1: File your FAFSA
File your FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and list Tyler Junior College (School Code 003648) in your application. A new FAFSA application is required for each academic year.
2: Verify status in Apache Access
An email or, in some cases, a letter from TJC Financial Aid Office will direct you to Apache Access after TJC has received your FAFSA. You must know your student ID number (A#) to log into Apache Access.
After logging into Apache Access, click on the Financial Aid icon. Then click on the Financial Aid Traffic Light icon. This will take you to the Financial Aid Traffic Light menu. This screen will always give you your financial aid status at a glance. Any YELLOW lights require student action.
Students who are beginning the processing will need to complete the steps as follows:
- Click the First Step in TJC Financial Aid Process to begin.
- Click Student Requirements - if additional documentation is requested, you must submit the requested forms to the Financial Aid Office. You will submit most requirements as a TJC eForm and/or copies of personal documents. Some forms require parent information and signatures for dependent students.
You should also activate your Apache Access student email to receive additional information from Financial Aid. Financial Aid only uses your TJC email address to communicate with you.
Deadline to submit ALL verification requirements*:
Fall Classes: June 1
Spring Classes: November 1
Summer Classes: April 1
These days are for step 1. See FAFSA deadlines above.
*Both 1st Step & Student Requirement lights must be GREEN
3: Check Apache Access for additional documentation
After you've completed steps one and two, you should periodically log into Apache Access to check for additionally requested documentation or to see if you have been awarded. You must also monitor your Apache Access student email for important financial aid information and award notifications.
4: Accept your financial aid
Once awarded, log on to Apache Access and click Award under the Financial Aid Traffic Light menu. All students are awarded at their maximum eligibility and must accept or decline student loans that are offered. If you accept your offered student loans, you must complete Entrance Loan Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN), as indicated to complete by the yellow light on the Traffic Light menu, at the appropriate time.
