Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid helps you meet the difference between what you can reasonably be expected to pay and what it will cost you to go to college. It may be in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study jobs, or a combination of any of these programs.
Grants
Grants are generally awarded based on financial need and require no repayment.
ScholarshipS
Scholarships are given to a student on the basis of academic achievement, merit, and/or financial need. Scholarships usually do not have to be repaid.
Loans
Federal Direct Student Loans must be repaid at a future date, with interest, usually following graduation or when you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. The Federal Direct Student Loans are provided by the US government directly to students and their parents.
Student Employment
The Federal Work Study Program is a form of need-based federal financial aid. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
TN PRomise
TN Promise is a Tennessee state scholarship for students directly out of high school. This provides up to 2 years tuition-free.
TN Reconnect
TN Reconnect is a Tennessee state scholarship for adult students. This provides up to 5 years tuition-free.
Veterans Education Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs. Many Veterans and active duty personnel can qualify for more than one education benefits program.
Workforce Innovation and opportunity act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers several needs-based ways of paying for college.
- For specific questions regarding eligibility for residents of Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion and Weakley Counties, please contact Connie Stewart at 731-286-3364 or stewart@dscc.edu
- For specific questions regarding eligibility for residents of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton Counties, please contact the American Job Center of Greater Memphis by calling 901-707-8419.
- To search online for an American Job Center in your local area, visit American Job Center Finder | CareerOneStop
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
The Vocational Rehabilitation program offers education benefits for individuals with disabilities.