Southern Union State Community College Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of college funding can be daunting. Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students achieve their academic goals. This guide provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available at SUSCC, along with other forms of financial assistance.

Federal and State Aid Programs

Southern Union State Community College students have access to a range of federal and state aid programs designed to make college education more accessible. These programs include grants, work-study opportunities, and loan options.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is an entitlement program, ensuring that all qualifying students receive funding. Intended for students with exceptional financial needs, eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA generates a "Student Aid Index" (SAI) number, reflecting a student's ability to pay for college. Students with the greatest need may have an SAI as low as -1500. Pell Grant award amounts are subject to Congressional appropriations and may vary based on enrollment status.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG program is designed to assist the neediest students, specifically those who qualify for the Pell Grant. Due to limited funding, priority consideration is given to students who complete the FAFSA by October 1.

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)

The ASAP grant is available to Alabama residents who are also Pell Grant recipients and demonstrate exceptional financial need. As funds are limited, students who complete the FAFSA by October 1 receive priority consideration.

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College Work-Study Program

The College Work-Study Program offers part-time employment opportunities to students with financial needs, helping them cover college expenses. While Pell Grant eligibility is not mandatory, students must complete the FAFSA to determine financial eligibility. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid Office for job assignments, with wages typically above minimum wage and a maximum of 19 hours per week. Campus jobs may also be available for students without demonstrated financial need, though opportunities are limited, and early application is recommended. These students generally work about 10 hours per week. Applicants are required to complete the FAFSA.

Direct Loans

To be considered for a Direct Loan, students must complete the FAFSA. First-time borrowers are required to complete an online entrance counseling session and sign a promissory note at www.studentaid.gov. Federal regulations mandate that students be enrolled for at least half-time (6 hours) at the time of disbursement. Subsidized Direct Loans are available to students with financial needs and do not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowing limits are $3,500 per academic year for freshmen and $4,500 per academic year for sophomores.

Parent PLUS Loans

Parents can borrow through the PLUS Loan program to help fund their child's education. The student must complete the FAFSA, and the parent must complete a PLUS Loan information sheet at www.studentaid.gov. The amount of the PLUS Loan depends on the cost of attendance and any other financial aid the student receives. Parent PLUS borrowers must undergo a credit check and sign the Master Promissory Note using their FSA user ID.

Institutional Scholarships

The Southern Union State Community College Financial Aid Committee convenes annually to award several institutional scholarships, including Presidential Honors, Presidential Academic, Partial, Bison Media Influencer, and Technical Scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition and applicable fees for a limited number of credit hours, up to 57 credit hours per academic year. The scholarship may cover up to 82 total credit hours or the program length, whichever is shorter, provided all other criteria are met.

Presidential Honors Scholarships

Presidential Honors Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates or currently enrolled students pursuing academic programs. Applicants must have a minimum 90% numeric GPA, a composite ACT score of at least 21, and scores of at least 21 in both English and Math. Recipients are required to serve as peer tutors for at least four hours per week (two days per week) on their assigned campus in Developmental English and/or Math courses, not exceeding 19 total hours per week. This scholarship covers tuition and applicable fees for two years, required textbook rental, and hourly compensation for tutoring services. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) and a GPA of at least 3.5, and meet the peer tutor hour requirement to maintain the scholarship beyond the first year. Failure to meet these requirements may result in consideration for the Presidential Academic Scholarship. The Presidential Honors Committee evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, personality, interpersonal skills, and communication abilities. Recipients must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

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Presidential Academic Scholarships

Presidential Academic Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing an associate’s degree. Applicants are evaluated based on numerical GPA (90th percentile or higher required) and ACT score (20 or higher preferred). The scholarship covers tuition and applicable fees for two years. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) in the Fall and Spring semesters (summer is optional) and a GPA of at least 3.0 to maintain the scholarship beyond the first year. Recipients must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Technical Scholarships

Technical Scholarships are designed for graduating high school students who wish to complete a technical program. Applicants must declare a technical area of interest and remain in that program for the duration of the scholarship. These scholarships pay tuition and applicable fees for up to two years, with awards ranging from single-semester to full two-year scholarships. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) and a GPA of at least 2.5 to maintain a full two-year scholarship beyond the first year. Single-term scholarships are non-renewable. Recipients must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Technical Scholarships (Current Students)

These scholarships are available to current or new students (excluding graduating high school seniors) who wish to pursue a technical degree. Applicants must remain in their chosen program for the duration of the scholarship. The scholarships cover tuition and applicable fees for up to two years, with awards ranging from single-semester to full two-year scholarships. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) and a GPA of at least 2.5 to maintain a full two-year scholarship beyond the first year. Single-term scholarships are non-renewable. Each recipient must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Ambassador Scholarships

Ambassador Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students who demonstrate a desire to represent the college in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner, while portraying a positive image of the institution. Applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 and a minimum ACT score of 20. Ambassador duties may include conducting campus tours, hosting campus activities, recruiting students, assisting with registration, graduation, and orientations, and welcoming groups to campus. The Ambassador Scholarship Committee evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, personality, professional appearance, and communication skills.

