General Financial Aid Information
The cost of a college education includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses. Fortunately, there are many types of financial aid available to help students pay for college. There are four main types of financial aid for college students including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan funds. A brief description of each can be found below.
Grants:
Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. The federal and state government offer grants. Some grants may be merit-based, need-based or student-specific.
Scholarships:
Like grants, scholarships do not require repayment. They are typically offered by the state, individual colleges, and private organizations. Scholarships can be awarded on a number of factors, such as academic performance, athletic ability, religious affiliation, and race among others. There is usually an application process.
Work Study:
Federal work-study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Loans:
Offered by both the federal government and private institutions. Student loans are money that you borrow to attend college. You must repay your loans with interest.
Other Important Loan Information:
Loans can be both public (federally-backed) or private. Private student loans provide another option to help fund your education. Central Louisiana Technical Community College highly encourages you to explore your eligibility through federal and state financial aid by completing the FAFSA before considering a private loan. These loans are applied for directly with the lender; however, CLTCC is required to certify your loan eligibility. Private loans are not based on financial need, but the borrower and co-signer must meet credit and other eligibility requirements set by the lenders. You may use any lender you choose. We strongly encourage you to carefully compare rates and terms before making any decision on what loan program is best for you. In most, but not all, cases, loans acquired through state and federal aid are better-suited for CLTCC students.
For a list of Financial Aid terms and their meanings, including Cost of Attendance and other important information, click here.
CLTCC's Financial Aid department can be reached at 318-487-5443.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College does not discriminate in its educational and employment policies and procedures with regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.