Financial Aid Links
(& A Few Others Related)
Below you will find some helpful links to get you where you want to go in relation to the most often asked about Financial Aid topics.
Now, for Newbies:
Don't freak out! YOU DON'T NEED ALL THESE LINKS. You can really just get away with FAFSA (this will lead to a couple other things), but the rest of the stuff below may just be for Informational Purposes.
Stay with us!
*Also---for you Veterans & Active Duty Military we included a few links on the most used programs, plus an All-Inclusive VA Education Phone # that we have used
10-12 times----so it works!
Anyway Gang, enjoy all this info. It is CollegeDawg's #1 favorite topic!
(Eye Roll)
HERE ARE THE BASICS
Let us know if you think we need to add any others!
(Yeah...We Know. Get Links for All States. Got It.)
Start Here:
Workforce Pell Grant (New 2025 - NPO Overview)
Student Loans - Subsidized & Unsubsidized (All will be "Unsub" in 2026)
Dependent vs Independent Students (for FAFSA)
FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
2025 - RAP - Repayment Assistance Plan (w/ Calculator)
2025 - Standard Repayment Plan (Alternative Option to RAP)
2025 - PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
Individual Scholarships (Very Broad - Our Overview)
Automatic Scholarships (Very Broad - Our Overview)
Total & Permanent Disability Discharge (Loans) - Social Security Admin.
Repayment Plans Being Phased Out, (Some Still Available To Apply)
IDR - Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IBR, ICR, SAVE, PAYE etc,,)
Continue Here:
*More Specific Sites for Location or Affiliation
South Carolina Specific
(Remember---it should be easy to find this info in your state!)
SC - Life, Palmetto, Hope Scholarships, LTAP & SC*WINS (ALL)
SC - STEM & Education Enhancements (Palmetto & Life Scholarships)
SC - Lottery Tuition Assistance Program - LTAP
SC - SC Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship - SC*WINS
SC - Need-Based Grant - Most States Have Them
SC - Tuition Grant (for Private Colleges)
SC - Free Tuition for Veteran's Dependent (100% Disabled/Deceased/POW)
Veterans - Active Duty Military - Qualified Dependents
Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill
Chapter 35 - DEA (Dependents Educational Assistance)
Chapter 31 - VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment) - Was VocRehab
Total & Permanent Disability Discharge (Loans) - VA- 100% T&P
Best of luck with all this stuff! Don't let it overwhelm! Nearly all of you ("adult types") file your taxes every year, and the basic part (FAFSA), may be a tad easier than that. However, it is also just as FUN!
In regard to additional info on the above links/topics, you can find nearly anything you need starting at these links. At least that saves a little time (we hope).
As for you Veterans, Active Duty Military, & Qualifying Dependents, your VA support level is pretty solid.
If you have any questions or issues related to any VA Education Program, you can give them a call
@ 888-442-4551--they've got extended hours & really do a good job helping you out!
Let us know if you need a little more info on this FA stuff (just kidding)!