Purpose of Financial Aid
The purpose of financial aid is to help remove the financial barriers that stand in the way of a student’s education. The Tri-County Community College (TCCC) Financial Aid staffis committed to the philosophy that a high-quality education should be affordable and accessible to everyone in our community.
How to Pay for College
- Students should find out as much as possible about the TCCC program that interests them and the current costs to attend.
- Students should discuss options for paying for school with their families. If a student is in high school, they should talk to a counselor about applying for local or private scholarships. Many scholarship deadlines are in the spring of the year.
- Students need to apply for financial aid as soon as possible, but well in advance of the semester they plan to attend.
- To apply for aid at TCCC, students must complete a FAFSA and submit it either by mail or by electronically filing at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students/parents are encouraged to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval option when completing the FAFSA application online. However, students can use their current 2012 tax returns and W2's to complete the FAFSA application. If the student is dependent, he/she will need their parent's tax returns and W2's as well.
- Students who apply for financial aid will need to apply for a PIN number either before or when completing the FAFSA application online. Students can apply for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. If the student is dependent, the parent must also apply for a PIN number. Student/parents should retain their PIN number to ease the process for applying for aid in the subsequent years.
- Other financial aid at TCCC is awarded with priority given to early applicants, so do not delay.
- Once students complete their FAFSA application, they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail or email (usually within a few days). In addition, the financial aid office will notify the students via the TCCC student email account regarding any documentation needed to verify eligibility for financial aid. It is the student's responsibility to submit the requested documentation to the financial office as soon as possible.
- Once a student's eligibility has been determined, the student will be awarded financial aid. The student will be notified of eligible funding by the TCCC student email account. The student is required to log on to the TCCC website and read the Financial Aid Recipient Responsibilities on the Financial Aid page to understand the rules and guidelines they must follow to receive the funding.
- Students should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss other aid programs such as scholarships, veteran benefits, and the Federal Work-Study Program.
- The deadline to apply for all institutional scholarships is April 15.
- In addition to applying for financial aid, students must ensure that they complete an Admissions application and provide the TCCC Student Success Center with all documentation, including official high school and other college transcripts. Students must also take TCCC’s college placement test before they will be accepted at the college. Note: Students must be accepted before any financial aid can be awarded.
- Each student should re-apply for financial aid annually when tax returns are completed if planning to attend college the upcoming fall semester.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
TCCC's School Code is 009430
WATCH THIS HELPFUL VIDEO ILLUSTRATING HOW TO PROPERLY COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA
This helpful video was created by the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). Tri-County Community College Students has obtained UCSB's written permission to offer this video to our students who are preparing their current FAFSA. Please note that 54 seconds into the video, viewers are directed to email questions to Mike Miller @ UCSB. TCCC students are asked to please ignore Mr. Miller's email and do not contact him.
TCCC students are to contact our Financial Aid Office by calling 828-837-6810 or emailing dowl@tricountycc.edu.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive aid from any of the federal and state student aid programs, students must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- Demonstration of financial need. A student’s financial need is determined through the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to begin the process. Please note: A FAFSA or FAFSA Renewal is required to be completed EVERY academic year the student seeks financial aid.
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be accepted for enrollment in an eligible program of study at TCCC
- Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards set by TCCC
- Certify that he/she will use financial aid for educational purposes only
- Certify that he/she is not in default on any federal student loans and does not owe money on a federal student grant
- Register with Selective Service, if required
- Meet federal eligibility requirements regarding drug-related convictions
Requesting IRS Tax Return Transcripts
THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT PERSONAL COPIES OF TAX RETURNS.
Students and parents who have submitted their IRS tax return to the IRS can utilize the IRS Data Retrieval option on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to transfer tax information to the FAFSA each year. If the student/parent(s) have not filed their tax return(s), please wait on submitting the FAFSA until tax returns have been submitted in order to take advantage of the IRS Data Retrieval option. We strongly encourage students to select this option during the initial filing or when subsequent corrections are made to the FAFSA. If the IRS Data Retrieval option is not utilized, there MAY be a significant delay in processing the student’s financial aid.
