At York Technical College, we believe that education should be available to everyone. We also know that not everyone has the money to get there. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked financial aid questions.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money provided by federal, state and other sources to help students pay their expenses while attending college. The types of financial aid available at York Technical College include Federal and state grants, student loans, work study, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and Lottery Tuition Assistance. In addition, students are encouraged to explore scholarships available through the York Technical College Foundation by visiting https://yorktech.academicworks.com/.
If I receive financial aid now, do I need to pay the money back later?
There are many grant and scholarship programs available that offer funds that do not have to be repaid. Other financial aid programs are in the form of low interest loans that do require repayment, but only after the student has stopped attending school.
The entire financial aid process seems overwhelming and confusing. How can I get financial assistance if I’m not even sure how to apply?
Applying for financial aid can be confusing. At York Tech, financial aid counselors are available to assist students with the online application process. Contact Enrollment Services for assistance.
I’m not sure I qualify for financial aid. Should I complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Yes, the best way to determine what funds you qualify for is by completing an application. It doesn’t cost anything to apply. Financial aid removes financial barriers for families who cannot afford the cost of an education, and also provides needed funds for families who can afford only a portion of college costs. Your financial aid eligibility will be determined by a number of factors including family income, the size of your family and number of family members attending college.
You can complete a FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. York Tech’s school code is 003996.
Get a PIN to apply and sign your FAFSA application
Obtain a PIN, an electronic access code number that serves as an identifier, at www.pin.ed.gov.
The PIN serves as your identifier and electronic signature. Safeguard your PIN, as you will use the same PIN every year during college.
When To Apply
Now is the time to apply! File as soon as you can, even if you are unsure about your college plans. Meeting financial aid deadlines is important, and even if you have missed a deadline, you should still apply as soon as you decide to attend college.
Priority Dates
Priority dates are identified for each semester to provide adequate time for processing and awarding financial assistance to students before classes start. Award notifications are generally mailed approximately two weeks after student files are complete.
Priority dates for York Tech are:
Fall: June 1
Spring: November 1
Summer: March 1
York Tech Tuition Payment Plan
York Tech offers students a Tuition Payment Plan through Nelnet that offers flexible monthly payment options. Tuition payments are drafted directly from your bank account, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Payments using Visa credit or debit cards are accepted at the cashier’s office in Student Services.
South Carolina offers LIFE Scholarship, Lottery Tuition Assistance programs for residents
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the financial aid office at each eligible public and independent institution in South Carolina. The LIFE Scholarship may be used towards the cost-of-attendance for up to eight terms based on the students’ initial college enrollment date. Students must be enrolled in their first one-year program, first associate’s degree, first two-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree, first baccalaureate degree, or first professional degree.
The SC Lottery Tuition Assistance Program was established in 2001 under the SC Educational Lottery Act and implemented for the first time during 2002-03 academic year. It was created to provide a supplemental resource to South Carolina residents attending two-year public or independent institutions.
For more information on either program, contact Enrollment Services at York Tech or visit che.sc.gov.