FinancialAid
The Financial Aid Office is here to help make your education affordable. Explore your options, apply for aid, and reach out to our team anytime.
Aid Year: July 1 – June 30
We are here to help you meet your educational goals. Apply for financial aid, research scholarships, grants, work-study, and student/parent loans. Select a task below to get started.
How to apply for financial aid
Follow these steps to apply. Most students should complete FAFSA first; Colorado residents who are undocumented or DACA-eligible should complete CASFA instead.
The priority deadline for financial aid applications is typically in the spring. Check this year's deadline ›
1
Complete FAFSA or CASFA
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, or CASFA for eligible Colorado residents. Use TSC's school code: 007962.
2
Submit required documents
TSC may request additional documentation. Check your TSC student email and the TSC Connect Portal for any outstanding items.
3
Receive your award letter
Once processed, you'll receive an award letter through the portal. Review, accept or decline each award, and check the payment timeline.
Types of financial aid
TSC offers several types of financial aid. Most awards are a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities.
Grants
Need-based aid you don't have to repay. Includes Pell Grant, SEOG, and Colorado state grants.
Scholarships
Merit- or need-based awards from TSC, the TSC Foundation, and external organizations.
Student loans
Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) and Parent PLUS Loans. Must be repaid.
Work-Study
Part-time on-campus employment for eligible students. Earnings paid directly to you.
College Opportunity Fund (COF)
Colorado's stipend for eligible in-state undergraduate students. Reduces tuition per credit hour.
Summer financial aid
Aid may be available for summer enrollment depending on remaining eligibility.
All students receiving financial aid must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Read the SAP policy ›
View all aid typesResources & forms
Commonly needed documents, calculators, and reference pages for financial aid at TSC.
Financial aid forms
All TSC financial aid forms
Cost of attendance (PDF)
Estimated costs for the aid year
Net price calculator
Estimate your out-of-pocket cost
FAQ
Common financial aid questions
Refunds
How and when refunds are issued
Return of Title IV funds
Withdrawal and repayment rules
Payment plan
Options for paying your bill
Tuition rates
Current tuition and fee schedule
Veteran benefits
GI Bill and VA education benefits
CPOS
Catalog of Prescribed Occupational Studies
External aid links
State and national aid resources
1098-T FAQ (PDF)
Tax form info; questions: (719) 846-5131
Contact financial aid staff
Our staff are available at both the Trinidad and Valley campuses. Reach out by phone, email, or visit us in person.
Trinidad Campus
600 Prospect Street, Berg Suite 209
Trinidad, CO 81082
Marisa Berry
Success Coach, Financial Aid
Leslie Hollingsworth
Administrative Assistant, Financial Aid
Amy Diaz
Counselor, Financial Aid
Valley Campus (Alamosa)
1011 Main Street, Suite 104
Alamosa, CO 81101
Jennifer Hutchens
Counselor, Financial Aid
General inquiries can be sent to financialaid@trinidadstate.edu and will be routed to the appropriate staff member.
Policies & additional information
Reference information, legal policies, and compliance disclosures related to financial aid at TSC.
In January of each year, CCCS, on behalf of all colleges within the system, mails IRS Form 1098-T to students who had qualified tuition and other related educational expenses billed to them during the previous calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
1098-T FAQ (PDF) — For more information, call (719) 846-5131
The TSC Financial Aid Code of Conduct outlines ethical standards for the administration of financial aid at Trinidad State College.
The Consolidated and Further Contributing Appropriations Act, 2015, provides ability-to-benefit (ATB) alternatives to a high school diploma for students enrolled in a career pathway program on or after July 1, 2014.
For students without a high school diploma or GED, the Ability to Benefit test is used to determine eligibility for financial aid. For further information, contact the Testing Center
All students who receive financial aid must meet the standard of satisfactory academic progress. The standards are spelled out in the Student Handbook. A paper copy of the Student Handbook is available on request from the Financial Aid Office.
The Financial Aid Office has taken great care in providing the most recent information. Contents are subject to change without notice because of changing federal, state, or institutional policies. All financial aid awards are contingent upon availability of funds and the student's final eligibility determination.
In 2009, the Colorado Community College System joined the Federal Direct Loan Program. More information (PDF)
All financial aid awards are made in compliance with the policies and guidelines and regulations set down by the state and federal governments and Trinidad State College. Awards may consist of one or a combination of various financial aids.