Shawnee Community College offers financial aid from federal, state, institutional, and private sources to help eligible students pay for college.
Grants
Grants are financial aid that do not have to be repaid. Most grants are awarded based on financial need and require a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant that does not have to be repaid. Eligibility is determined using information from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program.
- Meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
- Not have earned a bachelor’s degree (with limited exceptions).
Learn More: Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Funding is limited and awarded to eligible students until available funds are exhausted.
Learn More: FSEOG
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)
The MAP Grant helps eligible Illinois residents pay tuition and mandatory fees at approved Illinois colleges.
Awards are based on:
- FAFSA information
- Financial need
- Available state funding
Because funding is limited, students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
Learn More: ISAC MAP Grant
Illinois National Guard (ING) Grant
Eligible members of the Illinois National Guard may receive assistance toward tuition and certain mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges and universities.
Learn More: Illinois National Guard Grant
Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)
Eligible Illinois veterans may receive assistance covering tuition and mandatory fees at Illinois public colleges.
Learn More: Illinois Veteran Grant
Grant Program for Dependents
Illinois offers tuition assistance programs for eligible spouses and dependents of:
Learn More: ISAC Grant Programs
Grant Program for Exonerees
Eligible individuals who have received a pardon based on innocence or a certificate of innocence may qualify for tuition and mandatory fee assistance at Illinois public colleges.
Learn More: Grant Program for Exonerees
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides eligible students with part-time employment to help pay educational expenses.
Benefits include:
- Flexible work schedules
- Valuable work experience
- Earnings that generally do not reduce future FAFSA eligibility
Funding is limited. Indicate your interest on the FAFSA to be considered.
Learn More: Federal Work-Study , Open Positions at SCC
Private Alternative Loans
What they are:
Private educational loans offered by banks, credit unions, and other private lenders to help cover educational expenses.
Who they’re for:
Students who need additional funding after other financial aid has been considered. Eligibility and loan amounts are determined by the lender and may require a credit check or cosigner.
Before You Apply
Compare lenders carefully and consider:
- Interest rates (fixed or variable)
- Loan fees
- Repayment options
- Deferment options
- Cosigner requirements
- Borrow only what you need
Shawnee Community College does not recommend or endorse any lender and does not receive incentives from lenders. Students are encouraged to compare loan options to find the one that best meets their needs.
Before You Borrow
Private loans generally have higher interest rates and less favorable repayment terms than federal financial aid. Explore grants, scholarships, payment plans, and employment opportunities before applying for a private loan.
Learn More: ELMSelect Private Alternative Loans