1. Bureau of Indian Affairs Education
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) provides grants to American Indian students. To be considered for a BIA grant the student must complete an application for financial aid at Big Bend Community College and request an application form from the appropriate BIA tribal agency.
2. Scholarships
Local civic and community organizations award numerous scholarships to Big Bend Community College students every year. Students should read the Viking Bulletin, and review the financial aid bulletin board for other scholarship announcements. Additional scholarships are awarded through the Financial Aid Office once per academic year with applications due in March and/or April. Eligibility requirements vary according to the criteria established for each scholarship. Additional Information.
3. Short-term Emergency Loans
Students in good standing (2.0 grade point average or above) who have attended Big Bend Community College full time for at least one quarter are eligible for an emergency loan to assist in the payment of tuition and fees and/or books. Students are required to sign a promissory note for the loan. Most loans MUST BE PAID prior to the end of the quarter in which the loan is granted. There is a $2.50 service fee for each loan. Emergency student loan applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.
4. Job Placement Office
Students seeking employment are encouraged to contact the WorkSource Office located on campus. This office provides assistance to students seeking part-time and full-time employment.
5. Worker Retraining Program
A student enrolled or planning to enroll in one of the BBCC professional/technical programs and who is unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits or has exhausted these benefits in the last 24 months may be eligible for grant money. The money can be used for tuition, books, and/or childcare. Additional Information.
6. Opportunity Grant Program
The Opportunity Grant Program may assist by providing funds for tuition, books and supplies for up to 45 credits, mentoring and/or other areas of need to assist eligible applicants pursuing one of the following career pathways: Nursing, Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant IBEST, Accounting, Early Childhood Education, Office Information Technology, Welding, Welding IBEST, Industrial Electrical Technology, Maintenance Mechanic Technology, and Commercial Drivers License IBEST. To qualify, students must have less than a two year degree, be low-income and pursuing coursework that will satisfy requirements to achieve a certificate and/or 2-year professional technical degree developing workplace skills and increased wage earnings. For an application please call (509) 793.2303 or visit the Opportunity Grant Office in the 1400-Administration Building. Additional Information.
7. Veteran’s Educational Assistance
Students who have been discharged from the military or who are in the selected reserves may be eligible for money for school from the Veteran’s Affairs department. There is an application process and the student must be enrolled in an approved program. The VA coordinator sends certification of credits enrolled in each quarter to the VA. Veteran's applying for educational assistance also need to complete the BBCC Intake Form.
8. Tuition Assistance for Working Parents
The BBCC Tuition Assistance for Working Parents Program may provide funds for tuition, textbooks and certain fees. To qualify, students must be working, be income eligible, and have dependent children. Students must enroll in a professional/technical training program or take individual classes that will increase their wages and/or job skills. Additional Information.
