Student Financial Aid

SCF.edu/FinancialAid 

This section is designed to provide information and application procedures for student financial assistance awarded through the Financial Aid Services office.

The purpose of financial aid at SCF is to provide assistance to students who have demonstrated financial need or who possess academic or special talent. Awards may come from grants, scholarships, loans or part-time employment. 

Financial Aid Application Procedure 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

SCF considers the FAFSA to be the College application for need-based assistance.

The information from your FAFSA application is used to determine eligibility to receive funds from federal programs, and select state and institutional aid programs. Students should check requirements for each aid program for which they wish to be considered. Application procedures vary with the type of aid. The FAFSA should be submitted online at www.studentaid.gov. Applicants receive an acknowledgment from the U.S. Department of Education when the FAFSA is successfully submitted. This is the Student Aid Report (SAR), which is sent to the email you provided on the FAFSA application.

You must add SCF’s Federal School Code: 001504. 

Financial Aid Eligibility Criteria 

Your financial need determines your eligibility for financial aid. Generally, to qualify for federal, state and/or institutional assistance, you must:

• demonstrate financial need (for need based programs).
• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
• be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program; financial aid will be authorized only for the specific classes required for a declared program of study.
• be enrolled at least half-time at time of disbursement to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds.
• maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• show you’re qualified to obatin a college or career school education.
• sign statements on the FAFSA stating that
  • you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant; and
  • you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes and show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a GED certificate, or completed a high school education in a home school setting approved under state law.

Federal aid is available for up to 30 remedial credits. Once a student attempts 30 remedial credits, federal aid will be awarded for college-level credits only.

Official transcripts from all prior schools must be received and evaluated by SCF by the end of the first semester to remain eligible to receive financial assistance. In order to be degree-seeking at SCF, students must have a high school diploma or GED.

Deadlines

Priority deadlines for each term are provided for student financial planning. The dates for each term can be found in the academic calendar. If all required paperwork is not submitted by the term deadline, students are responsible to secure funding for classes. A student’s financial aid will be available when funding is finalized and is subject to change based on new and/or updated information.

Students can check their financial aid status by going to My.SCF.edu/.

Disbursement of Aid 

A financial aid award (other than Federal Work-Study) may be used toward fees for the specified term(s). Any balance on the account will be credited to the student unless otherwise specified by a private scholarship donor. Refunds of any credit balance will be disbursed to the student’s selected refund preference with BankMobile based on the disbursement dates specified on the academic calendar.

Students who are employed under the Federal Work-Study program will be paid biweekly for the hours they worked.

Attending Hours: A class must begin before being considered as attending. Student loans will not disburse to a student until they have at least six attending hours.

Financial Aid Terminology

Types of Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant

This is the primary Title IV aid. Qualified students may be awarded up to $7,395 for the 2023-2024 academic year at SCF.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a need-based federal program. These funds are limited and awarded based on zero EFC and date FAFSA is completed.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

This program is sponsored by the state of Florida and is designed to provide assistance to qualified students who demonstrate financial need. To apply, a student must file the FAFSA form. For eligibility rules refer to floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

State Financial Aid Programs

The Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance administers several scholarships, work and loan programs. Information on these programs, application procedures, criteria and deadlines are available at floridastudentfinancialaid.org.

Scholarships

Many local organizations, businesses and individuals offer scholarships to students. Organizations may choose their own recipients and have their own application process. Others are administered by the SCF Financial Aid Services office or the SCF Foundation. Scholarship information is available online.

Agency Assistance

State and federal agencies offer educational support for those who qualify. Such agencies include Vocational Rehabilitation, Blind Services, Workforce Investment Act, Children and Family, and Health and Rehabilitative Services. Students who may qualify should contact the proper agency directly.

Reasons for Financial Aid Repayments 

The following actions may require repayment of any grants or scholarships that have been received, including money that has been used for tuition/fees, books and supplies, and living expenses.

