Information

Important Financial Assistance Dates

Scholarships

Short-Term Emergency Fund

Apply for Financial Assistance

The Tri-C federal school code to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov is 003040. In order to be eligible to receive federal financial aid at Tri-C, you must:

Apply online for Admission to Cuyahoga Community College.
Declare a major course of study for the degree or certificate that you plan to complete. You can declare a major with the Enrollment Center. NOTE: Some academic programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Submit an Official High School or GED Transcript to the Office of the Registrar by mail or in-person at the Enrollment Center on any campus.
- New First-Time college students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED, you must successfully pass the GED Test in order to be considered for federal financial aid. For information about the GED preparation and testing, view the Frequently Asked Questions. Consult with the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship Office for more details.
- New Transfer and Returning students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED should contact Student Financial Aid & Scholarships Office for financial aid eligibility information.
Have a valid Social Security Number.
Maintain compliance with the Tri-C's Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Comply with the requirements of Selective Service registration (for male students). All males between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with selective service. You may register online or call (847) 688-6888 for an application.
Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant.
Not have a conviction or an offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs that occurred while receiving Title IV federal financial aid.

Steps to Apply for Student Financial Aid at Tri-C:

STEP 1

Apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the U.S. Department of Education. This number serves as your electronic signature for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application and allows you access to your personal federal student aid information. Dependent students will also need to have at least one parent obtain a PIN for their electronic signature on the FAFSA. You may apply for a PIN here.

STEP 2

Complete the FAFSA for the appropriate school year beginning as early as January 1. The Tri-C federal school code is 003040.
Do you need help completing your FAFSA? The Student Financial Aid & Scholarship Office staff can assist you with this process. Attend a 2013-2014 FAFSA Workshop for more details.
Priority Processing Deadlines:
- Summer 2013 - March 1, 2013
- Fall 2013 - June 1, 2013
- Spring 2014 - November 1, 2014
- Summer 2014 - April 1, 2014

STEP 3

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive an email from the U.S. Department of Education with your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR confirms the information you reported on your FAFSA and the information will be sent to Tri-C.

STEP 4

After your FAFSA is received, Tri-C may send you an email requesting additional documentation. Submit requested documentation within two (2) weeks of receipt of the email to ensure your financial aid award is processed in a timely manner.
If you are selected for a process called "Verification", you will be required to submit your IRS tax transcript obtain directly from the IRS. To obtain an IRS tax return transcript, go to www.IRS.gov and click on the “Order a Return or Account Transcript” link, or call 1-800-908-9946. Make sure to request the “IRS tax return transcript” and not the “IRS tax account transcript.” You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS (normally this will be the address used when the 2011 IRS tax return was filed). It takes up to two weeks for IRS income information to be available for electronic IRS tax return filers, and up to eight weeks for paper IRS tax return filers.

STEP 5

After your financial aid documentation has been submitted and reviewed by Tri-C, you will receive an email indicating you can view your financial aid award online through my Tri-C space. You can obtain the amount and type of your financial aid award.
Financial Aid Awards are based on full-time enrollment, which is 12 credits per semester. However, funds will be applied to your student account based on actual number of credits enrolled.

How to reach us

Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
800-954-8742
financialaid@tri-c.edu

Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
Office Locations and Hours of Operation:

East: Enrollment Center 1602
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri.:
    8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Metro: Student Services 209
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri.:
   8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

West: Student Services 224
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri.:
   8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Corporate College West
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 5p.m.

Westshore
Thursday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.

Brunswick
Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Room 117

How much does it cost to attend Tri-C?
If you are considering applying for a loan, read about borrowing.

Federal School Code: 003040