Debunking Financial Aid Myths

Financial Aid Office

Salt Lake Community College is Utah's most affordable institution of higher education. Even then, figuring out how to pay for college can be intimidating for some SLCC students. There are multiple ways you can make your education more affordable while pursuing your dreams. Here are the top five myths when it comes to financial aid.

1. Financial Aid and FAFSA is the same things. False.

Financial aid is the broad term utilized to explain any form of monetary assistance that helps pay for college and any expenses related to it to help afford attending college, for example, a computer to complete assignments, books or other school supplies. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, is a government application to help determine federal aid eligibility.

2. I only need to apply for FAFSA once in my college career. False.

During your college career, you need to apply for FAFSA every year. Though the application is extensive and complex, the SLCC Financial Aid office can help with filling out the application. "Please submit your FAFSA. If they submit it by the end of April, it is not too late," says Josh Montavon, director of Financial Aid.

3. I don't qualify for Financial Aid. Most students qualify for some financial aid regardless of their status.

• If you are eligible to apply for FAFSA, it is highly encouraged that you do so to ensure the College has it on file. 

• If you are not eligible to apply for FAFSA, other ways exist to obtain assistance. There are scholarships available at SLCC and private ones that you can use to help pay for college. 

• If you are pursuing an education in the technical field, you should speak with your advisor and financial aid team to better understand your options. 

Check out your student portal and the financial aid dashboard or visit the financial aid office for more information.

4. Only people with good grades obtain scholarships. Not necessarily.

Depending on the scholarship, you may need a high academic achievement to be considered for it. On the other hand, FAFSA does not consider your grades to obtain federal funding. However, it is essential to highlight that you are expected to maintain a satisfactory academic record—minimum of a 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average).

5. Scholarships are the only Financial Aid available. Scholarships are not the only financial aid assistance available to students.

There are loans, grants, scholarships, tuition waivers and work-study. Speak with the financial aid team to better understand your eligibility for the available resources and what they all mean.

It does not matter how complex your financial aid question might be there is an answer to it. SLCC's Financial Aid team is located throughout the Salt Lake Valley to provide resources and assistance to students no matter how overwhelming the question or process may feel. Talk to your academic advisor and the financial aid team to ensure your program is eligible for financial aid assistance.