Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Students are responsible for arranging the payment of tuition and fees prior to the beginning of each semester. Today more than ever before, investing in a college education requires planning. Trinity recognizes this and is prepared to assist students and their families in making college affordable through financial planning, counseling, and installment payment plans. Trinity offers a comprehensive program of student financial assistance. A counselor in the Office of Enrollment Services is always available during office hours at 202-884-9530 or email: enrollmentservices@trinitydc.edu

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated and verifiable financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students applying for financial aid will be considered for all programs for which they are eligible, and assistance is generally a combination of grant, loan, and employment. Trinity participates in all federal Title IV student financial assistance programs.

Awards are given for one year and are reviewed annually to reflect changes in the financial need of the student and changes in the cost of attending college. Once given, aid is normally continued if the student continues to demonstrate need, makes satisfactory academic progress, and follows the procedures for annual application for financial aid.

Return to top

Procedures to Apply for Financial Aid

The checklist below has been developed to help students understand the financial aid process and to manage their personal records. Applicants for financial aid should keep track of the date of submission for each item and keep a copy of each document for themselves. Eligible students who meet the following priority deadlines and submit all other requested materials can be assured that their aid package will be processed by the beginning of the semester.

Step 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA for the appropriate academic year. Trinity’s school code is 001460. An application may be completed on the FAFSA website. Priority Deadline: November 1 for new students, April 1 for returning students.

Step 2. You will receive an email when your FAFSA has been processed by the federal processor.  Review your processed FAFSA for accuracy, and confirm that Trinity is listed in the school section. Make any necessary corrections on your FAFSA at the FAFSA website.

Step 3. Submit any additional documents requested by Trinity. You will receive an email from Trinity if additional information is needed. You should submit additional documents directly to the Office of Enrollment Services according to the directions provided. Your application will be on hold until it is complete. Priority Deadline: May 1.

Step 4. Review and accept or decline your financial aid awards in Self-Service. You will be notified when your financial aid offer is ready for you to review and accept or decline each award online.

Step 5. First-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling, both available online. You must complete your MPN and Entrance Counseling before any loans will be disbursed. If you already completed an MPN and Entrance Counseling for loans at Trinity, you will not have to complete them again this year.

Student financial aid is disbursed to your Trinity student account based on the schedule that appears in your financial aid portal each semester. If your financial aid award exceeds your direct costs at Trinity (tuition, room and board, etc.), you will receive a refund.  Refunds begin to be issued approximately 7-10 days after the disbursement date once attendance has been verified.

You may select the method in which you want your refund delivered to you in Self Service.

Return to top

Policies about Financial Aid

Eligibility Information

In order to be eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be fully admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program.
  • Be enrolled for a minimum of number of credit hours required for each financial aid program as specified in your financial aid offer.

Students may not receive financial aid for experiential learning (TELL) and audited courses. These courses do not count towards enrollment status for financial aid eligibility.

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees in order to remain eligible for federal Title IV, non-Title IV and Trinity Washington University funds. This policy applies to all students in all programs of study.

To make satisfactory academic progress, undergraduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0; graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

All students must complete at least two-thirds of attempted credits. This percentage is calculated by dividing the total number of credit hours successfully completed by the total number of credit hours attempted. By completing at least two-thirds of attempted credits at each evaluation, students will complete their programs within 150% of the usual timeframe.

The Office of Enrollment Services reviews the academic progress of financial aid recipients in degree programs once each academic year at the end of the spring semester and notifies students who are not meeting the requirements that they are not eligible for financial aid for the upcoming year. In the event that a student fails to meet the satisfactory academic progress criteria in a particular year, the student will not be eligible for financial aid for the next academic year. The summer term is considered a make-up term.

The Office of Enrollment Services reviews the academic progress of financial aid recipients in certificate programs after every semester and notifies students who are not meeting the requirements that they are not eligible for financial aid for the upcoming semester. In the event that a student fails to meet the satisfactory academic progress criteria at the end of a semester, the student will not be eligible for financial aid for the next semester.

Students may appeal a determination of unsatisfactory academic progress in order to reestablish eligibility for financial aid. The Office of Enrollment Services will provide information about the appeal process to the affected students at the same time that students are notified that they are not making satisfactory academic progress. Mitigating circumstances will be considered in the appeal process such as serious injury or illness of the student or family member resulting in hospitalization, the death of an immediate family or household member, significant trauma in the student’s life that impaired the student’s physical or mental health, and other medical or extenuating circumstances as presented by the student. Students must provide a written statement explaining why they did not making satisfactory progress and why that circumstance is no longer impacting them so that they will be able to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation.