Applicants selected for verification that choose to use the IRS Data Retrieval option will only need to provide other verification forms and will not need to provide tax information. If a student’s FAFSA is selected for verification, and the student did not chose to use the IRS Data Retrieval option, or changed the IRS data, the student/parent(s) will be required to request a “Tax Return Transcript” from IRS and submit it to the Financial Aid Office.
A “Tax Return Transcript” shows most line items from the tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes the student, tax preparer or the IRS made after the return was filed.
A Tax Return Transcript(s) using the IRS's new "Order a Transcript" application can be ordered online at www.irs.gov. The student can also fill out the IRS short form request for individual tax return transcripts, (Form 4506T-EZ). Download the Form 4506T-EZ here. The tax return transcript can also be ordered by phone, by calling 1-800-908-9946. Please follow the prompts and select 3, then 1 to quickly complete your order. When the transcript order form has been received, complete it, sign it and send it to the address listed in the instructions. Allow five to ten days for delivery if ordered online or by phone. If completing and mailing the Form 4506T-EZ, please allow between 10 to 15 days for delivery from the time the IRS receives the signed request. Once the tax return transcript has been received, please forward to the Financial Aid Office.
Once again, to obtain a tax return transcript online, please go to the IRS website and choose option "3" and order a tax return transcript immediately. If ordering by phone, please call 1-800-908-9946.
For those completing Form 4506T-EZ and who filed a tax return in North Carolina, please mail the form to:
RAIVS Team
Stop 6705 P-6
Kansas City, MO 64999
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid unless the student totally withdraws from classes. Pell Grants are classified as Title IV federal aid and awarded only to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by completing a FAFSA. Students are limited to receiving a Pell Grant for the equivalent of twelve full-time enrolled semesters. This applies to ALL Federal Pell Grant eligible students and includes ALL years of receiving Pell Grant funds. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree do not qualify for a Pell Grant. Pell Grants may be used to pay a student’s direct educational costs, such as tuition, fees, and books, as well as indirect educational costs, such as transportation expenses. Students should apply well in advance of the semester they plan to attend. The federal processor must receive your FAFSA by June 30 to be considered for the current academic year. There are no exceptions to this deadline.
Federal Direct Loan Program
TCCC participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which includes Federal Stafford Loans offered to students, and Federal PLUS Loans offered to students’ parents. These loans must be REPAID with interest. In order to apply for a loan, students must submit a FAFSA and reapply for a student loan each academic year. In addition, the student must annually complete all appropriate forms required by the Federal Direct Loan Program. For more information, click here.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is designed to supplement existing financial aid for undergraduates who have demonstrated exceptional financial need. It is classified as Title IV federal aid. This grant is awarded to eligible applicants for the fall and spring semesters. While no deadline exists, students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as soon as they file their taxes because the application date is one criterion for the award.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
This program is designed to assist students who need extra income to continue their education at TCCC and provide valuable work experience. To be eligible for this program, you must first complete a FAFSA. Work-Study position announcements will be displayed at the beginning of each academic year, or whenever there are position openings throughout the year. Deadlines for applying are posted on each advertisement. Students are required to reapply annually. Students may be eligible for the Work-Study program even if they are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
Remaining Work Study Positions
North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG)
The NCCCG is a need-based grant established by the North Carolina Legislature to provide funds to help meet the educational costs of NC residents attending community colleges. The availability of this funding depends on allocation from the North Carolina State Legislature and eligibility is determined by a student’s FAFSA.
North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)
North Carolina residents who enroll for at least six credit hours as an undergraduate at an eligible NC institution may be eligible for this scholarship. The award is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant. Current awards range from $100 to $3,400 per academic year.
North Carolina Childcare Grant
This grant was established by the NC General Assembly to assist student-parents with their financial responsibilities for childcare expenses so they may complete their educational goals. Students must apply separately for this grant at the TCCC Financial Aid office, and they must also demonstrate financial need through their current processed FAFSA.
North Carolina Targeted Assistance
This program is designed to assist students in specific programs of study that enroll substantially less than class capacity but for which there is a high demand for employees in the service area labor force. Once these programs have been determined, all students enrolled in the identified program(s) will be notified by letter informing them of this available funding. The Targeted Assistance is generally awarded at the 60% point of the semester.
Other North Carolina Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Grants, Need-based Scholarships, Merit Scholarships, and Loans - For more information please visit www.cfnc.org.
