How do I apply for financial aid? You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may apply on-line.
What is TTC’s school code? 004920
Is it too late to apply? Check our Priority Dates and Deadlines page. If you have missed the priority date, you can expect to have to pay for your tuition on the payment due date. When your FAFSA is received you will be processed for any eligible aid and reimbursed at a later date if you qualify for any awards.
Should I apply even if I know I won't qualify for aid? Yes! There are some forms of aid that are not based on need such as unsubsidized student loans, parent PLUS loans, and the Lottery Tuition Assistance.
Do I have to be admitted to TTC to apply for financial aid? No, but you will not be given awards until you are admitted to a degree program at the College. Non-degree students are not eligible for aid.
Do I have to apply for financial aid each year? Yes. Your FAFSA is valid for the academic year, which covers the fall and spring semesters and the summer term.
How much is tuition at Trident Technical College? See tuition & fees.
What does my award letter tell me? Your award letter tells you which awards you have been given for the upcoming school year. It is broken down by semester and all awards are based on the assumption that you are enrolling as a full-time (12 hours or more) student. If you are enrolled in less than 12 hours, your awards will be decreased. Make sure you read the award letter completely.
Can I apply for loans in addition to what is on my award letter? Yes, but this will not guarantee that the loan will be granted. You may submit an application for additional loan funds and your financial aid officer will review your eligibility and borrowing history to determine if you are eligible for an additional loan and the amount.
Can I charge books? If, after adding your semester awards together (EXCEPT Federal Work-Study) and subtracting full-time tuition, you have a remaining amount, you may charge books up to that amount (max of $1000). If you have a student loan and do not complete the loan processing, you will have to pay for the bookstore charges out of pocket since your account was setup anticipating the loan funds.
When will I receive my refund check? Financial Aid funds are not transferred to student accounts until after drop/add to ensure the most accurate registration status. Only students that have had their verification completed (if selected) and have resolved any outstanding items with their FAFSA will have funds transferred. Checks will then be mailed on the published date.
What does EFC mean? Estimated Family Contribution. This is the amount the federal government has determined your family could contribute towards your cost of attendance. This is based on a pre-determined formula and uses information from your FAFSA. We use this figure to determine what aid you are eligible for.
Why didn't I receive all of my aid? Since we make your awards prior to registration, we have to assume that you will register as a full-time student (12 hours) to ensure you have enough aid. If you register for less than full-time, your awards will be reduced, with the exception of loans. Loans require enrollment in at least 6 hours, but the loan amount does not increase with more hours. Additionally, if grants cover the amount of your tuition and fees, you will not receive the Lottery Assistance award.
If I withdraw from classes will it affect my aid? Possibly. If you withdraw from or stop attending your classes, you may be required to return a portion of your aid. See the return of funds page. You may also fall out of compliance with the standards of academic progress which could affect future eligibility.
Does Trident have an application deadline? Trident prefers that you file your FAFSA as soon as possible. Filing as early as possible increases your chances to receive all of the aid you may qualify for.
Does TTC have a Tuition Payment Plan? No.
Why am I a dependent student when my parents no longer claim me on their taxes? Students are considered as dependent unless they are: 1) 24 years of age or older 2) in graduate school 3) married 4) a parent or have dependents 5) an orphan or ward of the court 6) a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. If you do not meet these criteria, you are required to submit your parent's income information on your FAFSA. Failure to do so will result in a delay of your awards.
If my parents are separated or divorced, which parent should fill out the FAFSA? The custodial parent should fill out the FAFSA. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, then the parent who provided you with the most financial support should fill out the FAFSA.
I mailed my FAFSA over four weeks ago and haven't heard anything. What should I do? You should receive a Student Aid Report approximately four weeks after you submit the FAFSA. To check on the status, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
What is the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans? See our loan page for explanations on loans.
Are scholarships available, and what is the deadline? Yes, TTC offers many scholarships through the Trident Foundation. The new online application process was implemented spring of 2008. Please go to the website for details and exact dates.
I didn't receive Lottery Assistance, but feel I should. What can I do? If you have reviewed all of the qualifications for Lottery Tuition Assistance and feel that you have met all criteria, you may submit an on-line appeal (interactive form) for the Lottery Assistance Award. The appeal will be reviewed and the decision sent to your Campus Cruiser account.
