Step 1 - Print This Page To Follow As A Guide.

Everything begins with obtaining a PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN is an electronic access code number that allows you to file your financial aid information electronically to be considered for federal grants and loans. Go to www.pin.ed.gov as soon as possible to get your PIN. If you’re a dependent student your parents should also get a PIN. When you file for your PIN be sure to give your email address. You will receive your PIN via this address. ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR PIN, KEEP THE NUMBER IN A SAFE PLACE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS NUMBER AND WILL NEED IT EACH YEAR TO UPDATE YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

Step 2

Fill out a federal application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. The data you fill out on the application will determine the grants, loans and work-study opportunities you may be eligible to receive. Financial aid is available for both full-time and part-time students. Full-time requires taking 12 or more college credits, part-time 6-11 college credits. If eligible, there is a Federal grant (Pell) and a state grant (APTS) which can be received as a less than part-time student (less than 6 credits per term). Most Financial Aid programs require at least half-time status of 6 or more credit hours. Typically, 3 college credits are equal to 1 college course.

To complete your FAFSA online go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and download the FAFSA Worksheet first. This form will help you gather all your needed information before you complete the FAFSA electronically. To complete the FAFSA you will need the TROCAIRE COLLEGE FEDERAL CODE NUMBER 002812. You will also use your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA. Once the FAFSA has been submitted, you will receive by email a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR contains all the information that you submitted on the FAFSA and will also tell you what your Expected Family Contribution will be (the amount of funds that your family (dependent student) or you (independent student) are expected to contribute towards your education based on income). If there are errors in your SAR, using your PIN access www.fafsa.ed.gov and select “Making Corrections to a Processed FAFSA.”

Click here for a short video of an introduction to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Step 3

In New York State you are also entitled to receive a state grant for school known as TAP (Tuition Assistance Program). You apply for this funding online by going to www.tapweb.org/totw. You will be required to create a user name and a separate PIN (personal identification number) as a part of the TAP process. KEEP YOUR USERNAME AND PIN IN A SAFE PLACE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT AND WILL NEED IT IN THE FUTURE. To complete the TAP you will need the TROCAIRE COLLEGE TAP SCHOOL CODE 2144.

Your electronically filed FAFSA and TAP applications will now generate a Student Information Report from the federal processor and a TAP award certificate from the state agency.  Please keep copies and bring them to the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions. We now have your financial data and can guide you on how much financial aid you can receive.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO APPLY TO TROCAIRE COLLEGE YOU CAN APPLY ONLINE. Once you have applied and submitted your required information, make an appointment with an Admission’s counselor. The Admission’s and Financial Aid offices will now be able to consider other financial aid that you may receive from our college based on your FAFSA and other academic information. You will be given an Award Letter describing all the financial aid you are entitled to. Based on this information, you will know if you need a loan to assist you.

Before you can proceed with any loan process you will be directed to complete a Student Loan Entrance Interview online.  This is a requirement for all first-time borrowers.  The online process is the most efficient system.  After the entrance interview, you will be directed to the NYSHESC website to receive a HESC PIN and to prepare and electronically sign your master promissory note.  During the promissory note process, you will be asked to select a lending institution.  Trocaire College recommends that a potential borrower contact the lending institutions to discuss details and conditions of the benefits which they offer before making your selection.  Our Financial Aid Staff can provide some assistance in this process.

Remember to only borrow what is necessary.  Your goal should be to keep your loan debt as low as possible.

Step 4

Consider using the various websites available for scholarship searches (e.g. www.fastweb.com).  More links are provided under the Scholarship Websites portion of this section.

Step 5

Register for classes. Welcome to Trocaire College!