TCCC Institutional Scholarships
TCCC offers a variety of scholarships to students ranging from $250 to $1000. Many of these scholarships are made possible by the generous donations of local individuals and businesses. A student’s scholarship file must be complete by April 15 to be considered for any and all scholarships sponsored by TCCC.
To apply for TCCC’s scholarships, interested applicants must submit:
- Scholarship Application Form
- Processed FAFSA application
- Two scholarship recommendation forms (preferably from instructors, counselors, or other professionals)
- Most recent official transcript (high school or college)
- A 500-word essay
These items must be turned in to the financial aid office by the April 15 deadline to be considered. To apply click below:
The following is a partial list of recent scholarships and donors.
- Barnes Scholarship
- Carringer Scholarship Fund
- College Bookstores of America Scholarship
- Dallas McMillan Scholarship
- First Citizens Bank Scholarship
- Gayle West Scholarship, sponsored by West Contracting, Inc.
- Macon Savings Bank
- MOOG Components Group Scholarship
- Murphy Lions Club Scholarship
- Murphy Rotary Club Scholarship
- Ruth Star Pullium Scholarship, sponsored by the Konnaheeta Women’s Club
- Sarah Easley Harper Scholarship
- SGA Summit Scholarship
- State Employees' Credit Union Community College Scholarships
- Tri-County Bass Club Scholarship
- Tri-County Community College Foundation Excellence Award
- United Community Bank Scholarship (Cherokee, Clay or Graham Counties)
- Vincent Crisp Memorial Scholarship
- Wells Fargo Technical Scholarship
Non-Institutional Scholarships
Golden Leaf Scholars Program (SPRING 2013)- up to $750 - For degree-seeking students for tuition, fees, and related expenses. Scholarships are need and merit based and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must have a 2012/2013 FAFSA application submitted to Dept. of Education, must complete all (4) pages of the scholarship application (including signature and social security number), include "unofficial" most current transcript with application and submit to the Financial Aid Office. CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER APPLICATION. Deadline June 13, 2013.
Golden Leaf OE Scholars Program (SPRING 2013) - up to $250 - For Occupational Education (non-curriculum education) students. Funds would be limited to tuition, books, fees, supplies and other related costs including transportation (students using funds for transportation purposes will be asked to sign a statement regarding their travel to and from the college). Eligible students must demonstrate a need under the federal TRIO formula and be enrolled in a Jobs Now program or a credentialing program of at least 96 hours. Scholarships, which are need and merit based, will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be analyzed by a selection decision matrix to insure consistency of the selection process. Applicants for the Occupational Education scholarships must complete all (4) pages of the scholarship application (including signature and social security number) and include their 2011 Federal Tax Return & a copy of their Driver License. Turn application into the Harper Building on the main campus or the Shope Building at the Graham County Center. CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER APPLICATION. Deadline, June 13, 2013.
Land of the Sky Chapter 2013 Scholarship - The Land of the Sky Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals will present a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior or college student, who wishes to further their education toward an administrative professional/business career. Students must be currently enrolled or planning to pursue a degree or certificate in the adminsitrative field. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and show financial need based on actual educational expenses. Also students must intend to use the scholarship on education related-expenses and if awarded, attend the IAAP Land of the Sky Chapter meeting. The following application packet must be returned by the May 15, 2013 deadline. Download application packet here.
The Campus Explorer Exclusive Scholarship - This scholarship is a monthly $1,000 giveaway, designed to help students pay for their higher-education expenses. Every month, Campus Explorer will announce a new scholarship - and a new way to win. A winner will be randomly selected from the entrants. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 16 years old at the time of entry. At Campus Explorer, we believe everyone deserves a fulfilling education. Visit CampusExplorer.com for free college planning tools, tips and advice on paying for college and career information. Check www.campusexplorer.com regularly to see the newest scholarship and meet the lucky winners. Ongoing.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship - The T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship provides early childhood professionals with money to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and travel. T.E.A.C.H. can help you earn a few credits, an early childhood certificate, diploma, or associate degree, a bachelor's degreeor a B-K license. For more information please call 1-919-967-3272 or apply today for a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship by visiting www.childcareservices.org online.
