One Step At A Time

Financial Aid Resources

Step-by-step to financial aid

Ready to understand how the financial aid process works? We’ll help outline the process one step at a time to ease the path as much as possible. Follow the steps below, and be on your way to Trinity in no time.

APPLY TO TRINITY

You must apply and be admitted to Trinity Christian College before any financial aid can be granted. If you qualify for any honors scholarships or grants, we will notify you by sending you a merit letter.

An Opportunity For Special Scholarships

Most of Trinity’s scholarship opportunities require only that you be admitted to the college for consideration. However, some scholarships require additional application. Click here to view information about all of Trinity’s scholarships.

Create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Go here to create the FSA ID.

After October 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. To be considered for any need-based grants, work-study, or loans the FAFSA is required. Canadian or international students should complete the Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens available here.    Trinity’s FAFSA Code: 001771

FAFSA not telling the whole story?

If you have unusually high costs related to K-12 education, medical bills, dependent care or nursing home costs, or have experienced a recent reduction in family income, you should complete Trinity’s Need-Based Aid Appeal Form, available here. This should be submitted at the time the FAFSA is completed, or whenever the situation becomes known.

Can we have a little more info?

If Trinity requests any paperwork from you (federal tax return transcripts, worksheets), be sure to return documents promptly to verification@trnty.edu so that your financial aid is not delayed.

Your Financial Aid Solution

Receive your financial aid package which will include any scholarships, grants, work-study, and Federal Direct Student Loans for which you are eligible. Information about additional financing options will also be included. Make your enrollment deposit by May 1 to secure your financial aid package.

Develop Your Plan for Payment

What is the net amount you’ll owe Trinity, after your scholarships and grants? What is the best way to pay for that? The Plan for Payment Worksheet found here will help you answer these questions. When you receive your first billing statement in mid-July, you will be prepared with a plan.

Student Loan Required Steps

If Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Student loans are part of your plan for payment, complete the required steps below:

  1. In your Student Portal, accept or decline your federal loan eligibility in the “My Financial Aid” section. (Make sure the term is set to FA 19). If you wish to borrow less than the maximum amount available, contact the Financial Aid Office.
  2. If you are accepting Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans, go to www.studentloans.gov and click “Log In” (same as your FAFSA log in). Select “Complete Loan Counseling” and then “Entrance Counseling.” Click the start button located on the right to begin, and follow the on-screen directions.
  3. In your www.studentloans.gov account, click on “Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note).”  Then select “Subsidized/Unsubsidized” and click start to follow the on-screen directions.

If you plan to borrow any of the following types of loans, you must complete the steps indicated below:

  • Federal Parent PLUS LoanParents (not students) must log in at www.studentloans.gov to complete an application. Once logged in, click “Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan” and then start the Direct Plus Loan Application for Parents.
  • Private Student Loans: Application is made with your lender (Trinity works with all lenders). To access a list of suggested lenders, click here.
+ One

APPLY TO TRINITY

You must apply and be admitted to Trinity Christian College before any financial aid can be granted. If you qualify for any honors scholarships or grants, we will notify you by sending you a merit letter.

+ Two

An Opportunity For Special Scholarships

Most of Trinity’s scholarship opportunities require only that you be admitted to the college for consideration. However, some scholarships require additional application. Click here to view information about all of Trinity’s scholarships.

+ Three

Create an FSA ID and fill out the FAFSA

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. Go here to create the FSA ID.

After October 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. To be considered for any need-based grants, work-study, or loans the FAFSA is required. Canadian or international students should complete the Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens available here.    Trinity’s FAFSA Code: 001771

+ Four

FAFSA not telling the whole story?

If you have unusually high costs related to K-12 education, medical bills, dependent care or nursing home costs, or have experienced a recent reduction in family income, you should complete Trinity’s Need-Based Aid Appeal Form, available here. This should be submitted at the time the FAFSA is completed, or whenever the situation becomes known.

+ Five

Can we have a little more info?

If Trinity requests any paperwork from you (federal tax return transcripts, worksheets), be sure to return documents promptly to verification@trnty.edu so that your financial aid is not delayed.

+ Six

Your Financial Aid Solution

Receive your financial aid package which will include any scholarships, grants, work-study, and Federal Direct Student Loans for which you are eligible. Information about additional financing options will also be included. Make your enrollment deposit by May 1 to secure your financial aid package.

+ Seven

Develop Your Plan for Payment

What is the net amount you’ll owe Trinity, after your scholarships and grants? What is the best way to pay for that? The Plan for Payment Worksheet found here will help you answer these questions. When you receive your first billing statement in mid-July, you will be prepared with a plan.

