Explore Your Financial Aid Options

Paying for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At South College, financial aid isn’t just about numbers — it’s about helping students unlock opportunities and pursue their dreams with confidence.
In Episode 15 of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham spoke with Dr. Carol Colvin, Executive Vice President of Student Experience, and Ryan Kins, Executive Director of Financial Aid, to tackle some of the most common questions about funding higher education.
From Your First Visit to Graduation: How the Process Works
Dr. Colvin describes financial aid as a “start-to-finish partnership.” From the first meeting, students sit down with a Financial Aid Officer to review every option — scholarships, grants, state programs, and loans — before building a custom plan.
“We look at every free resource first,” she explained. “Grants, scholarships, state aid. Only then do we explore loans or payment plans.”
Students are guided step by step through completing the FAFSA, understanding eligibility, and planning ahead for their entire degree. South College even revisits aid packages every academic year (or sooner if financial circumstances change) to ensure students maximize opportunities.
Transparency is key: students can revisit documents anytime, and support teams will gladly include parents, spouses, or other members of a student’s support network in conversations.
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans — What’s the Difference?
Mr. Kins breaks it down simply:
– Grants are usually need-based and don’t have to be repaid (e.g., Pell Grants).
– Scholarships may be based on need, merit, or unique criteria — from academic achievements to special talents.
– Loans provide funding that must be repaid, but with different conditions.
“Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while you’re in school,” Dr. Colvin said, “Unsubsidized loans start accruing interest as funds are disbursed. That’s why we encourage students to borrow only what they need.”
Another key tip: students can start paying on loans early, especially unsubsidized loans, to reduce overall costs — and there’s no penalty for paying ahead.
Special Opportunities: State and Military Benefits
For Tennessee residents, programs like Tennessee Promise and the HOPE Scholarship (funded by the state lottery) can significantly reduce costs, especially for associate or bachelor’s degree programs. Some options even support nontraditional students returning to school through Tennessee Reconnect.
Military students and families have additional avenues. Veterans, service members, and dependents may qualify for VA education benefits or South College’s own Military Grant, which honors their service.
“We’ll walk you through every step,” Dr. Colvin noted. “Even if the VA has the final say, we help you explore every option.”
Support for Every Situation
Financial aid can feel daunting, but students don’t have to navigate it alone. South College’s team helps with everything from dependency overrides (when parents can’t or won’t provide FAFSA info) to understanding why a student loan might be sold to another servicer.
Mr. Kins’s advice? Communicate early and often: “If you get a letter you don’t understand, bring it to us. We’ll explain it and make sure you know your next steps.”
Planning Ahead: Breaks, Repackaging, and Returning to School
Life happens — students may need to pause their studies. Before stepping away, Dr. Colvin recommends meeting with financial aid:
“Some programs don’t allow breaks without losing funding. We’ll help you plan so everything is squared away for your return.”
Each year, or after three quarters, students complete updated paperwork (a process called repackaging) to reflect current financial circumstances. This ensures continued access to aid and prevents surprises down the road.
The People Behind the Process
Dr. Colvin and Mr. Kins see their work as much more than paperwork. For them, helping students secure funding is deeply personal.
“Graduation is my favorite day,” Dr. Colvin shared. “Seeing students cross the stage, knowing how far they’ve come — and knowing we played a small part in their success — is incredible.”
Mr. Kins agrees, recalling a student who overcame injury and career setbacks to earn multiple degrees with South College’s support: “We stay with students from start to finish. They know they have someone in their corner.”
A Human Touch: Beyond Forms and Deadlines
Financial aid can be intimidating, but Dr. Colvin and Mr. Kins remind students that they’re not alone. Their team thrives on connection — explaining options, easing fears, and celebrating milestones.
They even bring personal warmth: Dr. Colvin spends weekends supporting her son’s community outreach projects, while Mr. Kins balances parenthood and hobbies like golf and sports-card collecting. Their empathy helps students feel understood and supported.
Final Advice: Take the First Step
Whether you’re a high school grad, working adult, or veteran, South College encourages everyone to explore their options.
“You don’t need to have all the answers before you come see us,” Dr. Colvin said. “Just bring yourself — we’ll help you find a way.”
Financial aid is more than paperwork. It’s about turning ambition into achievement — and with guidance, persistence, and the right plan, every student can see their dreams take shape.