Financial aid is a means of reducing a student's educational costs. Such costs include direct expenses, such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, and indirect expenses, such as room and board, transportation and personal expenses. Aid is available to students through state, federal and local government; through many private sources, such as industrial, service, civic and fraternal groups; and directly through colleges and universities.

Awards at Amarillo College are made on the basis of financial need, academic progress, achievement, or other qualifications required by the donors of the funds. The financial need of a student is the difference between cost of attendance during an academic year and the amount which the student/family can be expected to contribute toward these expenses. This is called the “Expected Family Contribution.” 

The U.S. Department of Education frequently changes regulations pertaining to financial aid. Amarillo College attempts to comply with all legislative mandates and Federal regulations. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to make policy and procedure changes during the award year.