Types of Aid

Grants do not have to be paid back, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you have a bachelor's or an equivalent degree, you are not eligible for grant aid. Funds are limited for grants, so return applications as soon as possible.

• Federal Pell Grant
  This federal grant can be awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree. It can be used to pay tuition and fees. Any amount left over can be used to cover personal expenses. Students can receive a Federal Pell Grant from only one school at a time. A recent change in the law limits the total number of years a student may receive a Federal Pell Grant to the equivalent of six years.
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  Undergraduate students of exceptional financial need who have not completed their first baccalaureate degree may qualify. Funds are limited.
• Washington College Grant (WCG)
  A state grant to assist the state's lowest-income undergraduate students pursue higher education. Students must be Washington State residents. Students cannot receive more than five years of WCG. Funds are limited. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 3 credits.
• TCC Grant
  An institutional grant made to Washington state residents to be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 3 credits. Funds are limited.

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Scholarships do not have to be paid back, and are awarded for academic merit, financial need, athletic or artistic talent, community involvement and fields of study. Learn more about scholarships.

If you see a ‘Non-Disbursable Scholarship’ on your award notification, this means that you have a placeholder for potential/anticipated scholarship funds that are have not yet been received at TCC. These funds are not available to be used by students towards their tuition/fees. If scholarship funding is received the scholarship funds will be placed in the appropriate scholarship award (Outside Scholarship, Athletic Scholarship, AmeriCorps etc.) and the non-disbursable scholarship will be adjusted or removed accordingly. This is not a guaranteed funding source and the funds are not available for you to access or use to pay tuition/fees. 

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TCC participates in the Direct Loan program. Loans must be repaid. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits that apply to their degree program. For specific information regarding assessing your debt burden, repayment terms, and loan limits, review the Student Guide, available from our office.

• Direct Loans are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits that apply to their degree program.
• Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the federal regulations. No interest is charged while you are in school at least half-time, as well as during your grace period and during deferment periods.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods.

For specific information regarding assessing your debt burden, repayment terms, and loan limits, visit www.studentloans.gov. You can also review the Student Guide, available from our office.

If you are in danger of being in default: TCC has recently contracted with student loan counseling service ECMC Solutions. At some point during the life of your student loan, ECMC Solutions may reach out to you regarding your loan. 

If you’re having trouble repaying your student loan, you’re also welcome to contact ECMC for help. To contact a Solutions Student Loan Repayment Advisor, email or web chat, or call them at 1-877-331-3262.

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These programs provide an opportunity to earn a portion of your financial aid through part time employment, both on- and off-campus. Funds are very limited. Learn more about Work Study.

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