Wells Fargo CollegeSTEPS Sweepstakes - Students can sign up to receive financial tips and tools from Wells Fargo to help save and prepare for their college education. College students will receive Well Fargo's WellsWire newsletter. This newsletter will cover topics like saving and budgeting, finding and managing student loans, and savvy money tips for college life. Once you sign up for this helpful information, you will be entered in the CollegeSTEPS Sweepstakes for a chance to win $1,000. A total of 40 $1,000 prizes will be awarded and once you sign up, you're automatically entered in future drawings. If you are a winner, you'll be notified by mail within two weeks of the drawing dates. Ongoing.
Foreclosure.com Scholarship
Five more talented college students will once again be awarded with nearly $10,000 to put toward their studies! The Foreclosure.com Scholarship Program is back for another year and they will be accepting submissions from now until December 15, 2013. Please visit: www.foreclosure.com/scholarship to apply. DEADLINE - DECEMBER 15, 2013
Crumley Roberts Founder’s Scholarship
The Crumley Roberts Founder’s Scholarship is designed for North Carolina high school seniors who will be attending a four-year college or university in the fall. It is an essay based scholarship and the firm is looking for students with a 2.5 GPA who have original ideas about how to promote attentive driving among our younger drivers. Having seen the devastation of distracted driving first-hand, Crumley Roberts is committed to educate young people on the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.
The Crumley Roberts Next-Step Scholarship is designed for North Carolina community college students who are transferring to a four-year college or university in the fall to continue their education. Students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and will also be judged on their written essays regarding ideas on how to reverse the National Transportation Safety Board’s staggering statistic of six thousand deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving.
The deadline for applying for the Founder’s and Next-Step scholarships is March 15, 2013. Winners will be announced on or around May 1, 2013. To learn more about these scholarships and download applications, visit www.CrumleyRoberts.com.
StayFitInCollege.org Scholarship
StayFitInCollege.org, which promotes fitness in college, has just announced scholarship awards for the 2012/2013 academic year. There is no purchase necessary to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship award aims to help students avoid the dreaded freshman 15. Applicants are still needed for the April 7th deadline!
Any student that attends a university, community college, or even a technical/trade college may apply for the scholarship award. Also, up to the first 10 applicants of each deadline month (see below) will receive on free product of their choice from Stay Fit in College.
Prospective student applicants should visit www.stayfitincollege.org/scholarship-awards.html for more information.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation plans to award approximately 60 scholarships through this program. Each award can total up to $30,000 annually, though the amounts will vary based on such factors as the cost of the institution each recipient attends. It will renew awards each year based upon student performance. Current students are eligible, as are alumni who earned a degree from a community college or two-year institution since spring 2007 and have not since transferred to a four-year college. Students must complete the online application and upload any attachments needed to process your application. Currently closed. CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Search for other scholarships:
Other Financial Aid Programs
Other sources of financial assistance are available through the following organizations to those who qualify. Interested students should contact these organizations directly to apply.
- The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 provides financial assistance to income-eligible persons enrolled in an approved curriculum. This program is administered through the Employment Security Commission.
- The North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to persons with disabilities in order to help them obtain employment.
- The Cherokee Education and Training Adult Education Program administer educational assistance programs for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
- Veteran’s Benefits - The Department of Veterans Affairs provides assistance to eligible members of the National Guard, Selected Reservists, eligible veterans, and certain veteran dependents. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the final authority for determining eligibility.
Need Analysis for Financial Aid
When applying for federal student aid, the information reported on the FAFSA is used to calculate each student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The formula used to calculate the EFC is established by law to measure the financial strength of a student’s family on the basis of the family’s income and assets. The EFC is used to determine a student’s eligibility for student aid. Below is the need analysis equation.
Cost of Attendance
-Expected Family Contribution
= Financial Need
TCCC’s Financial Aid Office will calculate cost of attendance and subtract the reported EFC. If any amount remains, then a student has “financial need.” The Financial Aid Office will work with students toward meeting the need, however because funds are limited, the amount awarded to an individual student may not meet the total need.
Net Price Calculator
Estimate your net cost to attend Tri-County Community College! Using the net price calculator, you may receive an estimate of your eligibility for financial aid at Tri-County Community College and estimate your out-of-pocket expenses. We hope that the results of the net price calculator are useful to you in your planning process.
