Eligibility for Financial Aid

Financial aid is only available for classes that are required for your current degree plan.

Learn more about Financial Aid degree program requirements and expectations, and view our most frequently asked questions.

	FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)	TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid)
Who can apply	U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens	Non-citizens and those who are undocumented (local residents of Texas for TCC tuition purposes)
Eligibility requirements	Demonstrate financial need (for most programs) Have a valid Social Security number Have a high school diploma or GED Not owe a refund on a federal loan or be in default on a federal education loan Not be incarcerated in a state or federal prison	Graduated from a Texas public or private high school or received a GED certificate in Texas Not have been convicted of a felony or an offense under chapter 481, Health and Safety Code, or under the law of another jurisdiction involving a controlled substance as defined by Chapter 481, Health and Safety Code Qualify as a Texas Resident for TCC Tuition purposes
Academic requirements	Enroll or be accepted for enrollment in an associate degree or credit certificate program (at least 3 credit hours for most programs) Maintain the Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) Enrollment and attendance in all classes each semester must be established prior to the census date of each class	Enroll or be accepted for enrollment in an associate degree or credit certificate program (at least 3 credit hours for most programs) Maintain the Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) Enrollment and attendance in all classes each semester must be established prior to the census date of each class

Summer transient students (university students attending TCC for summer only) are not eligible for aid at TCC because they are not pursuing a degree or certificate from TCC.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Follow our instructions if you're a:

Residency is based on information provided in your admissions application but can be reviewed for reclassification any time after you are enrolled. Visit our residency page for information regarding establishing residency.

If you need assistance understanding or updating your residency classification, contact your campus Admissions and Registrar Office.

How is my eligibility for different types of aid determined?

Your eligibility for financial need (and potential financial awards) is established after you complete the FAFSA process.

There are two components used to determine financial need:

Cost of Attendance (COA): This is provided by the college.
Your Student Aid Index (SAI): This is provided once you complete your FAFSA.

To determine your financial need, your SAI is subtracted from the budgeted COA.

Financial awards are given based on your financial need. TCC reviews your eligibility for Pell grants first, followed by consideration for additional federal, state, and/or institutional grants. If there is still an unmet need remaining, TCC will award optional aid, such as work-study and/or student loans.

Updated July 15, 2024