Financial Aid Resources
The financial aid process can be overwhelming. Below we break down what financial aid is and how it is awarded as well as how aid affects bookstore credit and refunds. Check out the Important Links section for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for financial aid?
You must be an eligible degree-seeking student to receive financial aid. Financial aid can be split into two main categories: financial aid that requires you to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and financial aid that does not require a FAFSA. Because some scholarships require a FAFSA for consideration, a FAFSA is highly recommended. Visit studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA.
How is financial aid awarded?
TTC awards your financial aid based on the assumption that you will enroll as a full-time student taking at least 12 credit hours in the semester. If you take fewer than 12 hours in the semester, TTC is required to reduce your aid accordingly. Your credit hours for the semester are divided between two 7-week terms. The number of credit hours you take in each term will affect when your aid is issued and how much of your financial aid can be applied to your student account each term.
Are there enrollment requirements for financial aid?
See the table below for enrollment requirements.
Financial Aid Type |
Enrollment Requirements |
| Pell Grant | Must be enrolled in at least 1 credit hour per semester |
| Loans | Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester |
| SC Lottery-Funded Tuition Assistance | Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester |
| SC LIFE Scholarship | Must be enrolled in at least 12 college-level credit hours for the semester, not including developmental or bridge courses |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) | Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester |
| South Carolina Need-Based Grant (SCNBG) | Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester |
How many financial aid disbursements are made each semester?
Two primary financial aid disbursements are made each semester for students who have completed the financial aid process, including verification. Once class attendance is verified each term, financial aid is disbursed to the student's TTC student account. The amount of financial aid disbursed is pro-rated per term, based on credit hours and other factors. If the student's financial aid disbursement is greater than the total tuition, fees, and bookstore charges for the term, the student may qualify for a refund check.
NOTE: Some students may receive no refund if taking fewer than six credit hours in Term 1. However, they may qualify for a refund when enrolled in and attending six or more credit hours.
How does bookstore credit work?
If your financial aid exceeds your charges for tuition and fees, you may be eligible for a bookstore credit up to $1,000 prior to the start of the term. The bookstore credit will allow students to purchase books and supplies prior to the beginning of the term at the TTC Bookstore. The bookstore credit is calculated by subtracting tuition and fees from the amount of authorized aid up to a maximum bookstore credit of $1,000. Bookstore charge period dates for each semester are available in the student's my.tridenttech.edu portal calendar and on the TTC Bookstore webpage.
How are financial aid refunds disbursed?
Once your financial aid is disbursed to your TTC student account, if the amount of financial aid exceeds tuition, fees, bookstore charges, and other institutional charges on your student account, you are entitled to a refund check. Students will need to plan ahead for other expenses such as rent, transportation and child care until the refund check disbursement dates. Refunds are made in approximately the third week of the term. Click here for refunds schedule.
What types of financial aid are available?
- Federal grants such as Pell Grants (FPELL) and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
- State grants such as South Carolina Need-Based Grants (SCNBG) and South Carolina Lottery-Funded Tuition Assistance (SCLTA) and scholarships such as LIFE and SCWINS (no-cost tuition for 100+ programs)
- Federal Work-Study
- Student Loans
- Scholarships
- Veterans, Veterans Dependents and Service Personnel
- South Carolina Tax Credit - To help ease the financial burden for South Carolina college students and their families, the South Carolina General Assembly has created an income tax credit for tuition paid to South Carolina colleges and universities. To claim the credit, a Form SC 1040 must be filed. When preparing the South Carolina income tax return, Form I-319 Tuition Tax Credit must be completed. This form is included with all state individual income tax booklets. For more information about the tax credit, please visit the South Carolina Tuition Tax Credit website.
Can I use financial aid for Workforce Training (formerly Continuing Education) courses?
While federal financial aid and SC Lottery Tuition Assistance are not available for Workforce Training noncredit courses, students may qualify for other types of external funding. Learn more about various external funding sources and smart ways to apply for a personal loan or payment plan to pay for courses.