Financial Aid

This federal program serves as the foundation for other forms of aid. This program is designed for undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor’s degree. The amount of this award is determined by a federal funding formula and the cost of education at Pickens Tech. Students who have a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for this grant. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) This federal program is designed to be awarded first to those applicants with exceptional needs. Students who have a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for this grant.

• Qualifications:
  To qualify for State & Federal grants, student must complete the FAFSA or CAFSA and receive Student Aid Report
• First Steps:
  Apply for FAFSA online through studentaid.gov, and follow the guide below.
  If unable to apply for FAFSA, consider applying for CAFSA here

For veterans seeking to use their educational benefits at Pickens Tech must contact Pickens’s SCO (school certifying official) through the registration department. Not all programs are eligible for veterans’ benefits and prospective students should contact the office for information on specific programs or classes. Veterans may check their education benefits at va.org, click on Benefits & Education Training.

• Qualifications:
  • Must be able to provide a certificate of eligibility that applicant is receiving veterans benefits
• First Steps:
  • Applicant must already have VA benefits or must fill out an application with the VA
  • Indicate on your application and Maestro profile your VA status
  • If you have any further questions, contact Pickens VA rep at klehrler@aurorak12.org

Pickens Tech participates in a program known as concurrent enrollment. All high school students approved through their district are eligible for enrollment at Pickens with all tuition paid for.

• Qualifications:
  • Applicants should be currently enrolled in high school and on track to graduate. Attendance and career trajectory are major factors in determining an applicant’s eligibility.
• First Steps:
  • Students should connect with their high school counselors to learn more about pickens programming and possible opportunities.
  • Student should explore the virtual tours available for more information about specific programs.
  • Concurrent enrollment students should NOT apply online, the application process for high school students is done solely through counselors.

There are a variety of scholarships that change throughout the year. Pickens awards scholarships based on merit and other specific qualifications. Pickens also accepts third party scholarships. Please visit the Pickens financial aid office for more information about available scholarships.

• Qualifications:
  • Applicants are eligible for scholarships on a case by case basis, and should review the eligibility standards for available scholarships to learn more.
• First Steps:
  • Utilize an online scholarship-seeking tool to find available 3rd party scholarships: fastweb and bold.org
  • Connect with our financial aid office for more information about available scholarships

Pickens Tech does not currently participate in any student loan programs (Federal Stafford Loan, Direct Loan, Perkins, etc.). Students holding previous loans from other schools are eligible for deferment of loans in good standing. Deferment forms will be completed by the records office and sent to previous schools or the loan holder. For further information on loan deferments, contact the Financial Aid Office.