College Funding Sources

Pierce College offers multiple pathways to help you afford tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Pierce College is also a nationally recognized Military Friendly School. We offer or accept multiple options to starting or continuing your education. Please review the options below to learn more about available financial options.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Financial aid comes in many forms: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

GRANTS:

Federal, state and Pierce College grants are awarded to eligible students with financial need (as determined by the FAFSA/WASFA).

STUDENT LOANS:

Federal Student Loans: Federal Direct Stafford Loans are available to students who complete a FAFSA. There are two types of Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans are based on financial need. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time. Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans are not need-based. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will accrue interest after being disbursed to your student account. Both must be repaid. Private Student Loans: Private student loans are nonfederal loans made by a private lender. Examples of lenders are student loan companies, banks, credit unions, state agencies, and schools.

WORK STUDY:

Federal and state work study programs provide part-time employment (on or off campus) to students based on financial need.

Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available through the Pierce College Foundation, as well as outside organizations. Eligibility requirements vary, but those applying for Foundation scholarships must be taking at least 10 credits and have a 2.0 or higher GPA.

TIPs and FIPs

TUITION/FEE INSTALLMENT PLAN (TIP/FIP)

The Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) and the Fee Installment Plan (FIP) are programs that allow you to pay for your education in interest free installments that make budgeting the costs of your education easier. Payments are made in three installments. (Payments are adjusted depending on the time the plan is started.) There is a nonrefundable enrollment fee of $25.

Veterans Educational Benefits

VETERANS SERVICES

The VA offers educational benefits programs for veterans, dependents, reservists and National Guard members. Pierce College Veterans Educational Benefits Services at FS/PY/JBLM can assist with applying for and maintaining these benefits.

Military Tuition Assistance

MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions. This funding is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Contact your servicing education center to initiate your benefit.

Foster Care Alumni

FOSTER CARE ALUMNI

Students age 24 and younger, who were in foster care or were wards of the courts, may be eligible for special scholarship funding.

Workforce Funding

WORKFORCE FUNDING

If you're out of work and struggling to re-enter the workforce, it can feel overwhelming. Pierce College's Workforce funding could provide tuition, and books for professional technical programs that are designed to help you reach a new career path.

BASIC FOOD, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING (BFET):

Students who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and participate in the BFET program may fulfill their DSHS participation requirements by going to school. Services may include assistance with tuition, books, and supports services, as well as qualifying for DSHS-subsidized childcare.

OPPORTUNITY GRANT

Funding may be available for tuition and fees for approved professional/technical programs. Visit the website for eligible programs and requirements.

WORKER RETRAINING

Worker Retraining funds may be available for tuition and books for individuals currently receiving or within the past 48 months have received Unemployment Insurance, dislocated workers, displaced homemakers, recently separated veterans or active duty soon to separate and enrolled in professional/technical programs. See the program website for program qualifications and details.

WORKFIRST

Students who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and participate in the WorkFirst program may fulfill their DSHS participation requirements by going to school. Services may include assistance with tuition, books, and supports services, as well as qualifying for DSHS-subsidized childcare.

START NEXT QUARTER

A free, online survey tool for identifying possible eligibility for Workforce funding and resources.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

Pierce College offers quality, affordable professional technical programs and transfer degrees. Learn how much your education will cost using the tuition calculator.