Types of Financial Aid

The Pell Grant is the foundation of Federal Student Aid. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a Bachelor's Degree. Online students are eligible for the same types of financial aid assistance available to on-campus students. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application, which is submitted annually. The amount that you are awarded can change each academic year. The award amount is calculated on the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance at the institution, the semesters enrolled, and the number of hours enrolled. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. 

Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU) Calculation:

All students are limited to the equivalent of 6 years of 12 full-time semesters of Pell Grant eligibility. 

Since some students attend part-time instead of full-time, lifetime eligibility usage (LEU) is calculated on a percentage value rather than the exact number of semesters. 

For example, a student who attends full-time in the fall and spring semesters will use 100% of Pell Grant eligibility in that year. The chart below provides an example of semester-by-semester use:

Other Criteria:

• Students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and all other Pell Grant eligibility criteria.
• This regulation cannot be appealed to add more semesters
• The 12-semester limit is effective for all students. Regardless of when the student began attending college (no “grandfather clause”).
• The eligibility does not “re-start” for skipped semesters, poor academic progress, changing majors, returning for new degrees, or transferring to a new school.

Attendance to percentage conversion chart:

To monitor how much Pell Grant you have used:

Students can review Pell Grant usage by:

1. Log onto https://studentaid.gov/ by using your FSA ID.
2. Once logged in, you will go to your dashboard. 
3. Under "My Aid," you will click on "View Details". 
4. Note the total LEU percentage used and review your semester-by-semester Pell Grant award history.

SUMMER PELL GRANT

Students may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the summer semester.  Pell Grants are awarded based on enrollment status in each semester of an academic year. Students may receive a Pell Grant payment in the summer semester if:

1. The student will need to register for summer courses. Financial Aid will automatically evaluate your eligibility for the Pell Grant.
2. The student attends all three semesters in an academic year but enrolls part-time during either the fall or spring semester.  The final summer payment would be determined by the amount of funds remaining and the enrollment of the student.
3. The student attends in just the fall & summer or just the spring & summer semesters.
4. The student only attends in the summer semester.

Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy standards and all other Pell Grant eligibility criteria.   For any other questions regarding a summer Pell Grant, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

The student employment program that provides San Juan College students an opportunity to earn money through employment at the college or a San Juan College approved community service work site. 

In order to be eligible for student employment, you must:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Be financial aid eligible
• Complete the SJC student employment application process
• Be enrolled in and maintain enrollment in, at least six credits for the semester
                                                                             
  APPLY HERE

Work Study timesheets, payroll and termination information can be found on bottom of the MYSJC Student page.

San Juan College Foundation provides scholarships to deserving students each semester. Complete the application to be considered for one of the 700 scholarships awarded each semester.

Apply Now for an SJC Foundation Scholarship!

Legislative Lottery Scholarship Program 

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship will pay a portion of tuition (up to an undergraduate degree) for students who meet the eligibility criteria listed below. 

Eligibility: 

• Student must be a resident of New Mexico.
• Student must have completed high school at a public or accredited private New Mexico high school, graduated from a public or accredited private New Mexico high school, or received a high school equivalency credential while maintaining residency in New Mexico.
• Student must enroll full-time at a public post-secondary educational institution in New Mexico within sixteen months of graduation or receipt of a high equivalency credential and maintain continuous full-time enrollment. First-time enrollment within the sixteen-month period following graduation must be at a New Mexico public post-secondary educational institution. If the student enrolls full-time at ANY out-of-state institution or private in-state institution, the student shall forfeit eligibility. 
• Student must enroll in and earn 12 credit hours per semester at a two-year New Mexico public community college.
• Student must enroll in and earn 15 credit hours per semester at a four-year New Mexico public university. 
• Student must maintain a 2.5 or greater cumulative grade point average (GPA) each semester of enrollment. 
• Student with disabilities may qualify for reduced credit hour requirements and additional semesters of the scholarship. 