Performing Arts Scholarships

Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded to students who want to participate in the performing arts programs at Southern Union. These scholarships cover tuition and applicable fees in areas such as dance, theatre, music (vocal), and production technical support. Auditions and interviews are held in March, and applicants are selected based on their performance, interview, and other criteria set by the program director. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 to continue the scholarship beyond the first year. Recipients must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Bison Media Influencer Scholarships

Bison Media Influencer Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students or currently enrolled students who wish to pursue an associate's degree and actively work with the SUSCC Public Relations Department. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to represent the college responsibly, ethically, and professionally, while portraying a positive image of the institution.

Partial Scholarships

Partial scholarships are available to incoming freshmen or currently enrolled students, covering tuition and applicable fees for six (6) credit hours. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 to continue the scholarship beyond the first year. For students in technical or health science programs, the full-time enrollment requirement may be substituted with twelve (12) contact hours or more. Scholarships are divided among academic, technical, and health sciences divisions. This scholarship cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships. Each recipient must complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Counselor’s Leadership Scholarships

Counselor’s Leadership Scholarships are available for one semester (summer or fall) immediately following high school graduation. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership, as recognized by their high school counselors and/or principals. Recommendations are accepted beginning April 1 of the academic year. Each high school in the Southern Union service area is allotted one scholarship, with the principal or counselor submitting a letter naming the recipient to the Financial Aid Director.

Special Circumstances Scholarships

Special Circumstances Scholarships may be available in isolated cases to students facing emergencies or hardships not easily addressed by conventional financial aid or scholarship policies.

Bison Scholarships

Bison Scholarships are awarded based on performance and/or participation in selected Southern Union-sponsored activities, including academic tournaments, pageants, SOAR, and community events. The number of scholarships awarded may vary.

Athletics and Cheerleading Scholarships

Athletics and Cheerleading scholarships cover tuition, applicable fees, and books. Coaches of each sport make awards based on tryouts and other criteria. Recipients may be asked to complete at least one service duty day each academic year.

Senior Adult Scholarship Program

Alabama residents aged 60 or older who meet institutional admission requirements are eligible for the Senior Adult Scholarship Program, which covers tuition only. This scholarship can be used for developmental and credit courses, subject to space availability. Applicants must register for classes on the last published date of registration to determine space availability. The program is restricted to courses supporting the institution’s approved associate degree and certificate programs and does not extend to continuing education, personal enrichment, recreation, or leisure classes.

Veteran and Military Benefits

Southern Union State Community College is committed to supporting veteran students and their dependents by offering various educational benefits and resources.

Veteran Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits

Veteran students and/or their dependents may qualify for VA educational benefits. Dependents of Alabama disabled veterans should contact the local VA office. A National Guard member or Reservist eligible for tuition assistance must log on to www.armyignited.army.mil/student/public/welcome to establish an account and submit their schedule with the exact courses and costs before registration. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be submitted. Students must complete the Statement of Understanding (SOU) each academic year and the Enrollment Certification Request Form (ECR) each semester to confirm enrollment, which will be submitted to the VA on the student’s behalf. Beginning in spring 2023, students will be placed on a processing hold to prevent overpayment, withdrawals without notification, and enrollment updates. Certification will only be granted to registered students. The veteran must meet the necessary qualifications to establish eligibility for his/her dependents, defined as a child, stepchild, spouse, or the un-remarried widow(er) of the veteran. More information is available at www.va.state.al.gov. Students must also meet the institution's Standards of Academic Progress guidelines to qualify for benefits. If eligible, the scholarship will pay for tuition and books only, with the student responsible for mandatory fees.

Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP)

ANGEAP, established by the Alabama legislature, provides financial assistance to active Alabama National Guard members enrolled in degree programs at accredited postsecondary institutions within the state. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov. Beginning in Spring 2022, Southern Union State Community College requires all students using ANGEAP to pay their tuition and fees upfront.

Purple Heart Waiver

The Purple Heart Waiver provides a waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees for Purple Heart recipients.

Federal Tuition Assistance (TA)

Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense (DOD) program, not administered by the VA.

Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty) - Chapter 30

The Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty), also known as Chapter 30, provides education benefits to individuals who entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and have contributed to the College Fund.

Post 9/11 GI Bill®

The Post 9/11 GI Bill® is for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009.

Selected Reserve GI Bill®

This program provides benefits for members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard who enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended their enlistment for a period of six years after July 1, 1985.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program

Sons, daughters, and spouses of veterans may be eligible for educational assistance if the veteran died while in service, died as a result of a service-connected disability, became permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability, or died while disability was in existence. Benefits are paid at the single rate by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Southern Union Foundation Scholarships

The Southern Union Foundation offers various scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits.

Ann B. Caldwell Fine Arts Scholarship

Family, friends, and Southern Union alumni established this scholarship in memory of Ann B. Caldwell, a beloved music director who dedicated her life to teaching at Southern Union State Community College for more than 30 years. This scholarship supports fine arts students.