+ Eight

Student Loan Required Steps

If Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Student loans are part of your plan for payment, complete the required steps below:

  1. In your Student Portal, accept or decline your federal loan eligibility in the “My Financial Aid” section. (Make sure the term is set to FA 19). If you wish to borrow less than the maximum amount available, contact the Financial Aid Office.
  2. If you are accepting Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans, go to www.studentloans.gov and click “Log In” (same as your FAFSA log in). Select “Complete Loan Counseling” and then “Entrance Counseling.” Click the start button located on the right to begin, and follow the on-screen directions.
  3. In your www.studentloans.gov account, click on “Complete Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note).”  Then select “Subsidized/Unsubsidized” and click start to follow the on-screen directions.

If you plan to borrow any of the following types of loans, you must complete the steps indicated below:

  • Federal Parent PLUS LoanParents (not students) must log in at www.studentloans.gov to complete an application. Once logged in, click “Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan” and then start the Direct Plus Loan Application for Parents.
  • Private Student Loans: Application is made with your lender (Trinity works with all lenders). To access a list of suggested lenders, click here.

Apply for student loans

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages students to consider federal student loan options (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS) prior to alternative student loans.  Federal loans in most cases offer lower interest rates and fewer fees than most private loans.  Additionally, Federal loans require no payments while the student is in school or his/her grace period (6 months after graduation).  Finally, repayment options for federal loans in most cases offer more flexibility for borrowers who are having difficulty making payments.

Private Loans

Private Educational Loans are loans not guaranteed by the Federal government. The borrower (either student or parent) may borrow a private educational loan through various banks, credit unions, or savings and loan associations. There are many different types of private educational loans for different types of borrowers. Private educational loans almost always offer lower interest rates than credit cards.

While we encourage students and families to pursue Federal financial aid before considering private educational loans, there are many student/family situations where a private educational loan is viewed as a preferred alternative.  Whatever your situation may be, borrow only what you need, and compare your options before you borrow.

ELM
ELM offers a lender comparison solution, provides schools a recommended lender list, and offers students the ability to compare and select the loan that best fits their needs.

CREDIBLE
Credible is an online tool that allows students to compare personalized loans from multiple lenders. Students can analyze prequalified rates, terms, and eligibility rules side-by-side in just a matter of minutes.  Credible is not a lender or bank.

Trinity’s FAFSA Code: 001771

Trinity Christian College seeks to put the needs of students first and operate with the highest standards of integrity.  Accordingly, the College strongly prohibits financial aid officers or others from engaging in practices resulting from a conflict of interest. Click here to read Trinity Christian College’s Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals

Forms & Resources

+ Future Students
+ Current Students

Types of Financial Aid

Pell Grants are made available by the U.S. government. The maximum award for 2020-2021 is $6,895.  Pell Grants are awarded only to students who qualify according to the FAFSA. In general, lower income families are eligible to receive Pell Grants. About 35 percent of Trinity students receive Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with unmet need. Preference is given to students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of zero. Annual amounts vary from $125 to $1,000.

Illinois MAP Grants are need-based grants awarded by the state to Illinois residents. Generally, students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of 9000 or below are eligible. Approximately 40 percent of all Trinity students who are Illinois residents receive MAP Grants. Award amounts are pro-rated by credit hours enrolled, up to 15 credits per semester. The maximum annual payment is $7,200. MAP Grants are not available for the summer semester.

Trinity Grants and Campus Housing Grants are awarded to students based on financial need. Trinity uses the FAFSA in determining eligibility for these grants (Students who are not US citizens students should complete Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens to determine eligibility.). The awarding process takes into account eligibility for all other sources of direct aid including government grants and college scholarships. Students must be living in campus housing to be eligible for a Campus Housing Grant.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA (although they do not need to demonstrate need), be enrolled in coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater.