Award:
A percentage of tuition 

Duration: 
The initial scholarship shall begin with the second semester of enrollment at a public postsecondary educational institution. Thereafter, the scholarship is renewed on a per-semester basis, subject to maintaining eligibility. Students must remain consecutively enrolled each fall and spring semester to maintain eligibility for the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed at a four-year institution until the award recipient has received seven (7) semesters of scholarship awards or until the student graduates with a bachelor's degree, whichever is sooner. Students attending a community college are eligible for three (3) semesters of scholarship awards. 

How to Apply:
Student shall contact their public post-secondary educational institution's financial aid department for eligibility verification (no application needed). 

When to Apply:
Student shall contact their public post-secondary educational institution for the eligibility period. 

Where to Apply:
Legislative Lottery Scholarship eligibility is determined by the public post-secondary educational institution. Please contact your educational institution for details. Contact the financial aid office at (505) 566-3323 or financialaid@sanjuancollege.edu. 

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship was established by Gov. Lujan Grisham in 2020. The Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition and required fees for eligible New Mexico residents pursuing career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees at New Mexico public colleges and universities. Learn More

The New Mexico Scholars scholarship encourages New Mexico high school graduates to enroll in college full-time at a public or private non-profit post-secondary institution in New Mexico before their 21st birthday in an undergraduate program. The scholarship is for the period of one academic year and may be renewed annually until the award recipient has received four annual scholarship awards at SJC or until the student graduates from a four-year institution, whichever is earlier. 

Click here to apply and for eligibility requirements. (PDF)

General Scholarships are awarded through a variety of sources to students.  San Juan College encourages all students to seek scholarships. To find general scholarships for which you qualify, search the websites provided below. San Juan College Financial Aid office lists several scholarships daily on the SJC Financial Aid Facebook page

• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com
• FinAid
• Big Future by The College Board
• School Soup
• The Chairish "Design Your Future" Scholarship
• Scholarship Owl
• Sallie Mae Scholarships

What kinds of scholarships are available, and how do I get one?

There are thousands of scholarships from all kinds of organizations, and they’re not hard to find. You might be able to get a scholarship for being a good student, a great basketball player, or a member of a certain church, or because your parent works for a particular company, or for some other reason. Find out more about finding and applying for scholarships. You’ll also want to be careful and avoid scholarship scams.

Try These Resources:
Scholarships for Military Families—Provides resources and contact information for finding college scholarships for military families.

U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool

WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship 

• Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship 
• Eligibility: Current graduate, undergraduate student in a nursing program, or a high school senior who has plans to study nursing. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident. 
• Link: https://www.thehealthboard.com/scholarship-for-nursing-students.htm

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship 

• Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship 
• Eligibility: Current graduate, undergraduate, or high school senior who has an outstanding record of community service. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident. 
• Link: https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/community-service-scholarship.htm

WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Cosmetology No-Essay Scholarship 
• Eligibility: Currently enrolled or planning on enrolling in cosmetology school. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident. 
• Link: https://www.beautyanswered.com/scholarship-for-cosmetology-students.htm

WiseGeek Law No-Essay Scholarship 

• Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Law No-Essay Scholarship 
• Eligibility: Current graduate or undergraduate student in a law program or a high school senior who has plans to study law. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident. 
• Link: https://www.mylawquestions.com/scholarship-for-law-students.htm

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship 

• Awarded by: BeautySchoolsDirectory.com
• Eligibility: Any student, including DACA recipients, who is pursuing a career in the beauty industry.
• Apply here: https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/financial-aid/scholarships

Women in Mathematics Scholarship 

• Eligibility: Current undergraduate women in mathematics or related fields degree program or a high school senior who has plans to study mathematics or related fields. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident. 
• Link: https://www.learner.com/scholarship

Women in Trucking Scholarship

• Link: https://www.alltrucking.com/cdl-training/financial-aid/women-trucking-scholarship

La Jolla Mom Communications Scholarship

• Eligibility: To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate communications or related field degree program at an accredited college in the United States OR a graduating high school senior who has plans to study communications or related fields. The scholarship recipient must be a US citizen or a permanent legal resident and will also be required to provide proof of acceptance to their college or university or a college transcript. 
• Link: https://lajollamom.com/scholarships/

Captain James Ahn Special Forces Memorial Scholarship - for students who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and are now full-time students.   

