be repaid. They usually contain certain provisions which students must adhere to in order to meet the criteria of the grant or scholarship. 

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

     Loans are available at low interest rates and can be repaid over an extended period of time, usually after graduation. At South Florida Community College, loans are regarded as a "last resort" source of financial assistance. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their program of education at SFCC without student loans; however, if it becomes necessary to borrow, low-cost federal education loans are available to qualifying students.

     A limited number of part-time jobs are also available each year to assist students. Students are paid an hourly rate for work performed. The College works closely with each student to arrange a work schedule that does not interfere with scheduled class time. See the Work Study Program for details.