Financial Aid Resources

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.

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.