Clearwater Christian College offers over 50 different financial aid scholarships, grants, and loan programs through federal, state, and institutional sources. Some of these are need-based requiring the student to document their need through completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Other programs consider academic background, major pursuits, and special talents or abilities. Click on Financial Aid Information to see a complete list of available programs.

The Electronic Award Letter is for use by accepted applicants. Once you are accepted you will receive a student ID number, and you will be able to check your Financial Aid Award by clicking on the icon "Your Electronic Award."

The FAFSA is the heart of the financial aid program. It helps to determine your financial aid need and is required for all federal and most state and institutional financial aid programs. The FAFSA is completed annually and may be filed as early as January 1 of each year. The FAFSA may be completed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You and your parents will need Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) to e-sign your FAFSA. Apply for your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. You will also need our institutional code, 015025, in order for the information to be automatically forwarded to us. If you are not prepared to file your taxes at this time, you may complete the FAFSA using estimated numbers. Be sure to update your FAFSA upon completion of your taxes.

The purpose of the FAFSA is to determine your eligibility for select federal financial aid programs like Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), the National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART), and Stafford loan program.

Pell Grant - ($0 - $4,310) depending on EFC
FSEOG - ($500-$1,000)
ACG - Freshman $750, Sophomore $1,300
SMART - Junior, Senior $4,000

Are you a Florida resident? The key programs that are available to CCC students include Florida Bright Futures, Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), and Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, Minority Teacher Education Scholarships, and Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service members (CDDV).

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) - is available for those who have been Florida residents for one year prior to enrollment. The current award amount is $3,000.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) - The current award amount is $1,000 (EFC 6,080 and below).

Bright Futures - may be available to Florida high school graduates who meet GPA and test score requirements.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship - See your HS guidance counselor.

Florida Fund for Minority Teachers - Junior, Senior $4,000

CDDV - Florida Student Aid Application is required.

CCC offers over 20 different college scholarships. These are awarded based on information submitted on the application for admission and on the FAFSA.

Contact the admissions office for information on music scholarships.

Returning students must submit the Returning Student Scholarship Renewal Application to apply for possible renewal of scholarships.

Most students limit their search for financial assistance to federal, state, and institutional aid. However, there is a wealth of potential aid in the private sector. Be sure to check with your local church, employer, or your parents' employers. We have identified some reliable links that we encourage you to try. Start your search by clicking on the links and icons below:

Scholarship Information
More Scholarship Information
Scholarship Search Secrets

The purpose of the Campus Work Program is to aid students in fulfilling their financial obligations to the College and to aid full-time staff in the day-to-day operation of the campus.

Students are encouraged to exhaust all other resources to help with educational expenses before considering an educational loan. There are three types of loans offered at Clearwater Christian College.

1. Financially speaking, as far as interest rates go, the best option is the Federal Stafford Loan. The Stafford loan is a low-interest loan that does not require payment until six months after a student graduates, drops below half time, or withdraws. This loan is automatically guaranteed, but there are limits to the amount that can be borrowed each year. The maximum loan amount is $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores and $5,500 for juniors and seniors. Dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow the PLUS loan are eligible for an additional unsubsidized loan. $6,000 for freshman and sophomores. $7,000 for juniors and seniors. Independent students (according to FAFSA) are eligible for both subsidized and unsubsidized.
Apply for a Stafford Loan

2. The second best option for a loan is the PLUS Loan. This is a loan that is in the parent's name, but the money pays for the student's education. Parents may borrow up to the cost to attend minus any other aid received. Repayment starts two months after the second disbursement on the loan, but check with the lender for benefits. The maximum loan amount is dependent on outstanding need.
Apply for a PLUS Loan

3. The third option is called an alternative loan or private student loan. Since this loan is in the student's name and goes through a credit check, a co-signer is encouraged. A student may borrow up to the cost to attend minus any other aid received. A payment is not required until the student graduates, drops below half-time, or withdraws, but it would be financially wise to pay at least the interest payments while in school. The maximum loan amount is dependent on outstanding need.
Apply for an alternative loan

Concerned with the long-range impact of a student loan in the future? Check out the Loan Payment Calculator and estimate what your monthly loan payments might be.

International students are required to document their ability to cover the cost of their attendance by applying for the F-1 Student Visa. Unfortunately, most international students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid assistance due to their citizenship status. All institutional scholarship programs are opened to international students. The college has identified (from the public sector) a list of potential programs designed especially for non-USA citizens. Click on International Student Financial Aid Websites for more information.

In recent years, the federal government has instituted some tax incentives for students and families who are paying tuition for colleges. These typically come in the form of tax breaks and fall under the names of the Hope Scholarship and Lifelong Learning tax credits. These programs have been successful in helping families recoup some monies for family budgets or to assist in covering subsequent college expenses. For more information on these opportunities, go to Tax Incentives.

Federal Student Aid Verification Worksheet (Dependent)

Federal Student Aid Verification Worksheet (Independent)

Request for Professional Judgment (2007-2008)

Request for Professional Judgment (2008-2009)

Monthly Payment Plan (2008-2009)

Internal Revenue Service (If you need a copy of your tax return for verification)