What is a scholarship?

FINANCIAL AID

The 2025-26 FAFSA is now available via studentaid.gov. To ensure successful completion, read our webpage about applying for aid. If you have been selected for verification, a 2023 IRS tax transcript can be requested via irs.gov.

View important financial aid dates and deadlines.
 

A scholarship is financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Eligibility for scholarships is determined by various criteria for the specific scholarship. Examples include:

  • financial need
  • accomplishments
  • academic merit
  • service, leadership or extracurricular activities
  • or even winning an essay contest.

Scholarship selection committees review candidates and choose a limited number of recipients, as funding for the specific scholarship allows.

One application searches hundred of scholarships at SFA

SFA has hundreds of scholarships available to new and returning students. Learn more about our general application and important deadlines.

Apply for SFA Scholarships

Specialized scholarships provided by SFA
Outside scholarship resources

You can do an online search, “Scholarships for ___” and fill in the blank: leaders, volunteers, children of veterans — you name it.

Receiving an outside scholarship:

Outside scholarship funds must be sent to Student Business Services for processing. The priority deadline is June 1 for fall tuition. View more information on outside scholarships. These funds should not be sent to the financial aid office.