Financial Aid Q’s and A’s
How do I apply for financial aid at Tri-County Community College (TCCC)?
You first must meet financial aid eligibility requirements. You should apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission to TCCC. For faster results, you should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov and add TCCC’s school code (009430). This process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to get results. The other way to apply is to complete a FAFSA form and mail it to the address on the front of the FAFSA. This can take 4 to 6 weeks to get the results back. You must re-apply annually. Apply for financial aid as soon as you file your taxes for the previous year. Utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to obtain your/parent(s) (if applicable) tax information. You should re-apply no later than the summer semester for the following academic year.
What types of Financial Aid are available at TCCC?
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal Direct Loan Program*
Federal Work-Study Program*
NC Community College Grant NC Education Lottery Scholarship
NC Childcare Grant*
NC Targeted Assistance Program
NC Less Than Half Time Program Scholarships*
Veteran’s Educational Benefits*
(*Note: These programs have additional requirement to the FAFSA.) Contact the financial aid office.
Do I need to complete the (FAFSA) if I have completed one for the same year at another institution?
No. If you completed a FAFSA for the current award year and another school processed it, the results can be requested from the Department of Education, provided you have your current Student Aid Report (SAR). You will need to call 1-800-433-3243 or go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and have TCCC’s school code added.
What is TCCC’s Title IV school code?
TCCC’s title IV school code is 009430. This number must be included on the FAFSA if mailing.
Where should I send/submit the requested verification documentation for my financial aid?
You should submit/mail the requested documentation to TCCC’s financial aid office as soon as possible to prevent delay in processing your financial aid eligibility. Please review your documents for completion including needed signature(s).
Can I receive financial aid from two educational institutions at the same time?
No, you may only receive financial aid at one college at a time. However, if you are attending two institutions simultaneously, you may qualify for a consortium agreement. Contact the financial aid office for details.
When will I be awarded financial aid?
The financial aid office will be able to make an award once the following criteria have been met:
- All requested documents/forms have been completed accurately and returned.
- The FAFSA data has been verified (if applicable)
- The student has been accepted in an eligible program. (Note: Not all programs offered are eligible for financial aid. Check with the financial aid office to see if your chosen program is eligible.)
- The student has registered for classes. (If you reduce the number of credit hours after your initial registration you must notify the financial aid office, or you could owe some or all federal funding back.)
How is the Federal Pell Grant eligibility determined?
The amount of Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the Department of Education. The information you provide on your FAFSA is placed into a formula which determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. The EFC number represents the amount determined by the Department of Education that you are reasonably expected to pay towards your education for one academic year. Students are limited to receiving a Pell Grant for the equivalent of twelve full-time enrolled semesters. This applies to ALL Federal Pell Grant eligible students and includes ALL years of receiving Pell Grant funds. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree do not qualify for a Pell Grant.
How much money can I get through the Federal Pell Grant?
The amount of your Pell Grant is determined by a combination of your EFC number and the number of hours for which you are enrolled. For the 2012/2013 academic year, the Pell Grant ranges from $287 to a maximum of $5,550 annually. NOTE: The Pell Grant will pay for classes under your program of study only.
When will I receive my refund?
Once eligibility has been determined, your financial aid award(s) will be entered into your student account for you to charge your tuition, fees, and book charges against. If charging books and supplies against your financial aid in the bookstore, you need to take your registration statement to bookstore (unless you are receiving other sources of financial assistance such as WIA or Vocational Rehabilitation). About 35 days after the first day of class, your refund (if applicable) will be applied to your Higher One account. (See the college website and postings for additional information.)
Will withdrawing from a class affect my financial aid?
Yes, we recommend you contact the financial aid office before you withdraw from a class. Withdrawing from all your scheduled classes could result in having to repay all or a portion of, or lose of, your financial aid. According to federal regulations, whatever amount of financial aid you did not earn must be returned to the financial aid program(s).
How does Satisfactory Academic Progress affect my financial aid?
In order to receive financial aid, you must be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). You SAP status will be evaluated at the time you apply for financial aid and at the end of each semester enrolled. If you fail to maintain SAP, it could result in loss of financial aid. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy at www.tricountycc.edu or in the TCCC General Catalog & Student Handbook.
Am I eligible for financial assistance once I have earned a degree?
