The Federal Pell Grant Program provides Foundation Scholarship Information-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Grant amounts are dependent on: the student’s expected family contribution (EFC); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

A Federal Subsidized Loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged any interest on the loan before repayment begins because the federal government “subsidizes” the interest during this period.

A Federal Unsubsidized Loan is not awarded on the basis of need. The Federal Unsubsidized Loan provides financial assistance to all students regardless of income. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. (If the student allows the interest to accumulate it will be capitalized and added to the principal amount of the loan.) The Federal PLUS loan program allows parents to borrow money to cover any costs not already covered by the students financial aid package, up to the full cost of attendance. PLUS loans are the financial responsibility of the parents, not the students. Dependent undergraduates may be eligible to borrow additional funds through the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program if the parent is unable to obtain a PLUS loan because of exceptional circumstances or because the parent was denied a PLUS loan. PLUS Loan Repayment Terms Repayment beings within 60 days after the last disbursement of the loan. Interest begins to accrue on the day of the FIRST disbursement. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in order to receive loans.

The Go Grant is a state grant that does not have to be repaid. Eligibility criteria may be found at the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance website . Funding is limited. Eligible students will receive the following award amounts per year:

• Full-time (12 or more credit hours) – $3,000 ($1500 per semester)
• Half-time (6-11 credit hours) – $3,000 ($1500 per semester)
• Les than Half-time (1-5 credit hours ) - $0 ($0 per semester)

Active National Guard members are eligible for a tuition waiver. Students utilizing these waivers are still responsible for all required fees, books, and supplies. Eligible students should bring their waiver certificate to the Office of Financial Aid.

Student Government Association (SGA) officers are eligible for a tuition and fee waiver. Officers include the President, Vice-President, and Secretary / Treasurer. Students utilizing these waivers are still responsible for all required books and supplies.

Cross Enrolled Waivers are for students who are cross enrolled at RPCC. This waiver covers tuition and all fees except lab fees.

Employee (LCTCS) Waivers are for eligible employees at RPCC. This waiver covers up to 6 credit hours of tuition.

River Parishes Community College participates in the Veteran’s Affairs Educational Benefits Programs.

The steps to apply are as follows:

• If you have never received educational benefits before, complete an Application for VA Education Benefits online at: https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/1990/introduction
• If you have received education benefits at another institution, bring any paperwork concerning your benefits to the Office of Financial Aid.
• Notify the Office of Financial Aid once you pre-register for classes each semester.

Tuition and/or fees are paid for eligible students with disabilities. Awards are not based upon economic need. To apply, contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services at 1-800-295-8900.

Recipients of this assistance must meet the continuing eligibility requirements as defined by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.

The TOPS Scholarship offers Louisiana high school graduates the opportunity to earn scholarships for use at Louisiana’s colleges or universities. Students should be aware that they are required to comply with deadlines or requirements made by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) in order to receive the award. Students interested in this award should contact LOSFA at 1-800-259-5626.

Recipients of the TOPS award must meet the continuing eligibility requirements as defined by LOSFA.

For additional information, visit the LOSFA website.

RPCC Foundation Scholarships and Workforce Tuitions assistance are made possible through donations to the Foundation and are provided to assist students with educational expenses. These scholarships are merit-based and are awarded by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.

To be eligible for a Foundation Scholarship, a student must be admitted to River Parishes Community College and be enrolled as a regular student.

Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50. (See application for specific requirements.)

Deadlines for submitting the RPCC Scholarship Application are:

May 27th for the Fall semester
November 15th for the Spring semester

The RPCC Foundation awards scholarships for a single semester. They may be renewed without reapplication, pending satisfactory academic progress (completing 67% of attempted credit hours) and a minimum GPA minimum of 2.5.

Award amounts for RPCC Foundation Scholarships are dependent on funds available, but range up to $2,000 per semester.

RPCC Foundation Scholarship Application Form

Workforce Tuition Assistance

In addition to scholarships, which are available to students in degree and technical diploma programs, the Foundation also offers Workforce Tuition Assistance of up to 50% of costs of non-credit, workforce programs. Workforce Tuition Assistance requires a different application. Awards are based on the merits of the applicant as described in the application and supporting documents.

RPCC Foundation Workforce Tuition Assistance Application
Thank you for your interest in RPCC Foundation Scholarships!

In addition to scholarships offered by River Parishes Community College, there is an abundance of FREE information about scholarships that can be found on the Internet. Click on the addresses below for some useful sites. Also, check with your local library for other scholarship resources.

Internet Sites For Free Scholarship Searches:

• Ex-pan (fund-finder)
• Mach 25
• FastWeb