SOUTHERN CAREERS INSTITUTETypes of Aid

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Grants and scholarships are designed to make in-school payments more affordable for students and lower debt upon graduation. Grants and scholarships from individuals, nonprofits, and the federal government are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. If you’re looking for options for paying for Southern Careers Institute, seek out as many grants as you qualify for to help offset a portion of your tuition.

In keeping with the Institution’s long-standing tradition of providing excellent educational programs while assisting students across Texas overcome the challenges of college affordability, financial literacy and completion, Southern Careers Institute may offer a variety of institutional grants or scholarships based on eligibility. 

FEDERAL PELL GRANT 

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program, has earned a high school diploma or a GED, and is a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. The amount of the grant is dependent upon financial need, among other factors.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)

Programs are awarded to approximately 3,800 participating postsecondary institutions, of which SCI is proud to be included. The program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students continue their education. To apply, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) as part of the application process for an FSEOG. SCI must give priority to students with “exceptional need” as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and to those who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients.

IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN SERVICE GRANT 

For students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 

Must be ineligible for a Pell Grant due to having less financial need than is required to receive Federal Pell Grant funds 

Must have been younger than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time at a college or career school at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death

STUDENT SUCCESS GRANT

In keeping with the Institution’s long-standing tradition of providing excellent educational programs while assisting students across Texas overcome the challenges of college affordability, financial literacy and completion, SCI may offer the Student Success Grant for specific start dates and programs. This Grant is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application for the associated starts in 2022, commit to continuous enrollment, and abide by the program requirements. SCI makes available a limited amount of money each year for such grants. Once it is determined that available funding is exhausted, grants will not be available to otherwise eligible students.

Determination of award amount will be based on the student’s initial funding level selection and matriculation of all transfer credits from other colleges, military and other SCI programs or campuses per the institution’s catalog.

HIGH SCHOOL BEST SCHOLARSHIP

SCI may offer a High School Best Scholarship to first-time SCI students who enroll and attend a SCI campus within six (6) months of their high school graduation with a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance. Each year, students at each applicable campus will be offered up to a $3,000 scholarship for their first academic year.

Students will be considered for the High School Best Scholarship once they complete the admissions application process, have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) on file, submit the High School Best Scholarship application, and provide a copy of their high school transcripts. Applications are due by each start date; awards will be based on financial need as well as academic achievement.

Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. The High School Best Scholarship is not available for the Cosmetology Program or seminars.

Once the maximum dollar amount of scholarship funds is awarded, no additional scholarships will be granted for the remainder of the calendar year. For 2022, a maximum of $420,000 in scholarship funding will be awarded in High School Best Scholarships.

HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

SCI may offer a High School Scholarship to first time students who enroll and attend a Southern Careers Institute campus within six (6) months of their high school graduation date. Students must have exhausted all federal and state funding and have an outstanding tuition balance.

Each year, students at each applicable campus will be offered up to a $1,500 scholarship for their first academic year. Students will be considered for the High School Scholarship once they complete the admissions application process, have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) on file, and submit the High School Scholarship application and provide a copy of their proof of graduation showing graduation date. Applications are due by each start date.

Scholarship applications will be evaluated as they are received. The High School Scholarship is not available for seminars. Once the maximum dollar amount of scholarship funds is awarded, no additional scholarships will be granted for the remainder of the year. For 2022, a maximum of $275,000 in scholarship funding will be awarded in High School Scholarships.

FINANCIAL LITERACY GRANT

In keeping with the Institution’s long-standing tradition of providing excellent educational programs while assisting students across Texas overcome the challenges of college affordability, financial literacy and completion, SCI may offer the Financial Literacy Grant for specific start dates and programs. The grant is only available for those applicants who submit a complete application and commit to continuous enrollment. Determination of award amount will be based on matriculation of all transfer credits from all other colleges or military, including from other SCI programs or campuses per the institution’s catalog.

SOUTHERN CAREERS INSTITUTE MILITARY GRANT

To continue to serve our military members and their families, Southern Careers Institute has established a Military Grant of up to $1,100. The Military Grant is for military members (Active, Veteran, and Retired), their spouses, and dependents and provides funding to attend a program of study at SCI.

