Paying for College

Lake Area Tech is committed to providing an affordable tuition rate for all students. We achieve this by partnering with industries, receiving support from our legislature and taxpayers, and providing various financial aid options. Our goal is to ensure our tuition and costs are within reach for everyone who wants to pursue their education.

A college education is a powerful investment in your future. At Lake Area Tech, we understand that paying for college can be challenging, which is why we offer information on a range of financial aid options. Our goal is to help students make informed decisions about paying for college and guide them through the process of applying for financial aid. Learn more about the financial aid options available including grants, federal loans, private loans, federal work study, part-time jobs, other agency funding, and other helpful resources.

Scholarships can be an excellent option for students who want to reduce the cost of their college education. The best part about scholarships is that they don’t have to be paid back, as long as the student maintains good standing. Scholarships can be awarded based on various criteria, such as financial need, academic performance, areas of interest, and more. Lake Area Tech awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships just last year!

Lake Area Technical College expresses its sincere gratitude to all veterans for their selfless service to our nation. We highly value your dedication and commitment to our country, and we are committed to supporting you in achieving your educational goals. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits that can help pay for college.

Applying for Financial Aid can be overwhelming, but we’ve got all of the steps laid out in an easy-to-follow format. If you have any questions along the way, our Financial Aid team is ready to assist.

When it comes time to pay your tuition bill, we make it easy! Students may pay online through MyPortal, pay in person in our Financial Aid office, or pay by mailing a check.

Current students, please log in to MyPortal for detailed payment information. Once logged into MyPortal, click on the Student tab then select My Finances.

Payment Plans
Need more time? Set up a payment plan through our Financial Aid/Campus Accounts office. You may stop by the office, call the Campus Accounts office at 605-882-5284 Ext. 298 or email krystal.kadoun@lakeareatech.edu.

Payment Policy
The tuition and fee payment due date is 30 days after the start of the fall and spring semesters and 20 days after the start of the summer session. If payment cannot be made by the deadline,  a payment plan must be in place with the Campus Accounts Office. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of all policies and regulations regarding registration and cancellation as noted in the Student Handbook (located in MyPortal).

1098-T Tax Information for 2024
By January 31, 2025, the Lake Area Tech Business Office will mail a 1098-T form to you if you paid Tuition & Fees during 2024. You will also be able to view this information on your Student Portal under Student/My Finances/1098-T info starting January 31, 2025.

Tax Information for Students and Parents
There are a number of tax credits, deductions, and savings plans available to tax filers that can help with higher education expenses. For more information on these, you can find more information on the IRS website by clicking here.

Financial wellness is the ability to live a healthy financial life. Just like our physical, emotional, and mental health, we need to make sure our financial health is in check as well. There is a wealth of information available regarding financial wellness.

Applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be difficult! Learn the ground rules by browsing these frequently asked questions.