Federal and State Student Aid Programs

There are many Federal and State aid programs available for Trinity students.  The Office of Enrollment Services strongly encourages all students to apply for federal and state aid.

• Applying for Federal and State Programs
• Eligibility
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• National SMART Grant
• Federal Stafford Loans
  • Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans
  • Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
  • Federal Stafford Loan Aggregate Limits
• Federal PLUS Parent Loan Program
• Federal Perkins Loans Program
• Federal Work Study
• State Scholarship Programs and Local Awards
• District of Columbia Leveraging Educational Assistance Program
• District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

Applying for Federal and State Programs

To qualify for federal student aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority application deadline for the Fall semester is April 1.  

For state aid students must complete applications and meet deadlines as specified by the individual program.

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Eligibility

In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be fully admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program.

Students may not receive financial aid for experiential learning (TELL) and audited courses. These courses do not count towards enrollment status for financial aid eligibility.

Students who have previously obtained a baccalaureate degree and are pursuing a second baccalaureate degree are only eligible to apply for federal loans. Federal grant funds are not available to students seeking a second baccalaureate degree or a post-graduate certificate.

Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have not defaulted on prior federal aid and certify they will use aid proceeds solely for educational purposes are eligible for the federal student aid programs listed. 

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Federal Pell Grant

Pell is a federally funded program of grants awarded to undergraduate students with high financial need. The grants range from $200 to $4,731 annually, based on enrollment status and need. To qualify, a student must be an eligible undergraduate seeking a first baccalaureate degree. 

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Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

This grant is for first and second year undergraduate students. First year students are eligible to receive up to $750. Second year students are eligible to receive up to $1,300.

To be eligible for the ACG, students must meet these requirements: 

• U.S. Citizens (permanent residents are not eligible)
• Federal Pell Grant recipient
• Enroll Full-time
• May not have been previously enrolled in a program of undergraduate education
• Must have completed high school after 1/1/2007 for first year students and 1/1/2006 for second year students (GED recipients are not eligible)
• Completed a “rigorous high school program
• Second year students must have a 3.0 GPA after their first year

Student must submit their final high school transcript to determine eligibility.

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Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART)

This grant is for third and fourth year undergraduate students. These students are eligible to receive up to $4000.

To be eligible for the National SMART Grant, students must meet these requirements:

• Federal Pell Grant recipient
• U.S. Citizen (Permanent residents are not eligible)
• Enroll Full time
• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0

• Major in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Undergraduates pursuing a first baccalaureate degree who demonstrate exceptional financial need are eligible for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant funds. Awards range from $150 to $2,000.  For best consideration, file your FAFSA by April 1. 

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Federal Stafford Loans

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans

Based on the information you furnished on your financial aid forms, our office determines your eligibility for the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan program.  Eligible students with financial need who are enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) will be awarded Subsidized Stafford loans up to the following limits:

• Freshmen (0-23 credits)        $3,500
• Sophomores (24-55 credits)   $4,500
• Juniors (56-91 credits)           $5,500
• Seniors (92-128 credits)         $5,500
• Graduate students                 $8,500

These are maximums; how much you can actually borrow will depend on your cost of education, your expected family contribution, the financial aid you receive, and other factors.

All Stafford Loans have a variable interest rate that cannot exceed 8.25%; the rate is adjusted annually each July 1.  Interest on a subsidized loan is paid by the federal government while you are in school at least half-time, during your grace period, or in an approved deferment status. 

Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment status.

Most Stafford Loans are subject to an origination fee of 3%; this fee is deducted proportionately from each disbursement made to you.

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Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

This program provides loans to student enrolled at least half-time.  Financial need is not a factor. 

Rates, fees, loan limits and other program parameters are the same as Subsidized Stafford, except that the unsubsidized loan amount is reduced by any subsidized Stafford amount awarded. 

Unlike subsidized Stafford, the student must pay all interest on the loan. You can choose to pay the interest for your in-school period or you can allow it to accumulate and it will be capitalized (added to the principal amount of your loan).  Repayment of principal begins six months after you cease at least half-time enrollment.

