Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)

Application for Student Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step all students must take in obtaining student financial aid (grants, loans, and work study). This is the official website for Federal Student Aid — any other websites may charge a fee to apply.

• Make sure to select the appropriate academic year.
• The FAFSA must be completed each academic year.
• SCC's School Code is 005537.
• SCC has a priority FAFSA application date of May 1.

Steps to Apply

1. Create an FSA ID. The FSA ID gives you access to the Department of Education's online system and serves as your legal signature, allowing you to sign your FAFSA electronically. Your parents (if applicable) should also create an FSA ID if parent information is required on the FAFSA.
2. Apply for Admission to SCC. You must be admitted to SCC before we can determine financial aid eligibility for you.
3. Complete and submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Allow 5–7 business days for SCC to receive your information after you submit.
4. Check your eServices account regularly after SCC receives your FAFSA — your financial aid status will be updated there.

FAFSA Help Sessions

If you have questions or would like assistance completing the FAFSA or creating an FSA ID, please schedule an appointment with our Financial Aid Office.

Important FAFSA Tips

• Follow the directions completely. Errors can cause significant delays in processing your financial aid.
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) in the "Financial" sections of the FAFSA (for both students and parents). This links your tax return information directly into the income fields, saving time and reducing the chance that follow-up information will be needed.
• If you have special circumstances that affect your financial aid eligibility, notify SCC's Financial Aid Office.
• Use your FSA ID to sign your FAFSA electronically.
• Remember to update your FSA ID if your name changes.
• If you receive an error when signing electronically, sign in to your FSA ID account and verify your personal information is correct.