Apply for Financial Aid

You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Applying for financial aid is free, but you must meet eligibility requirements.

Updates for 2024–2025 Financial Aid

FAFSA is being redesigned for the 2024–2025 academic year. Learn more about the upcoming changes.

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for federal aid, you must:

  1. Complete and submit your FAFSA.
    • Enter Tarrant County College's school code: 003626.
    • Make certain you are using the correct academic year when completing the FAFSA.
    • Use the IRS Retrieval Tool directly from your FAFSA when possible.
    • Request a virtual appointment to receive help completing your FAFSA or TASFA application.
  2. Verify your application (if applicable)
    • TCC will send a notice via your TCC email and/or the financial aid area of MyTCCTrack if you are selected and will explain the next steps to follow. Not all students will receive this additional email. Approximately 30 percent of students who apply for financial aid are selected for verification.
  3. Submit any other documentation as requested by Student Financial Aid Services.

Is there a deadline to submit my FAFSA?

Even though financial aid applications may be submitted year-round, funding may be limited after the priority deadlines. We encourage you to apply early.

Your FAFSA and any additional paperwork must be completed and submitted by the priority deadlines:

  • Fall semester: March 1*
  • Spring semester: October 1
  • Summer semester: April 1

*Students who are fully admitted to TCC, apply for aid and have all paperwork completed by March 1 will be considered for federal, state and institutional aid. All others will be considered for available aid.

Do I need to submit a FAFSA every year?

Yes. You must reapply and resubmit your documents for financial aid every year.

When will I find out if I receive financial aid?

Approximately 2 to 4 weeks after Student Financial Aid Services has received all of your information, you will be notified via your student email and the financial aid area of MyTCCTrack that an award letter is available detailing your eligibility for aid.

If you do not have an award letter from TCC, you do not have financial aid. You may be required to pay your tuition and fees up front and be reimbursed during the semester, if you are eligible for funding.

When will my financial aid be applied to my tuition balance?

Your award will be disbursed to your account approximately 7 days before the start of your first day of class.

Learn more about financial aid disbursement.

What if I'm an undocumented/DACA student?

Undocumented/DACA students who have been admitted to TCC under Senate Bill 1528 Provisions (which allow non-citizens to pay Texas resident tuition) may be eligible for State aid.

Fill out the TASFA application and view a complete list of instructions on our Application Checklist for Undocumented Students.

For help completing your TASFA application, request a virtual appointment with our Student Financial Aid Services staff.

What if I'm homeless or at risk of homelessness?

You can still fill out a FAFSA. The FAFSA will have the option to indicate if you are homeless or at risk for homelessness.

Check you're email 3–5 days after you've submitted your FAFSA to see if TCC has sent you an email requesting any documentation.

How do I get help filling out my FAFSA?

Use one of the following options to receive help filling out your FAFSA:

Tutorial Videos

  • 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA(link will open in a new window): An instructional video, courtesy of the University of California, to help walk you through the process.
  • FAFSA Form Tips playlist (link will open in a new window): Federal Student Aid's video tutorial series, which helps you navigate the FAFSA process from logging in, to filling out and signing the form.
  • How to Create an Account Username and Password (link will open in a new window): Federal Student Aid's video tutorial about setting up your FSA ID.

Questions?

Have a question about the basics of financial aid? Watch our Financial Aid 101 informational video series.

You can also contact Student Financial Aid Services.

Updated October 09, 2023