Scholarships

Our Priority Due date is March 1^st, but the application will remain open until June 30th.  Students who apply by the priority due date will be considered in the first round of scholarships available.

Some scholarship opportunities may require additional documentation such as letters of reference, certificates or an additional essay.  Review each opportunity that is available to you. The descriptions will have an “Apply” box and explain if there is additional information needed.

For upcoming freshmen, make sure your most recent high school transcript and placement scores (ACT®, SAT®, or ACCUPLACER® tests accepted) have been submitted to the Admissions and Outreach Office.

Scholarship committees want to give funding to students who will be successful in their
education. Your challenge is to “prove” to scholarship committees that you are a good
investment! Demonstrate that you have qualities that will make you successful, such as: leadership, initiative, determination, integrity, service to your community, overcoming obstacles, commitment – to name a few. 

Some tips to follow:

• Start by identifying your skills, values, and strengths, then outline examples of past experiences where you have demonstrated these qualities.
• Chart your process to keep yourself organized. Track the scholarship organization and address, application deadline, date you applied, required materials, date you should hear from them, etc.
• Budget time to research and apply for scholarships. This process takes time commitment, and persistence.
• Carefully read the essay questions for each scholarship. Write specifically about what the essay directions tell you to write about.
• No typos! Grammar, punctuation, and spelling need to be flawless.

The first round of scholarships are typically awarded between May to July for the upcoming academic year.  As the Financial Aid office receives new scholarship opportunities to award, announcements will be made and posted on the mySFCC student portal in the Financial Aid section. 

Scholarships specifically for first time freshman/high school graduates are awarded in the months of April to May.  Nursing scholarships are typically awarded in October and March.  Other institutional scholarships such as athletic or performance scholarships are awarded to students by the coaches or performance directors.

The SFCC Foundation also offers a variety of scholarships. The foundation was launched in 1981 with a single check for $2,000 from J. Higdon and Bernice Potter, who wanted their estate to benefit the young people of the community. The nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation raises funds to meet the needs of the college, from new buildings, programs and services to scholarships for deserving students.

Since it began, the foundation has given almost $8.8 million to the college from bequests, major gifts and endowment fund earnings—many from former students who appreciated the education they received at SFCC and wanted to give back. Current assets are nearly $8 million.

Veterans can find numerous funding options here.

If you receive a scholarship from a private organization, SFCC will comply with all stipulations of the scholarship. As a general rule, all private scholarships of more than $500 will be divided equally between fall and spring semesters, although they may be awarded in one semester at your request.

• Endorse your scholarship check and mail to:

State Fair Community College

Financial Aid and Veteran Services/Scholarships

3201 W. 16^th

Sedalia, MO 65301

When we receive your check, we will add the funds to your account and note them as “Outside Scholarship.” Unless otherwise stated, the funds will first be used to reduce the amount of tuition and fees you owe, and then can be applied to book purchases.

Unless otherwise stated, the funds will first be used to reduce the amount of tuition and fees you owe, any remaining funds can be used at the campus store for books and supplies.

If there are any funds remaining after tuition, fees, books and supplies are paid, you will receive the funds back at the next available disbursement date.  Disbursement dates are listed on the mySFCC student portal in the Financial Aid section.

Other outside scholarships that become available are posted in the mySFCC student portal in the Financial Aid section.  Check back regularly as the list is updated throughout the year.  Also, check out the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development website for other state grants.

BEWARE of scholarship scams! Watch out for phrases like:

“This scholarship is guaranteed”, “You can’t get this information anywhere else”, “We need your credit card or account information”,

“You’ve been selected” for an award you have never applied for, “The scholarship
requires a small fee or attend a seminar on how to get financial aid for a small fee”.

For more information or to report a scam: Federal Trade Commission.