When considering higher education options, the cost often stands out as a crucial factor for students. in South Louisiana Community College's region. Compared to four-year institutions, community colleges typically offer more affordable tuition rates, making them an attractive choice. According to data from the College Board's 2022 Trends in College Pricing report, the average tuition and fees for full-time students at public two-year colleges nationwide in 2022-2023 was $3,860. In contrast, public four-year colleges charged an average of $10,940 for in-state students and $28,240 for out-of-state students during the same period.
However, the true cost of attendance extends beyond tuition and fees alone. Students at SLCC also need to consider expenses such as food, transportation, and course materials when budgeting for their education. Despite these challenges, there are several avenues available for funding a community college education without resorting to taking out student loans. Here are four practical strategies to help students finance their future at South Louisiana Community College.
Apply for Federal Financial Aid
Your journey to getting tuition assistance begins here. SLCC has an entire team ready to assist with financial aid forms. The Financial Aid team’s mission is to provide quality financial resources and to assist students with their financial stability throughout their educational career. They can assist students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA. It’s a form every student must fill out to get federal financial aid for college. If you qualify for federal aid, you’ll know after completing the FAFSA. If you don’t qualify you still have options!
Grants
Grants, a type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid, are typically awarded by the federal government. So, you’ll have to start by filling out the FAFSA. Several federal grants are available to community college students, including the federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG. Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Pell Grant is need-based financial aid that helps eligible low-income students pay for educational expenses, including tuition and fees, housing, and books and supplies. Similarly, FSEOG – often awarded to Pell-eligible students – is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need.
Scholarships
Community college students may be eligible for need-based or merit-aid scholarships, which, like grants, don't need to be repaid. Scholarships are typically awarded by states, colleges and local businesses or charities. One of the ways the SLCC Foundation supports South Louisiana Community College, and its students financially, is through scholarships. In the spring 2024 scholarship season alone, more than $121,000 were raised through the Foundation’s efforts. Here is a list of potential scholarships for SLCC students: Scholarships.
Employer Tuition Assistance
The majority of community college students work while taking classes. Many companies offer tuition assistance to help employees pay for their college degree. Program requirements vary and may be capped at a certain dollar amount, but employees are typically reimbursed after completing a semester or class. These local employers offer tuition assistance for SLCC for-credit programs:
- Acadian Ambulance
- Amazon
- Cardiovascular Institute of the South
- Lafourche Ambulance
- McDonalds
- Ochsner
- Opelousas General
- RaceTrac
- St. George Fire Protection
- St. Tammany Fire Districts
- Walmart
South Louisiana Community College’s mission is to make education accessible to everyone. So, whether you're looking into federal aid, scoring grants, nabbing scholarships, or tapping into employer assistance, SLCC has a pathway that works for you. So, dive in, explore your options, and let SLCC help you pave the way to a brighter future, without the stress of student loans weighing you down.