If an appeal is unsuccessful and the student is still considered to be making unsatisfactory progress, the student may not receive financial aid until she or he is considered to be in good academic standing. If the appeal is successful, the student will be awarded financial aid for one semester and the student’s academic progress will be reviewed again at the end of that semester.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence for financial aid purposes is not to be confused with a leave of absence for academic purposes as described in the Academic Policies section of this catalog. A leave of absence as it relates to financial aid affects borrowers under federal student loan programs who cease attendance. A request for a leave of absence must be made in writing to the Office of Enrollment Services and may not exceed 60 days. This kind of leave enables a borrower who intends to re-enroll on at least a half-time (six credits) basis to have up to 60 additional days before the beginning of the grace period, after which a loan enters repayment.

With the exception of the time a student has been granted a leave of absence, the university is obligated to report to the lender any student who ceases enrollment or fails to enroll on at least a half-time (six credits) basis.

Federal Refund/Repayment Requirements

The Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.

If a student leaves the institution prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term, the financial aid office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds. Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:

Percentage of payment period or term completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or term. (Any break of five days or more is not counted as part of the days in the term.) This percentage is also the percentage of earned aid.

Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula: Aid to be returned = (100% of the aid that could be disbursed minus the percentage of earned aid) multiplied by the total amount of aid that could have been disbursed during the payment period or term.

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds. Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution.

If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal.

The institution must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible no later than 30 days after the date of the determination of the date of the student’s withdrawal.

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

  • Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  • Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
  • Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans (other than PLUS loans)
  • Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
  • Federal Perkins Loans
  • Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
  • Direct PLUS Loans
  • Federal Pell Grants for which a Return of funds is required
  • Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants for which a Return of funds is required
  • Other assistance under this Title for which a Return of funds is required (e.g., LEAP)

Policy on Student Financial Responsibilities

Please refer to the official Policy on Student Financial Responsibilities.

Other Important Policy Information

Return to top

Sources of Financial Aid

Trinity provides financial aid through its endowed and non-endowed scholarships. It also administers funds available through federal programs. Individuals should also seek aid from state and local programs for which they are eligible. Currently, about 90% of the student body receives some type of financial assistance.

Return to top

Trinity College of Arts and Sciences Student Aid Programs

Scholarships and Grants to Entering College of Arts and Sciences Students

Students who file their FAFSA are automatically considered for the following scholarships; no other application is required.

  • Trinity Leadership Award: Students enrolled in Trinity’s College of Arts and Sciences are considered for the Leadership scholarship at the time of admission based on their high school GPA. Awards range from $8,000 to $15,000 per academic year.
  • Conway Nursing Scholarship: Available by application to new students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are interested in the Nursing program. Awards are $10,000 per academic year. Students accepted into the Nursing program receive $15,000 per academic year.
  • Trinity Alumni Scholarship: Scholarship is awarded by admissions to students who are admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences who identify the name of their relative who is a previous Alumni on their admissions application. Award is a one-time $2000.
  • Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders Scholarship:
    1. Gold Award Scouts: $5,000
      Students who have completed the Gold Award in Girl Scouting and have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, will receive an award of $5,000 annually.
    2. Silver Award Scouts: $4,000
      Students who have completed the Silver Award in Girl Scouting and have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, will receive an award of $4,000 annually.
    3. Girl Scouts Scholarship: $3,000
      Active participants in Girl Scouting and those that have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, will receive an award of $3,000 annually.

Special Scholarships for College of Arts and Sciences Students

College of Arts and Sciences students receiving the following special scholarships must be full-time students and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 each semester in order to remain eligible for the award. Both entering and returning students are eligible for these scholarships. Applicants must meet published application deadlines to be considered.

D.F. Antonelli, Jr., and Judith D. Antonelli Scholarship
This endowed scholarship fund was established in 1986 by Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Antonelli. Recipients must be full-time College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and backgrounds considered culturally and/or economically disadvantaged. Preference will be given to members of minority groups.

Helen and Marie F. Rotterman, Class of 1904, Scholarship Trust
This trust was established by the estate of Marie F. Rotterman, Class of 1904, to provide scholarships to qualified Catholic girls from the Dayton, Ohio, metropolitan area. Awards are made yearly in amounts depending on need and available funds. A personal interview and approval of the Trustees of the trust are also required.

Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Leadership Scholarships

As the only women’s college in the nation’s capital, with a heritage of more than 100 years of promoting the education and advancement of women in higher education, Trinity is proud to join forces with the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital in celebrating women’s achievements and encouraging new generations of girls and women to pursue their dreams through obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees. The scholarships listed below are available to Girl Scouts in the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital who attend the College of Arts and Sciences at Trinity on a full-time basis during the academic year. These scholarships are renewable annually if the student meets Trinity’s academic criteria for scholarship renewals, and these awards are in addition to any other scholarships and financial aid for which the Scout is eligible.

Trinity will award the following merit scholarships and grants to active Girl Scouts who meet Trinity’s academic requirements and who choose to attend Trinity:

Girl Scouts Leadership Scholarship for Gold Award Scouts: $5,000
If you have successfully completed your Gold Award in Girl Scouting and have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you will receive an award of $5,000 annually.

Girl Scouts Leadership Scholarship for Silver Award Scouts: $4,000
If you have successfully completed your Silver Award in Girl Scouting and have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you will receive an award of $4,000 annually.

Girl Scouts Leadership Scholarship: $3,000
If you are an active participant in Girl Scouting and have been accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you will receive an award of $3,000 annually.

Endowed and Term Scholarships

The following special scholarships are named either for their donor or in recognition of others and are made possible by the generosity and support of alumnae and friends of Trinity. These scholarship awards are given to Trinity College of Arts and Sciences students who demonstrate financial need and who also meet the additional selection criteria specified by the donor of the gift. Endowed scholarships are funded by the ongoing income earned from the core gift; term scholarships are one-time gifts. The Office of Student Financial Services chooses recipients from among all qualified applicants for financial aid.

These special gifts underwrite in whole or in part scholarship and grant awards from Trinity sources. The receipt of one of these awards is recognition not only of financial need but also academic distinction. So as to recognize as many qualified students as possible, these awards are usually not renewed from year to year.

A separate application for these scholarships is not required; all full-time College of Arts and Sciences applicants for financial assistance who meet published deadlines are automatically considered for these awards.

  • Paul and Camille Lindsay Aiken Memorial Scholarship
  • Clifford and Adele Alexander Scholarship
  • D.F. Antonelli, Jr., and Judith D. Antonelli Scholarship
  • Boston Chapter Partial Scholarship
  • Mrs. James H. Bride Partial Scholarship
  • Brooklyn Partial Scholarship
  • The Right Rev. Msgr. John A. Butler Memorial Scholarship
  • Claire F. Cahill Memorial Scholarship
  • Paul W. Chapin Scholarship
  • Chicago Partial Scholarship
  • Class of 1962 and 1965 Scholarship
  • Class of 1964 Scholarship
  • Mary J. Dempsey Memorial Partial Scholarship
  • Dorothy Gleeson Dolan Scholarship
  • James P. Farrell Memorial Scholarship
  • Lillian A. Fay, Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America, Partial Scholarship
  • The Sr. Margaret Finnegan, S.N.D., ’54 and Sr. Regina Finnegan, S.N.D., ’53 Scholarship
  • Carol Lynn Bucca Fusco ’69 Scholarship
  • Ellen A. Ganey ’27 Scholarship
  • Sr. Lidwin Genau/Class of 1967 Scholarship
  • The Right Rev. Msgr. Charles P. Grannan Partial Scholarship
  • Paul B. and Katherine E. Hanrahan Scholarship
  • Bishop Harkins Partial Scholarship
  • Maria Sullivan Harrigan Partial Scholarship
  • William Randolph Hearst Scholarship
  • Catherine Baker Holahan Partial Scholarship
  • William and Sarah Hunter Partial Scholarship
  • Sr. Superior Julia Partial Scholarship
  • The Right Rev. William J. Kerby Partial Scholarship
  • Eileen Ryan Lahart ’54 Scholarship
  • Margaret Larson ’10 Partial Scholarship
  • Joseph J. Leary Scholarship
  • Martha T. Logan Scholarship
  • Catherine Lynch Partial Scholarship
  • Sr. Mary Partial Scholarship
  • Lucie Jane Desloge McAnany ’33 Scholarship
  • Anne Marie Condon McGovern ’50/Class of 1950 Scholarship
  • Evelyn Ruth McIntee ’32 Scholarship
  • Julia A. McMahon ’30 Scholarship
  • Louise Moore Partial Scholarship
  • Mount Notre Dame Partial Scholarship
  • New England Financial Aid Fund Scholarship
  • Notre Dame Alumnae Partial Scholarship, Roxbury, MA
  • Notre Dame Alumnae Partial Scholarship, Tyngsboro, MA
  • Agnes Perrot O’Connor ’24 Scholarship
  • Florence O’Brien Patterson ’26 Scholarship
  • Parsons Family Foundation Scholarship
  • Sr. Superior Raphael Partial Scholarship
  • Rhode Island Women’s Partial Scholarship
  • Helen and Marie F. Rotterman, Class of 1904, Scholarship Trust
  • St. Louis Partial Scholarship
  • Frances Mary Saul ’24 Scholarship
  • Rev. Thomas Scully Parochial School Partial Scholarship
  • Margaret and George Skirm Memorial Partial Scholarship
  • Ivan H. Stepich Memorial Scholarship
  • Margaret Walsh ’21 Memorial Partial Scholarship
  • Mary Dunn Walsh ’15 Scholarship

