At South Texas Vocational-Technical Institute (STVT), we know how important affordability can be. That’s why we work hard to provide students with the information to make informed decisions. Although trade schools can be more cost-efficient than a four-year college, they still cost money, which is why students must understand how to get financial aid—if they need it—and what the financial aid process looks like.
Luckily, our Financial Aid team can guide students through every stage of the process: from evaluating financial aid options to filling out forms, we can help you find an effective solution for your situation
Types of Financial Aid
There are many kinds of financial assistance available to students. The most common forms come from state and federal governments, but many private institutions offer aid as well. Students should look through all their options to find the one that may be right for them.
Federal Financial Aid
The federal government is among the largest suppliers of student financial aid. The Department of Education manages most of the grant and loan programs and requires one application to access their programs: the FAFSA.
The FAFSA normally opens October 1 each year, and closes at midnight Central Time on June 30, two years later. Corrections and updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time on September 14. That said, it’s important to note that some state aid programs have earlier deadlines. Be sure to check the deadlines for all states where you could be eligible for aid.
For many federal student aid programs, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens with a Social Security number. A high school diploma or GED could also be required. Due to the complex nature of the process, we welcome STVT applicants and students to meet with a member of our financial aid team. During your consultation, we’ll show you how to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and answer questions you may have about the process.
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
Texas Financial Aid
When it comes to financial aid, Texas offers quite a few programs. In most cases, options are only available for in-state use, and eligibility requirements vary by program. Financial Aid can help you determine which programs you may qualify for.
The Texas State Comptroller maintains a list of scholarships available for students.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program
This program is available to students who choose to enlist in the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Merchant Marine, or any commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States.
Private Scholarships
Many private institutions offer scholarships for a variety of reasons. Many of these are based on life experience, place of employment, family status, among many other factors. There could be a scholarship for just about anything – you just need to find it.
Many scholarships for students require that the FAFSA be completed. Be sure to complete this important form accurately while being mindful of its strict deadlines.
Here are a handful of scholarships STVT’s team is aware of:
The Sallie Mae Bridging The Dream Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by Sallie Mae Community Engagement. It’s open to families with a combined income of $30,000 or less and has eligibility criteria. Specifically, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are accepted or enrolled as full-time undergraduates.
Live Más Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by Taco Bell, and is “passion-based” – they want to see how excited you are about your field of study. A separate program is offered for employees of Taco Bell.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
Offered by The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $20,000 to 150 college freshmen each year. The qualifications for this scholarship are leadership, service, and actions that positively affect others.
Scholarship listing does not imply approval or endorsement by STVT-AAI Education or eligibility to apply or receive.
Military Scholarships
Some forms of financial aid are only available to service members and their families. These forms of aid can have additional restrictions such as being in good standing with the military, and our financial aid team is happy to discuss these programs with you in detail.
MyCAA for Military Spouses
This program provides up to $4,000 of aid to eligible military spouses. The scholarship is available to those pursuing a license, certification, or Associate degree in a portable career field as designated by the Department of Defense.
Forever GI Bill Ⓡ
As of 2017, Forever GI BillⓇ – Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act provides expanded benefits to more service members. The changes included some modernization, with most changes increasing the availability of programs and funds. A full summary of the changes is available on the Veterans Affairs website.
STVT is proud of our students who have served in America’s armed forces and we are happy to assist you with questions you may have about these programs.
Veterans education benefits are available at participating campuses. Please contact the financial aid department at your campus for more information.
Please note that financial aid availability varies by location, so please consult the school you are interested in to confirm its participation.
Talk To a Financial Aid Advisor Today!
There are a variety of state, local, and private programs available for students who know where to look, and one of our financial aid staff will be glad to show you how. We will be with you along the way to answer questions that you might have.
Those who visit our campuses to learn more about STVT programs are invited to consult with our Financial Aid staff. These consultations are your chance to ask questions, discuss financial aid options, and gain a better understanding of how the financial programs offered can make your career-training decision a sound investment.
Make financial aid a priority by scheduling a consultation today.
Net Price Calculators
In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) and the U.S. Department Of Education, any school participating in Title IV federal student aid programs must provide a net price calculator on the school’s website that provides estimated pricing information to current and prospective students and their families, based on the student’s individual circumstances.
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.
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