What are the SFCC STAR Funding eligibility requirements?

• Students must be Washington residents.
• Students must apply for admission at SFCC.
• Students must complete the financial aid application process.
• Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more).
• Students must meet SFCC Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Independent students or parents of a dependent student must meet the Washington State 50% Median Family Income cutoffs published by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

How do I apply for SFCC STAR Funding?
Students must submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit additional documents if requested by the financial aid office. When all requested documents have been received, the financial aid office will determine eligibility and award the STAR Funding package to those who qualify. No additional applications are required.

Can I get help with my living costs?
Yes, the financial aid office manages many different sources of financial aid. If you qualify for additional financial aid funds, the staff will automatically award you the maximum grant and/or work study that is available. Most students work part-time to meet their monthly expenses. Federal student loans are also available to help you meet some of the cost of attendance.

Can I receive financial aid if I am a part-time student?
Yes, you may still qualify for financial aid if you decide not to enroll full-time (12 credit hours or more). The financial aid notification letter that you receive in the mail will be based on full-time enrollment. If you enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours your financial aid award will be adjusted down at the time you register each quarter. If you want to know the exact amount you will be eligible to receive, stop by the financial aid office after you receive your financial aid notification letter. A financial aid advisor can tell you the amount you will be eligible to receive based on the number of credits you plan to enroll in.

STAR funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. What does that mean?
Some sources of grant funding are limited and will run out during the school year. In order to be fair and equable to all students, the financial aid office awards money to students based on the date they complete the application process. This is why it is so important to apply early and immediately respond to requests made by the financial aid office. Click on the financial aid home page to find the financial aid priority dates. One more thing…please let us know if you change your address or phone number so we can get information to you in a timely manner.

Why is SFCC offering this new funding program?
In 2006-2007, the SFCC Student Government dedicated additional funds to Student Financial Aid. The Community Colleges of Spokane Board of Trustees also approved additional tuition waivers that were entrusted to the financial aid office for distribution to students who demonstrate need. The financial aid office combined these two sources of funding with existing federal, state and institutional funds and created the SFCC STAR Funding Program.