From filling out the FAFSA to setting up your loans, applying for financial aid is one of the big steps you'll need to take before you start classes.

The first step in receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can. First-time and returning students should fill out the FAFSA every year.

Use SCTCC school code 005534 when filling out the FAFSA.

 

Complete your FAFSA

For Undocumented Students:

The MN Dream Act will provide certain benefits to undocumented students who meet the following criteria:

  1. Attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years; and
  2. Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota; and
  3. Registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old); and
  4. Provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - DACA). There is currently not a federal process in place, so this documentation is not currently required.

Visit the Minnesota Dream Act application at the Office of Higher Education site for more info and an application.

Financial Aid Timeline

Additional Funding Opportunities:

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial Aid Applies and Disbursement of Overages – Fall Semester 

  • Financial Aid applies to accounts for Fall semester. See Disbursement Dates. 
  • Direct Deposits are sent to banks or checks are put in the mail

Submit a FAFSA or a Minnesota Dream Act Application:

  • Create your FSA ID with the Department of Education so you can electronically sign your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You and your parents can both register for an FSA ID.
    • Complete the FAFSA: Make sure to list the St. Cloud Technical and Community College code 005534 on the application so SCTCC will receive your information.

OR

Begin applying for local scholarships.

Apply for spring semester SCTCC scholarships.

Veteran Benefits Certification – Spring Semester 

Financial Aid Applies and Disbursement of Overages – Spring Semester 

  • Financial Aid applies to accounts for spring semester. See Disbursement Dates. 
  • Direct Deposits are sent to banks or checks are put in the mail.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress 

Veteran Benefits Certification – Summer Term 

Financial Aid Applies and Disbursement of Overages – Summer Term 

  • Financial Aid applies to accounts for summer term. See Disbursement Dates. 
  • Direct Deposits are sent to banks or checks are put in the mail.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress 

Additional Funding Opportunities: 

Financial Aid Award: 
You will receive an email from Financial Services with instructions on how to review your financial aid offer for the upcoming academic year.

  • Login to eServices
  • Select “Financial Aid” and “Review and Respond to Award Notification” 

Loans: 
If you've accepted a Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan for the first time:  

Direct Deposit: 
Please have your direct deposit information completed at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester/term. 

  • Login to eServices with your StarID and password 
  • Choose “Financial Aid” 
  • Choose “Direct Deposit Setup” 

Financial aid overage checks will be mailed to the student’s local address on file if direct deposit is not set up. 

Additional Funding Opportunities: 

Veteran Benefits Certification – Fall 2026 Semester

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial Aid Applies and Disbursement of Overages – Fall 2026 Semester 

  • Financial Aid applies to accounts for Fall semester. See Disbursement Dates. 
  • Direct Deposits are sent to banks or checks are put in the mail

How to check your Financial Aid Status

  1. Log into your eServices account
  2. Click or tap through to Financial Aid

Financial Aid recipients have the right to

  • Accept, reject, or seek adjustment to your financial aid without prejudice.
  • Know how much aid will be received per term and when it will be disbursed.
  • Know the terms of any work program you are employed under.
  • Know the interest rate of any loan offered, the amount to repay, the repayment procedures, the length of time to repay the loan, and when the repayment begins.
  • Access your financial aid file.
  • Seek financial counseling.
  • Privacy of information regarding your financial aid file. Information from a student's file will not be released to anyone (except necessary school staff) without a written consent.
  • Receive financial aid as long as you are eligible.
  • Appeal any award decisions you feel warrant consideration due to an office error, emergency, or circumstance beyond your control.

Financial Aid recipients have the responsibility to:

  • Check each term's financial aid awards against the notification letter.
  • Know that if you are in default on any loans and/or owe aid repayments, you will be denied further aid.
  • Know that if you receive aid which exceeds your calculated need, you must repay the excess.
  • Provide accurate, factual information on all financial aid forms requested, within 45 days of the request.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office of any change in name or marital status.
  • Reapply for financial assistance annually.

Paying Your Bill With Financial Aid 
Financial Aid Forms  Loan Information

Questions?

Financial Services can help!