Scholarships & Grants 2024-2025

Available to full-time students new to SDCC in the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Click here to download the 2024-2025 Scholarship Flyer

Honor's Scholarship

3.8+ GPA | $11,000

President's Scholarship

3.6 – 3.79 GPA | $10,000

Provost's Scholarship

3.25-3.59 GPA | $9,000

Heritage Scholarship

3.0-3.24 GPA | $7,000

Hawk Scholarship

2.5-2.99 GPA | $5,000

Talon Grant

Up to 2.49 GPA | $1,000

Church Matching Scholarship

Stackable | Up to $1,500

SDCC Education Expenses

RESIDENTIAL UNDERGRADUATE STANDARD COSTS

TUITION 2024-2025

Tuition $26,092 ($13,046 per semester)
Fees $1,920 ($960 per semester)

The Financial Aid Process

Our Financial Services team is dedicated to helping make a private Christian Education accessible to you.

Would you be surprised if we told you 97% of students who attend San Diego Christian College receive financial aid? No surprises here, it’s true! At SDCC, we are dedicated to helping you find ways to make your college education affordable through a combination of resources including Academic Scholarships, Federal and State Grants, institutional grants, and more. From Church Matching Grants to Ministry Scholarships a private Christian college can be affordable.

Important Dates & Deadlines

1. Apply for Financial Aid

    • COMPLETE THE FAFSA: All students who would like help financing their education at SDCC are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you wish to apply for grants or loans, you must file the FAFSA.
      • To complete the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.gov. After you have filed, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) which contains important information about the status of your FAFSA, including your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is a measure of your family’s financial strength. Be sure to add in SDCC’s Federal School Code: 012031.
    • SDCC SCHOLARSHIPS: SDCC offers institutional scholarships based on academics and need. We want to help make college more affordable. All amounts listed are for a student enrolled full-time. View scholarships
    • GRANTS: Grants are a form of government funding that do not need to be paid back. Grants are awarded based on need as determined by the FAFSA. View grants

    • OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS: Many scholarships are available from outside organizations. Scholarship search sites such as Fast Web, Petersons, and Finaid can help you locate options.
    • LOANS: Loans can be used to bridge the gap on what you owe after free aid or to cover expenses related to college. Navigating the process of applying for loans can seem intimidating, but we have resources to help. More info here
    • MILITARY AND VETERAN BENEFITS: We are grateful for those that have served our country. We accept VA education benefits and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. View Benefits

2. REVIEW YOUR INITIAL FINANCIAL WORKSHEET

Once you have been accepted to SDCC and you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Initial Financial Worksheet that will show you an estimate of charges and available aid. You will be automatically awarded institutional aid based on your qualifications.  Federal and state aid are calculated based on the results from your FAFSA.

3. VIEW YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THE SNAP PORTAL

 Once you are accepted into the school, you will receive login information for our Hawks Portal.  From there you can navigate to SNAP to view important financial aid information.

  • ACCEPT OR DECLINE YOUR AID: After you receive your financial aid award notification through email, accept or decline all financial aid awards that have been offered to you in SNAP. Only aid that has been accepted will reflect on your student account.  Declining unwanted aid will prevent you from receiving emails for required documents.
  • VIEW REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: There is a section dedicated to viewing your required documents
    • Verification: Your FAFSA application may be selected for verification by the Federal Processor. If your application is selected, you must provide Financial Services with all documents requested as soon as possible. If the verification process is not complete before August 1, your aid may not disburse before school begins.
    • Federal loan requirements: All first-time federal loan borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling, an Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement, and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at studentaid.gov.  If you choose to accept the Direct Loans that have been offered to you, they will not disburse to your student account until you have completed these requirements.
    • Federal Work-Study: If your financial aid award includes Federal Work-Study, you must find employment on campus to earn this money. The amount of Federal Work-Study you have been offered is the maximum amount you may earn per semester.
Need Help? Schedule an Appointment Now
Financial Services can also be reached at sfs@sdcc.edu or 619-201-8730 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.).