Scholarships for Military Families - More information from Student Aid about applying for military scholarships.

Vet Student Debt Grant - The Vet Student Debt Grant is a recurring scholarship.  

Wartime Veterans' Scholarship Information

A state scholarship for resident undergraduate and graduate students that provides tuition, fees, and book allowances to  Military War Veterans certified by the New Mexico Veterans’ Service Commission.

Eligibility

• The student must be a resident of New Mexico;
• A military war veteran must submit a scholarship application to the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS);
• Applicants must provide a certified copy of their DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing a combat campaign or service medal and an honorable discharge;
• Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis;
• The scholarship applies to tuition costs, required student fees, and books directly associated with undergraduate, masters or doctoral degree work;
• The amount of tuition to be covered by the scholarship shall not exceed the highest full-time undergraduate tuition charged at an educational institution.

When To Apply

Contact the institution for the eligibility period.

Where To Apply

Students shall apply at the eligible institution he/she will be attending.

How To Apply

The student will contact their institution’s financial aid office for application instruction.

Award

Tuition, required fees, and required books

Duration

Each scholarship is for a period of one academic year.  Renewable if the student maintains satisfactory progress.

Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship Information

A state scholarship for resident undergraduate and graduate students that provides tuition, fees, and book allowances to Vietnam Veterans certified by the New Mexico Veterans’ Service Commission.

Eligibility

• Student must be a resident of New Mexico
• Vietnam Veteran as reviewed and certified by the NM Veterans Service Commission
• Honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States, who was a resident of New Mexico at the original time of entry into the armed forces or who has lived in New Mexico for ten years or more
• Being awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal for services in the armed forces of this country in Vietnam during the period of August 5, 1964, to the official termination of the Vietnam conflict as designated by executive order of the President of the United States, is eligible for certification

When To Apply

Contact the institution for the eligibility period.

Where To Apply

Student shall apply at the eligible institution he/she will be attending.

How To Apply

Student will contact their institution’s financial aid office for application instruction.

Award

Tuition, required fees, and required books

Duration

Each scholarship is for a period of one academic year.  Renewable if the student maintains satisfactory progress.

How to Apply for Native American Scholarships 

Numerous scholarships are available, and are waiting for Native American students to apply. The eligibility requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship, as well as the deadlines for filing. Generally, you must do the following:

• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be completed every year. 
• Meet the scholarship eligibility requirements. 
• Complete the scholarship application and submit it to the respective scholarship office or organization. 
• Submit a financial need analysis (FNA) form to the SJC Financial Aid office.

Before applying for student employment or student loans, notify your financial aid advisor of any pending aid or scholarships for which you have applied. Scholarships are treated as financial aid and may result in an adjustment to any loan or student employment award you may receive. 

Educate. Enable. Empower. 

The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA) provides enrolled members of the Navajo Nation an opportunity to achieve their education goals. The ONNSFA awards financial aid and scholarships from several sources, including federal funds from the Higher Education Grant, Navajo Nation Funds, Trust Funds, and Corporate Funds. 

For more information on ONNSFA

PNM Navajo Nation Work Force Training Scholarship 

Recipients are selected on multiple criteria, and funds are limited. Not all qualified applicants will receive an award. 