We offer several scholarships to students with proven academic records and outstanding test scores, as well as scholarships based on your leadership in an area you plan to continue to participate in at Trinity, your declared major, your hometown location, and more. View our available scholarships.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are the most common government subsidized loans available to Trinity students. Amounts are limited.  Freshmen are able to borrow a maximum of $3,500 per year, sophomores, $4,500 per year, and upperclassmen $5,500 per year. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan eligibility is determined by the College based on the information provided on the FAFSA.  No interest accrues on a Federal Direct Student Loans for as long as the student remains enrolled on a half-time basis. After a student ceases half-time enrollment there will be a six-month grace period, after which repayment begins.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non need-based loans provided by the federal government. The student is responsible for the interest that accrues on this loan. Students who qualified for Subsidized loans are eligible for an additional $2,000 in Unsubsidized Loans. Students who did not qualify for Subsidized Loans are eligible to borrow $5,500 as freshmen, $6,500 as sophomores, and $7,500 as juniors and seniors.  Additional Unsubsidized Loan funds are available to independent students or to students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent students, and are available to those who need additional funds to help pay for college after all other aid possibilities have been exhausted. It is not necessary to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for PLUS loans.  These loans are subject to interest immediately, and the borrower can choose to defer all payments until the student graduates or ceases enrollment.

Private student loans are another option for individuals to fund their college education expenses. It is not necessary to demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Students who do not meet established credit requirements typically need a cosigner. Repayment on private student loans can typically be deferred until the student graduates or ceases enrollment. Students should utilize any Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility before pursuing private student loans. Trinity strongly urges families to borrow only school-certified private student loans.

+ Grants

Pell Grants are made available by the U.S. government. The maximum award for 2020-2021 is $6,895.  Pell Grants are awarded only to students who qualify according to the FAFSA. In general, lower income families are eligible to receive Pell Grants. About 35 percent of Trinity students receive Pell Grants.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with unmet need. Preference is given to students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of zero. Annual amounts vary from $125 to $1,000.

Illinois MAP Grants are need-based grants awarded by the state to Illinois residents. Generally, students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of 9000 or below are eligible. Approximately 40 percent of all Trinity students who are Illinois residents receive MAP Grants. Award amounts are pro-rated by credit hours enrolled, up to 15 credits per semester. The maximum annual payment is $7,200. MAP Grants are not available for the summer semester.

Trinity Grants and Campus Housing Grants are awarded to students based on financial need. Trinity uses the FAFSA in determining eligibility for these grants (Students who are not US citizens students should complete Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens to determine eligibility.). The awarding process takes into account eligibility for all other sources of direct aid including government grants and college scholarships. Students must be living in campus housing to be eligible for a Campus Housing Grant.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a high-need field at a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA (although they do not need to demonstrate need), be enrolled in coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater.

+ Scholarships

We offer several scholarships to students with proven academic records and outstanding test scores, as well as scholarships based on your leadership in an area you plan to continue to participate in at Trinity, your declared major, your hometown location, and more. View our available scholarships.

+ Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are the most common government subsidized loans available to Trinity students. Amounts are limited.  Freshmen are able to borrow a maximum of $3,500 per year, sophomores, $4,500 per year, and upperclassmen $5,500 per year. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan eligibility is determined by the College based on the information provided on the FAFSA.  No interest accrues on a Federal Direct Student Loans for as long as the student remains enrolled on a half-time basis. After a student ceases half-time enrollment there will be a six-month grace period, after which repayment begins.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are non need-based loans provided by the federal government. The student is responsible for the interest that accrues on this loan. Students who qualified for Subsidized loans are eligible for an additional $2,000 in Unsubsidized Loans. Students who did not qualify for Subsidized Loans are eligible to borrow $5,500 as freshmen, $6,500 as sophomores, and $7,500 as juniors and seniors.  Additional Unsubsidized Loan funds are available to independent students or to students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent students, and are available to those who need additional funds to help pay for college after all other aid possibilities have been exhausted. It is not necessary to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for PLUS loans.  These loans are subject to interest immediately, and the borrower can choose to defer all payments until the student graduates or ceases enrollment.

Private student loans are another option for individuals to fund their college education expenses. It is not necessary to demonstrate financial need to be eligible. Students who do not meet established credit requirements typically need a cosigner. Repayment on private student loans can typically be deferred until the student graduates or ceases enrollment. Students should utilize any Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility before pursuing private student loans. Trinity strongly urges families to borrow only school-certified private student loans.

Contact Information in Obtaining Institutional or Financial Aid Information

The Senior Director of Financial Aid is a designated employee of the College who shall be available to assist students in obtaining information regarding the disclosures and consumer information the College is required to make available. Requests can be submitted by mail, phone, fax, or email or in person.

MailFinancial Aid Office
Trinity Christian College,
6601 W College Dr
Palos Heights, IL 60463

Phone: 708.239.4835
Fax: 708.239.4814
Email: Sharon.Boss@trnty.edu.
In Person: Financial Services Office, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Please indicate the subject to be Consumer Information Request.  The Director of Financial Aid will contact the appropriate campus department/office to gather the requested information and will respond in a timely fashion.