Apply for Aid

Applying for and receiving your financial aid could be the most important step to reaching your goals at TCC. That's why we make it easier for you with the following steps. Keep reading to learn how to apply.

STEP 1. Apply for TCC Admission
If you haven't already done so, apply for admission to TCC. You'll receive access to the TCC student portal and your student email, where you will receive important information regarding your financial aid application.
Note: If you are a returning student who has been away for a quarter or more, you must notify Enrollment Services online or in person of your plan to return. Apply now!

STEP 2. Request Department of Education PIN #
If you do not already have one, request a Department of Education PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. A PIN saves you time. It takes the place of mailing a signature page when you complete your FAFSA online. You will also be able to make corrections electronically.

STEP 3. Complete the Online FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov for the correct school year.
Our school code is 003796

We highly encourage students (and parents) to use the IRS data retrieval tool. This allows students (and parents)  to access their IRS tax return information and transfer it directly into the FAFSA.   Even if you have already completed your FAFSA, you can and should log back into your 2012-13 FAFSA and use this tool. The tool is available two weeks after you file your taxes electronically. If you file by paper, you will need to wait six weeks.

STEP 4. Complete the Online TCC Data Sheet
Complete the TCC data sheet for the school year for which you are applying. These are available online through your student portal.

STEP 5. Receive & Respond to Student Aid Report (SAR)
Within two weeks of submitting your FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Read it carefully and respond to any items that must be resolved; be sure the information on the SAR is accurate.

If you do not receive your SAR, call the Department of Education at 1-800-4-FEDAID to check your status.

STEP 6. Verification Documents (if applicable)
If your SAR says "Your FAFSA has been selected for a review process called verification," this means you are required to:

• Complete a 2012-13 verification worksheet (available through your student portal)
• NEW* submit your 2011 tax return transcript (and spouse's, if applicable)
• NEW* submit your parent 2011 tax return transcript (if parent information was required on your FAFSA)
• other documentation may be required

Starting 2012-13, we can no longer accept copies of personal tax returns.Tax return transcripts must be requested from the IRS. The fastest way is to request it directly from the IRS website.

We will then compare the information from this documentation with your FAFSA and make any required corrections.

STEP 7. Tie Up Loose Ends
The SAR may indicate other items that must be resolved before your application can be reviewed. For example, you may be asked to confirm your citizenship or Social Security Number.

Remember, your file is not considered complete until we have received all required documents and all discrepancies have been resolved.

Final Checklist

You have completed your financial aid application at TCC when...

• You have applied for admission to TCC
• Your FAFSA information has been received by our office and it contains accurate information and all comments and requests for additional information have been resolved
• We have received your completed TCC data sheet

What Happens Next?

When your file is complete, we will review your application materials. We will contact you via your TCC email if we need additional information or if we find discrepancies that must be resolved.

Please check your TCC email regularly and respond to us promptly.

You will receive a notice to your TCC student email from our office about your eligibility.

Read Me! Important Information

If you miss the file completion date for the quarter you want to start school, you can still attend, but you should be prepared to pay for your own tuition and books, as any financial aid you may be eligible to receive would not be ready until sometime after the start of the quarter.

Students must apply for aid each year, not every quarter.

Classes fill up quickly. Do not wait to register!

Given the volume of applications, completed applications of students enrolled in classes will be reviewed first.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Waiting too long to begin the process! You should start the application process well before the deadline date for the quarter you want to start.

Not reviewing your Student Aid Report (SAR).  You are responsible for ensuring the information on it is complete and accurate.  Respond promptly to any comments.

Not using the the IRS data retrieval tool on the FAFSA. Most students and parents can use this tool. We highly encourage you as it could save time later on.

Not reading and following directions carefully. Take the time to do this - it will save you time in the long run.