Gateway student services is staffed with experienced professionals who can assist students in analyzing their particular situations and determining the appropriate avenue for financial assistance. The goal of the Gateway student services staff is to provide financial assistance to students who otherwise could not afford to attend college. Additional information about financial aid is available at starkstate.edu/finaid or in Gateway student services, located in M102.
Application for Financial Aid Checklist
- Review the following checklist to determine if you have completed all necessary steps for starting classes in the coming semester.
- Apply for admission - Complete your Stark State College application online at starkstate.edu/admissions.
- Apply for financial aid - All students applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply via fafsa.gov. The Stark State College school code is 011141.
- Accept/decline any aid offered in your mySSC account.
Required Forms and Priority Dates
Summer Session
April 1: FAFSA filing deadline
April 15: Required documentation deadline
May 15: Loan request deadline
Fall Session
July 1: FAFSA filing deadline
Aug. 1: Required documentation deadline
Aug. 15: Loan request deadline
Spring Session
Nov. 1 : FAFSA filing deadline
Nov. 15: Required documentation deadline
Dec. 15: Loan request deadline
Late Applicants
Applications received after these dates will be considered for aid, but students may not receive funds until after the start of the semester. That means you should be prepared to use your own funds to pay for a portion of your tuition and all of your books before each semester’s payment deadline.
Federal and State Aid Programs
The following programs are grants and do not require repayment:
Federal Pell Grant (Pell)
An award of $740 to $7,395 per year, based on financial need. Eligibility is based upon need, enrollment and cost of education. The maximum can change yearly and depends on program funding.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Allocation of funds is at the discretion of Stark State. Awarding of funds is based on need and application date. Award amounts vary, up to $600 per year. Apply through the FAFSA. According to federal regulations, students must be Pell-eligible to receive FSEOG funds. You must apply early! Funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)
This allows students to be employed at the College to earn money for educational expenses. Awards are based on financial need. Submit a written request to Gateway student services. An award does not guarantee earnings’ Students are paid with a bi-weekly paycheck for hours actually worked.
Military Grants
Branches of the U.S. military offer various financial aid opportunities.
Veterans’ Educational Benefits
Stark State College is fully accredited under the laws that provide educational benefits for veterans. The School Certifying Official, located in M102, certifies veterans’ eligibility.
Scholarships
Stark State College offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for qualified students. Additional information is available at starkstate.edu/ scholarships.
Social Service Programs
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Educational assistance may be available for students with special needs. Call the Canton (330-438-0500) or Akron (330-643-3080) office for more information. Workforce Initiative Association (WIA) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for individuals who recently lost jobs or are entering the workforce after an extended period of unemployment. You must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants before being considered for WIA and TAA funding. For information about WIA and TAA, contact the Employment Source at 330-433-9675.
Federal Direct Loan Programs
A Federal Direct Loan offers freshman students up to $5,500 and sophomores up to $6,500 per year. Students pursuing a one-year certificate will remain at freshman level for borrowing purposes. This is a loan and must be repaid. Interest rates vary annually. If you already have a Direct Loan, borrowing a new loan will not affect the rate or terms of your previous loan(s). You may qualify for a subsidized and/or an unsubsidized Direct Loan up to the amounts listed above.
Direct Subsidized Loans
These loans are based on financial need; therefore, some students may not qualify. With a Direct Subsidized Loan, no interest accumulates and no repayment is required as long as the student is enrolled in college at least half time.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Students who do not qualify for a Direct Subsidized Loan may be eligible to borrow up to the maximum annual amounts in unsubsidized loan funds. Loan payments can be deferred as long as the student is enrolled at least half time.
Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed and can be paid by the borrower while in school and during the grace period to avoid capitalization. Independent students may have the option of borrowing an additional $4,000 in unsubsidized Direct Loan funds.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Federal PLUS)
The Federal PLUS program is for parents of dependent students. It is a loan in which family income is not taken into consideration; therefore, the program is open to almost any parent who has good credit. The parent can borrow up to the cost of the college education, less aid, at a variable rate of interest (currently not to exceed 10.5%). Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement of the funds. We recommend students first utilize all eligibility for grants and the Federal Direct Loans before receiving a Federal PLUS. Funds are paid in multiple disbursements and given to the parent(s) after tuition and fees have been paid.