Ways To Pay
Overview
No matter your program of study there are many ways to fund your education at Santa Fe College. Discover ways to pay for college below.
If you are looking for resources/aid for an emergency situation visit the emergency resources page.
Financial Aid
Benefits
There are many benefit programs available to a wide range of students.
Scholarships
Many students are qualified for a scholarship. Review your options.
Partnerships
Partnership programs allow students to receive educational opportunities.
Self-Pay
If you want to pay for college yourself these options are available.
State Programs
The State of Florida offers many options to help you pay for college.
Emergency Aid
If you are in need of aid/resources to address a urgent/emergency need visit the Emergency Resources page.
Financial Aid
You should apply for financial aid, and renew each year. There are a several types of financial aid available to assist eligible students in financing their education, available through one application - the FAFSA. Financial aid can be a combination of grants, work study, loans and scholarships. In general, you are automatically awarded all the aid you are eligible for after applying and submitting required documentation to the school each year.
Start the financial aid process by applying using the FAFSA.
This is also known as "gift aid". You are not required to pay back grant funds you received as long as you are eligible for them.
This is also known as "earned aid". As you work, you earn funds just like you would any other job. You are not required to pay this money back. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for work study.
This is also known as "borrowed aid". You will be responsible to pay back what you take, plus any interest and fees associated with the loan.
Benefits
Depending on individual circumstances, you could qualify for certain benefits to assist with education costs. Typically you need to contact the appropriate office to start the process.
Exemptions and waivers allow some students to pay less tuition and/or fees for classes depending on specific circumstances.
Students whose permanent physical residence in Florida may petition for discounted tuition.
The Veterans and Military Success Services office can assist you with your educational benefits.
Scholarships
Scholarships are free money that does not need to be paid back. There are numerous sources of scholarship money, including the college itself, the Santa Fe College Foundation, and third-parties. To have the best chance at a scholarship award apply early and focus on scholarships where you best meet the requirements. Learn more about Scholarships here.
Santa Fe College offers many institutional scholarships. All students and potential students are encouraged to complete the institutional scholarship application.
The Santa Fe College Foundation offers numerous scholarships for which all types of students are eligible. All students and potential students are encouraged to complete the foundation scholarship application.
Many organizations outside of Santa Fe College offer scholarships. Additionally, There are countless scholarships offered by outside businesses, organizations, etc.
Partnerships
Santa Fe College partners with many organizations to provide educational options to students.
Did you know there are some programs that are free for students? This is because some programs like TRAMCON are funded by grants if they are in a fast-growing, high-need field.
As an apprentice, you will be sponsored by your employer who pays all required fees or reimburses you upon completion of the program.
The SF Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) and Adult Education Programs encourage students to seek assistance for any issue that may be affecting their college career, even a non-academic concern such as finances. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is one of the resources available. In addition to the general employment program, VR has additional specific programs designed to help eligible people with becoming employed.
Dual Enrollment / Career Pathways
High School Dual Enrollment /Career Pathways are early enrollment programs that allow high school students (usually juniors, and seniors) to enroll in courses for college credit and/or industry certifications prior to high school graduation. College credits earned through these programs are simultaneously applied toward high school and college.
Employer Plans
Some employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Employees should take advantage of this opportunity because it is one benefit that lasts forever. Typically, these programs are run through the company’s Human Resources department so that is a good place to start if you are trying to determine if this is an option for you.
Self Pay
Below are options for those that want to pay using their own funds or funds borrowed from a private lending institution of their choice.
The Cashier's Office has partnered with NelNet to offer a payment plan for students who must self pay. The payment plan allows you to break up the cost of tuition into more manageable amounts. The payments get larger as you get closer to when classes begin, so be sure to plan.
The Financial Aid Office processes private (alternative) loans. Private loans are non-federal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency or other entity. Borrowers are expected to pay back the amount borrowed, plus interest and fees.
The Cashier's Office handles Florida Prepaid for the College. The student's Florida Prepaid account will be accessed automatically after registering for classes. If you do not wish to use Florida Prepaid, contact the Cashier's Office to hold the automatic process.
The Santa Fe College Cashier's Office, is ready to assist you with paying the balance in your student account. You can make payments online in eSantaFe or in person on the 1st floor of the Robinson Administration Building.
State Programs
The state of Florida offers may scholarship and grant programs to assist various types of students.
The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is funded by the Florida Lottery. The program rewards students for their academic achievements during high school by offering funding for the pursuit of postsecondary educational and career goals in Florida.
Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship (FLEAS)
The Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program is created to assist in the recruitment of law enforcement officers within the state by providing financial assistance to eligible trainees who enroll in a commission-approved law enforcement officer basic recruit training program.
The state of Florida offers scholarship and grant programs to assist various types of students. These include the Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans, the Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP), the Benacquisto Scholarship for National Merit Scholars, and the Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship.