Applying for Aid

Step 1: Create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at StudentAid.gov. Your FSA ID is used to access, complete, and electronically sign the FAFSA. All required contributors (such as a parent or spouse, if applicable) must also have their own FSA ID.

Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and list Shawnee Community College (Federal School Code: 007693).

• Tip: If you and your contributors provide consent, federal tax information will be securely transferred through the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX), reducing errors and processing time.

Step 3: After your FAFSA is processed, review your FAFSA Submission Summary to confirm your information. If corrections are needed, you can update your FAFSA online—you do not need to submit a new application.

Important

• Submit a FAFSA each academic year.
• Filing electronically is the fastest and most accurate way to apply.
• Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated from your FAFSA and is used to determine eligibility for many financial aid programs.
• Monitor your SCC email and Student Self-Service for requests for additional information or verification documents.

Learn More

Create an FSA ID

FAFSA 

FAFSA Submission Summary 

To be eligible for most federal and state financial aid programs, you must:

• Demonstrate financial need (for most programs).
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number (unless exempt under federal regulations).
• Be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year and provide any required documentation.
• Meet federal requirements for a high school diploma, GED, homeschool completion, or another approved method of demonstrating eligibility.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply based on your citizenship status, enrollment, default or overpayment history, or other federal regulations.

Learn More

Eligible Noncitizens  

FAFSA Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Shawnee Community College SAP

Many non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal financial aid, including:

• U.S. nationals
• Permanent residents (Green Card holders)
• Refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian parolees
• Eligible victims of human trafficking (T Visa holders)
• Certain individuals protected under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
• Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau (limited federal aid eligibility)

Some eligible noncitizens may be required to provide documentation from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Learn More: FAFSA Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens

Undocumented & DACA Students

Students who are undocumented or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they may qualify for Illinois state financial aid and private scholarships.

Learn More: Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Under the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act, eligible undocumented, DACA, and certain transgender students who are ineligible for federal aid may apply for Illinois state financial aid, including the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant.

Apply Here: Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

Verification is the process of confirming the information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may be selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education or by Shawnee Community College.

If selected, the Financial Aid Office will notify you of the required documentation through your student portal and/or SCC email. All requested documents must be submitted before your financial aid eligibility can be determined.

Most applicants who provide consent will have federal tax information transferred directly through the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX). If additional documentation is required, the Financial Aid Office will notify you.

If corrections to your FAFSA are necessary, Shawnee Community College will submit the corrections on your behalf. You will receive an updated FAFSA Submission Summary after the changes are processed.

Verification must be completed before financial aid can be awarded or disbursed. Failure to submit all requested documentation by federal deadlines may result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.

Learn More

Verification Forms

FAFSA Submission Summary

IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX)

Once your FAFSA and all required documents have been received and reviewed, Shawnee Community College will notify you when your financial aid offer is available.

Your financial aid offer may include eligible federal, state, institutional, and scholarship funding, as well as Federal Work-Study.

Students can view and manage their financial aid through Student Self-Service, where you can:

• Review your financial aid offer
• Accept or decline eligible awards
• Complete outstanding requirements
• View your student account balance

Access

FAFSA Successful Submission

SCC Student Self-Service

The Financial Aid Office determines your eligibility for financial aid, while the Business Office applies and disburses funds to your student account.

Students should be prepared to cover the cost of books and supplies at the beginning of each semester, as financial aid refunds are not available immediately.

After tuition, fees, and other authorized charges are paid, any remaining financial aid credit will be refunded to you. Refunds are generally processed around midterm, provided all eligibility requirements have been met.

Learn More

SCC Bursar’s Office

SCC Disbursement

Changes to your enrollment may affect your financial aid eligibility, tuition charges, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

• Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes may reduce or cancel your financial aid.
• Dropped and withdrawn courses are included in your SAP calculation.
• If your financial aid is reduced by more than your tuition adjustment, you may owe a balance to the College.

Learn More: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Unofficial Withdrawal

Students who stop attending all classes without completing the official withdrawal process may be considered an unofficial withdrawal.

The Financial Aid Office will determine your last date of attendance and review your eligibility under the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) regulations. Enrollment changes are also reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and the National Student Clearinghouse.

Learn More: Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Reduced Hours of Enrollment

Your financial aid is based on the number of credit hours you are enrolled in and billed for. Enrollment is generally locked after the 10th day of the semester, although exceptions may apply for late-start or eight-week courses.

In general:

• Federal Pell Grant: Full award requires 12 or more credit hours.
• Illinois MAP Grant: Full award requires 15 credit hours.
• Most grants and scholarships: Require at least 6 credit hours, unless otherwise specified.

Reducing your enrollment may lower your financial aid and could result in a balance owed.