STLCC also offers hundreds of scholarships that are available to students, ranging from GPA scholarships to degree scholarships.
By: Stephanie Stough
Managing Editor
For students, traditional or not, it’s easy to realize that saving a buck or two off education can be very helpful to those in need. To keep it affordable, STLCC-Meramec offers financial aid to every single student.
Meramec’s Financial Aid Office is located on the first floor of Clark Hall. This is the starting point for people interested in saving money. Here, students will meet with someone about their individual financial needs, potential grants, and scholarships.
Michael Smith, manager of student financial aid, said that the first and most important step in ensuring that students receive the most accurate amount of grant money is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) correctly.
“It’s needed to receive federal and/or state financial aid/grants or loans,” Smith said.
Smith said once the FAFSA is filed, the financial aid office will lead students through the process.
“People think the process is more confusing than it is,” Smith said. ”It is very straightforward. It is all based on financial need and the income of the household.”
“People try to second-guess it when there is no need to. Fill out the form and complete it. We’ll help from there.”
Meramec offers financial assistance in three different categories based on the needs of individuals.
Federal grants, such as Pell Grants, are given to students based on needs and do not require repayment.
Federal student loans are loans paid by students when they take less than 12 credit hours.
Missouri Access Awards from the Missouri Department of Higher Education are also available, but are offered to Missouri residents only.
“Everyone is eligible for financial aid,” Smith said, “It just depends on financial need and academic abilities.”
STLCC also offers hundreds of scholarships that are available to students, ranging from GPA scholarships to degree scholarships.
To see all scholarship opportunities, visit http://stlcc.edu.
Smith said that because every student qualifies for financial assistance, his advice to them would be to ask questions when looking for it.
“Look for scholarships. File FAFSA early. Respond to every announcement regarding a scholarship. Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Smith said. “The only stupid question is a question that isn’t asked.”
