Exploring Scholarship Opportunities at Shelton State Community College
For many students, the cost of higher education can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, financial aid packages, encompassing scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, are available to help offset these costs. Shelton State Community College is committed to making education accessible, and this article explores the various scholarship opportunities available to prospective and current students.
Understanding Financial Aid at Shelton State
The majority of college students don't pay the full sticker price for their education. Financial aid helps lower the cost, or the full retail price of the institution. It's important to understand the different types of financial aid available. Scholarships and grants represent true college discounts, as they do not require repayment. Student loans, on the other hand, are a form of debt that must be repaid, and should be considered an outcome rather than a discount.
Institutional Scholarships and Grants
Colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and grants as financial assistance to help students cover tuition fees and other educational costs. These awards, which do not require repayment, can be merit-based or need-based. Merit-based institutional scholarships recognize students who have exceptional academic records, special talents, or skills in particular areas. Eligibility for these scholarships often depends on factors such as a student’s high school performance, standardized test scores, or involvement in extracurricular activities. In contrast, need-based institutional grants are designed for students who show financial need. The amount awarded usually depends on the student’s family’s financial condition and aims.
Scholarship Statistics at Shelton State
According to available data, 22% of new students (177 total) were offered scholarships at Shelton State Community College. The average scholarship amount was $4,088.00 per person, placing Shelton State in the top 50th percentile among colleges and universities nationwide in terms of scholarship offerings. In addition to scholarships, 56% of first-year students (441 total) received a federal grant, averaging $5,605.00 per person.
Financial Assistance by Family Income
The availability of scholarships and grants can vary depending on a student's family income. The following table demonstrates scholarship and grant allocations by income level for freshmen receiving any type of federal Title IV assistance, which includes Federal PLUS loans:
Read also: Shelton State Community College Fees
| Income Level | Percent of Freshman | Average Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Income 0-30k | 38.40% | $6,450.00 |
| Income 30k-48k | 11.15% | $6,453.00 |
| Income 48k-75k | 4.94% | $4,345.00 |
| Income 75k-110k | 0.51% | $2,126.00 |
| Income 110k + | 0.00% | $0.00 |
This data highlights the commitment of Shelton State Community College to providing financial assistance to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Title IV Aid
The table above shows students who are receiving Title IV aid, which is federal assistance from the government in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. The average undergraduate receiving a scholarship or grant will get $5,744.00. 70% of the 789 undergraduates at Shelton State Community College receive some sort of grant aid.
Specific Scholarship Opportunities at Shelton State
Shelton State Community College offers a variety of scholarships with specific eligibility requirements. Some notable scholarships include:
- The Academic Scholarship: Available to students at Shelton State Community College. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. Incoming students must also have a minimum SAT score of 526 math and 480 verbal, and a minimum score for the ACT of a 20 overall, including a 20 in math and and a 20 in English.
- The West Alabama Health Council Scholarship: Open to students at Shelton State Community College. You must be a resident of west Alabama and be enrolled in the A.D.N program.
- The Wayne B. Boteler Memorial Scholarship: Open to full-time students at Shelton State Community College.
- The Thomas and Kay Umphrey Presidential Scholarship: Open to students at Shelton State Community College.
- The Rumsey Endowed Scholarship: Open to full-time students at Shelton State Community College. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.
- The Robert Michael Echols Memorial Scholarship: Open to full-time students at Shelton State Community College.
- The McAbee Construction/Southern Heat Exchanger Scholarship: Open to students at Shelton State Community College.
- The Kerry Welborn Book Scholarship: Open to entering freshmen at Shelton State Community College.
- The Kareem McNeal Endowed Scholarship: Open to students at Shelton State Community College.
- Jamison, Money, Farmer & Co., P.C. Scholarship: Open to students at Shelton State Community College. You must be a dependent of an employee of Jamison, Money, Farmer & Co.
Understanding the Costs and Financial Aid Packages
Understanding the overall cost of attendance and the potential financial aid package is crucial for students and their families.
- Average Net Price: The average net price, which is the college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive, is $8,799 per year. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
- Sticker Price:
- In-State Tuition: $3,930 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $7,860 per year
- Books and Supplies: $3,000 per year
- Average Aid Package: The average aid package awarded is $4,468.
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Read also: College Tennis to Pro: Shelton's Journey
Important Financial Aid Dates
While specific dates are not available, it's crucial to be aware of the general timeline for financial aid applications:
- Application Due: The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
- Priority Application Due: Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
- Notification Date: When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
- Response Due: The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
While the focus is on Shelton State Community College, it's worth noting that other scholarship opportunities exist outside of the institution. For example, at NC State University, students can apply for most Shelton Leadership Center scholarships through Pack ASSIST, NC State’s one-stop scholarship application portal. Admitted and returning students can access Pack ASSIST. Scholarship application requirements and due dates vary. The Shelton Leadership Center awards scholarships to NC State University students, made possible by generous donors. Some scholarships are merit-based and awarded to undergraduate students from Title I schools. Students are sometimes nominated for scholarships by ROTC. Some merit-based scholarships support students enrolled in summer sessions or continuing education courses in preparation for their admission to the university. The NC State European Center shares applications for these scholarships directly to eligible students. Some scholarships are awarded by colleges across NC State, but are affiliated with the Shelton Leadership Center.
Read also: Shelton Academy: A Closer Look
tags: #shelton #state #scholarships #available
