Bookstore Credits
Financial Aid for Books, Supplies, and Laptops
If you have anticipated aid, you may be eligible to use your bookstore credit to buy required textbooks, learning materials, and electronics (including a laptop – online only) before the term begins, and during the first week of class.
Review the Student Guide to Using Bookstore Credit for Required Books and Supplies (PDF)Listen (opens in a new window) for more detail.
Required Books/Supplies and Learning Materials
Up to $500 of your Anticipated Financial Aid can be used to buy required books/supplies, learning materials, and electronics at the TCC campus bookstore.
If you do not use any of your bookstore credit at the campus bookstore, you will be issued a book advance of up to $500 by the 7th day of the term, if eligible. If you use any of your bookstore credit, you will not receive a book advance.
Trailblazer Laptop Program
You may be eligible to purchase a laptop (up to $750) through the online TCC bookstore. You must have a minimum of $560 available beyond the $500 allotment for books and supplies.
Note: Eligible financial aid students will be emailed with a promo code.
Spring 2026 Important Dates
| Session | Class Start Date | Bookstore Credit Availability | Book Advance Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st 8-Week | January 20, 2026 | January 9–22, 2026 | January 26–30, 2026 |
| 16-Week | January 20, 2026 | January 9–22, 2026 | January 26–30, 2026 |
| 15-Week Weekend | January 23, 2026 | January 13–22, 2026 | January 26–30, 2026 |
| 1st 7-Week Weekend | January 30, 2026 | January 20–22, 2026 | January 26–30, 2026 |
| 14-Week Weekend | January 30, 2026 | January 20–22, 2026 | January 26–30, 2026 |
| 12-Week | February 16, 2026 | Not available | February 16–20, 2026 |
| 2nd 8-Week | March 23, 2026 | March 13–24, 2026 | March 30–April 3, 2026 |
| 2nd 7-Week Weekend | March 27, 2026 | March 17–24, 2026 | March 30–April 3, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Refer to Financial Aid Terms to Know for important terminologies and definitions.
How will I purchase books/supplies since I won't receive my refund until after the census date?
You will be able to use your bookstore credit balance at the TCC Campus bookstore as soon as 10 days before the start of the term. Your financial aid credit balance is based on your anticipated aid minus your term balance.
Does MyTCCTrack display my bookstore charges?
Yes, however, your bookstore charges could take 24-48 business hours to show on your account.
Does the bookstore know my available bookstore credit balance?
Campus bookstores will know your bookstore credit balance information during the bookstore credit timeframe. The available balance will be based on anticipated aid minus your term balance. Changes in your available balance may take up to 24 business hours to update.
What if I want or need to purchase required books/supplies from another source?
If you wish to buy books and supplies outside of a TCC campus bookstore, and you do not use any of your bookstore credit at the campus bookstore, you will be issued a book advance of up to $500 by the 7th day of the term, if eligible. If you use any of your bookstore credit, you will not receive a book advance.
When will I receive my remaining refund?
Your remaining financial aid refund will be processed after the census date(s) of your class(es), if you are attending class.
If you have classes with different census dates, you will be refunded based on those dates; therefore, you may have multiple partial refunds.
What happens if my anticipated financial aid is reduced after I've already used my bookstore credit balance?
You are responsible for all charges incurred at the bookstore. Unpaid balances will result in registration holds and may be sent to collections if not paid in a timely manner.
Can I get a detailed printout of my bookstore charges?
While your charges will be available on MyTCCTrack, if you need an itemized receipt, you will need to contact any TCC Campus Bookstore.
How will this affect my 1098T?
Bookstore charges will not be included on your 1098T. There will not be any changes to how your financial aid award is reported.
My bookstore charges look wrong. Who should I contact?
If you believe your bookstore charges were added incorrectly, please contact Business Services at 817-515-4729.
What if I return my bookstore purchase within the bookstore's full refund period?
Your student account will be credited with any refundable amount in accordance with the bookstore's refund policy. It may take 24-48 business hours for these changes to be made. If this creates a credit on your account, it will then follow the normal refund schedule.
If you have any questions, contact the Financial Aid Office for clarification.
Updated January 09, 2026