The Pell Grant is a federal financial aid program in the United States that provides need-based grants to low-income students to help cover the cost of college or other postsecondary education. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid, making them an essential resource for students who might otherwise struggle to afford tuition and related expenses. The amount awarded depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Students cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant from more than one school at a time, ensuring that the aid is applied to a single institution where the student is enrolled.

• Subsidized Loans: These loans are based on financial need. The government pays the interest while you’re in school at least half-time, during your grace period, and during deferment. This means you won’t be charged interest until repayment begins.
   
• Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are not based on financial need and are available to all students regardless of income. Interest starts accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed. If you don’t pay the interest while in school, it will be added (capitalized) to your loan balance.
   
• Parent PLUS Loans: Parents of dependent undergraduate students can apply for a PLUS Loan to cover costs not already covered by other financial aid. PLUS Loans are the parent’s responsibility to repay. If a parent is denied a PLUS Loan, the student may qualify for additional Unsubsidized Loan funds.
  • Repayment Details: Parent PLUS Loan repayment begins within 60 days after the last disbursement, and interest starts accruing immediately.

Please Note: Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours to receive federal loans
 

Important Changes to Federal Student Loans

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, Federal Direct Student Loans will be required to be prorated based on the student’s hours of enrollment for the academic year. If students will be enrolled less than full-time status for the academic year in which they are enrolled, Federal Direct Student Loan will be prorated. 

The GO Grant is a Louisiana state-funded financial aid program that helps eligible students with unmet financial need pay for college. It is available to Louisiana residents who receive a Federal Pell Grant and are enrolled at approved Louisiana institutions. GO Grants can be combined with other aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs; however, funding is limited and not guaranteed each year. Eligible students will receive the following award amounts per year:

• Full-time (12 or more credit hours) – $3,000 ($1500 per semester)
• Half-time (6-11 credit hours) – $3,000 ($1500 per semester)
• Less than Half-time (1-5 credit hours ) - $0 ($0 per semester)

For full eligibility details, visit: GO Grant Eligibility – LOSFA

Active National Guard members are eligible for a tuition waiver. Students utilizing these waivers are still responsible for all required fees, books, and supplies. Eligible students should bring their waiver certificate to the Office of Financial Aid.

Student Government Association (SGA) officers are eligible for a tuition and fee waiver. Officers include the President, Vice-President, and Secretary / Treasurer. Students utilizing these waivers are still responsible for all required books and supplies.

Cross Enrolled Waivers are for students who are cross enrolled at RPCC. This waiver covers tuition and all fees except lab fees.

Employee (LCTCS) Waivers are for eligible employees at RPCC. This waiver covers up to 6 credit hours of tuition.

River Parishes Community College participates in the Veteran’s Affairs Educational Benefits Programs.

The steps to apply are as follows:

• If you have never received educational benefits before, complete an Application for VA Education Benefits online at: https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/application/1990/introduction
   
• If you have received education benefits at another institution, bring any paperwork concerning your benefits to the Office of Financial Aid.
   
• Notify the Office of Financial Aid once you pre-register for classes each semester.

For additional information, please visit our Veteran's Educational Services page or email [email protected]. 

Tuition and/or fees are paid for eligible students with disabilities. Awards are not based upon economic need. To apply, contact Louisiana Rehabilitation Services at 1-800-295-8900.

Recipients of this assistance must meet the continuing eligibility requirements as defined by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.

The Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is Louisiana’s premier merit-based scholarship program. It provides financial assistance to eligible Louisiana high school graduates to help cover tuition and certain fees at public colleges and universities in Louisiana, or a portion of tuition at approved private institutions. TOPS has several award levels based on academic performance, and students must meet specific eligibility and renewal requirements.

For more information on utilizing your TOPS award at RPCC, visit our TOPS Scholarships page.

Contact Information

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA)
Phone: 1-800-259-5626 (ext. 1012)
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 91202 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202

Academic Scholarships and Workforce Tuition Assistance application information may be found on the RPCC Scholarships page.

In addition to scholarships offered by River Parishes Community College, there is an abundance of FREE information about scholarships that can be found on the Internet. Click on the addresses below for some useful sites.

Internet Sites For Free Scholarship Searches:

• LOSFA Scholarship Search
• CareerOneStop (Scholarship Finder)
• Scholarships.com
• FastWeb