Future Students //

Financial Aid

The financial aid program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology is designed to aid students who would find it difficult or impossible to attend without financial assistance.  The financial aid staff welcomes the opportunity to assist students in the application process and discuss financial needs for education.

With the ever-increasing cost of post-secondary training and education, it’s necessary many times to secure financial assistance to pay tuition, books and even other school-related expenses.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology does not offer student loans.

Obtaining financial aid for training and education isn’t a complicated process, but it is detailed. It all starts with the application process.

Did you know the FAFSA is changing for 2024-2025?
Please review our FAFSA Simplification section for more information.

Application Process

To apply for federal Title IV or state-based financial aid, a student must:

  1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the financial aid office must have received a valid record for the student from the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete the FAFSA application each academic year.
  2. Submit signed copies of all required documents to the financial aid office if selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education.
  3. Have a completed financial aid file, as verified by the financial aid office.

Submit your materials to or contact the Financial Aid office with questions at:

TCAT Shelbyville Financial Aid Office
1405 Madison St.
Shelbyville, TN 37160
931-685-5013 Ext. 150

finaid@tcatshelbyville.edu

TCAT Shelbyville FAFSA Code - 005379

Deadlines for Filling out the FAFSA

To be considered for federal student aid you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens October 1st each year. You must re-apply each year for financial aid. The FAFSA filing deadlines are below:

2023–24 Academic Year
FAFSA® forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2024. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2024.

Although there are specific FAFSA filing deadlines, there are also deadlines for applying to some state aid programs. For more information regarding state aid and applicable deadlines please visit https://www.collegefortn.org/tennessee-financial-aid/.

It is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st of each year.

General Eligibility

To apply for federal or state financial aid programs, a student must:

  • Be enrolled as a regular certificate- or diploma-seeking student in an eligible program.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (permanent resident).
  • Be making satisfactory progress and meet attendance requirements in accordance with policy.
  • Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, approved home school certification, or be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in Tennessee and establish the ability to benefit for training in a way set forth by the Department of Education.
  • Not be in default on a Federal Perkins/National Direct Student Loan, Federal Family Education Loan, Federal Direct Student Loan, Income Contingent Loan, or a Consolidated Loan, or must have documented satisfactory repayment arrangements if in default.
  • Not owe a refund or repayment on a Federal Pell Grant, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or a Byrd Scholarship.
  • Have completed a statement of educational purpose saying that the student will use the money only for expenses related to attending the school (usually collected on by the FAFSA).
  • Not have been convicted of any offense involving possession or sale of a controlled substance while receiving Title IV financial aid.

Learn More About Federal and State Grants/Scholarships