I found this information online which is specifically geared
toward Texas
students however much of the information applies to students across the board
with regard to transfer & financial aid – check with the specific
institution regarding mid-year transfer issues. I would also suggest researching
the FAFSA website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm
Will you qualify for Financial Aid at your transfer institution?
Chances are you can receive some type of Financial Aid, if you note the
following:
- Complete the
university’s application for admission process early.
- You can apply online
to most Texas
state colleges and universities at www.applytexas.org.
- Private schools use
separate applications.
- Most universities
require an application fee.
- Your application is
not complete until this fee is paid.
- Follow up on your
file to make sure your online application was received and all
requirements were met.
- Admission
application deadlines vary from school to school, but the dates are
specific and firm.
- Universities award
much of their financial aid on a first received-first awarded basis.
The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of qualifying
for academic transfer scholarships, some grants and college work
study.
- Check university
admissions web pages for these dates. See University
Contacts.
- In order to
qualify for any type of aid, all transfer students must complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid or a renewal application if the
student currently receives aid.
- New applicants may
complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm or you may mail the
paper application to the federal processor.
- Complete the FAFSA
early.
- The FAFSA for each coming
year is available after January 1.
- See your TCC
Financial Aid office if you need help.
- Enter the names of
the college you plan to attend or colleges (if you are undecided) on the
FAFSA. It is always wise to send your FAFSA report to at least two schools
in case you are not accepted by your No. 1 choice.
- Once you receive
your Student Aid Report from the Federal Government, immediately submit
it in person or by mail to the college/s you are considering.
- University
Financial Aid offices have critical Priority Deadlines. Don’t
miss them!
- Follow up with the
Financial Aid office to make sure your file is complete. You may
need to provide some additional documents.
- You should receive
some official notification of your award.
What types of Financial Aid Are Available to Transfer Students?
Scholarships: Financial Aid awarded to
students based on academic merit, athletic or fine arts skills, field of study,
etc. Scholarships do not have to be repaid. Many North
Texas universities offer generous transfer scholarships based on a
student’s grade average. See the following Web sites:
If your transfer university is not listed above, simply go to the
university’s home page and search for scholarships under Financial Aid.
Grants: Financial Aid awarded to students from
federal or state funds (Pell, TPEG, SEOG, TEG for private colleges only,
etc.). To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need as indicated
by their FAFSA report (Student Aid Report). Grants do not have to be
repaid.
Loans: Federal Financial Aid funds borrowed by
students which they must repay. See TCC’s Financial Aid website for
information about loan eligibility and the repayment process.
Work-Study: Financial Aid funds paid to
students as earnings for assigned part-time jobs.
The above Financial Aid programs are available at accredited state, private
and proprietary schools approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
What’s important to consider as you think about transferring?
- Compare the costs of two
or three colleges that interest you.
- See www.collegefortexans.com/paying/ to
compare expenses.
- Make sure your
intended program of study is available at each school.
- See a TCC Counselor or
advisor to get help with your search.
- Calculate a budget
(See www.ed.gov/DirectLoan/calc.html)
for the coming year including the financial aid you will receive.
- Some expenses can be
reduced by commuting, sharing housing costs with roommates, etc.
- Try to minimize your
job responsibilities during your first semester at the university so you
can transition smoothly and maintain a good academic record.
- You may be able to afford
a private school even though their rates are more costly.
- Tuition at private
colleges exceeds state schools, but many private schools are generous
with financial aid.
- If you are interested
in a private university because of a particular degree program or campus
size, talk to their Financial Aid office early to discover what your
bottom line costs will be.
- Earning your associate’s
degree first before you transfer may earn you preferential
consideration for some university scholarships.
Where can a transfer student get more information about paying for the
rest of their education?
More information about opportunities for Financial Aid at Texas colleges and universities is available
at the following Web sites:
Information found at: http://www.tccd.edu/neutral/divisiondepartmentpage.asp?pagekey=801&menu=6