You are eligible for a Pell Grant until you have earned a Bachelor’s degree or received your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) amount of Pell Grant (12 full-time semesters). You may also be eligible to apply for Federal student loans to assist with educational expenses. For more information contact the financial aid office.
What are the qualifications to be considered an independent student?
The federal government classifies you has an independent student if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 24 years old or older.
- You are married.
- You have legal dependents other than a spouse.
- You are an orphan/dependent of the court or both your parents are deceased.
- You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.
- You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- If a court in your state of legal residence declares that you are an emancipated minor, or have placed you in a legal guardianship
- You are an unaccompanied youth who is homeless determined by a school/school liaison or a director of a shelter or homeless youth center.
Contact the financial aid office, if you feel that you are independent.
What if I've had a significant change in my income since I have applied for aid?
If you’ve had an involuntary change or reduction in employment, unexpected medical expenses, or any other circumstances that result in a significant change in your income, you should contact the financial aid office to find out if your income can be re-evaluated.
Financial Aid Priority Dates and Deadlines
Summer Registration 2013
In order for your financial aid to be approved for Summer Registration 2013, the Financial Aid Office must receive your processed 2012-2013 FAFSA from the Department of Education by May 3, 2013. Applications received after this date, financial aid assistance will be awarded at a later date. Students should be prepared to pay for tuition, fees, and book charges.
Fall Registration 2013
In order for your financial aid to be approved for Fall Registration 2013, the Financial Aid Office must receive your processed 2013-2014 FAFSA from the Department of Education by July 19, 2013. Applications received after this date, financial aid assistance will be awarded at a later date. Students should be prepared to pay for tuition, fees, and book charges.
Financial Aid Disbursement Dates
Financial aid refunds are disbursed to currently enrolled students AFTER attendance is monitored each semester. TCCC will transfer each student’s remaining funds to Higher One approximately four to five weeks after the first day of classes each semester. Higher One will apply each student’s refund to his/her Higher One account, personal bank account or by check based on the preference selected at MyTriCountyCard.com. Students enrolled in classes that start later in the semester will receive refunds at a later date using the same disbursement method above. For information about Higher One, please visit https://mytricountycard.higheroneaccount.com/.
Multiple Class Sessions - Students who register for four and eight week class sessions during each semester and receive financial aid will not receive funding for these classes until approximately 4-5 weeks after they have begun. According to Federal/State guidelines, students cannot receive Federal/State funds for classes until those classes have begun and class attendance has been taken. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Financial Aid Policies
Recipient Responsibilities and Conditions of Award
All students receiving Federal and State educational assistance must adhere to the guidelines and requirements stated in the policy when receiving any type of financial aid. To review policy, click here.
Enrollment Status for Financial Aid
Students only receive financial aid for those courses that are listed in the TCCC catalog as required for their program of study. Financial aid may be paid for developmental courses, if required, based on the student’s placement test scores. The amount of financial aid a student receives will depend upon on his/her enrollment hours and program of study. For programs based on semester credit hours, enrollment is defined for fall, spring, and summer semesters below:
Full-Time.....................................................12 or more credit hours
Three-quarter Time......................................9-11 credit hours
Half Time.....................................................6-8 credit hours
Less than Half Time.....................................1-5 credit hours
Please Note: In accord with Federal guidelines, some TCCC Programs of Study are calculated as “Clock Hour” programs for aid disbursement purposes. Students who are enrolled in a diploma, certificate, or clock hour program that require a conversion of enrollment hours will receive financial aid based on the number of enrollment hours after the calculated conversion.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require that all students who receive federal student aid maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the institution. These regulations require that a schools SAP policy include both 1) a Qualitative measure and 2) a Quantitative measure. The Tri-County Community College Financial Aid Office is required to review a students entire academic record (regardless of the age of the record or whether or not aid was received) to determine if he/she is in compliance. A student's SAP is evaluated at the time of application for aid and at the end of each semester. Failure to meet SAP standards will result in the loss of financial aid. Click here for more information.
