Real Talk: Financial Aid at TCU
Let’s be honest — financial aid can feel like one big puzzle. Between FAFSA forms, deadlines, scholarships and all the acronyms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why TCU hosted “Real Talk: Financial Aid at TCU,” a livestream designed to make the process clear and manageable. Usually streamed on Facebook and YouTube, this year we went live on Instagram for the very first time! The session made it easier than ever for students and families to join in — and included special giveaways for those watching live.
Check out what you missed and important things you need to know.
Financial Aid, Simplified
Mandy Castro, assistant vice provost and dean of admission, and Trudy Conner, director of financial education and scholarships, led the session, answering questions in real time. They emphasized that every student’s situation is different, but TCU offers plenty of support to make college possible.
They broke it down into four main types of aid:
- Scholarships: Awarded for academics, leadership or special talents. Many are renewable if students maintain a required GPA.
- Grants: Need-based aid that does not have to be repaid.
- Work-study: Federally funded need-based employment program available to eligible undergraduate students. This program allows you to earn college funding through an on-campus job while building your resume.
- Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid after graduation.
The Two Forms You Can’t Miss
If you remember nothing else, remember this: the FAFSA and CSS Profile are essential to apply for financial aid at TCU. The FAFSA helps determine your eligibility for federal and state aid, while the CSS Profile helps TCU award institutional aid, or funding directly from the university.
Both forms open Oct. 1 every year, and the priority deadline to submit them is Feb. 1. Submitting early gives students the best chance at maximum aid and helps them stay ahead of the curve.
Scholarships: Beyond the Numbers
Scholarships at TCU aren’t just about GPA; they reflect who students are as a whole. Leadership, creativity, service and involvement are all considered in these decisions.
Some scholarships cover more than tuition, including meal plans and housing allowances, easing the overall financial burden for students. Programs like TCU for Texans make this possible by providing qualifying Texas students with comprehensive support to help them focus on academics rather than expenses.
Deadlines to Know
One message the livestream made clear, it’s this: deadlines matter.
Quick checklist:
- Oct. 1: FAFSA and CSS Profile open
- Nov. 1: Deadline to submit FAFSA and CSS Profile for TCU for Texans consideration
- Feb. 1: Priority deadline to submit FAFSA and CSS Profile for financial aid consideration
Missing a deadline doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it can limit aid options.
Making It Work for You
One of the most encouraging parts of this “Real Talk” was hearing how approachable TCU’s financial aid team is. They encouraged students to reach out with questions big or small. Whether it’s understanding an award letter or navigating work-study, the team is there to help.
The Big Picture
Financial aid doesn’t have to be intimidating. With our personalized approach and support, you can successfully navigate the process and bring down the cost of your college investment.
So, apply early, ask questions and stay connected. Because at TCU, financial aid isn’t just about numbers. It’s about helping every future Horned Frog find a way to make an excellent education possible.
Grace Hartenstein ’26 is a double major in strategic communication and sociology from Millsboro, Delaware, and is a strategic communication writer for TCU’s Office of Admission.