1: File your FAFSA
Students file 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 Tyler Junior College Financial Aid Office will direct students to Apache Access after TJC has received the student's FAFSA. Students must know their 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, students will need to submit the requested forms to the Financial Aid Office. Students will submit most requirements as a TJC eForm and/or copies of personal documents. Some forms require parent information and signatures for dependent students.
Students should also activate their Apache Access Student email to receive additional information from Financial Aid. Financial Aid only uses the student TJC email address to communicate with students.
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 light must be GREEN
3: Check Apache Access for additional documentation
After students have completed steps one and two, students should periodically check Apache Access to check for additionally requested documentation or to see if they have been awarded. Students must also monitor their Apache Access Student email for important financial aid information and award notifications.
4: Accept your financial aid
Once students have been awarded they will 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 students accept their offered student loans, they will need to 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.