Return of Federal Title IV/State Funds Due to Withdrawal
Students receiving Federal Title IV Funds (Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct Loan, etc.) who withdraw from ALL of their classes prior to the 60% point of the semester and/or students receiving State Funds (NCCCG, NCELS, etc.) who withdraw from ALL of their classes prior to the 35% point of the semester will be required to return all or a portion of their Federal Title IV/State funding. The amount a student must return will be determined by the percentage of the semester that the student completes. For example, if a student only completes 30% of the semester, he or she has earned 30% of the Federal Title IV/State funding and must return a calculated amount of the unearned 70% to the Federal Title IV/State program(s). A student’s completion percentage is determined by:
Credit hour program: the total number of days completed divided by the total number of days in the semester.
Clock hour program: total number of clock hours/weeks completed divided by total number of clock hours/weeks in the semester.
Students who withdraw from all of their classes after the designated point of the semester has passed will owe no refund; however, any institutional charges that must be repaid will be billed to the student. Students who owe money but do not repay or make arrangements to pay will be sent to the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Department of Justice for debt set off in which the student’s taxes will be garnished. Finally, if debt is not recovered, the student will be turned over to a collection agency.
Special Circumstances
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office if they feel they have special circumstances that might affect their dependency status or the amount they and their family are expected to contribute toward their education. These circumstances could include a family’s unusual medical expenses, or recent unemployment due to an involuntary layoff, plant closure, etc.
There must be very good reasons to make any adjustments and students will be required to provide documentation to adequately prove their request. The Financial Aid staff’s decision is final, and it cannot be appealed to the US Department of Education.
Financial Aid Forms
Financial Aid News
IRS Data Retrieval
Students and parents who have submitted their IRS tax return to the IRS will be able to select the IRS Data Retrieval option on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to transfer tax information to the FAFSA each year. If you have not filed your tax return, please wait on submitting your FAFSA until you do so in order to take advantage of the IRS Data Retrieval option. We strongly encourage you to select this option during the initial filing or when subsequent corrections are made to your FAFSA. If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval option, there MAY be a significant delay in processing your financial aid.
Applicants selected for verification who choose to use the IRS Data Retrieval Process will only need to provide other verification forms and will not need to provide tax information.
If your FAFSA is selected for verification, and you chose not to use the IRS Data Retrieval option, or you changed the IRS data, you will be required to request a tax return transcript from IRS and will need to submit it to the Financial Aid Office. This could cause a significant delay in processing your financial aid. Further directions on requesting a tax return transcript, please go to "Requesting IRS Tax Return Transcripts".
THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE CAN NO LONGER ACCEPT PERSONAL COPIES OF TAX RETURNS.
Financial Aid Recipient Facts
- Apply for financial aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Students MUST re-apply annually.
- Utilize the IRS Data Retrieval.
- TCCC’s school code is 009430.
- Adhere to ALL financial aid deadlines.
- Enroll in a program of study that meets eligibility for financial aid assistance.
- Promptly submit all requested documentation to the Financial Aid Office.
- A student must register for classes ONLY under his/her program of study.
- Attend scheduled classes to prevent delays in financial aid refunds.
- Financial aid cannot be received for classes outside a student’s program of study, not attended, audited or exempted.
- Financial aid will only pay for 30 hours of remedial courses.
- Drop classes before the first day of class if not planning to attend TCCC.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) each semester to continue receiving financial aid assistance.
Consult with the Financial Aid Office staff if withdrawing or dropping classes, this could jeopardize future financial aid or owing funds.
- Consult with the Financial Aid Office staff if changing or adding a secondary major.
- Financial aid cannot be received at two institutions for the same semester.
- Financial aid is awarded based on enrollment hours:
Full-time = 12 or more credit hours
Three quarter time = 9-11 credit hours
Half-time = 6-8 credit hours
Less Than Half-time = 1-5 credit hours
- Complete a loan request form each year if requesting a student loan.
- A first time borrower must attend the TCCC Financial Literacy class.
- A student must be enrolled at least half-time to receive a student loan.
- Exit counseling must be completed if graduating or enrolled less than half-time.
- A student must contact the Financial Aid Office and his/her loan servicer if his/her address and/or
contact information changes.
- Financial aid refunds will be disbursed to students via their Higher One account, bank account or by check based on the preference selected at MyTriCountyCard.com approximately four to five weeks after classes begin.
Contact Information
Phone: 828-837-6810
Fax: 828-837-3266
Address: 21 Campus Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 8-5
Friday 8-12
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