Financial Aid Eligibility

We use the following formula to determine your eligibility for financial aid:

Cost of Attendance minus Student Aid Index equals Financial Aid Need

  • Cost of Attendance: Cost of attendance (COA) is the figure provided by colleges and/or college financial offices that estimates the total costs of attending that particular school for a period of one year (9 month budget).

    Cost of Attendance (Student’s Budget)
    – Student Aid Index (SAI)
    – Other Financial Assistance
    Financial Need

  • Student Aid Index: Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated based on the information on your FAFSA or WASFA. A standard government formula is used to determine the family’s contribution. It takes into account the family size, total income from the previous calendar year, and assets. Our office will review and may recalculate your SAI. Recalculation may include available income or assets not considered by the initial federal calculation, but that represent a more realistic amount that your family can pay for your education.
  • Resources and Private Scholarships: resources you have such as private scholarships, other SPSCC departmental or foundation grants and/or scholarships, Workforce program funds, educational benefits, athletic waivers and all other sources of assistance must be considered in determining your total resources. Please report to our office any other resources you have as soon as you know about them.

Financial aid awards are subject to available funds. All financial aid applicants must:

  • Apply for admission to the college.
  • Have a high school diploma, GED® or have completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that is treated as a home school or private school under State law.
  • Pursue a college degree or certificate that is financial aid eligible.
  • Meet satisfactory academic progress policy standards.
  • Not be in default on a loan or owe a repayment of grant funds.

Financial Aid Rights & Responsibilities

  1. I have the right to know what student financial aid programs are available at South Puget Sound Community College.
  2. I have the right to know the deadlines for each financial aid program.
  3. I have the right to know how my financial need was determined, including how various expenses in my budget are considered.
  4. I have the right to know what resources are considered in the calculation of my awards.
  5. I have the right to request an explanation of the various programs in my financial aid package.
  6. I have the right to consult with persons in the Financial Aid Office concerning my application for assistance, budgeting and/or financial problems which might arise.
  7. I have the right to cancel any loan proceeds received via Electronic Funds Transfer up to fourteen days after the credit has been applied.

  1. I will check my SPSCC email on a regular basis.
  2. I must complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the appropriate office.
  3. I must provide correct information. In most instances, misreporting information on financial aid forms is a violation of federal law and may be a criminal offense, which could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code.
  4. I must provide any additional documentation, verification information, or corrections requested by the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which I submitted my application before any funds will be disbursed.
  5. I am responsible for reading, understanding, and retaining copies of all forms I am asked to sign.
  6. I must accept responsibility for all agreements I sign.
  7. I am responsible for knowing the sources of financial aid, which I receive and whether the aid is a loan, grant, or scholarship. If the aid is a loan, I must know to whom repayment is to be made and the terms of repayment. This information is provided during your student loan exit counseling.
  8. I must keep the Financial Aid Office informed of my correct address at all times - while I am in school.
  9. It is my responsibility to meet satisfactory academic progress standards. Students who complete all attempted credits with a quarterly and cumulative 2.0 GOA are considered to be making satisfactory progress.  Students are also subject to complete rations. See Student Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
  10. It is my responsibility to complete an exit interview online, within 30 days of my separation from South Puget Sound Community College either by graduation or withdrawal.