Financial Aid

The purpose of financial aid is to help students and families meet educational expenses that cannot be met through their own resources. Financial aid can be either need-based or non need-based. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with the cost-of-attendance will determine whether or not a student has financial need.

There are several types of financial aid available at Houston Community College Southwest.

* Grants are financial aid you don't have to pay back.
* Work-Study lets you work and earn money to help pay for school.
* Loans are borrowed money that you must repay with interest.
* Scholarships are gift aid awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement.

There are four main sources of financial aid.

* Federal Government (the largest source of financial aid)
* State Government
* Institution
* Private Entities

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In order to receive financial aid at Houston Community College - Southwest a student must complete the following steps:

1. Be admitted to the college

* Complete the Admissions Process
* Complete the required testing process
* Have a valid admissions status

2. File a degree or certificate plan with an admissions counselor

3. Apply for Federal Student Financial Aid

4. Complete and submit requested documentation (student's/parent's/spouse's tax forms, and/or other sources of income, verification worksheet, citizenship documentation, social security card, etc.)