The Federal Pell Grant is an award made to undergraduate students to help pay for their education after high school. Federal Pell Grant awards range from $400 to $5,550 a year based on financial need. The Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) must be completed at www.fafsa.gov and received by the college's Financial Aid Office before consideration can be made for this grant. Does not require repayment.

The Federal SEOG is an award to help undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Application is made by completing the FAFSA. Does not require repayment.

This is a need-based grant established by the NC Legislature to provide funds to help meet the education costs of North Carolina residents attending community colleges. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by the published deadline. Applicants must be North Carolina residents and enroll for at least half time (minimum of six credit hours) in an eligible curriculum program. Awards range from $100 to $1,100. Does not require repayment.

To receive this grant, students must be North Carolina residents and show substantial financial need. Recipients cannot have a baccalaureate degree and must be enrolled full time. Application is made directly by the completion of the FAFSA. Awards are $700 per year. Does not require repayment.

To receive this grant, students must be North Carolina residents and show substantial financial need. Recipients cannot have a baccalaureate degree and must be enrolled at least half time. Application is made directly by the completion of the FAFSA. Awards range from $100 to $3,400. Does not require repayment.

Through the non-profit SCC Foundation, Inc., this grant provides assistance to both full- and part-time students having financial needs that cannot be met by other sources of financial aid. Awards vary, depending on need and available funds. A separate application is required. Does not require repayment.

These federally funded loans are made to students who are attending college at least half time and who demonstrate financial need. The amount students may borrow depends upon their financial need and established federal maximums. The interest rate is fixed at 6%. Repayment begins six months after students leave college or drop to less than half-time enrollment. A loan application, in addition to the FAFSA, is required. Loans require repayment.

These loans are very similar to the subsidized Federal Stafford Loans. However, they are for students who do not demonstrate financial need for the subsidized loan. Borrowers of the unsubsidized loan are responsible for paying the interest on the loan throughout the enrollment period and the grace period. If students are unable to pay the interest during enrollment, they may request that the interest be capitalized (added to the loan principal). A separate loan application, in addition to the FAFSA, is required. Loans require repayment.

No financial need must be demonstrated for this loan to parents for a dependent's educational expenses. Made through banks and credit unions, the PLUS loans interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement. A separate loan application, in addition to the FAFSA, is required. Loans require repayment.

Students with disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid covering fees, books, and supplies through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Further information can be found in the telephone book under the State of North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Veterans Administration funds may be available to those who have served in the armed forces, as well as to dependents of deceased veterans or disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. Interested persons should contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office, 251 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27155.

Eligible students may qualify for training assistance through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other available programs. They may contact the Columbus County JobLink Career Center, located in A-Building, for further information.

The NC Army National Guard offers educational benefits that include part-time employment, a student loan repayment plan, the NC State Tuition Assistance program, and the GI Bill. They may be contacted at the following address: NC Army National Guard, Company D(-), 1-20th Inf. Bn., Whiteville, NC 28472-9299.