Preparing for Financial Check-In

Apply for Financial Aid

FAFSA:

All students who would like help financing their education at SDCC are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).   If you wish to apply for grants or loans, you MUST file the FAFSA.

 

TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA:

Go online to www.fafsa.gov.  After you have filed, you can use this site to check the status or make corrections to your FAFSA. SDCC’s Federal School Code is 012031.  If you need assistance with completing it, please call the Financial Services general line at 619-201-8730.

 

SDCC GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS:

Financial Services Office will build you an estimate of charges and available aid.  You will be automatically awarded institutional aid based on your qualifications.  Federal and state aid are calculated based on your FAFSA.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Receive Notifications or Awards from the Financial Aid Office

Once you are fully accepted to the college and have turned in the required financial aid forms requested by the Financial Services Office, you will receive your award amounts via email.

 

The Financial Aid Office will send a request via email regarding any missing information. All forms are available through the SNAP portal link on our website.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

In July (for Fall Semester) or December (for Spring Semester), you will be sent an email that includes an account overview and a contract to sign for the upcoming term. The account overview will show the charges being billed, anticipated aid and payment options.  The contract is an agreement that outlines SDCC financial policies and payment options. It must be signed and sent back to sfs@sdcc.edu prior to the start of the semester to be cleared to attend classes. 

If the contract is not received, and the balance due is not paid in full or an automated payment plan established, by the first day of classes each semester (August 28 for Fall 2023, January 8 for Spring 2024) you will not be permitted to attend class.

Please see the 2023-2024 Catalog for updated polices, fees and refund schedules.

Apply for Loans, if Needed

Steps to Apply for a direct (student) loan:

  1. Complete the FAFSA.
  2. Accept the loans through your SNAP Portal
  3. Complete and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) or loan and complete Loan Entrance Counseling online at studentaid.gov

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A PLUS (PARENT) LOAN:

If you cannot afford your remaining balance, your parents can apply for a Parent Plus Loan. It is credit-based and the loan will be in your parent’s name. You may use the funds to pay your remaining balance and school-related expenses.

  1. Complete the FAFSA.
  2. Complete a PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR ALTERNATIVE STUDENT LOANS (PRIVATE/NON-GOVERNMENT)
Before applying for an Alternative Loan, be sure to utilize all grants, scholarships, and federal loans available. Check to see if you have the resources to set up a payment plan. There is no fee to set up a payment plan and no interest accrues.

    1. Once it is determined that an Alternative Loan is still needed, find the amount you need for the entire year. This may be obtained by reviewing your contract.  Be sure to apply for an amount to cover the entire school year.
    2. Apply for an Alternative Student Loan with a lender of your choice. To view a general list of lenders, go to the FastChoice link available here.

Loan FAQS

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Federal Direct (Student)

Q: WHAT IS A DIRECT LOAN?

  • A: DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOANS are offered to students who show financial need as determined by federal regulations through the FAFSA. This subsidized loan will not accrue interest while the student is enrolled in school at least half-timeDIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS are offered to all students and are not need-based. These loans accrue interest from the first date of disbursement.

Q: CAN I BE DENIED FOR A DIRECT LOAN?

Direct loans are not credit based, so you cannot be denied for a Direct loan. The only requirements are that you are enrolled at least half time (6 units), complete the FAFSA, are not in default on any Federal loans, are a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, and have not yet reached aggregate limits for loans.

Q: IS THIS LOAN IN MY NAME?

A: Yes, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans are for STUDENTS only. The loan and the promise to pay are the sole responsibility of the student.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED?

A: They are both government loans under the Direct program with the same 6-month grace period and repayment terms. Refer to the chart below for their differences:

SUBSIDIZED

UNSUBSIDIZED

Need-based

Non-need based

The government pays the interest while you’re in school.