The student is eligible to participate if enrolled at SCI using benefits from one of the following programs:

1. MGIB Montgomery GI Bill®I, 9/11 GI Bill®I, Forever GI Bill®I
2. Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Service Program
3. Tuition Assistance for Active Duty
4. My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
5. Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
   • Education benefits eligibility paperwork (Certificate of Eligibility-COE, eBenefits, VA.gov printout, or Chapter 31 PO)
   • If the total amount of aid (minus Pell Grant) received exceeds the cost of tuition and fees, the scholarship amount will be reduced by the excess amount.
   • Be actively attending at time of scholarship disbursement. Withdrawn students lose eligibility for future scholarship disbursements in the withdrawn enrollment. Additionally, a paid scholarship disbursement will be proportionally adjusted for current term in which a student withdraws.

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

DREAM ACT GRANT

In keeping with the Institution’s long-standing tradition of providing excellent educational programs, while assisting students across Texas overcome the challenges of college affordability, SCI may offer the DREAM Act Grant for specific start dates and programs. This grant is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application for the associated starts in 2022, and who commit to continuous enrollment. The Institute makes available a limited amount of money each year for such grants. Once it is determined that available funding is exhausted, grants will not be available to otherwise eligible students.

SPONSOR’S GRANT

If requested, SCI will match sponsor’s contribution with an additional grant for a student who is sponsored by another organization. If the student is eligible for the Pell Grant, SCI will match up to the sponsor’s contribution after the Pell Grant is applied. Total contributions cannot exceed the cost of the program. If the student is not eligible for the Pell Grant, the institution will match half (½) of the sponsor’s contribution, not to exceed the cost of the program. Any portion of the program cost which is not covered by grants, sponsor, and scholarship, will be paid by the student while in school.

DEBT FORGIVENESS GRANT

To help change more lives, SCI may offer the Debt Forgiveness Grant for specific start dates and programs. The purpose of this program is to assist our prior students to continue their educational journey while supporting and encouraging them to improve their marketability in today’s job market. Students who withdrew from class within the last 365 days and meet SAP requirements are eligible for the grant.

WOMEN IN TECH GRANT

To help change more lives, SCI may offer the Women in Tech Grant for specific start dates and programs. The Women in Tech Grant makes going back to school easier by lowering the overall cost of tuition by as much as $1,000 for grant recipients who meet the requirements of the grant which are: aspiring female programmers who are applying for technical related programs and have a valid U.S. photo ID (current U.S. passport, valid U.S. Visa, or current state-issued ID/driver’s license). This Grant is only available for those applicants who submit a complete application and commit to continuous enrollment.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY GRANT

To help change more lives, SCI may offer the Career Opportunity Grant for specific start dates and programs. The Career Opportunity Grant makes going back to school easier by lowering the overall cost of tuition by as much as $4,000 for grant recipients. The grant is available to those who qualify.

NEED BASED GRANT

To help change more lives, SCI may offer the Need Based Grant for specific start dates and programs. The Need Based Grant makes going back to school easier by lowering the overall cost of tuition. The grant is reserved for applicants with high expected family contribution and willing to invest in their career at enrollment. The grant is available only for those applicants who submit a complete application and commit to continuous enrollment. Determination of award amount will be based on matriculation of all transfer credits from all other colleges or military, including from other SCI programs or campuses per the institution’s catalog. Some programs may not qualify.

Grant recipients must continue to satisfy the school’s stated Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in the school’s catalog to remain eligible for the grant. See the Financial Aid department for all requirements and parameters for institutional grants.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

Vocational Rehabilitation (VocRehab) has several programs to assist individuals pursuing new career paths. The purpose of VocRehab is to align employment opportunities for persons who, because of accident, disease, or congenital deformity, have an impairment that constitutes a barrier to employment or preparation for it. For detailed information concerning these programs contact the local vocational office, which can be found via https://webp.twc.state.tx.us/services/VRLookup/.

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT

Participants must be deemed eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) services prior to enrollment at SCI. The objective of WIOA is to provide training for individuals who wish to develop their occupational and job-seeking skills needed to obtain employment. For detailed information concerning these programs, contact the nearest local workforce center, which can be found via https://www.twc.texas.gov/directory-workforce-solutions-offices-services.

