Financial Aid Resources

In this short overview video, Admissions Representative Katelyn Mills discusses types of financial aid, how to apply for financial aid, and how to keep financial aid once enrolled in classes.

Financial Aid FAQ

Download the PowerPoint presentation used in the video: Financial Aid FAQ Presentation

For more information about financial aid at OTC, visit the Financial Aid homepage.

In this video, Admissions Representative Mackenzie Steelman-Wilson discusses all things A+, including what expenses A+ covers, how to use the A+ scholarship at OTC, and when A+ eligibility expires.

A+ Scholarship FAQ

Download the PowerPoint presentation used in the video: A+ Scholarship FAQ

OTC offers two type of scholarships: Institutional and Foundation scholarships. Only one application is required for each type.

OTC will notify those who receive an award via their OTC email account or by letter. Please allow four to six weeks after the posted deadline for notification of awards.

OTC Institutional Scholarships and Grants

OTC Foundation Scholarships

Application Periods:

• Institutional Scholarships
  • Fall: December 1 – June 1
  • Spring: September 1 – November 1
• Foundation Scholarships
  • Fall: March 1 – June 1
  • Spring: September 1 – November 1
  • Summer: March 1 – May 1

For more information visit the OTC Scholarships webpage.

Scholarship recommendations are due by March 15. 

Nominated students must apply for admission at OTC and complete a FAFSA (OTC’s school code is 030830).

Leadership Book Scholarship – One recommendation per high school

• The OTC Leadership Scholarship requires a letter of recommendation from the high school principal.
• Amount: $1,500 per year
• Covers: Required books and miscellaneous fees
• Term: 2 years
• Recommendation form will be available December 1

A+ Advantage Scholarship – Up to four recommendations per high school

• Amount: $500 (up to $250 in fall /$250 in spring)
• Covers: Required books and miscellaneous fees
• Term: 1 year
• Recommendation form will be available December 1

What happens next?

• The Financial Aid Office will notify you of results by the end of April.
• For questions, contact Linda Johns at johnsl@otc.edu or call (417) 447-6931.
• Scholarship certificates will be mailed directly to students with their award letter.
• Celebrate!

An FSA ID is an account username and password that students and parents must use to log into certain U.S. Department of Education websites, including the Federal Student Aid website. The FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically.

Both the student and one parent/legal guardian will need an FSA ID. Dependent students must include parental information on the FAFSA and both student and parent must sign the FAFSA with their FSA IDs.

Create an FSA ID 

Unable to recover your FSA ID username and password? Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

FSA ID Resources:

• FSA ID Worksheet – Helpful sheet for students and parents to record FSA ID information, including username, password, and challenge questions.
• How to Create an FSA ID 
• Troubleshooting Your Account Username and Password (FSA ID)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) qualifies students to receive grants, scholarships, and student loans. The FAFSA is required for all forms of financial aid at OTC, including the A+ Scholarship.

The FAFSA is filled out annually. Each FAFSA covers an academic year: fall, spring, and summer.

• 2021-2022 FAFSA: Covers fall 2021, spring 2022, and summer 2022
• 2022-2023 FAFSA: Covers fall 2022, spring 2023, and summer 2023 (available October 1, 2021)

Students who plan to enroll in college the summer after high school graduation will need to fill out both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 FAFSA!

FAFSA Resources for Counselors

• Financial Aid Toolkit for Counselors
• 5 Things You Need to Know About the FAFSA

FAFSA Resources for Students and Parents

• FAFSA Fluency: Preparing to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• FAFSA Form and FSA ID Tips for Parents
• FAFSA Overview
• How to Fill Out the FAFSA
• Overview of the Financial Aid Process
• After the FAFSA: What Happens Next

Students are encouraged to answer questions on the FAFSA as honestly as possible. The FAFSA will determine a student’s dependency status based on their answers.

Who is considered a dependent on the FAFSA?

Students are considered dependents unless they are at least 24 years old, married, a veteran or member of the armed forces, an orphan or emancipated minor, a ward of the court, homeless or at risk for homelessness, or have a child.

FAFSA: Determining Your Dependency Status

Homeless Document Template

The document must be updated yearly, because on the FAFSA the year associated with the question changes.

• A student completing the 2022-2023 FAFSA must have a determination on or after July 1, 2021.
• A student completing the 2021-2022 FAFSA must have a determination on or after July 1, 2020.

2022-2023 Homeless Student Document Template

2021-2022 Homeless Student Document Template

• Paying for College Resource – www.payingforcollegeresource.com – Access to free information and online tools to help make a plan to pay for college.  Learn about the FAFSA, how to compare financial aid offers, finding scholarships, what you should know about student loans and more!

• Free Scholarship Search – www.salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch – Register for free access to 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion and to be entered into a monthly $1000 sweepstakes drawing.

• Financial Literacy Materials and Webinars – www.salliemae.com/finlittools – Free access to upcoming and recorded webinars and materials on saving, planning and paying for college, budgeting, student loans, and more!

• Within Reach Blog – www.salliemae.com/blog – Tackle school and money decisions with confidence thanks to expert tips and help from those who have been there before.

• 5-Things-You-Need-to-Know-about-FAFSA
• The-A-Scholarship
• State-Aid-Update-Fall-2021

Complete a one-year training program with customized support from OTC. The Job Corps Scholars program offers free tuition as well as individualized career and employment counseling to help students land a job they love as soon as they graduate. Job Corps Scholars receive support during their studies and beyond as our counselors will work with students to build their professional network.

The Job Corps Scholars program is designed to help students between the ages of 16 and 24 who are facing challenges to pursuing education such as significant financial need. Students who meet these qualifications are encouraged to apply.

For information on eligible programs and how to apply, visit the Job Corps Scholars Program homepage.

BestColleges.com has created helpful guides for undocumented students to utilize, including financial aid resources, a guide for parents and families of undocumented students, and a DACA application guide.

Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Students

Guide for Parents and Family of Undocumented Students

Guide to the DACA Application Process

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a financial aid program for adults seeking to return to school. The program addresses workforce needs by helping adults pursue a certificate, degree, or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need. Fast Track covers all tuition and program fees for eligible individuals.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Individuals must be 25 years of age or older. Students who are under 25 may qualify if they have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years.
• Students must not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Individuals must make less than $40,000 per year, filing single, or less than $80,000 filing jointly.

For information on eligible programs and how to apply, visit the Fast Track homepage.