Eligibility: 

• Student must be an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. 
• Student will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
• Student must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. 
• Priority will be given to full-time students (12 credits or more per semester); Part-time students will be considered if funds are available. 
• The awards will be posted on Student Self-Service. 
• Scholarships are generally awarded per semester for fall and/or spring semesters. Awards are unavailable during the summer semester. 
• Failure to meet scholarship eligibility may result in immediate cancellation of the award. 
• Students can apply each academic year to be considered. 
• The student agrees to write a Thank You letter and attend the PNM - Foundation Scholarship Reception in Spring. 
• Must be pursuing one of the following degrees: 
  • Associate of Sciences: Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, and Geology
  • Associate of Applied Sciences: Advanced Petroleum Productions Operation, Automotive Technology, Automotive Service Education Program (GM), Building Trades, Civil Drafting and Design Technology, College Automotive Program (Chrysler), Diesel Technology, Fire Science, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Industrial Process Operator, Instrumentation and Controls Technology, Toyota Technician Training Education Network, Occupational Safety, Petroleum Operations, Welding, Industrial Safety Technologies, Commercial Construction Safety, Controls Technology - Fundamentals, Tribal Energy Management, Information Technology.

Full Circle Scholarship

To be eligible, students must be an enrolled member (or a descendant of one) of a federally or state-recognized tribe while demonstrating a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 and maintaining full-time enrollment. 

For more information about the Full Circle Scholarship

For more information about San Juan College Scholarships and Financial Assistance.

• Impact Scholarship
• UNCF Scholarships
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarships
• NAACP Scholarships

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Scholarships A-Z
• WiseGeek Recent Immigrants Scholarship
• Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship

If you are a Dreamer, we can help you get the education you deserve. Helping undocumented students fulfill their college and career dreams. 

For more details and application.

• APIA Scholars
• Asian Pacific Fund Scholarship
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
• AANAPISI Scholarship

• ASSP Foundation
• Bowen Web Design Scholarship
• Global Healing Center
• Google Lime Scholarship Program
• L. Ron Hubbard's Illustrators of the Future Contest
• MENSA Education and Research Foundation
• P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
• P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
• UNCF (Multiple Scholarships)
• Women in Aerospace Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
• eduPASS Scholarships

Description

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to 300 of these student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.

Award

Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university.

*Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation and may include other personal costs.

Basic Eligibility 

To apply, students must be:

• A high school senior
• From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
• Pell-eligible
• A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
• In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) 

 Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at a US-accredited, not-for-profit, private, or public college or university.

*For American Indians/Alaska Natives, proof of tribal enrollment will be required. 

For more information on The Gates Scholarship.

The ECECD Scholarship is based on a cost-share model for New Mexico early childhood educators working in:

• Licensed or registered childcare programs

• State-funded Pre-K or Early Pre-K programs

• State-funded New Mexico Home Visiting or Family Infant Toddler (FIT) programs

To qualify for a scholarship, all applicants must:

1. Enroll in a qualifying New Mexico higher education institution.

2. Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a qualifying Early Childhood Program.

3. Remain eligible throughout the duration of the scholarship.

4. Take six credit hours per year.

Approved Certificate and Degree Programs:

• Child Development Certificate (state-awarded)

• Child Development Certificate of Achievement

• Early Childhood Program Administration Certificate of Completion

• Infant Family Studies Certificate of Achievement

• Early Childhood Multicultural Education Birth: Age 4

• Early Childhood Multicultural Education Age 3: Grade 3

• Early Childhood Multicultural Education Early Childhood Program Administration Concentration

• Early Childhood Multicultural Education Infant Family Studies Concentration

• Social Work (Home Visiting Program only)

• Counseling (Home Visiting Program only)

ECECD Scholarship Application

The purpose of the Act is to encourage eligible New Mexico students to attend and complete an accredited public education department-approved teacher preparation program at a New Mexico public post-secondary educational institution or a tribal college by providing a scholarship opportunity. The scholarship is intended to help defray the educational expenses charged by the public post-secondary institution or tribal college, including tuition, fees, books and course supplies, and living expenses.

Eligibility

• Must be a resident of New Mexico or is eligible for the nondiscrimination waiver.
• Is enrolled at least half-time in a teacher preparation program at an eligible institution and who is pursuing a teaching degree at any time later than 120 days following high school graduation or the award of a high school equivalency credential recognized by the State of New Mexico;
• Has not earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher by the public education department; and
• Has demonstrated financial need as determined by the institution.

