Grants

Pell Grants help undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or higher degree pay for their higher education. The U.S. Department of Education determines who is eligible by using a formula established by Congress and the information provided by the applicant on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will produce an expected family contribution (EFC) number. The amount the applicant receives depends on the EFC, cost of attendance, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and length of enrollment. Only full-time students may receive the full Pell Grant amount. The grant is prorated for three-quarter, half-time or less-than-half-time enrollment.

ASAP (Alabama Student Assistance Program) is a need-based grant. ASAP is awarded to in-state students pursuing their first undergraduate degrees. Eligibility: based on exceptional need, availability of funds, and Federal Pell eligibility. Funds are VERY limited. Students are strongly encouraged to meet the June 1 FAFSA priority date.
**Students from other states may apply to their state Department of Education for similar funding.**

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) help undergraduates who hold no bachelor's or higher degree and have exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students with the lowest EFC, determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), who also receive Federal Pell Grants. There is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive an FSEOG, so it is important to apply early to have a better chance of receiving a grant. FSEOG awards are based on the availability of Campus Based funds at Lawson State Community College.

The Federal Work-Study program is designed to encourage students to contribute to their educational expenses while decreasing their debt burden. If you wish to have your eligibility reviewed for this award, please contact the Office of Student Financial  Services. Priority is given to students with the lowest EFC, determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), who also receive Federal Pell Grants. There is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive or renew a work-study award, so it is important to apply early to have a better chance of receiving a job. Work-Study awards are based on the availability of Campus Based funds at Lawson State Community College.
**Eligibility for the Pell Grant based on income is not required to be eligible for the Federal Work Study program.**

Lawson State School Code: 001059

1.Print an Application Checklist from the document area of the web site for the appropriate year or:
2023-2024 FA Checklist - then begin the following process:

2.Apply for a U.S. Department of Education Identification Number (Federal Student Aid ID) This serves as your electronic signature.
See video. https://youtu.be/RcDs0ugsZzI 

3.Go to FAFSA on the Web at  studentaid.gov  to apply for financial aid.

All students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year for the academic year covering their enrollment periods. Financial aid is NEVER renewed automatically.

Students planning to attend Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 would complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA available in October 2022.

Please list the Federal School code number for the Lawson State Community College 001059 regardless of the campus you plan to attend: Birmingham or Bessemer. If applying for 2023-2024, you may wish to download the FAFSA on the Web Pre-Application Worksheet to help with the process; the worksheet follows the on-line version of the FAFSA. Submitting the FAFSA over the internet is the fastest way to apply.