Please read this guide and keep it for your records.
Resources For
Consumer Guide
Your education is an investment in your future, but we realize you may need help paying for it. You have many options, so take some time to read this guide. If you still have questions or concerns about financial aid, your enrollment coach can help.
The descriptions of available financial aid listed here are for your information only. We may not be able to update this guide as soon as changes are made, but your enrollment coach will have the most current updates.
This guide is a good starting point, but don’t stop here. There may be other programs available to you that are not described here. Your enrollment coach will be able to help you with this, too.
We want to provide financial resources to students who would otherwise not pursue a college education. However, the primary responsibility of paying for the cost of a college education lies with you and your immediate family.
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead and try to obtain as much money as possible from other sources. You may not be eligible for grant assistance. Even if you are, a number of things can happen:
- The amount of money available for financial aid is limited and may not meet all of your needs.
- Financial aid is not always available when each term begins so you must allow for processing time.
- Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on student needs and the availability of funds. Apply early rather than wait and risk losing out.
- You must complete enrollment requirements with the Enrollment Center before any financial aid can be awarded.
Eligibility
To receive financial aid, you must:
- Be accepted for admission to TSTC and be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours in a program of at least six months long.
- There is one exception: the Federal Pell Grant program provides funding for eligible students enrolled in less than six credit hours. However, only some Pell Grant students will be eligible to receive funds at this level.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have established financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid social security number.
- Not be in default on any of the following loans:
- Perkins Loan.
- Federal Stafford Loan (Guaranteed Student Loan).
- Federal Direct Student Loan.
- Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students.
- Federal Supplemental Loan for Students.
- Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
- Agree to use all federal student aid solely for educational and related purposes.
- Sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and defaults (part of FAFSA).
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in our Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
- Male students who are 18 years of age or older, are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and are not currently on active duty in the Armed Forces must register with the Selective Service before any federal student aid can be awarded.
- Your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration and/or type of conviction you have.
Note to prospective students, students and parents of students: All loan information will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system.
View disbursement dates on Important Dates and Information.
See the College and Student Handbook for more information about federal loan programs and students’ rights and responsibilities.