1. The student registers and does not attend one or all of the classes they have registered for and does not drop the classes during add/drop period. Due to reduced eligibility, the student may be required to repay any grants and/or scholarships that were received.
2. The student registers for a class and changes his or her status from credit to audit. Due to reduced eligibility, the student may be required to repay any grants and/or scholarships that were received.
3. The student registers for classes and drops all of them during add/drop but does not return books and/or supplies that were purchased through the use of a scholarship or grant. Due to reduced eligibility, the student will be required to repay any grants and/or scholarships that were received.
4. The student receives a grant or scholarship that requires full-time attendance but is carrying less than 12 load hours because a class was canceled, or the student never attends a class or changes status from credit to audit. Due to reduced eligibility, the student will be required to repay any grants and/or scholarships that were received.
5. The student completely withdraws prior to completing 60% of a term and received federal student aid.

On-Campus Employment Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that enables students to work on campus. FWS students must have completed the FAFSA. Eligibility is determined by the student’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

This is an institutional work program that enables students to work part time, up to 20 hours a week, in administrative and departmental offices, libraries and laboratories. Interested students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 throughout employment, priority is given to students enrolled in a minimum six (6) credit hours and be a matriculating student at SCF in order to work as a student assistant. Students also should be aware that the amount of Federal Student Loan dollars may be affected by the amount of FWS funds already awarded. For additional information on how FWS could affect your student loan eligibility, please contact the Financial Aid office.

Students interested in employment off campus may contact the Financial Aid Office at www.scf.edu/financialaid.

Federal Loans

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of the student’s education. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank. Financial aid awarded in the form of loans must be repaid. For this reason, these federal loans are considered to be a “self-help” form of assistance.

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible students who are accepted for admission as a regular student, are enrolled at least half time (six credit hours) and are coursework compliant at SCF during the time of disbursement. Eligibility to receive the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is based on the information reported on the FAFSA.

No interest is charged on the Direct Subsidized Loan while the student is enrolled at least half time. Interest is charged on the Direct Unsubsidized Loan from the time the loan is disbursed. Entrance and exit counseling sessions, as well as a master promissory note, are required to be completed by the student. These tasks can be completed at www.studentaid.gov. First-time freshman Direct Loan borrowers will not receive their first loan disbursement until at least 30 days after their classes begin.

Direct PLUS Loans

Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent students. The interest rate on this loan is fixed and the interest will begin at the time of disbursement. Parents have the option of contacting the loan servicer to request a deferment and/or inquire about repayment options. This loan can be applied for by the parent of the student at www.studentaid.gov. A credit check will be performed during the application process. If the parent is not approved for this loan, the student may be eligible for an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Financial Aid Refund and Repayment Policy

Refunds and Repayments 

Important: If you are a financial aid recipient, consult the Office of Financial Aid before dropping classes or withdrawing from the College.

A 100% refund of fees (less nonrefundable fees) will be made if a student withdraws on or before the last day of add/drop registration as described in the College catalog for the academic year. Exceptions to the 100% refund provision are made pursuant to federal regulations for the return of federal funds policy. If a student registers for short-term or weekend classes, they will follow the same procedures but may have separate add/drop refund deadlines.

Title IV funds (excluding Federal Work-Study and student loans) and scholarships will be refunded 100% to the appropriate federal account or scholarship if the student drops classes before the end of the drop/add period. All aid awarded but not disbursed will be refunded 100% to the appropriate account (excluding Federal Work-Study and student loans) if the student withdraws before funds are disbursed.

Any federal aid recipient who completely withdraws before the 60% point in the term will be required to repay a portion of the federal funds received under the return of Title IV funds policy. If a recipient registers for a short-term class, or changes from credit to audit, they may be required to repay the full balance of the federal funds received. The return of Title IV funds policy applies to all other recipients of federal funds who completely withdraw prior to completing more than 60% of the term.

Awards in excess of fees due (balance checks) for all continuing, eligible students will be disbursed when funds are available.

