Trinity University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid. Only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply for federal student financial aid.

STEP 1: OBTAIN YOUR PIN

In order to complete the FAFSA, you and your spouse (if applicable) must both apply for a federal Personal Identification Number, or PIN. Your PIN will serve as your electronic signature and will provide access to personal records. If you do not have a PIN already, you may apply for a federal PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.


STEP 2: COMPLETE & SUBMIT THE FAFSA


To be considered for need-based financial aid at Trinity for the 2009-2010 academic year (summer 2009, fall 2009, and spring 2010 semesters), you must complete the FAFSA and include Trinity’s school code: 003647. The 2009-2010 FAFSA application is available beginning January 1, and may be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Trinity’s preferred FAFSA deadline for returning students is May 1.

The FAFSA takes several factors into account, including adjusted gross income, federal and state taxes paid, assets and holdings, the size of the family, and the number in college. The FAFSA results, known as the Student Aid Report (SAR), provide an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount of money you are expected to supply for your educational costs. Your family's actual out-of-pocket expenses may ultimately be more or less than your EFC. Eligibility for need-based financial aid is based on your demonstrated financial need using this formula:


   Trinity's Graduate Program Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Demonstrated Financial Need

Information Needed to File the FAFSA
When you complete the FAFSA, we recommend that you have the information listed below on hand.

• your 2008 Federal Income Tax Return
• your Social Security number
• your 2008 W-2 forms and other records of money earned
• information regarding untaxed income that you or your spouse may have received during 2008 (e.g., Social Security benefits)
• most recent bank statements
• most recent information pertaining to business and investment holdings for you and your spouse
• your alien registration number or permanent residence card (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
• Trinity’s school code – 003647, which will ensure that we receive your information



To help you organize your information prior to completing the FAFSA, you can print and complete a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

Special Circumstances: The process of determining eligibility for financial aid uses standard formulas and student budgets. However, the Office of Financial Aid recognizes that some students have unusual or extenuating circumstances that may not be evident in the standard process of determining eligibility. Students with special circumstances are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid for review of their financial aid package based on those individual circumstances.


STEP 3: REVIEW & VERIFY YOUR FAFSA RESULTS

After completing the FAFSA, you’ll receive a copy of your results, called a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it carefully! Check each item for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.

If you do not receive a SAR from the federal processor within 14 days of completing your application online, check on the processing status at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

If your SAR indicates that you have been 'selected for verification', please see the verification section of this site for more information.