You are responsible for the interest that accrues while in school/during the grace period.

2.75% FIXED Rate 2023-2024 Award Year

2.75% FIXED Rate 2023-2024 Award Year

Federal Plus (Parent)

Q: WHAT IS A PLUS LOAN?

A: PLUS Loans are offered to parents of dependent (as determined by the FAFSA) college students to help meet college costs.

Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE OUT A PLUS LOAN?

A: Parents and step-parents of DEPENDENT (as determined by the FAFSA) undergraduate students. The student must be attending at least half time and making satisfactory academic progress. The parent must be a U.S. citizen or eligible resident.  A credit report will be obtained from a National Credit Bureau.

Q: HOW MUCH AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE OUT FOR THE YEAR? WHAT IS THE PLUS INTEREST RATE?

A: You may borrow up to your cost of attendance minus any other student aid received. The interest rate is 5.3% FIXED rate for 2023-2024 Award Year.

Q: WHEN DO I GO INTO REPAYMENT?  HOW LONG CAN I TAKE TO REPAY MY PLUS LOAN? 

A: Usually a PLUS borrower starts paying 60-90 days after the spring disbursement. Payment deferment may be offered while you are in school. PLUS loan repayment options may extend up to 25 years. Sees www.studentaid.gov for more information.

Q: MY PARENTS DO NOT HAVE GOOD CREDIT HISTORY. WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY ARE DENIED FOR THE PLUS LOAN?

A: If parents are denied the PLUS loan, their student will automatically be eligible for an additional Direct Unsubsidized loan. The student would then be eligible for the independent unsubsidized amount according to his/her grade level. The Financial Services Office would need verification of the denial. Parents are also eligible to appeal the credit decision or obtain an endorser (co-signer) in order to receive the PLUS loan. Even if the PLUS loan is initially denied, a student cannot receive both the PLUS loan and additional unsubsidized loan eligibility.

Q: DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE A FAFSA FOR THE PLUS LOAN?

A: Yes, the FAFSA must be completed to be eligible for the PLUS loan.

Q: WHERE DO I FILL OUT MY PLUS APPLICATION AND MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE?

A: Your Master Promissory Note and PLUS Application can be completed online through the Department of Education’s website: www.studentaid.gov. This must be completed by the parent.

Alternative Loans

Q: WHAT IS AN ALTERNATIVE LOAN?

A: An alternative loan is a private loan from a lender that supplements the student’s financial aid awards. It helps cover the balance that federal grants and loans, outside scholarships, and other resources have not covered. We highly encourage students to apply for as many outside scholarships as they can before pursuing an alternative loan.

Q: WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ALTERNATIVE LOAN?

A: Credit-worthy students and co-signers (if applicable) can apply for an alternative loan. Most applicants use a cosigner in order to secure a loan with a competitive rate. A parent and co-signer (if applicable) could also apply for an alternative loan.

Q: WHAT ARE THE INTEREST RATES? HOW ARE THEY DETERMINED?

A: Interest rates are based off the student’s and (if applicable) co-signer’s credit history and credit score. Lenders have intricate formula to determine what interest rate a specific student may receive. Rates can vary from 2% to 13% depending on the lender and type of loan. Many lenders offer variable and fixed rate loan options.

Q: IS A CO-SIGNER RELEASE AN OPTION?

A: Many lenders have co-signer release options. The stipulation is that the borrower must make a certain amount of consecutive payments on-time in order to qualify. Contact your lender to see if this is an option.

WHY DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE A LENDER FOR ALTERNATIVE LOANS? WHY CAN’T THE SCHOOL CHOOSE FOR ME?

A: Due to federal regulations, Financial Aid Administrators are not allowed to choose lenders for students or parents on any type of loan. We can, however, supply tools to help you find a lender to suit your personal needs. To see a general list of lenders, and to find other helpful resources, visit our lender list through the FastChoice.

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