No-Show Policy

Students are not eligible to receive financial assistance for classes for which they are reported as a “no show.” The student’s financial assistance will be adjusted based on the enrollment status.

Official/Unofficial Withdrawals 

Students who wish to withdraw must follow SCF’s official withdrawal process. Students who wish to withdraw completely from SCF will be subject to loan exit counseling. If a student officially withdraws or stops attending all courses, the student may be required to repay all or part of the financial aid disbursed in that term. This will be determined by the return of Title IV funds policy.

Students receiving federal funds may be required to repay aid determined to be “unearned.” The earned/unearned calculation is based on the percentage of days the student attended during the term in which they withdrew. The amount of aid the student has earned is determined on a prorated basis. For example, if the student completed 30% of the term, the student earns 30% of the aid received.

The difference between the earned federal aid and total aid received equals the amount of “unearned” federal funds. Unearned federal funds are subject to repayment. Federal regulations require Title IV aid to be refunded in the following order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct PLUS Loan
2. Federal Pell Grant
3. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

If the student does not receive a passing grade (includes grades of I, W, WF, and F grades) at the end of the term, the amount of aid the student has earned will be determined after grades are posted for the term and it will be assumed the student unofficially withdrew at the 50% point of that term or based on the last day the student attended class as reported by the instructor.

SCF will notify the student when a refund calculation is performed due to an official or unofficial withdrawal. The student may be billed for any outstanding obligations by the student failing to earn Title IV funds, for which federal funds were disbursed. Students are not eligible for further aid until all repayments have been made.

Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress 

Federal regulations require that all students receiving Title IV financial aid (Pell Grants, FSEOG, Federal Work-Study and Direct Loans) maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which is reviewed at the end of every term (Fall, Spring and Summer).

The SAP policy consists of three requirements: Minimum financial aid cumulative GPA of 2.0, successful completion rate of 67%, and maximum time frame of 150% of the current program.

Note: The financial aid GPA is a cumulative GPA of all courses on your transcript, including remedial coursework. This is not the same as the academic GPA.

For complete policy, go to SCF.edu/SAP.

Coursework Compliance

Federal regulations mandate that students declare a valid program of study and matriculate towards the degree/certificate they are pursuing. Federal student aid will pay only for classes applicable toward a program of study.  In order to ensure eligibility, students should meet with their College and Career Success Coach or program manager and declare their major. Further, students should review their academic plan and enroll in valid courses toward their degree. 

Veterans’ Information

SCF is authorized by the State Approving Agency to certify VA educational benefits for all eligible veterans, dependents, members of the selected reserve, and active-duty personnel. 

Students who are eligible for VA or military educational benefits are strongly encouraged to contact Veteran Services at SCF Bradenton or SCF Venice as early as possible. The SCF Veteran Services web page has detailed information regarding the policies and procedures for the initiation, transfer and certification of VA educational benefits. The webpage may be viewed at SCF.edu/Veterans. It is the student’s responsibility to remain informed of VA regulations and SCF policies regarding the use of their VA or military educational benefits. Generally, SCF will only certify courses that satisfy requirements outlined for their degree or program of study as published in the student’s Catalog year of admission.  Students pursing the Associate in Arts degree must complete their Gordon Rule, international/intercultural, and any required foreign language courses as part of their 36 general education or 24 elective hours. Students transferring to SCF with credits from colleges outside Florida should meet with their veteran advisor to verify completion of requirements.        

Detailed information about the administration, eligibility requirements and payment rates for all VA educational programs can be found on the GI Bill website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp

Satisfactory Academic Progress for GI Bill Benefits

Students utilizing VA educational benefits must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their academic goals, as defined by the institution in which they are using their VA educational benefit (38 CFR § 21.4277-1). Failure to adhere to the published standards below will result in probationary status being reported to VA. 

