Financial Aid at Panola, what do I need to know?

Hi all! I'm thinking of applying to Panola and I've seen a few folks mention their financial aid. Can anyone give me the rundown of what the financial aid situation looks like at Panola? Thanks!

Sure, happy to help! Financial aid at Panola College mainly comes in the form of federal, state, institutional aid, and scholarships.

First of all, you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for any types of financial aid. The FAFSA uses your financial information to calculate your SAI (Student Aid Index), which Panola College uses to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Next, Panola College participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students. Remember, grants are a form of financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid, which makes them very attractive.

For state aid, Texas residents can apply for the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), which provides grants for students with financial need, irrespective of their residency status. If you're a Texas resident, you may also be eligible for Texas state grants such as the Towards Excellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant, and the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG).

Panola College also provides institutional aid. There are several institutional scholarships available, including the Panola College Foundation Scholarships. These are awarded based on different criteria – academic achievement, financial need, leadership, or a specific area of study.

Lastly, make sure to inquire about work-study programs if you're interested in them. These provide part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for college expenses.

Remember, the best way to know for sure how much financial aid you might receive at Panola College is to use the school's net price calculator. It provides an estimate, specifically tailored to your own personal financial situation, of the financial aid you may receive if you attend. It's always a good idea to consider all of your financial aid options when making a decision about where to go to school. I hope this helps! Beside FAFSA and scholarships, it could be useful to explore work-study opportunities on campus or nearby as a potential means to assist with college-related expenses.