I would like to apply for financial aid at Triton College, where do I start?
In order to be considered for financial assistance, students must complete and submit the following items to the Triton College Financial Aid Office. Once these items have been reviewed, additional documentation may be requested.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on the Web
The FAFSA must be completed and submitted to determine the student’s eligibility for federal and state grants, Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal Work Study. Students must apply on the web at www.fafsa.gov. Students should be sure to enter Triton College’s school code (001773) when asked which colleges they would like their FAFSA information to be sent to. Students are encouraged to use the "IRS Data Retrieval" tool when completing the FAFSA. The retrieval tool will save you time and increase the accuracy of your FAFSA information. If students need assistance completing the FAFSA, they should bring their/their parents’ most recent tax returns (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ, W-2s, and any schedules) and other necessary documents to the Student Financial Aid Center in the Financial Aid Office and a staff member will guide the student through all the steps needed in order to complete the FAFSA.
- Complete and submit the Triton College Financial Aid Data Form
The Data Form is available on the Web at www.triton.edu/Links-and-Forms or can be picked up in the Triton College Financial Aid Office.This form is necessary to initiate a financial aid file and it alerts the institution of the student’s intent to complete a file.
Beginning Fall 2013, the Triton College Data Form will no longer be a component of the financial aid process
The Financial Aid Office is located at:
Student Center Building
Room B-216W
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3155
- Submit an official copy of a high school/GED transcript to the Triton College Admission and Records Office
Students should contact their high school (or where they earned their GED) and request to have a final, official copy of their transcript sent to the Triton College Admission and Records Office.
The Admission and Records Office is located at:
Student Center Building
Room B-216E
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130
The items necessary to begin a financial aid file are the results of the FAFSA, the Triton College Financial Aid Data Form, and an official copy of a high school/GED transcript. Triton College’s preferred deadline is March 1.
Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?
For each award there are different requirements:
- For the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the Federal Family Educational Loan Program (FFELP), and the Federal College Work Study Program students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours for the semester.
- Monetary Award Program (MAP), students may be enrolled in as few as three (3) credit hours.
- PELL Grants, students may be enrolled in as few as one (1) credit hour.
I need help filling out my forms. Who can I talk to?
Bring all necessary tax documents (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ and W-2s) to the Student Financial Aid Center in the Financial Aid Office. Staff members are available to assist students in the completion of the FAFSA. Call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3155 for office hours.
Who is my Financial Aid advisor?
The student’s Financial Aid advisor is dependent upon their last name.
What is “verification,” and why was I selected?
Over 30 percent of all FAFSA applications are selected for the process of verification. If selected for verification, the Triton College Financial Aid Office staff will mail a letter to the student’s home requesting additional documentation (such as a copy of the students/parents IRS Tax transcript) to add to the student’s file. Once all of the necessary documents have been received and any corrections processed, the Financial Aid Office will send out an award letter.
*NEW FOR 2012-2013* Only "Tax Transcripts" will be accepted as proof of income for the previous year (2011). Visit the IRS website to order a Tax Transcript, or call 1-800-908-9946.
Verification documents are available at: Financial Aid: Links and Forms
Note: If selected for verification, it is important to respond to the request for verification documents as quickly as possible, to ensure that the various grant deadlines are met.
How long will it take to complete my file and receive my award letter?
The entire process may take between two (2) and three (3) weeks once all required documents have been received.
Can I start classes before my financial aid is complete?
Yes. Once the student has submitted the Financial Aid Data Form and has completed the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will place a “hold” on the student’s tuition and fees so that they will not be dropped due to non-payment. However, the student will be responsible for purchasing their books and paying any outstanding tuition and fees that may not be covered by their financial aid.
I want to drop a class. Will this affect my financial aid?
YES! The amount of federal financial assistance that a student receives is based on the completion of all registered course work. Any student who withdraws completely or fails to successfully complete any course work from a semester may be required to return a portion of the federal funds that had been applied to his/her account. The final amount of financial aid earned will be based on the period of time that the student was attending during the term. Students who need to withdraw from all registered course work should make an appointment with a financial aid advisor to determine if a portion of unearned federal funds will need to be returned to the federal aid program.
Please check with the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping classes!
I applied for financial aid and was not eligible for any grant funds. However, since that time I have encountered a significant reduction in my income. Is there a way for reconsideration of my financial aid eligibility?
Yes, an appeal is possible. If the student can document that the student and/or the student’s spouse/parents will be receiving a substantially lower income in the coming tax year, they may complete a “Special Circumstance Form,” which is available from the Financial Aid Office. A financial aid administrator will review the student’s situation and notify them if adjustments can be made on their FAFSA application.
I appealed my disqualification of financial aid, but I was denied. What else can I do?
Students have the right to appeal the decision of the Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress Appeals Committee. This may be done by submitting a written request to the Associate Dean of Financial Aid, requesting a review of the committee’s decision. The Associate
Dean of Financial Aid’s decision will be final.
Students may also look into scholarships and alternative loans. For more information, visit the Triton College Financial Aid Office or call us at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3155.
When can I get my books?
When a student’s file is completed (all necessary documents have been turned in), an award letter will be mailed out. The award letter will outline the financial aid being offered. Financial Aid awards are pending until 10 days prior to the first day of the semester classes. At that time disbursement commences as follows:
- Classes for which the student is registered at that time will be paid first.
- If there are monies from the Pell grant remaining, the student may use those funds to purchase books at the Triton College Bookstore located on our main campus.
- Any remaining monies after tuition is paid and books are purchased will be issued to the student in the form of a check mailed to the home address listed at Triton College.
Any changes in the student’s registration which affect the amount the student is charged may result in an adjustment in their financial aid award.
What happens to any leftover grant money not used for my tuition and fees?
A refund check will be mailed to the student’s home address around the mid-point of each semester; provided that the student is actively participating in all registered coursework. Excess grants funds may be used to cover other educational expenses. Until refund checks are issued, excess grant funds can be used to purchase books and educational supplies in the campus bookstore.
How do I get my Pell Grant refund check?
Any remaining monies from the Pell grant after tuition is paid and books are purchased will be issued to the student in the form of a check mailed to the home address listed at Triton College . It is the student's responsibility to keep the Admission and Records Office up-to-date with their current address.
Please direct any further questions to:
The Financial Aid Office
Student Center Building
Room B-216W
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3155
The Admission Call Center
Student Center Building
Room B-216E
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3130