Financial Aid Package: Trinity College Ct And Student Loans

Trinity College, Connecticut, offers a range of financial aid options for its students. The college is committed to providing robust financial assistance to its students through need-based and merit-based programs. The college works with private and alternative lenders for students who need to take out loans to supplement their financial aid packages. The college also offers scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help students cover their tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships and grants

Trinity College, Connecticut, is committed to ensuring that students receive robust financial assistance through its need-based and merit-based programs. The college meets 100% of admitted students' financial needs. It calculates your need using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile and offers a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.

To be considered for any need-based grants, work-study, or loans, you must fill out the FAFSA form. Canadian or international students should complete the Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens. You can also apply for outside scholarships and awards, such as the Merit Scholarship, State Grants, and Employer Tuition Benefits, which will be credited to your student account when the Office of Student Accounts receives payment. If you have unusually high costs related to 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.

Pell Grants are awarded by the U.S. government to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. About 14% of students at Trinity College receive Pell Grants, which range from $185 to $5,550. Students pursuing a teaching license may be eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant (up to $4,000 per year). Illinois residents may also be eligible for Illinois MAP Grants, which are awarded to students from low and middle-income families.

Students may also consider borrowing money from private lenders to make up the difference between their financial aid package and the amount they can pay for college. However, it is recommended that students only take out private loans if they have maxed out all Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Aid.

Private student loans

Trinity College, Hartford, CT, works with all private lenders, but they do provide a suggested lender list at www.elmselect.com. The college also offers scholarships, grants, work-study, and Federal Direct Student Loans.

Some of the best private student loans of 2025, according to Forbes Advisor, include Nelnet Bank, which is best for borrowers applying without a co-signer, and Earnest, which is best for borrowers with good credit or access to a creditworthy co-signer.

Federal student loans

Trinity College offers financial aid packages that include federal student loans, need-based grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. The college works with all private lenders and provides a suggested lender list for students who need additional loans. However, it is recommended that students explore federal loans before resorting to private student loans due to the different benefits offered by federal loans.

There are two main types of federal student loans: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Direct Subsidized Loans are available only to undergraduate students who can demonstrate financial need, as determined by federal regulations. One of the advantages of these loans is that there is no interest charged while the student is in school at least half-time, during deferment, or during the grace period after graduation. On the other hand, Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate or professional degree students, regardless of financial need. The school determines the loan amount based on the cost of attendance and other financial aid received by the student. Interest is charged during all periods and may be capitalized, potentially increasing the total federal loan cost.

Another type of federal loan is the Direct PLUS Loan, which includes Grad PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students, as well as Parent PLUS Loans. These loans are unsubsidized and are not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Interest is charged during all periods, and eligibility requirements may be more stringent for borrowers with adverse credit histories.

Work-study programs

Trinity College offers financial aid packages to its students, which may include work-study programs. To be considered for any need-based grants, work-study, or loans, students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available online from October 1 at https://studentaid.gov. Canadian or international students should complete the Financial Aid Form for Non-United States Citizens.

At Trinity College, work-study is considered a form of self-help financial aid, where students are expected to contribute a portion of their earnings towards their educational costs. The amount a student is expected to contribute from their work-study earnings will vary depending on their individual financial circumstances and the total cost of attendance.

Students can find out more about work-study opportunities by contacting the financial aid office at Trinity College. They can provide information on the specific jobs available, the application process, and how the earnings will be disbursed to cover college expenses. It is important to note that work-study positions are typically limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students should apply early if they are interested in this form of financial aid.

Trinity's suggested lenders

Trinity College works with all private lenders and provides a suggested lender list at www.elmselect.com. The college encourages students to consider federal student loan options (subsidized, unsubsidized, and PLUS) before alternative student loans. Federal loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.

ELM is a recommended lender list provider that allows students to compare and select the loan that best fits their needs. Students can also use Credible, an online tool that allows students to compare personalized loan options from multiple lenders side-by-side.

Students can also apply for private student loans directly with their chosen lender. However, it is important to note that the college recommends students only borrow what they need and compare their options before committing to a loan.

Frequently asked questions