FAFSA
www.fafsa.ed.gov

GIBILL
www.gibill.va.gov

PIN
www.pin.ed.gov

TOPS
www.osfa.state.la.us

NSLDS
www.nslds.ed.gov

Sowela Financial Aid Dept.
Phone: 337-491-2689
financialaid@sowela.edu

Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federally funded program with eligibility determined by need. Pell Grant funds do not have to be repaid unless the student withdraws or ceases attendance before the end of the semester.


Federal Stafford Loans
Depending on eligibility, both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loans may be obtained. Loan funds are funds that have to be repaid. Repayment will begin 6 months after the student ceases enrollment. The interest rate is variable but is presently capped at 8.25%.

TOPS
The Tuition Opportunity Program for Student (TOPS) scholarship is awarded to graduating Louisiana high school seniors who have met eligibility criteria. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be filed annually. This scholarship will fund the tuition portion only of institutional charges for 2 academic years. TOPS does not cover the cost of books, supplies, and fees.

Louisiana National Guard
Tuition exemption is available for members of the Louisiana National Guard who are in good standing with their unit. This exemption does not include books, fees, and supplies.

GI Bill -Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits
(Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606)
Enrollment certifications are completed electronically by the Financial Aid Office after the application process. The application process may be completed online @ www.gibill.va.gov or through the local Veteran’s Affairs Office listed below.

Scholarships
A number SOWELA Foundation and institutional scholarships are available due to the generosity of local donors and supporters of STCC. Notices will be posted on the Financial Aid bulletin board and throughout the campus when these scholarships become available. Departmental scholarship notices will be posted within each department.

The following programs provide funding for students meeting certain criteria.
Interested applicants must make contact directly with the agency.

Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation provides assistance to qualified students with documented medical disabilities. For more information contact:

Louisiana Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
3616 Kirkman Street
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Phone: (337)491-8038

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
WIA is a federally funded program that assists adults, dislocated workers, and youths (ages 14-21) by providing job training, education, and employment services. Interested individuals must participate in a three-step process (Core, Intensive, and Training), after which eligibility is determined by the WIA office. Services, subject to availability, may include tuition, books, supplies, childcare, transportation, etc. For more information contact:

Calcasieu Workforce Center
4250 5th Avenue
Lake Charles, LA 70607
Phone: (337)475-4901