By Amanda Gomez/reporter
Students should plan for financial aid based on their lifestyles and other obligations that may have an influence in their lives, the South Campus financial aid director believes.
JoLynn Sprole led the Financial Aid for College Success workshop April 1 and discussed the importance of meeting deadlines.
“The first thing you need to understand about financial aid is that it’s a first-come, first-served basis,” she said.
For grant money consideration, students must turn in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid application by May 1.
Waiting until the last minute will not guarantee the same amount of money available than if it were done earlier, Sprole said.
One fund that many people can get is a student loan. Federal student loans are common sources of funding, but students must pay loans back, Sprole said. It is important to keep loan debt as low as possible, Sprole said.
TCC requires only the FAFSA to be completed and submitted to receive financial aid. The application can be found at www.fafsa.gov.
To receive funds, students must set up an account through TCC Higher One and specify the way they want to receive their refunds.
Many factors go into receiving financial aid.
“Your budget consists of a lot more than just tuition and books,” she said.
When accepting an award, it does not necessarily have to be the full amount but only what is needed, Sprole said.
TCC offers scholarships that can help toward school expenses.
“If you’re not sure you’re going to qualify for a scholarship, let the people make the decision,” she said.
Students have many opportunities to earn extra cash for school. Scholarship opportunities can be found at www.tccd.edu/scholarships.
It is important to know limits and be able to keep financial aid. Passing classes and being present in class matters, Sprole said. Dropping a class is not always the best option and could end up costing more to repay.
“Don’t drop unless you talk to your financial aid office,” she said.
The financial aid offices are always there to help and be a resource for anyone having difficulties with financial aid, Sprole said.
“We service anyone who lives in the Tarrant County area,” she said. “It does not matter if you attend TCC or not. We will help anyone for free.”
For more information, one can click on the financial aid link at the top of TCC’s main webpage.