LOANS

Low-interest education loans or private loans may be available for students and parents to assist in furthering a student’s education. Education loans are lent directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Private loans are typically borrowed through a bank or other non-educational organization based on the borrower’s credit. 

Direct Subsidized Loan

The Direct Subsidized Loan is a need-based loan. You will not be charged any interest prior to repayment or during any authorized period of deferment. The student must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and must not have exceeded his or her annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits. Students are qualified through the standard FAFSA®) application process.

During deferment, the federal government pays the interest on the loan until the time of repayment. Payment is automatically deferred until the borrower is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. At the time the borrower is no longer enrolled half-time, a six-month grace period begins prior to entering repayment. Students are allotted one six-month period for all federal student loans borrowed. 

For more information on the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, please visit https://studentaid.gov/.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not a need-based loan. Instead, the loan is awarded to students who do not qualify for Subsidized funds but still need additional financial assistance. The loan accrues interest as soon as it is disbursed and for the lifetime of the loan. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to be considered and must not have exceeded their annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits to be awarded.

The student is responsible for any accruing interest during in-school and deferment periods. Repayment is automatically deferred until the borrower is no longer enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Any unpaid interest at the time of entering repayment will be capitalized and added to the principal balance of the loan. Therefore, it is recommended that the borrower pays toward the accrued interest. At the time the borrower is no longer enrolled half-time, a six-month grace period begins prior to entering repayment. Students are allotted one six-month grace period for all federal student loans borrowed. 

For more information on the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, please visit https://studentaid.gov/.

Direct Plus Loan

Direct PLUS Loans are loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for educational expenses up to the Cost of Attendance minus all other financial assistance. The parent receiving the loan is responsible for all interest that begins accruing at the time the loan is disbursed.

The applicant must be the student’s biological or adoptive parent or the student’s stepparent. PLUS Loans are not restricted according to financial need and are approved after a credit check is performed during the application process. The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount the student is eligible to receive based on the student’s Cost of Attendance.

For more information on the Federal Direct PLUS Loan, please visit https://studentaid.gov/.

Private Loan

Students and parents are strongly encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) before exploring the option of private student loans.**

Private loans are not federal loans but are considered part of a student’s financial aid award. These funds are typically borrowed through a bank or other non-educational organization based on the borrower’s credit. 

SCI does not provide or distribute information about nor does it endorse any private education lenders. It is the student’s responsibility to research the various alternatives and apply. Students are strongly advised to consider applying for federal financial aid prior to seeking private sources of assistance.

For more information on federal vs. private student loans, you may visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/federal-vs-private .

WORK STUDY

Federal Work Study is an excellent opportunity for students to earn money and obtain job skills while attending SCI. The Department of Education allocates a limited amount of funds to Blinn for this program each year. Awards are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are qualified for Federal Work-Study through the standard FAFSA®) application process.

Federal Work Study may be offered as part of your financial aid award package. To be eligible, you must be enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate financial need based on the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE

The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to Service members for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and are part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU). TA is a distinct source of financial aid for eligible Service members and mandated to be the first payer of their college tuition.

For tuition assistance programs, service members should begin the process by contacting their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or military counselor within their military service.

For service specific TA policies and procedures or to apply for tuition assistance, please visit the education websites below for your military service:

AIR FORCE  

ARMY 

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 

COAST GUARD  

MARINE CORPS 

NAVY 

In accordance with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding, Southern Careers Institute (SCI) will:

1. Ban inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis [defined as “an insignificant amount”] to any individual or entity, or its agents including third party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of Service members or obtaining access to TA funds. Educational institution sponsored scholarships or grants and tuition reductions available to military students are permissible.
2. Refrain from high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more) including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing Service member enrollments.
3. Refrain from providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or Federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

Any VA student with questions related to tuition assistance can speak with their campus Financial Aid Director or contact a Southern Careers Institute (SCI) VA Education Finance Specialist who is dedicated to each student’s educational goals and is familiar with VA education benefits, tuition assistance and financial aid programs available. For assistance with completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or to determine eligibility for loans, grants, and/or scholarships, please contact Military@SCITexas.edu with any additional questions you may have.

VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS

All SCI locations are approved by the Texas Veterans Commission to train eligible veterans. SCI accepts GI Bill® Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606 tuition payments from the US Department of Veterans Affairs. SCI does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program or Texas Hazlewood Act.

CHAPTER 30-MONTGOMERY GI BILL®-ACTIVE DUTY (MGIB-AD)  

CHAPTER 31-VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VocRehab) 

CHAPTER 33- POST 9/11 GI BILL® 

CHAPTER 33-POST 9/11 GI BILL® MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY SCHOLARSHIP 

CHAPTER 35- SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

CHAPTER 1606 -MONTGOMERY GI BILL® SELECTED RESERVE (MGIB-SR) 

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 Web site: GI Bill® here 

STEPS TO TAKE

1. Apply for benefits here by completing one of the following applications.
   22-1990 – Application for VA Education Benefits
   22-1990E – Application for Transfer of Eligibility Benefits
   22-5490 – Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (CH 35)
   22-1995 – Request for Change of Program or Place of Training
   22-5495 – Request for Change of Program or Place of Training Survivor’s and Dependent’s Education Assistance (CH35)
   If you elect to relinquish your Chapter 30 Benefits for Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Benefits during the application process, you cannot go back to Chapter 30. Note: this does not apply to Chapter 1606 and Chapter 35.
2. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, universities, and training institutes.
   Students using military and VA education benefits are required to submit all post-secondary institution transcripts including Joint Service Transcript (“JST”) or Community College of the Air Force (“CCAF”) Transcript.
   
   The VA requires the school to conduct a mandatory evaluation of all submitted documents for potential transfer credits into any program for which the veteran or service member wishes to utilize his/her benefits. Starting the program prior to official transcript evaluation may result in a repeat of prior coursework that may create a debt to the VA.
   Diploma-seeking students must provide transcripts to Director of Education within six (6) weeks of the enrollment start date. If not provided, then training will not continue to be certified. This does not apply to degree-seeking VA students.
3. Provide VA Benefits Education benefits eligibility paperwork (Certificate of Eligibility-COE, eBenefits confirmation, VA.gov printout, or Chapter 31 PO)
4. Submit DD-214 (if applicable)
5. If seeking Pell Grant eligibility, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) here Federal School Code 030353

MONTHLY HOUSING ALLOWANCE 

SCI is classified as non-term, meaning our programs are measured in quarter credit hours. Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is paid based on the beginning date, ending date, and number of quarter credit hours in each 3-week period of enrollment. VA converts these quarter credit hours into equivalent credit hours.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is paid directly to students based on the campus facility code and school enrollment status. 

For Chapter 33 only, the MHA is prorated by the student’s length of service and Rate of Pursuit (RoP). The VA will calculate RoP by multiplying the number of credit hours being pursued by 12, then dividing the number of weeks in the course. The resulting percentage is the student’s Rate of Pursuit. If RoP is more than 50% the Chapter 33 student is eligible to receive a Monthly Housing Allowance. 

Active-duty personnel receiving Chapter 33 benefits or spouses of active-duty personnel receiving Transfer of Entitlement benefits are not eligible for the Monthly Housing Allowance.

For Chapters 30,35, and 1606, Monthly Housing Allowance is determined by training time and days based on VA Quarter Credit Equivalency Tables

If taking less than 3 quarter credit hours in a 3-week period, MHA will not be paid at a full-time rate and will be adjusted accordingly by the VA.

Any VA student with questions related to their education benefits, please call 888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551) between 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. They can also choose to speak with their campus Financial Aid Director or contact a Southern Careers Institute (SCI) VA Education Finance Specialist who is dedicated to each student’s educational goals and is familiar with VA education benefits, tuition assistance and financial aid programs available. For assistance with completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or to determine eligibility for loans, grants, and/or scholarships, please contact Military@SCITexas.edu with any additional questions you may have.

SCI’s VA Education Specialist by email at [email protected]

For specific questions related to Monthly Housing Allowance, contact the VA directly at 1-888-442-4551 to determine exact amounts. 

SCI encourages all students to research and evaluate schools and review Monthly Housing Allowance comparison by using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool located here