Applying For Financial Aid

While financial aid can sometimes seem complicated, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth process that meets your needs.

Trinity’s FAFSA code is 001460.
For priority consideration, submit the FAFSA by April 1st every year.

Procedures to Apply for Financial Aid

This checklist has been developed to help students understand the financial aid process and to manage their personal records. Applicants for financial aid should keep track of the date of submission for each item and keep a copy of each document for themselves. Eligible students who meet the following priority deadlines and submit all other requested materials can be assured that their aid package will be processed by the beginning of the semester.

Step 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA for the appropriate academic year to the federal processing center. Trinity’s school code is 001460. An application may be completed on the web at this address: www.fafsa.gov. Priority Deadline: March 1 for new students, April 1 for returning students.

Step 2. Make any necessary corrections on your Student Aid Report (SAR) and return them electronically or by mail to the federal processor. You will receive a link to your SAR via the email you provided on your FAFSA. If you did not provide an email, you will receive a SAR Acknowledgement (a less detailed SAR). Review the SAR for accuracy, and confirm that Trinity is listed in the school section.

Step 3. Submit any additional documents requested. You will receive either a postcard from Trinity indicating your application is complete or a postcard instructing you to log on to Self-Service and view the missing information.  The most common request is for a copy of you and/or your parents’ IRS Federal Tax Return Transcript. You may obtain a copy of your transcript directly from the IRS. Please note: the tax return transcript is different than the federal tax return and we are no longer able to accept copies of federal tax returns. You may also be required to submit a verification worksheet. You should submit these documents directly to the Office of Enrollment Services as soon as possible.  Your application will be on hold until it is complete.

Step 4. Accept your award. Within three weeks of your file being complete, your application will be reviewed and you will be sent an email and/or postcard indicating that your financial aid award letter is ready for review. You must log on to Self-Service to accept, decline or modify  your awards. Please note: We will no longer be mailing or emailing your financail aid award letter

Step 5. First-time borrowers complete Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. First-time Stafford loan borrowers must complete a Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Stafford Entrance Counseling.  First-time Perkins loan borrowers must also complete a Perkins Master Promissory Note and Perkins Entrance Counseling.

You can complete your MPN and Entrance Counseling online. Complete both carefully and sign your MPN(s) with your Department of Education PIN. If you would rather complete a paper MPN(s) please notify our office.

You must complete your MPN and Entrance Counseling before any loans will be disbursed. If you already completed a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling for loans at Trinity, you will not have to complete them again this year.