How to Apply

Students shall contact the teacher preparation program at the relevant institution for scholarship application instructions.

Where To Apply

Students shall apply directly to the teacher preparation program at the relevant institution.

Award

Institutions shall make awards based on financial need. Awards shall not exceed $6,000 per academic year.

Duration

The scholarship shall continue as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress at the eligible educational institution, but in no event shall the recipient receive the scholarship for more than five academic years.

Award Amount

The amount of the scholarship award to the recipient shall be based on financial need not exceeding $6,000 per year.

The “Grow Your Own Teachers Act” seeks to provide opportunities for educational assistants to pursue careers in teaching in New Mexico by providing scholarship opportunities for educational assistants who may want to attend a public post-secondary educational institution in New Mexico to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.

The program provides for professional leave and scholarship awards to qualified educational assistants. The scholarship is intended to help defray the educational expenses charged by the institution, including tuition, fees, books, and course supplies.

Eligibility

• Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of New Mexico;
• Accepted into an accredited public education department-approved teacher preparation program at an eligible institution;
• Has not earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher by the public education department;
• Has demonstrated financial need as determined by the institution and the student’s FAFSA; and
• Has worked as an educational assistant in a New Mexico public school for at least two years and is in good standing with the New Mexico public school.

Eligible Schools

• Public schools
• Tribal schools
• State institutions
• Special schools
• State agencies that employ educational assistants

How To Apply

Students shall contact the teacher preparation program at the relevant institution for scholarship application instructions.      

Where To Apply

Students shall apply directly to the teacher preparation program at the relevant institution.

Process of Seeking GYOT Scholarship - An EA who is seeking the scholarship must:

1. Apply to a teacher preparation program;
2. Petition his or her school requesting professional leave for college classes, examinations, and practice teaching, which the school is to grant if the EA receives a GYOT scholarship, and submit this petition to the teacher preparation program,
3. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate Pell eligibility.

Award

Institutions shall make awards to qualifying educational assistants based on financial need. Awards shall not exceed $6,000 per academic year for no more than five years.

Duration

The scholarship shall continue as the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress at the eligible educational institution, but in no event shall the recipient receive the scholarship for more than five academic years.

Award Amount

The amount of the scholarship award to the recipient shall be based on financial need not exceeding $6,000 per year.

The Four Corners Noyce Scholars program is a collaboration between Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and San Juan College.  The National Science Foundation funds it.

It aims to provide scholarships to graduates with bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math to pursue alternative licensure through San Juan College or Fort Lewis College.

Students interested in a career in a STEM-H field should apply:

San Juan Four Corners Noyce Scholarship

All applicants must be citizens of the United States and must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter sponsorship is not required; however, a DAR member may be used as a reference or may assist you with your application. 

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

A state scholarship that recognizes the importance of the duties performed by our firefighters and peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The program provides survivors with an opportunity for a college education through a scholarship. 

Eligibility

• The student and honorable deceased must be a resident of New Mexico. 
• Attend a public post-secondary institution (in or out of New Mexico). 
• Survivor: spouse, adopted, or natural children must be twenty-one years of age or under at the time of death. 

How to apply

The student will request an application by emailing fin.aid@state.nm.us. 

When to apply

Applications must be received by September 1st of each year.

Award

Tuition, room, and board, up to the average cost of attendance at a New Mexico public research university. 

Duration 

Each scholarship is for a period of up to six academic years. 

Nursing Loan-For-Service Program

The purpose of the Nursing Loan-For-Service is to increase the number of nurses in areas of the state that have experienced shortages by making education loans to students entering nursing programs. As a condition of each loan, the student shall declare his/her intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area within the state of New Mexico. For every year of service provided in a designated shortage area within New Mexico, a portion of the loan will be forgiven. If the entire service agreement is fulfilled, 100% of the loan is eligible for forgiveness. Penalties will be assessed if the service agreement is not satisfied. 

