Approximately 70% of all RCTC students receive some type of financial aid funding. There are four types of financial aid: grants, student employment, scholarships, and loans.
Scholarships
The RCTC Foundation proudly offers scholarships to incoming, returning, and graduating students—made possible through the generosity of our donors.
Students can apply during annual scholarship application sessions:
- February–May: Fall application session, awarding over $500,000 in scholarships for the upcoming academic year.
- October–November: Spring application session, awarding over $45,000 in scholarships.
Please note that scholarship session dates may vary each year.
Scholarships provide valuable financial support, helping students reduce or eliminate college expenses so they can focus more on their education and less on financial stress.
For questions, contact the Foundation Office at 507-281-7771 or email [email protected].
Grants
Grants consist of financial aid funding that is generally NOT repaid. A repayment of grant funds may be needed if the student withdraws, stops attending or otherwise fails to complete their courses. Eligibility for grants is mostly based on income. Several programs are available to RCTC students who qualify.
Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education to apply.
Loans
Student loans must be repaid, along with all fees and accumulated interest. Student loans typically are not repaid until after the student has graduated, withdrawn from college or dropped to less than half-time status. RCTC has several loan programs available for students and their families. To qualify for a student loan(s), the student must be currently enrolled in six or more credits and have a FAFSA on file.
Students MUST attend class regularly and maintain satisfactory progress to remain eligible for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Student Worker
Student Employment (Work Study) Awards are a form of “self-help” financial aid. With a Student Employment Award, the student obtains a work study position, either on-campus or off-campus and then works to earn their award. Student employment funds earned do NOT have to be repaid; however, the student must work to earn the award. If the student does not earn their full award amount for the academic year, the remaining award amount is forfeited.
To apply for Work Study, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in work study funding. Funding for student employment programs at RCTC is limited, so apply early!
Wage Rate: $13.50/hour, effective for Fall 2025 Student Employment (Work Study) Awards
Pay Raises: $ .50/hour after completion of 200 hours. An employment evaluation must be completed by your Student Employment Supervisor
Contact
Any questions regarding the FAFSA or the status of your award may be directed to the Welcome and One Stop Center. For more information about grants, loans, and aid disbursement, visit RCTC Financial Aid.