The financial aid process can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially if you’re going through it for the first time. With so many forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to start. But South Piedmont Community College is here to help. At South Piedmont, you’ll get the support and guidance you need to make sense of your options and get the resources to help pay for college.
The Financial Aid Process
At South Piedmont, we strive to make the financial aid process as quick, easy, and stress-free as possible. There are three major steps in applying for financial aid. At each stage, it’s important that you provide complete and accurate information and that you closely monitor your South Piedmont email. This is where we will send important updates, reminders, and communications regarding your financial aid status.
Apply for Financial Aid
Start by creating an FSA ID and filling out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov — it’s the first step to getting grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. We may ask for a few extra forms, so keep an eye on your email. It will take up to five business days for your FAFSA to be processed. Be sure to enter this information when completing the FAFSA: South Piedmont School Code – 007985. The FAFSA opens on Oct. 1 of each year and closes on June 30.
Review Your Award Letter
Once your FAFSA is processed, you’ll will be notified about your eligibility for state and federal financial aid. You can also apply for institutional scholarships through the South Piedmont Foundation.
Follow Up and Stay on Track
After you accept your financial aid, South Piedmont will apply it directly to your tuition and fees. If there’s any money left over, you’ll receive a refund to help with other educational costs.
Don’t Forget: You will need to submit a new FAFSA each year to keep getting aid.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Even if you think you may not qualify for financial aid, it’s still a good idea to apply. Many types of aid have eligibility requirements that may surprise you, and you could be eligible for scholarships, grants, or other forms of support that you might suspect. The paperwork is worth it. Complete the FAFSA.
– Dr. Kerstin Alston, Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Services
Key Financial Aid Terms & Definitions
When you apply for financial aid, you’ll encounter terms you may never have heard before, such as “Pell Grant” and “dependency status.” Don’t let the language overwhelm you. Here are some of the common phrases used in the financial aid process and what they mean to you.
A document from your college listing the types and amounts of financial aid you’re eligible to receive.
The total estimated cost to attend college for one year — including tuition, fees, books, housing, and other expenses.
Determines whether you report just your financial information or also your parents’ on the FAFSA.
When your financial aid funds are applied to your student account to cover tuition and fees.
The form you complete each year to apply for federal, state, and some institutional financial aid.
Free money for college that you don’t have to pay back — usually based on financial need.
A federal grant for students with significant financial need that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Money awarded for education that you don’t repay — often based on academics, talent, or other criteria.
A number calculated from your FAFSA that colleges use to determine how much financial aid you may qualify for.
A process where the financial aid office may ask you to provide additional documents to confirm information on your FAFSA.
A program that allows you to earn money through a part-time job on or near campus while you’re enrolled in school.
Important Financial Aid Resources
Explore these helpful resources to help you complete the financial aid process with ease.
Pay Your Bill
Review instructions and options for paying your South Piedmont bill.
Essential Financial Aid Forms
You’ll complete several forms during the financial aid process. We’ve made them all easy to find here.
Tuition & Fees
We know you’re wondering: How much does South Piedmont cost? We’ve made our tuition and fees easy to understand here.
Financial Aid for Veterans
If you’ve served in the military, you may be able to access the GI Bill and other forms of veteran student aid. Explore the options here.
Net Price Calculator
Under the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, colleges that offer federal student aid must have a net price calculator on their website. You can use this tool to estimate the cost of attending based on your individual circumstances.
Basics of Financial Literacy
College is one of the biggest financial investments you will make. Learn about the basics of financial literacy to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
Scholarships
Check out our scholarship guide to see what funding you may be eligible to receive.
Financial Aid Calendar
Financial aid comes with its own set of deadlines. View our financial aid calendar here.
Make a Budget
The financial aid process is a great time to make a budget for your personal and educational expenses. Get started today!
Special Circumstances and Professional Judgment
South Piedmont understands that household financial situations can change. While the FAFSA determines your eligibility based on financial information from the past two years, the Professional Judgment process allows for a reevaluation of aid due to significant changes in your life circumstances.
- Standard living expenses (i.e., utilities, car payments)
- Mortgage payments
- Personal debt
- Bankruptcy
- High school dual-enrolled students
- Students with a prior bachelor’s degree (these students are only eligible for Cost of Attendance adjustments in the form of private education loans)
- Students who are eligible for federal aid
A change to the SAI could result in a shift in eligibility for need-based awards. However, it is not guaranteed. Possible changes include:
- One-time taxable income (IRA distribution, pension distribution, etc.)
- Loss or change of employment
- Child support change
- Death of parent or spouse
- Excessive medical expenses (must exceed 11 percentof adjusted gross income)
A change to the COA does not result in a shift in need-based awards. It simply increases the total budget (known as the COA), which only allows for an increase to private education loans. Possible changes include:
- Cost of professional licensure required for student’s major
- Costs associated with a student’s disability
- One-time purchase of a computer for educational use
If you meet one one of the changes listed in the COA section, please contact our office by emailing finaid@spcc.edu.