Auburn High School Scholarships

Several scholarships are specifically for Auburn High School graduates attending Southern Union State Community College.

Business Scholarship: Supports Auburn High School graduates pursuing business-related studies at Southern Union State Community College, excluding those in healthcare or technical trades.
CTE Chairman Scholarship Fund: Supports Auburn High School students pursuing post-secondary education at SUSCC in any Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
Healthcare Services Scholarship: Supports Auburn High School graduates pursuing healthcare-related programs at Southern Union State Community College.
Technical-Trade Scholarship: Supports Auburn High School students enrolled in technical or professional trade education programs at Southern Union State Community College, such as welding, automotive technology, construction, and precision machining.

Randolph County Scholarship

This award is given to freshmen or currently enrolled students who demonstrate financial need and a leadership/community service. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. This award will be awarded to one recipient from the Randolph County area who plans to enroll for classes at Southern Union State Community College. This is a one-time, non-renewable award for fall semester.

Dual Enrollment Scholarships

This award is offered to dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students on their own high school campus or on any SUSCC campus. A limited number of scholarships for Dual Enrollment Students are available through the Southern Union Foundation.

Emily Hudson Scholarship

The Emily Hudson Scholarship was established in 2016 by the family of the late Emily Hudson.

The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship

The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship is available for students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in the CNC Machining Program at Southern Union State Community College. These funds are designated to assist with tuition specifically for this program. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,500 per student. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in the CNC Machining Program at Southern Union. Recipients are chosen by the Technical Division’s Scholarship Committee.

Goodwill Industries Scholarship

This award is made possible by a donation from Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers. It is designed to bridge the gap that often exists between a student’s financial aid package and the total cost of tuition, books, etc. This award will be given to a student who has completed a minimum of one year of college and admitted into the Paramedic, Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology, or Nursing Program. Candidates have to be enrolled in the Health Sciences Program on the Opelika Campus and preference will be given to Lee, Chambers, and Russell County Residents.

STEM Scholarship

This award is given to one student each year who is majoring in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math related field, successfully completed Math 112 or higher, completed two semesters at SUSCC with a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester and has a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.

Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to recognize students in Nursing who display academic excellence with a desire to help others. They must be enrolled in the SUSCC Nursing Program, resident of Lee County, AL, successfully completed two semesters of the nursing program and have a minimum GPA of 2.50.

Lee-Macon Scholarship

This scholarship shall be awarded each year to incoming freshman from Lee and Macon County public high schools who are enrolled at Southern Union State Community College technical program. Second year SUSCC Technical Program students who received the Lee-Macon Scholarship in their first year qualify for renewals. Selection of the recipients shall be made by the Technical Division Southern Union Scholarship committee.

Wadley High School Scholarship

This award will be made annually to a graduating senior in good standing from Wadley High School who has been accepted to Southern Union State Community College and is a first-generation student.

Sheryl Stone Memorial Scholarship

This award was established in 2024 by Karen Stone in memory of her husband, Sheryl. To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, a student must be enrolled in Southern Union as an academic transfer student, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Special Circumstance Scholarship

The Southern Union Foundation awards full tuition and partial scholarships to an incoming freshman and a current SU student each spring. Scholarships are also available through The Foundation for students who have encountered an emergency or hardship that is not addressed by conventional financial aid or college scholarship policies. The Special Circumstance Scholarship is available to currently enrolled students who have encountered a hardship and need additional funds to fill a gap. Students applying for a special circumstance scholarship must be recommended by a faculty or staff member who will provide a letter of support.

iSchoolSports Internship Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship award will be used for an internship with iSchoolSports for the 2025 Fall Semester. Students have to be in their second year at SUSCC and majoring in Sports Management in the Health and Wellness program.

William A. Parker, Sr. Scholarship

The William A. Parker, Sr. scholarship will assist an Opelika High School graduate who has been accepted to Southern Union State Community College with a 2.75 GPA or higher, participated in school or community activities for a minimum of two years, and provides an essay about their educational goals.

Kesa M. Johnston, LLC Scholarship

This award will be open to first-time freshmen who have been accepted for enrollment by SUSCC following graduation from a high school in Randolph County, AL and who demonstrate a financial need. Recepients must pursue a career in Education. This scholarship is funded by The Law Firm of Kesa M. Johnston, LLC. ($2,000 scholarship).

Automotive Manufacturing Scholarships

Funding is available to award a total of 30 $1,800 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Students who are awarded the scholarship may use the funds for their summer or fall 2022 tuition, books, and fees associated with the approved program of study. A full submission for the scholarship requires the following: a completed application; a resume; a maximum 500-word essay on why the student wants to work in Alabama’s automotive industry; one signed reference letter; an unofficial college or high school transcript; and a headshot photo.

General Scholarship Information

Students may be able to obtain assistance in the form of scholarships granted on the basis of academic/technical achievement, participation in extracurricular and leadership activities, and exhibited talents of the fine arts. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Citizenship, and completed scholarship application must be on file at the college before a scholarship can be awarded.

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