Student Handbook and Catalog 2021-22 V2

College Catalog and Student Handbook | 23
Applying for Financial Assistance
When to Apply
The key to obtaining financial assistance is to apply early.
In order to ensure that an aid package is available and
ready, TSTC recommends the completed file be received
in the Enrollment Center according to the following
schedule:
Priority Deadlines
Fall Term - May 1
Spring Term - October 1
Summer Term - March 1
Applications completed by these deadlines are processed
for available funds on a first-come first-served basis. Late
applications may not have funds available on registration
(payment) day, when payment for state and designated
tuition is due.
Since financial assistance is not always available by the
payment deadline, it is recommended that students make
alternative arrangements to pay registration expenses.
Contact Student Accounting for information on installment
plans or information on emergency tuition loans.
To be eligible for assistance, a student must:
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). Be sure to complete the correct application for
the year that you are applying for.
• For Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021
semesters, complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA.
• For the Fall 2021, Spring 2022 and Summer 2022,
complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
• Verification documents and other forms may need to be
submitted after the office reviews the application.
• Complete the admissions requirements, be accepted for
enrollment, and enroll in an eligible program.
• Meet the TSTC financial aid standards of academic
progress.
• Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Other rules for foreign students and noncitizens may
apply.
• Be registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a
male born after December 31, 1959). All males residing
in the United States are required to register for Selective
Service immediately following their 18th birthday. For
Selective Service information go to www.sss.gov.
• Must have a high school diploma or a GED (effective
after July 1, 2012).
• Not be in default on an educational loan or owe a refund
on any federal grants.
• Be registered each semester and pay tuition no later
than the 11th class day of the 15-week semester, the
9th class day of the 12-week semester, or by the census
date for the class/classes registered for. Students
registering after the 11th class day of the 15-week
semester, the 9th class day of the 12-week semester or
after census date may not be eligible for financial aid
for that semester. Other rules apply to short summer
sessions and online education courses.
Note: When the student is reported as not attending class
prior to census, the student’s financial aid eligibility may
be affected.
Awards are based on full-time enrollment. Awards will be
reduced when students register for less than 12 credit
hours.
Determination of Award
TSTC attempts to meet the educational financial needs of
students. Financial need is determined by subtracting the
parent(s)’ and/or student’s expected family contribution
(EFC, as determined by the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid, known as FAFSA), from the total estimated
cost of attendance or COA. Educational Financial Need =
COA - EFC. Students are awarded aid based on financial
need and the availability of funds. Financial aid programs
have limited funds; therefore, the Financial Aid Processing
Center may not be able to meet the student’s financial
aid packaging expectations, but it will try to meet the
direct educational needs. Students will need to have a
balance of gift aid and self-help assistance. Students are
responsible for notifying the office about all resources
provided to the student.
Student Cost of Attendance Budget
(included in COA budget)
Cost of Attendance (COA) at TSTC is based on the number
of credit hours that are eligible for Financial Aid funding.
The initial calculation of a student’s COA is based on full
time enrollment. The COA is adjusted based on a student’s
actual enrollment level on the latest census date for
courses in which the student is enrolled within the term.
Transportation and housing costs will be based on the
housing code reported on the student’s FAFSA.
• Adjustments to the cost of attendance may be
considered on a case-by-case basis for child care
expenses, excessive transportation costs, purchase of a
computer, etc.
• TSTC employees and their eligible dependents are
charged the adjusted tuition rate approved by the TSTC
Board of Regents.
Due to time constraints, the student may not receive
immediate notification of the adjustment; therefore,
students should monitor their awards and balances on
WebAdvisor.
Texas State Technical College
tstc.edu