Eligibility: 

• New Mexico Resident (12 consecutive months);
• Official Acceptance into a nursing program at a New Mexico public college or university;
• Enrolled at least half-time;
• Demonstrate financial need (meeting all FAFSA & SAP requirements);
• The student must declare his/her intent to practice as a health professional in a designated shortage area within the state of New Mexico. 

How To Apply:

1. The student shall complete the FAFSA;
2. Complete the Loan-For-Service Application;
3. Submit the complete application packet to the New Mexico Higher Education Department via email;
4. Current program recipients will need to apply each year for funding.

When To Apply:

The application opens every year on May 15th and closes on July 1st.

Where To Apply: 

The application will be available below starting May 15th and will be removed from the page on the closing date of July 1st. 

Award:

The award is based on the financial need of the student. The award may not exceed $12,000.00 per year. 

Duration:

The award is for a period of one year but may be renewable for up to four years upon resubmission of an application each year. 

• Financial Aid and Scholarships: A Beginner's Guide for Nursing Students
• Scholarships for Nursing Students - And How to Win Them
• The Nursing Student's Guide to Debt-Free Education

• Amount: $1,000
• Eligibility: Open to all high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate students. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Recurring: Annually, with the deadline on December 1 each year

For more information and application 

Student loans are a form of financial aid that can help you pay for tuition, books, and living expenses while you're in school. SJC offers the following loans:

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans - A loan for students who have financial needs as determined by the FAFSA. Interest is not charged on subsidized loans while you're in school at least half-time (6 credits). 
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans - A loan that is not based on financial need. Interest is charged during all periods. 
• Federal PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loan - An unsubsidized loan for the parents of dependent students. PLUS, loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods. 
• Private Education Loan - Private loans are education loans that are not funded by the federal government. They are loans that are borrowed from private lenders (such as banks). Private loans may be borrowed alone or as a supplement to your existing federal student aid package as long as your total award amount is lower than your cost of attendance. Unlike federal loans, private loans are subject to credit approval and usually have a higher interest rate. 

If you are interested in student loans, there are a few things you will need to do:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Be sure to add San Juan College as the school to receive your FAFSA information. 
• Submit all requested forms and/or documents to the SJC Financial Aid office. 
• If you are new to college or just new to SJC, the student will need to attend a first-time borrowers loan seminar. 
• Students can complete the First-Time Borrowers Loan Seminar by clicking this link HERE. Please watch the full presentation and answer the short questions at the end. Once the presentation has been completed, your attendance will automatically be recorded. In order for your attendance to be recorded, you will need to log in with your SJC username and password. If you cannot log in, please call the Help Desk at 505-566-3266. 
• Complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment
• Complete the Master Promissory Note
• Complete the Federal Entrance Counseling
• Be enrolled in six credit hours or more (at least half-time status) 
• Maintain at least half-time enrollment status
• Complete a San Juan College loan application, which can be found on MySJC. Learn how to submit financial aid forms and documents.

Deadline for Loans: 

• Fall - November 1
• Spring - April 1
• Summer - July 1 

A private loan is a non-federally funded student loan borrowed from a lender. These loans require credit approval and often a co-signer. Private loans typically have higher interest rates, fewer repayment options, and can have additional fees. So, it is important to carefully consider your options when deciding whether a private loan is right for you.

Private loans may be a good choice for you if:

• You have no remaining federal loan eligibility due to maximizing your undergraduate borrowing limits.
• You are ineligible to receive federal student aid due to financial aid suspension, or you are in default with federal student loans.

If you decide a private loan is a good option, please carefully read all of the disclosure information provided by the lender. You must be enrolled in at least six credit hours in an eligible degree or certificate program to be awarded a private loan. Shop around and do your research before selecting the right private lender for you.

Please visit LendEDU for private loan refinancing and consolidation options.

To compare lenders and apply for a private loan, please visit our FASTChoice site.