A variety of financial assistance is available to help students with the cost of attending Trident Technical College. TTC’s Financial Aid office assists prospective and current students and their families by providing information about financial resources, assisting applicants with the application process for financial assistance, calculating an applicant’s level of eligibility for financial assistance, awarding financial assistance based on an applicant’s enrollment status, and monitoring students’ satisfactory academic progress each semester for continued eligibility in financial assistance programs.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial assistance programs offered at TTC include federal programs under Title IV funds, state grants and scholarships. Federal financial assistance includes the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Direct student and parent loans. State financial assistance programs include South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance, the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

Eligibility for federal (and some state) financial assistance awards requires:

1. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
2. A high school diploma or GED
3. Documented financial need
4. Enrollment in an eligible program of study that meets federal requirements
5. No prior student loans are in default
6. The applicant is not in repayment on any federal Pell or FSEOG grant
7. Satisfactory academic progress as defined by TTC
8. Selective Service match

Important Dates

Students should apply for financial aid by completing their FAFSA and having their Student Aid Report sent to TTC at least four weeks prior to the semester in which they plan to enroll. TTC's school code is 004920. Any documents requested by the Financial Aid office should be submitted to TTC’s Financial Aid office as soon as possible after the request. This will allow TTC to process the student prior to the beginning of the semester when the student plans to enroll. All documents become the property of TTC and will not be returned to or copied for the student. If students submit their FAFSA closer to the start of classes, students should be prepared to pay their tuition and fees and purchase books by the fee payment deadline for the semester. Students' financial aid will be processed in the order in which their Student Aid Report and additional required documents are received.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A new or renewal FAFSA must be submitted for each academic year (fall through summer) and is available for the upcoming academic year after October 1. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov. The results of a student's FAFSA can be submitted directly to TTC by placing TTC’s school code (004920) on the FAFSA.

A student's financial aid eligibility is determined from the information provided on the FAFSA. To complete the 2021-22 application, use 2019 federal tax returns and copies of any untaxed income for that year. A Student Aid Report (SAR) is generated and sent to the student and also to TTC if students indicated this on their FAFSA. Corrected or additional information is submitted on the website, www.fafsa.gov. Students' receive the SAR electronically. It is important to review the report SAR for accuracy and to respond promptly to any requests for corrections or additional information.

The Department of Education randomly selects financial aid applicants to provide verification of all FAFSA information documented on the FAFSA. If a student is randomly selected for verification, the student will be notified by TTC’s Financial Aid office to submit a verification worksheet, IRS tax transcript and other necessary documentation. These notifications can be viewed in FA Self Service.

Students must submit all copies of required documents to TTC’s Financial Aid office. The documents become the property of TTC. The Financial Aid office cannot provide students with copies of submitted documents. Once all requirements are met, the student's personalized view in FA Self Service will show all aid for the award year.

Financial Aid and Withdrawal

If a student receives financial aid and withdraws from or stops attending all classes, the student may have to repay a portion of the financial aid funds to the federal government and/or TTC. The student may also owe funds back to TTC.

The student will be ineligible to receive federal financial aid at any college or university until the student repays the debt. The student will not be able to continue attending TTC until the student satisfies the debt owed to the college either by paying all of the funds or making payment arrangements.

It is very important for the student to consider the financial implications of withdrawing or not attending all of the classes. Withdrawing from classes could cause the student to lose financial aid eligibility for failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). TTC’s SAP policy is available in the student portal.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is constructed following federal student aid regulations and helps determine the students' financial need. It sets a limit on the amount of aid students may receive. The COA is an estimate of a student’s total educational expenses. The COA is different for each category (dependent/independent; in county/out of county/out of state). Costs may vary according to individual circumstances and choices. Note: See academic year updates on TTC’s website in the Financial Aid section.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grant provides financial assistance to those who demonstrate financial need. The Pell Grant is intended to be the base of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid to help meet the costs of education. Any student working toward an eligible degree/diploma/certificate may be eligible for the Pell Grant, depending on the number of semesters attending, the number of credit hours enrolled each semester, and eligibility as calculated by the Department of Education. A FAFSA must be completed to determine eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides additional assistance for qualified students who demonstrate financial needs beyond the Pell Grant. FSEOG recipients must be eligible for a Pell Grant. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first served basis until depleted.

