YOUR EDUCATION SHOULDN’T
be out of reach.
We’re here to help you understand your options and make the most of every dollar available. Most DEC students receive some form of financial aid. Let’s find out what you qualify for.
Financial Aid Process:
Complete your FAFSA.
DEC’s school code is 013957.
File here: studentaid.gov
PA residents: file by May 1 (if you received a PA State Grant last year) or August 1 (if you did not).
Types of Financial Aid available at DEC: Download PDF
Review your FAFSA Submission Summary.
You’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary via email. Review it for accuracy.
Verification, if selected.
Some students are randomly selected for verification. If selected, you will receive instructions from the Financial Aid Office outlining the required steps and documents.
Finish your package.
Once your FAFSA is reviewed, you’ll receive a link to create a Financial Aid Student Portal account. Log in and complete the required steps. Your file will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Office and our third-party servicer, Global Financial Aid Services. This may take several days.
DEC is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the training of veterans. Five chapters and a Financial Aid team that knows what to file.
Proud to serve
those who served.
Montgomery GI Bill -Active Duty
Provides up to 36 months of education and training benefits for eligible active-duty service members and Veterans who have at least two years of active-duty service.
Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Tuition, fees, housing, and books for eligible service members and their families.
Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation
Survivor's / Dependents Educational Assistance
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve-
Provides to 36 months of education and training benefits to qualifying members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
Apply at https://www.va.gov/education/· Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) · Estimate your benefit rate here
Bookmark these:
Awards from the school:
“IDEA” Inspiration and Dedication to Excellence Award.
For Savini and Film Programs.
DEC Star Scholarship — Cosmetology.
For Cosmetology and Esthetician and Nail Technology students.
Massage Therapy Scholarship.
For student entering the Massage Therapy program.
Heavy Equipment Scholarship.
For students entering the Heavy Equipment and CDL with Safety program.
Don’t stop at DEC.
Named DEC-affiliated awards, regional foundations, industry funds, and broad search engines.
Layer them with your federal and state aid.
You asked. We answered
Do I have to repay grants?
Grants generally do not have to be repaid, making them a valuable form of financial aid for students. However, you may be required to repay part or all of a grant if you withdraw from school early, fail to meet eligibility requirements, or receive funds in error.
What is a Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated from your FAFSA information that helps determine your eligibility for federal student aid. It reflects your family’s financial strength, with lower SAI values generally indicating greater financial need.
When will I know my aid package?
Students will receive their financial aid package once their FAFSA is confirmed as valid and all required steps in the Financial Aid Portal are completed and reviewed. This review process takes several days from the time the student submits. After the review is finalized, students will receive a Confirmed Financial Aid Notification outlining their charges and awarded aid for the academic year.
Is aid available for diploma programs?
Financial aid is available to eligible students enrolled in degree, certificate, and diploma programs. While not all programs qualify for federal student aid through the FAFSA, some may be eligible for alternative funding sources such as agency funding (CareerLink, OVR, Veteran’s benefits), scholarships, or private funding options.
What if I’m selected for verification?
Students selected for verification will be notified by the Financial Aid Office with instructions on completing the process. Requirements may include submitting tax and income documentation, verifying identity, and completing worksheets to confirm the accuracy of FAFSA information.
Can I apply for aid if I already have a degree?
Yes, you may still apply for financial aid if you already have a degree; however, eligibility may be limited based on the type and amount of aid previously received. For example, students who have earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants and may have limited loan eligibility if they are close to or have reached their federal aggregate loan limits. Other aid options including scholarships, agency funding (CareerLink, OVR, Veteran’s benefits), and private funding options may still be available.