The Application Process
- Complete the FAFSA. This can be done electronically at Fafsa webpage or you may complete a paper FAFSA. You should submit your FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) as soon as of October 1st of the year before you will be attending college.
- Please create your FSA ID as instructed on the FAFSA website to sign your online FAFSA application. Keep your FSA ID in a retrievable place such as in your wallet, folder on your email account, or in a file folder at home.
- Click the “Submit my FAFSA Now” button on the last page of the online FAFSA form. After submitting your application, you will be taken to a new page confirming your submission and giving you a confirmation number.
- The federal processor determines your Student Aid Index (SAI) based on the information you provided on the FAFSA. This number (SAI) indicates eligibility for federal aid.
- You will be sent an email regarding the status of your FAFSA.
- Review the SAR for accuracy. If correct, no action is required. If incorrect, contact the Financial Aid Officer for assistance in making the correction or go to the FAFSA website and submit your correction(s) there. The federal processor will electronically transmit your FAFSA results to TMCC if you entered our school code (009450) on your application.
- Missing document letters will be sent to new and returning students in June. Missing document letters list the documents already received and those still needed to complete the student’s financial aid file. The letter will also inform if there is a problem with information on the SAR.
- Continue to check your mail and email for additional forms or possible changes in your financial aid.
Financial Aid Calculator
A new helpful tool link has been added to the FAFSA website this year to assist individuals in finding out if they are eligible for federal student aid. This tool can be accessed at fafsa4caster website. This site asks the individual to provide most of the same information as the FAFSA application but does not send the information for processing. It is used solely for the purpose of allowing an individual to learn if they are eligible for federal student aid.
What you need to complete the FAFSA
- FSA ID
- Social Security Number
- Drivers license number, if applicable
- Federal Income Tax Return (Two tax years back from current year)
- Records of stocks, bonds and other investments
- Business or farm records
- Records of other un-taxed income received such as Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance Benefits, or veterans benefits
- Child support received
- Alien registration number, if you are not a U. S. citizen
- If you are a dependent student, parents’ social security numbers, tax information or financial records are needed
How is my eligibility for federal financial aid determined?
Income, assets, and family information are collected on the FAFSA and used in a formula to calculate your expected Student Aid Index (SAI). The Student Aid Index will determine your Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Helpful Hints for Completing the FAFSA
- Apply for a FSA ID. To sign the online FAFSA, the student and parent need a Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID). If you don’t have one, apply at www.studentaid.ed.gov to get one. Your FSA ID is confidential and is your responsibility to remember and not the college. The FSA ID remains the same and is used each academic year you attend college to sign your FAFSA or conduct online business with the US Department of Education.
- Save your FAFSA application often. Use the “SAVE” button at the bottom of the screen. If you lose your internet connection, you can return to the FAFSA to continue completing the saved FAFSA. If you click the “EXIT” button you will erase all the information you’ve entered since the last time you saved it.
- Get Help. There is plenty of Free help available. You don’t have to pay to get assistance filling out the FAFSA. The “Need Help with the Page” button at the bottom of every online FAFSA page leads to more information with a complete index of help topics. By clicking on the “Chat” button, you also can talk with a customer service representative directly on the Internet. If you still need help, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
- Sign your Application. You will electronically sign the FAFSA. If you are a dependent student your parent will sign the FAFSA either by using his/her own FSA ID.
- Submit your Application. Click the “Submit My FAFSA Now” button on the last page of the online FAFSA application. After submitting your application, you will be taken to a new page confirming your submission and giving you a confirmation number.
- If you need to make any corrections to your data you must wait until your FAFSA is processed before making changes. An email will be sent to you to confirm the FAFSA completion.