South Carolina Need-Based Grant

South Carolina Need-Based Grant is available to Pell eligible South Carolina residents who are seeking their first undergraduate degree. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive the grant. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. A South Carolina Need-Based Grant affidavit must be completed before any funds can be paid to the student’s account.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time employment opportunities to defray educational expenses. FWS funding is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of hours assigned is determined by financial need as well as the student’s course schedule and ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. The number of jobs available is based upon the funds allocated by the federal government for the year. To be eligible for FWS, students must be enrolled in at least six semester credit hours and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Funds are paid monthly directly to the student to assist with the Cost of Attendance.

Student Loans

Federal Direct student loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program. Federal student loans accrue interest and require repayment of principle, fees and interest. See TTC’s website for additional information.

The interest rate is variable and set each year on July 1. Students must sign the federal Master Promissory note and successfully complete the entrance counseling session to accept a student loan and borrow loan funds. Loan repayment begins six months after the student is not enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours).

Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. To qualify for a subsidized loan, a student must demonstrate need according to federal guidelines (FAFSA). The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is in college and during a grace period (six months). Unsubsidized loans are available to students who do not demonstrate financial need according to federal guidelines (FAFSA). Interest begins to accrue immediately and is added to the loan principal. Interest payments are deferred while the student is in college.

Details of eligibility are available at www.studentaid.gov.

The U.S. Department of Education requires student loan borrowers to complete exit counseling when there is a change in enrollment status. If a student borrows a student loan and withdraws from all classes or withdraws from one or more courses, resulting in an enrollment status of less than six credit hours, the student must complete the exit counseling. Student loan borrowers graduating from any TTC academic program must complete exit counseling before graduation. Complete the exit counseling at www.studentaid.gov. Students will receive a letter from their loan servicer about repayment of their student loan.

Federal Parent Loan for Students

The Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS) is for parents of dependent students. This loan is not need based and may not exceed the cost of attendance. The student must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program of study. The parent must repay the principle, fees and interest. Repayment begins immediately after disbursement of the loan.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available from industries, businesses, professional organizations, civic clubs and individuals. The TTC Foundation selects recipients for its scholarships. Scholarships are usually awarded prior to the beginning of Fall Semester. Application information and deadlines are on the TTC website.

SC LIFE Scholarship

The SC LIFE Scholarship is available for qualifying South Carolina residents. Recipients must be full-time, degree-seeking students not taking developmental or bridge courses. First-time entering freshmen must have graduated from high school with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative S.C. uniform grade point average. Students must sign the SC LIFE Scholarship affidavit each academic year. Additional information and details are available at www.che.sc.gov. Click on the “Students and Parents” tab.

S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance

SC Lottery Tuition Assistance (SCLTA) is not based on financial need. Students may be eligible for lottery assistance if they qualify for in-state tuition rates according to state law. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or SCLTA waiver is required for each year. The SCLTA award is not retroactive and only applies to either the current semester or future semesters. Assistance is paid to the college, not the student, and only applies toward tuition.

Federal Tax Benefits for Education

For additional information on tax benefits, seek advice from a tax consultant or the IRS website at www.irs.gov to obtain Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

Financial Aid Criteria

**Grants do not require repayment.

Award Information: Financial aid is processed for one academic year (fall, spring and summer), per application.

Financial Aid Criteria

***Loans must be repaid. 

Enrollment for Financial Aid: TTC awards financial aid based on credit hours per term of enrollment at the end of Drop/Add. No adjustments to the student’s awards will occur based on changes after Drop/Add unless a class is cancelled by the college or the student withdraws.