Paying for College: More Options Than You May Think
For many families, one of the first questions about college is also one of the biggest: How will we pay for it?
The answer may be more encouraging than you think. From affordable tuition and financial aid to grants, scholarships, and programs such as the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship, there are several ways students and families can make a college education more manageable.
“Families sometimes look at the cost of college and assume it may be out of reach before they have explored all of the resources available to them,” said Dr. Jo Ellen Price, dean, financial aid and scholarships at San Jacinto College. “One of the most important things students can do is ask questions early. There may be opportunities available that they simply don’t know about yet.”
Start with the FAFSA
For many students, the first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The FAFSA helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid and can also be required for many grants and scholarships.
Financial aid can take several forms, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Grants and scholarships are particularly valuable because they generally do not have to be repaid.
Students planning to attend San Jac should include the College’s FAFSA school code, 003609, when completing the application.
“The FAFSA is an important starting point, even for families who aren’t sure they will qualify for assistance,” Price said. “Completing it gives students a better understanding of the resources that may be available and can help families make a more informed financial plan.”
Look beyond one source of funding
Students should also explore scholarships and grants rather than assuming one application or one source of aid will cover everything.
San Jac offers institutional grants and scholarships based on a variety of criteria, including financial need and academic achievement. Students can complete one San Jac scholarship application that can match them with scholarship opportunities for which they may qualify.
Families can also look for scholarships offered by community organizations, employers, foundations, and other outside groups.
The key is to start early, pay attention to deadlines, and continue looking for opportunities throughout the college journey.
Understand the Promise
For eligible recent high school graduates, the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship provides another path to an affordable education.
The scholarship is available to eligible students who live within the San Jacinto College taxing district at the time of high school graduation. After other financial aid, grants, and scholarships are applied, Promise covers 100% of in-district tuition as well as books and required supplies for eligible full-time students. The scholarship can support students for up to three years, 72 credit hours or through completion of their first associate degree, whichever comes first.
There are no initial GPA or family income requirements to qualify for Promise, although students must meet eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Make a plan for the full cost of college
Planning for college also means looking beyond tuition.
Families should consider books and supplies, transportation, and other day-to-day expenses when creating a college budget. Starting at an affordable institution can help, and San Jac's simplified tuition model includes no student fees. For the 2026–27 academic year, in-district tuition is $83 per credit hour.
Price encourages families to talk openly about college costs and develop a plan together.
“Paying for college doesn’t have to be a conversation families navigate alone,” Price said. “Our goal is to help students understand their choices, connect them with available resources, and find a path that makes sense for their individual circumstances.”
Most importantly, don't let concerns about cost stop the conversation before it begins. Ask questions, complete the financial aid process, and explore every option available.
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