Do I need to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. Each year you must complete a CSS Profile application, renewal FAFSA, and submit all supporting tax returns and documentation by Trinity’s published deadlines.

Note: Failure to meet published deadlines will result in a decrease in Trinity grant assistance of $300 per month until all required documents have been received.

What are Trinity’s published deadlines for reapplying for financial aid?

Required Documents:                               Due Date:

Renewal FAFSA and CSS Profile                       March 1

Current year tax returns & W2s                       April 15 

Business/Farm Supplements                            April 15

Non-custodial Parent Profile and tax returns      April 15

Other supporting documentation                     Upon Request

Will my financial aid award remain the same for all four years of study at Trinity?

Trinity determines your eligibility for financial aid based on demonstrated need. Each year we will review your family’s current income, assets, household size, number attending college, and special financial circumstances to determine your continued need for assistance. If your circumstances and costs remain unchanged your need for assistance will remain the same provided that you meet the published deadlines and continue to make satisfactory academic progress toward your degree.

When can I expect to receive my renewal Financial Aid award letter?

Students will receive an email notification once their renewal award is posted to their account.

How does Trinity define satisfactory academic progress? Is there a minimum GPA required to keep my financial aid award?

Federal regulations require Trinity to have a written Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy in place that must be maintained in order to receive financial aid. The College’s SAP policy is outlined in the Student Handbook and is available upon request. Trinity’s SAP policy includes the required GPA that must be maintained in order for you to keep your financial aid.

If I do not complete my undergraduate degree within four years, will I be eligible to receive financial aid until I complete my degree requirements?

Provided that you are making satisfactory academic progress and have not satisfied all course requirements, federal and institutional aid is available for all students who demonstrate need for up to five years of study. (Note: Aid eligibility for transfer students is prorated based on accepted transfer credits.

In addition to the aid listed on my financial aid award letter, is there any other aid available for which I may apply?           

In the past few years the College has had additional federal Perkins Loan funds available for needy students. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details about this year’s availability.

What changes in my family’s financial circumstances will affect my financial aid award?

The most common areas of change that affect eligibility for financial aid include, but are not limited to, the following: income, assets, household size, number of dependents enrolled in a certificate or degree seeking undergraduate program, and parental marital status.

My financial aid was calculated based on two dependent students attending college this year. What will happen if my sibling does not attend college?

If your sibling does not attend college or is not enrolled at least half-time in a certificate or degree seeking undergraduate program, you can expect a decrease in your financial aid award. Trinity requires written documentation of your sibling’s enrollment status. A Sibling Enrollment Verification form is available on our website.

Does Trinity consider siblings in graduate school when calculating financial aid awards?

Graduate students are considered independent for federal financial aid and, therefore, Trinity does not include graduate students when determining your eligibility for Trinity grant assistance.

Note: Siblings enrolled in combination Undergraduate/Masters programs will be considered graduate students during the 5^th year of  4/1 programs or during the 4^th and 5^th year of  3/2 programs.

If my custodial parent remarries, will this affect my financial aid award?

Yes. If a custodial parent remarries federal and institutional policies require that the stepparent’s income and assets be included in determining eligibility for financial aid.

If my parents do not claim me as a tax dependent, will I be considered independent for financial aid?

No.  If you are accepted to Trinity as a dependent student you will remain a dependent student for Trinity grant assistance until you complete your undergraduate degree. Students who meet federal independent criteria will be considered independent for federal aid only.

Will my financial aid award change if I participate in a study abroad program?

Yes. The Financial Aid Office has developed packets of information outlining how financial aid awards change based on the type of program selected (i.e. Trinity programs, approved Non-Trinity programs, Twelve College Exchange programs, etc). Please contact our Office for further information.

Is financial aid available for summer coursework?

Trinity grant assistance is not available for summer study at Trinity or abroad. However, federal loans may be available based on your remaining loan eligibility from the prior academic year if you will be enrolled at least half time. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.