Return to top

School of Professional and Graduate Studies Undergraduate Student Aid Programs

The American Association of University Women Scholarship

The American Association of University Women (AAUW), McLean Branch makes an annual award to a Northern Virginia student enrolled in the School of Professional Studies. A separate application for this scholarship is not required; all School of Professional Studies applicants for financial assistance who meet published deadlines are automatically considered for this award.

Girl Scout Troop Leader Grant: $1,000

If you are currently a troop leader for the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, you will receive a $1,000 award, to be used towards undergraduate credits taken through our School of Professional Studies. This one-time grant is for current troop leaders in the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital enrolled in degree programs at Trinity and may be applied to courses taken at Trinity during the academic year.

Women in Housing Finance Scholarship
The Women in Housing Finance Foundation makes an annual award to an undergraduate student in the School of Professional Studies studying in the fields of finance, business, housing or other community/non-profit area of service. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applications are mailed to eligible students each year after the spring semester.

Return to top

Federal and State Student Aid Programs

Applying for Federal and State Programs

To qualify for federal student aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (see “Procedures for Applying for Financial Aid” above). The priority application deadline for the Fall semester is April 1. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have not defaulted on prior federal aid and certify they will use aid proceeds solely for educational purposes are eligible for the federal student aid programs listed.

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federally funded program of grants awarded to undergraduate students with high financial need. The grants range from $400 to $7,395 annually, based on enrollment status and need. To qualify, a student must be an eligible undergraduate seeking a first baccalaureate degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Undergraduates pursuing a first baccalaureate degree who demonstrate exceptional financial need are eligible for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant funds. Awards range from $150 to $2,000.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

Eligibility for the Direct Subsidized Loan program will be determined by the FAFSA application to Trinity. Depending on need, a student may borrow up to $3,500 during the first year of undergraduate study, $4,500 during the second year, and $5,500 a year for the remaining years. The maximum total Direct Subsidized Loan debt that a student can aggregate as an undergraduate is $23,000.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

The Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to borrowers who do not qualify on the basis of need for the Direct Subsidized Loan. Under this program students are required to pay interest while they are in school.

Federal PLUS Loan Program

This non-need based federal loan program enables credit-worthy and eligible graduate students and parents of undergraduate students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance at Trinity less any student financial aid or scholarship support.

Employment Programs

A student’s financial aid package may include a Federal Work Study award. Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that helps to provide employment opportunities on- or off- campus. FWS awards are not deducted from the student’s tuition, fees, and room and board. Instead, students receive a bimonthly paycheck for the number of FWS hours worked and may use it to meet their personal expenses or pay on their account at the college. Students should contact the Office of Human Resources concerning placement opportunities for on-campus and qualified off-campus FWS positions.

District of Columbia Grants and Scholarships

The District of Columbia provides funds to eligible District residents seeking postsecondary education. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) administers of number of higher education grants, including the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), and DC Mayor’s Scholarship Program. District residents may apply online for all the DC grants using one streamlined application called the DC OneApp at the OSSE website.

Veteran’s Benefits

Students attending the university under the Veterans Education Assistance Act (Title 38, U.S. Code) may receive assistance and enrollment certification. Qualification requirements are available at the official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training website. Trinity’s Enrollment Office also provides a Veterans Benefits Checklist.

Other Scholarships and Awards

Information about other scholarship and aid resources is available on the Enrollment Services web page.

Return to top

Billing and Payment Information

For information regarding billing and payment, Veterans benefits, the installment payment plan, employer tuition assistance benefits, payment arrangement and registration status, the tuition refund policy, please refer to the Tuition and Fees section of this site.

Return to top