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Eligibility for financial aid is calculated by subtracting the FAFSA’s Student Aid Index from the school’s Cost of Attendance (COA). The difference equals the student’s Need. The Need determines the eligibility for the different types of financial aid.

COA – SAI = Need

The SAI is determined by the information you provided on the FAFSA and it is calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost to attend SCC. The COA includes tuition, fees, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, living expenses, transportation and personal expenses such as internet service, loan fees, utilities, certification, etc. The estimates for these categories are based on information from College Board, MN Employment and Economic Development and USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The figures listed below do not represent the amount the student pays the school. Your actual costs will vary depending on your program, enrollment level and personal spending choices. The amount of financial aid and scholarships you receive cannot exceed the COA.

Once the Need is determined, the types of financial aid will be identified as either need-based or non-need based.

Need-based aid: Grants (federal and state), work study and subsidized loans are need-based aid. Some scholarships are also based on need.

Non-need aid: Unsubsidized loans and private loans are considered not based on need. The COA will limit the amount of private loan money you can borrow.

* Some programs require special tools, supplies and certifications and licensures that could increase this projected expense.  Requests for an adjustment to the Cost of Attendance should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SCC's current Tuition and Fees pages shows a detailed breakdown of course specific costs.