Other Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources
Federal Government
FAQs on Federal Grants
San Diego County Scholarships
College Work-Study Program
Grants and scholarships from Clubs, Organizations and Companies
The Military
AmeriCorps
HOPE Scholarship
Colleges Scholarships and Grants
Loans
Education Tuition Tax Credits
In addition to scholarships through The San Diego Foundation, there are many resources available to assist you in your financial aid plan. Below are some common options:
Federal Government
The U.S. Department of Education offers many financial aid programs, though they come with strict eligibility requirements. Depending on the specific grant, to be eligible you must meet some or all of the following:
- Have a demonstrated financial need
- Possess a high school diploma, a GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program or training offered
- Be enrolled in an eligible program at least half-time
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Make satisfactory academic progress
- Sign a statement of education purpose/certification on refunds and default
- Sign an Anti-Drug Act Certification
- Sign a statement of updated information and registration status
These are several specific federal grants and loans of note:
Federal Pell Grant
This is a federally funded program, which provides non-repayable grants to students based on their financial need and the total cost of attending a particular school. Eligibility for the academic year is based on the formula established by the Federal government. Pell Grants may be paid directly to you, your school or a combination of both. The amount of the award depends on your Expected Family Contribution and on the cost of attendance, whether you are a full-time or part-time student, and if you attend for a full academic year. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Federal Plus Loan
The Federal Plus Loan program enables parents with good credit histories to borrow money to pay the educational expenses of dependent, undergraduate students. Parents may borrow amounts not to exceed the difference between the cost of college minus any other financial aid the student receives. The interest rate is variable, but it will not exceed 99% and is adjusted each year on July 1.
Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is a program for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients, and the grant does not have to be paid back. Considerations are based on when you apply, your level of need, the funding level of the school you plan to attend, and the policies of the financial aid office.
For additional information on Federal Financial Aid Programs, call 1-800-433-3243 (hearing impaired TTY: 1-800-730-8913) or visit the federal student aid website.
The FAFSA:
If you seek financial aid from the federal government you should apply every year, even if you think you do not qualify. There are many factors affecting eligibility. To apply you will need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA also is required by all state and many school student assistance programs. There is no charge to submit this form.
For most of the federal student aid programs, the FAFSA is the only form you need to file. It is available electronically or in hard copy. You can obtain this form through your high school guidance counselor, by calling 800-433-3243, (hearing impaired TTY: 800-730-8913) or by visiting the federal FAFSA website.
When you apply, be certain that you have all the necessary records and materials on hand. Read the instructions carefully and pay close attention to questions relating to income. Also, be sure to save or keep a copy of your filed FAFSA application. You may need it later to prove that information you reported is accurate.
FAQs on Federal Grants
1. When should I apply?
2. Do I need to reapply for federal aid every year?
3. What happens after I submit the application?
1. When should I apply?
You cannot apply for financial assistance prior to January 1, as you will need your tax information from the prior year, so apply as soon as possible after the new year begins. Do not sign, date or send in your application before January 1. If you apply by mail, send your completed application using the envelope that came with the document to ensure it reaches the correct address.
2. Do I need to reapply for federal aid every year?
Eligibility is determined annually, and because circumstances can change greatly from one year to the next, you must reapply for federal aid every year. Check with your college to find out what steps you must take to continue receiving aid. After you apply for the first time you may be able to renew your application by completing a Renewal FAFSA form. With this form you only need to complete the information that changed from the previous award year.
3. What happens after I submit the application?
If the application is submitted by mail, it will be processed in approximately six weeks. You will then receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. The SAR will reflect the information from your application and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Each college you listed on the FAFSA application will also receive the results from your application. If you haven’t received a SAR within six weeks, you can check the status of your application by calling 800-433-3243 (Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time, except Federal holidays).
If you apply electronically, your application will be processed sooner, in about three weeks. The results will be sent electronically to you and your college. You will also receive a copy in the mail.
When you receive the SAR, please review the information carefully. If changes are necessary you may need to resubmit your FAFSA. If the document is accurate, the completed form will arrive at your school by the last day of enrollment, or by August 31, whichever is earlier.
San Diego County Scholarships
There is a wide variety of scholarships offered by various organizations throughout San Diego County. Please contact the organization directly for more information about a particular scholarship. View list of San Diego County Scholarships.
College Work-Study Program
Work-study is a good way to reduce your debt, allowing you to work while attending school. While work-study wages are minimum wage, they don’t count as income for the next year’s financial aid package.
Grants and scholarships from Clubs, Organizations and Companies
Clubs, alumni groups, and civic organizations provide funds for college students. These awards are usually small. Many companies provide money for college, so your parents or guardians should be encouraged to inquire with their employers.
The Military
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) has branches at many colleges. To qualify for a ROTC scholarship you must apply to the program in your senior year of high school, have good grades, meet SAT criteria, and pass a physical exam. Competition for these scholarships is very intense, but if you are selected you will receive a full or partial scholarship, plus a monthly allowance. In return you commit to go on active duty following graduation.
AmeriCorps
The AmeriCorps program provides educational awards in return for community service. After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps members who are enrolled in the National Service Trust are eligible to receive an education award. The award is $4,725 for full-time members. Part-time members are eligible for a portion of that amount. This can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions, or to repay qualified student loans. A member has up to seven years after his or her term of service ends to claim the award.
In addition to the education award, some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance, during their term of service.
For more information on the AmeriCorps program, call 1-202-606-5000 (hearing impaired TTY: 1-202-606-3472) or visit the AmericCorps website.
HOPE Scholarship
A high school senior entering his or her freshman year of college may be eligible for as much as a $1,500 in HOPE tax credits. Eligible students receive 100% tax credit on the first $1,000 of tuition and required fees, and a 50% credit on the second $1,000, for a maximum of $1,500. This credit is available for tuition and required fees less grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance.
The credit can be claimed for students who are in their first two years of college or vocational school, and who are enrolled on a half-time basis in a degree or certificate program for any portion of the year. The taxpayer can claim a credit for his own tuition expense or for the expenses of his or her spouse or dependent children. This credit is unavailable to joint filers who claim between $83,000 and $103,000 of adjusted gross income, and single filers who claim between $40,000 and $50,000 of adjusted gross income.
Colleges Scholarships and Grants
A college that really wants you may give you a full or partial scholarship or grant. Some colleges will award scholarships and grants based on need alone, while others assign aid based on merit or athletic ability. It’s recommended to consult the financial aid office at the respective college for more information.
Loans
Bank may offer loan rate reductions to students attending schools in the state in which the bank is located. Also, check with the financial aid office at your prospective college to find out whether any of these rate-reduction programs are available at a local bank in the school’s area.
Education Tuition Tax Credits
Several tax benefits exist for parents who have paid for or plan to pay for their children to attend college. These tax reductions can be helpful in giving working Americans the financial means to access higher education opportunities. For more information, consult a tax advisor.
It is the goal of The San Diego Foundation to be a primary resource for all of your financial aid information. If in your search you find other scholarships that are available but not listed here, please email us at scholarships@sdfoundation.org as we would like to add them to our database.