SCF Veteran Services recognizes four academic classifications that apply to students using educational benefits administered under the VA:

• Good Standing
• Probation 1         
• Probation 2          
• VA Suspension

Good Standing

A student is considered in Good Standing when the term and cumulative GPA are 2.0 or above, and they maintain an overall completion ratio of 50%, or is on initial Good Standing during the first semester after transfer from another college or university. 

Probation 1

A student using VA educational benefits is considered on Probation 1 when either the term GPA, the institutional GPA, or the overall cumulative GPA is below 2.0, or the completion ratio drops below 50%. The student will be notified of their Probation 1 status at the end of term. 

Probation 2

A student using VA educational benefits is considered on Probation 2 when they have completed a previous semester under Probation 1 and the institutional GPA or the overall cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, or overall completion ratio remains below 50%. The student will be notified at the end of the semester. 

VA Suspension

A student is considered on VA Suspension when their institutional GPA or the overall cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after being on Probation 2 for one semester. The student may resume the use of their VA educational benefit if their overall GPA or term GPA is 2.0 or higher. Although a student may be allowed to enroll in courses while on VA suspension, because they are classified as “continued probation” with the Office of the Registrar; that student, could not have their courses certified with VA until they have achieved successful academic standing (a GPA of 2.0 or higher). Under certain circumstances, if a student’s completion ratio and GPA are close to minimum standards they may be granted continued VA Probation 2 status under the discretion of their veteran advisor.

Suspension of Chapter 31 benefits is under the jurisdiction of the appropriate Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) and office of the VA.

A student also could have the use of their VA benefits suspended at SCF if they are found to be in violation of the student Code of Conduct.  If a student’s VA benefits have been suspended due to conditions related to conduct, they may have their VA benefits reinstated only after an appropriate SCF judicial review.

Waiver of Out of State Tuition

Many active duty personnel and veterans, as well as dependents, who are receiving Transfer of Entitlement benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill may be eligible for a waiver of the out of state portion of their tuition and fees. Contact your veteran advisor for details and requirements.

Waiver for Purple Heart or Superior Combat Decorations

Florida Statute 1009.26(8) provides a fee waiver to a recipient of the Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence if the recipient is enrolling in a Florida state college or university, and provided they meet specific criteria:

1. The student is admitted as a full-time, part-time or summer-school student in an undergraduate program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
2. The student is currently, and was at the time of the military action that resulted in the awarding of the Purple Heart or other superior combat decoration, a resident of Florida;
3. The student submits the College DD Form 214, issued at the time of separation from service, as documentation that they have received a Purple Heart or other combat decoration superior in precedence.

Contact your Veteran Advisor for details.

The combat decorations that would qualify students for the provisions of the Purple Heart or Superior Combat waiver include:

Purple Heart
Bronze Star (must be “V” designation or device)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Legion of Merit (must be “V” designation or device)
Silver Star
Air Force Cross
Navy Cross
Distinguished Service Cross
Medal of Honor

Limitations of the Purple Heart or Superior Combat Decorations:

• This waiver is only applicable for 110% of the number of required credit hours of the degree or certificate program for which the student is enrolled.
• Fees are limited to those inherent in the cost of tuition and charged to every student regardless of the course(s) in which they are enrolled.
• This waiver is considered “countable aid” for student financial aid purposes.

Military Activations

Military veterans, reservists and members of the National Guard who are attending SCF may receive orders for active duty, redeployment or relocation. Dependents of military personnel who receive orders also may be affected in a similar manner. In such cases, the College must receive a copy of the student’s or military personnel’s activation, redeployment or relocation orders issued from the military in order to proceed with the dropping of courses for the term of activation.

Activation documentation may be submitted to SCF Veteran Services.

Deferments

A deferment of tuition and fees will be issued for all students who are using VA educational benefits. This deferment will be issued only if the student has submitted an SCF Request for Certification form, DD214 and/or VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Once the VA Deferment is in place on the student account SCF will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment, if not on VA or academic probation/suspension;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.