Types of Aid

Student grants are monetary gifts to people who are pursuing higher education. Unlike student loans, grants do not typically require repayment. Student grants also differ from scholarships, which are usually given to and by specific groups of people for a specific line of study. Go to our Grants page to learn more and view more info about different types of grants.

Eligibility for several Washington State financial aid programs has expanded to include students who are ineligible for federal financial aid due to immigration status.

Students who meet individual program, income, or residency requirements for the Washington College Grant (previously known as Washington State Need Grant), the College Bound Scholarship, State Work Study, or Passport Scholarship should complete the free WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) to apply for state financial aid.

  To qualify students must complete the free WASFA.

  Learn more about Undocumented Students/DREAMers.

Lower Columbia College participates in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program which provides the best benefits for students as borrowers.

This program is not a credit history based program. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available.

Federal Direct Stafford loans are low-interest federal loans which require repayment.

  To qualify students must apply for Financial Aid. Completion of the FAFSA is required.

The Federal Parent PLUS loan program is a credit-based loan program available to qualifying parents.

If your parents are denied because of their credit rating, if you're a dependent student (as defined by the FAFSA) you can usually borrow additional funds under this loan program.

Parent PLUS loans are low-interest federal loans which require repayment.

To qualify students must apply for the FAFSA before their parents can borrow money under this program.

The Passport to College Promise program was created by the state of Washington in 2007 to help students from foster care attend and succeed in college.

Passport is a comprehensive program providing support to students from high school through higher education completion. Three primary components are administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC): 1) a student scholarship, 2) campus incentive funding to provide recruitment and retention services, and 3) a partnership with the College Success Foundation to provide support to students and training and technical assistance to campus staff.

  Learn more at Passport for Foster Youth Promise Scholarship Program.

Work study positions are challenging real-world opportunities that help students prepare for a career.

Students may work a maximum of 19 hours per week while attending LCC. Open positions are adjusted to meet students' academic schedules whenever possible. Student workers need to be punctual, enthusiastic, and professional, are expected to follow directions, and are encouraged be creative and resourceful when unstated work needs to be done.

To qualify students must apply for Financial Aid. Completion of the FAFSA is required.

  Learn more at Student Employment.

The Lower Columbia College Foundation awards more than $350,000 in scholarship each year.

All students planning to attend LCC are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted in winter quarter through an easy online application process that allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. There is no cost to apply. Specific deadlines apply.

To qualify students must apply by the published deadline. Completion of the FAFSA or WAFSA is required to be eligible for need-based scholarships.

  Learn more at LCC Scholarships.

Students are encouraged to pursue as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Some scholarships available outside of Lower Columbia College are posted online, and more scholarships are posted in the Financial Aid Office. Various deadlines apply.

To qualify students must apply according to the criteria listed.

  Learn more at Outside Scholarships.

Lower Columbia College offers US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved educational programs to eligible veterans and eligible dependents of deceased or totally disabled veterans under Title 38 and Title 10, US Code:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill® - Ch 33
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty (MGIB-AD) - Ch 30
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) - 1606
• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) - 1607
• Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) - Ch 35
• TA - Tuition Assistance: Active duty member, guard member and/or reservists who are using Tuition Assistance (TA) are required to contact their Educational Services Officer prior to using tuition assistance.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) - Ch 31

GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

  Learn more at Veterans Services.

In a partnership with Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Lower Columbia College offers opportunities for vocational education and career development to low income students who qualify to receive, or are currently receiving, federally issued basic food benefits.

BFET can help You!

• Access college
• Train for a new career
• Prepare for employment
• Maintain basic food benefits

  Learn more at BFET.

A state funded program designed for students in professional/technical programs who are seeking to improve their skills and prepare for a high demand career.

Students who qualify for the Opportunity Grant may be eligible to receive financial support for tuition and fees, books, required supplies and/or tools for a maximum of 45 credits. Other supports are individualized. Opportunity Grant funds may be used with Pell Grant and Washington College Grant funds.

  Learn more at Opportunity Grant.

A state-funded program that provides job-related training and employment services to dislocated and unemployed workers to help them gain additional training in their existing field or get started on a new career path.

  Learn more at Worker Retraining

A Social and Health Services (DSHS) program designed to assist low-income families in achieving their educational and employment goals.

Students who qualify may be eligible to receive assistance with tuition and fees and textbooks, and receive case management support and other assistance.

  Learn more at WorkFirst

See Student Financial Help for information about childcare assistance resources available to students.

See Student Financial Help for information about emergency expenses assistance resources available to students.

See Student Financial Help for information about textbooks assistance resources available to students.

See Student Financial Help for information about tools and supplies assistance resources available to students.

See Student Financial Help for information about tuition and fees assistance resources available to students.