Financial Aid
You should apply for financial aid, and renew each year. There are a several types of financial aid available to assist eligible students in financing their education, available through one application - the FAFSA. Financial aid can be a combination of grants, work study, loans and scholarships. In general, you are automatically awarded all the aid you are eligible for after applying and submitting required documentation to the school each year.
Start the financial aid process by applying using the FAFSA.
Grants
This is also known as "gift aid". You are not required to pay back grant funds you received as long as you are eligible for them.
Work Study
This is also known as "earned aid". As you work, you earn funds just like you would any other job. You are not required to pay this money back. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for work study.
Federal Loans
This is also known as "borrowed aid". You will be responsible to pay back what you take, plus any interest and fees associated with the loan.
Scholarships (Various Sources)
Scholarships are similar to grants in that the funds are gifted to you. Scholarships can be funded at the federal, state, and institutional level.
Some scholarships are automatically awarded based on how early you complete the FAFSA. These scholarships are need-based and often require you to be eligible for the Pell Grant to qualify. Other scholarships are awarded based on merit, talent, and/or need and have their own deadlines for application.
Scholarships provided by a business or community organization other than the College are considered external scholarships.
Discounted Tuition (Admissions)
Residency = the Admissions Office. In accordance with Florida State Statute 1009.21, students whose permanent physical residence is the State of Florida may petition for discounted tuition by completing and submitting the Florida Residency Declaration form. This form and accompanying required documentation must be submitted to the Office of Admissions in Room R-101 or at any of SF's centers. The Florida Residency Declaration may also be faxed to 352-395-7300 or scanned and emailed to admissions@sfcollege.edu.
Community Partnerships and Benefits
Depending on individual circumstances, you could qualify for certain benefits to assist with education costs. Typically you need to contact the appropriate office to start the process.
Waivers and Exemptions (Admissions)
Exemptions and waivers allow some students to pay less tuition and/or fees for classes depending on specific circumstances. In order to receive the benefit of these waivers and/or exemptions, you must meet the requirements for the fee reduction by presenting documentation to the appropriate department.
Veterans/Military (Veteran's Services Office)
The Veterans Service office can assist you in how to get your benefits started. A dependent and/or survivor of an active military member or veteran may be able to use these benefits as well.
Dual Enrollment / Career Pathways (Dual Enrollment / Career Pathways)
High School Dual Enrollment /Career Pathways are early enrollment programs that allow high school students (usually juniors, and seniors) to enroll in courses for college credit and/or industry certifications prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through these programs are simultaneously applied toward high school and college, and can be transferred to the College. Note: College-level courses attempted in these programs are evaluated for financial aid eligibility.
Free programs (Displaced Homemakers)
Focus on the Future (by the Displaced Homemaker Program) offers free classes and workshops throughout the year pertaining to empowerment and employability, including life management skills and computer skills.
Apprenticeships (Career and Tech. Ed.)
Did you know there are some programs that are free for students? This is because some programs like TRAMCON are funded by grants if they are in a fast-growing, high-need field.
As an apprentice, you will be sponsored by your employer who pays all required fees or reimburses you upon completion of the program.
Vocational Rehabilitation (DRC or Adult Ed.)
The SF Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) and Adult Education Programs encourage students to seek assistance for any issue that may be affecting their college career, even a non-academic concern such as finances. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is one of the resources available for such instance. In addition to the general customer employment program, VR has additional specific programs designed to help eligible people with become employed.
Internet & Computers
A national program called EveryoneOn is designed to help local communities find low-cost internet and affordable computers in their area. Santa Fe College has partnered with EveryoneOn's Digital Equity Champions program to connect our students and their families to internet (beyond a cell phone) to ensure they have access to what they need at home to be successful.
Employer Plans (Your Employer)
Some employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Employees should take advantage of this opportunity because it is one benefit that lasts forever. Typically, these programs are run through the company’s Human Resources department so that is a good place to start if you are trying to determine if this is an option for you.
Self Pay
Payment Plan (Cashier's Office)
The Cashier's Office has partnered with NelNet to offer a payment plan for students who must self pay. The payment plan allows you to break up the cost of tuition into more manageable amounts. The payments get larger as you get closer to when classes begin, so be sure to plan.
Private Loans
The Financial Aid Office processes private (alternative) loans. Private loans are non-federal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency or other entity. Borrowers are expected to pay back the amount borrowed, plus interest and fees. Private loans often do not have the same delayed interest or flexible repayment terms that federal loans have, so federal loans should be considered before private loans.
Florida Prepaid (Cashier's Office)
A Florida Prepaid College Plan allows families to prepay the future cost of college. The plan pays the tuition, tuition differential fee and other specified fees covered under the plan at any Florida College or State University.
The Cashier's Office handles Florida Prepaid for the College. The student's Florida Prepaid account will be accessed automatically after registering for classes. If you do not wish to use Florida Prepaid, contact the Cashier's Office to hold the automatic process.
Tip: If you need additional time to complete these processes, have exhausted all of these options or your have a remaining balance due after your funding is applied, please view how to pay through the Cashier's office website.
Your classes may be removed or "dropped" from your schedule or you will receive an invoice from the College, unless your account is at a $0.00 balance with the Cashier's Office.
