Financial Aid Process

  • FAFSA - Complete senior year ASAP (opens in December 2023 for the 2024-25 academic year).

    • New this year: changes to FAFSA

      • An FSA ID must be created for both the student and at least one parent/guardian (can be done prior to December, must be done prior to starting the FAFSA).

      • The FAFSA opens later this year (December) due to changes to the application process from the federal government.

    • The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the only way to apply for federal student aid. It is strongly recommended for seniors and their parents/guardians to fill out the FAFSA, regardless of which type of college they think they'll attend or how much money they think they'll receive or need -- it is better to do it and not need it, than to not have it and lose out on potential money!

    • The college(s) you list on your FAFSA will use the info you enter to evaluate your financial need and determine how much federal aid you are eligible to receive.

    • FAFSA used to open each October for the next school year, but, due to updates from the federal government, the FAFSA will open December 2023 for seniors going to college in the 2024-25 academic year.

    • An FSA ID must be created for both the student and at least one parent/guardian (can be done prior to December, must be done prior to starting the FAFSA).

    • Fill it out as early as you can; some aid is first come, first served.

    • To complete the FAFSA, you’ll need to provide personal and tax information. You may be able to automatically retrieve your tax information from the IRS.

      Complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov.

    • If you need help filling out the FAFSA, Tri-County Technical College offers "FAFSA Fridays" - they ask you to bring your last year's tax info and W2 forms. They are every Friday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m at their Pendleton campus, Ruby Hicks building, room 211.

    • (Also note: once you're in college, make sure to fill out and submit the FAFSA each year you are in college.)