Financial Aid Programs

Gift aid that does not need to be repaid as long as Satisfactory Academic Progress is maintained.

1. Pell Grant
   • A federal grant program for undergraduate students. The amount of the grant is determined by the estimated family contribution, and enrollment status.
2. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
   • A federal grant program for undergraduate students. This grant is awarded to those students eligible for a Pell Grant, and with the lowest expected family contribution. At Big Bend, SEOG awards are at least $1200 per academic year for students enrolled in at least 6 credits.
3. Washington College Grant (formerly State Need Grant)
   • A state grant program for undergraduate students enrolled in at least 3 credits. A Washington State resident meeting the household income guidelines may be eligible for a Washington College Grant.
4. Big Bend Tuition Waiver/Grant Program
   • These programs provide tuition waivers or grants to eligible students enrolled in at least 6 credits.
5. College Bound Scholarships
   • A state grant program for students whose family’s income meets certain guidelines.  Students apply for this scholarship in the 7^th and 8^th grade.  They must enroll in college within a year of graduating from a Washington state high school and must be enrolled in at least 3 credits.

“Work-Study” is money earned through part-time work (up to 16 hours per week). Students must complete a FAFSA or WASFA to determine if you qualify for Work-Study. Work-Study is a need-based financial aid award that is not deposited into your student account; instead, you will receive paychecks based on the hours you work. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it) and it is not a loan (you don’t have to repay it). 

1. Federal Work-Study

   Federally funded program that provides students on and off-campus employment opportunities. Students will be considered for a variety of jobs, which may offer valuable career-related experience. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.

2. Tutors

   Federal Work Study dollars are available to employ students as reading and math tutors for k-8 within our service district. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.

3. State Work-Study

   State funded program, where students will be placed in on or off campus positions relating to their major field of study and career goals or interests. Earnings are based on the current minimum wage rate in Grant County.

• Direct Loans – Loans through the Department of Education (must apply for FAFSA and complete any requirements requested.
  • Subsidized &/or Unsubsidized
• Plus Loans – Loans through the Department of Education for parents on behalf of their student (must apply for FAFSA and complete any requirements requested).
• Alternative Loans – External loan servicers for students who do not meet requirements for other types of loans or maximums on other loans aren’t enough to cover their Cost of Attendance.
• Exit Counseling – Must be completed for Direct & PLUS loans once you’ve left Big Bend Community College or fall below 6 credits.