In case you missed it, here's a recap of last week's Facebook Live session featuring Dean of Admission Mandy Castro and Associate Director of TCU’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Trudy Conner. They provided valuable insights into the scholarships and financial aid opportunities available at TCU.
Understanding Financial Aid at TCU
TCU offers a comprehensive financial aid program that includes scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and loans. Each aid type is designed to assist students in managing the cost of their education. To determine eligibility for need-based federal and state financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. Additionally, incoming students are encouraged to complete the CSS Profile to be considered for all TCU-funded aid programs.
Scholarship Opportunities
TCU recognizes and rewards outstanding academic achievement through various merit-based scholarships. First-year academic scholarships are competitive and are based on several criteria, including the strength of the high school curriculum and standardized test scores. Scholarship recipients are notified at the time of admission or shortly thereafter. Renewal of these scholarships requires the successful completion of at least 24 hours in the academic year and maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA.
Grants and Special Eligibility Scholarships
In addition to scholarships, TCU offers grants based on financial eligibility, which may vary from year to year depending on the family's economic situation. Special eligibility scholarships are also available, catering to students with specific talents, backgrounds or affiliations. For instance, the Horned Frog Scholar Search platform connects students with specialized scholarship opportunities across campus.
Application Process and Deadlines
Prospective students should be mindful of important dates and deadlines to ensure timely processing of financial aid. The CSS Profile opens each year on October 1, and the FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year will be available by the end of the year. Merit-based scholarship notifications begin in December, with aid notifications for admitted students following in January and February. The priority deadline for submitting the CSS Profile and FAFSA is February 1.
For more detailed information on scholarships and financial aid at TCU, visit the TCU Scholarships & Financial Aid website.