Independent students can qualify for additional unsubsidized funds beyond the yearly subsidized Stafford Loan maximum, up to the following amounts:

• Freshmen (1-23 credits)        $4,000
• Sophomores (24-55 credits)   $4,000
• Juniors (56-91 credits)           $5,000
• Seniors (92-128 credits)         $5,000
• Graduate students                 $12,000

Dependent undergraduate students whose parents are denied for the PLUS loan because of adverse credit also are eligible to apply for the additional amounts.  Please note that these are maximums and not every student will be eligible for the maximum loan amount.  Please refer to your award letter.

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Federal Stafford Loan Aggregate Limits 

There are aggregate loan limits that the federal government sets for borrowing under the Federal Stafford program.  No student can borrow in excess of these limits.  Please note these limits.  You are responsible for keeping track of how much you have borrowed and budgeting accordingly.  If you borrow the maximum before completing your academic program, there may not be other forms of aid available to take the place of loans.

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Federal PLUS Parent Loan Program

This non-need based federal loan program enables credit-worthy and eligible parents to borrow up to the full cost of attendance at Trinity less any student financial aid or scholarship support. The variable interest rate, established every year on July 1, is based on the 52 week Treasury bill plus 3.1% and is capped at 9%. To apply complete a PLUS Pre-Approval Form and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Services. 

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Federal Perkins Loans Program

Funds for the low interest federal Perkins Loan program are allotted to the University by the U.S. Department of Education for students with exceptional need. An undergraduate student may borrow up to $4,000 per year. The repayment and interest period begins nine months after the student completes her or his studies. The interest rate is 5% per year, and the repayment period may be extended over ten years. The FAFSA serves as the application for this loan.

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Federal Work Study

A student's financial aid package may include a Federal Work Study award. Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that helps to provide employment opportunities on- or off- campus. FWS awards are not deducted from the student's tuition, fees, and room and board. Instead, students receive a bimonthly paycheck for the number of FWS hours worked and may use it to meet their personal expenses or pay on their account at the University. Students should contact the Office of Human Resources concerning placement opportunities for on-campus and qualified off-campus FWS positions.

For assistance with locating suitable non-FWS part-time positions off-campus, students should consult the Career Services Center.

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State Scholarship Programs and Local Awards

Students from the following states may participate in state scholarship programs while they attend Trinity: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Students can learn more about these programs from high school guidance counselors or state departments of education. In addition, the Office of Student Financial Services can provide information about the state grant administrators of all states and territories.

Many scholarships are available through parents' employers, civic and fraternal groups, professional organizations, and other programs. To pursue all potential sources of financial aid, students should contact their high school guidance counselors for assistance in learning about these programs. 

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District of Columbia Leveraging Educational Assistance Program

The District of Columbia Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (DC LEAP) provides funds to eligible District residents seeking postsecondary education. The DC LEAP grant can provide up to $1500 per academic year. This award is need-based. You must complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the DC ONE APP online at the DC State Education Website (www.seo.dc.gov).

You must submit your DC ONE APP and all supporting documentation no later than June 30.

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District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

The University Access Act of 1999 provides undergraduate tuition assistance to residents of the District of Columbia. Eligible Trinity students may receive up to $2,500 per year, with a lifetime cap of $12,500. To be eligible, a student must:

• Have lived in the District of Columbia for at least 12 months before beginning the first year at a University or university.

• Have graduated from high school or received the recognized equivalent of a secondary school diploma on or after January 1, 1998.

• Have begun an undergraduate course of study within three years of graduating from high school or obtaining the recognized equivalent of a secondary school diploma (not including military, Peace Corps, or service under the National and Community Service Act of 1990).

• Be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate degree or certificate program and be making satisfactory academic progress.

• Have not completed an undergraduate baccalaureate course of study.

Students who graduated from high school or received the recognized equivalent of a secondary school diploma before January 1, 1998, and who meet the other eligibility requirements, may be eligible for a DC TAG grant if they have been domiciled in the District for five years.

To apply complete the DC ONE APP online at the DC State Education Website (www.seo.dc.gov).

You must submit your DC ONE APP and all supporting documentation no later than June 30.

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