The Pioneer Scholarship: Your Support for 2026 Tuition

Erie County Community College (EC3) is committed to keeping education accessible and affordable. As we prepare to transition to assessing tuition and fees starting in Spring 2026, the Pioneer Scholarship is our promise to all enrolled students, providing essential support to offset your costs during this transition period.

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Pioneer Scholarship Eligibility

To ensure you qualify for this critical student aid for the Spring 2026 semester, please meet the following two requirements:

  • Be registered for 6 credit hours over the course of the semester.
  • Complete the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide EC3 a copy of the FAFSA Submission Summary through the student Workday account
    • Returning EC3 students: To secure the spring 2026 schedule, upload the summary form no later than January 16, 2026.
    • New EC3 students: To protect future Pioneer Scholarship opportunities, upload the summary form by the end of the spring 2026 semester.

How To Fill Out the FAFSA Form

1. Create an FSA ID

To begin the FAFSA application process, you will need to create an FSA ID. You can start this process by going to studentaid.gov and clicking "Create an Account." 

Video Instructions

2. Fill Out the FAFSA Application

With your FSA ID ready, begin the FAFSA application. You must select at least one college to receive your report. Since EC3 does not yet have its own code, use the required temporary code: 015001 South Mountain Community College. You may also enter codes for schools you plan to transfer to.

2025-2026 FAFSA Walkthrough Guide                            FAFSA Form Guide by StudentAid.gov

3. Upload FAFSA Submission 

After you’ve completed the FAFSA, upload your FAFSA Submission Summary to Workday. 

How to Upload to Workday

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to students who have already exhausted all Federal and/or State aid at previous institutions?

For Spring 2026, the need level isn't going to be considered for the Pioneer Scholarship. Tuition is covered regardless of need when the requirements are met. Fees will be addressed on a need-based basis, as is indicated by the Student Aid Index (SAI).