Students planning to attend college in the fall of 2025 are advised to begin preparations now by completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for scholarships through the TMCC Foundation. The application processes have been updated this year to be more user-friendly.
Charlie Cryderman, Financial Aid Coordinator, emphasized the importance of early FAFSA submission: “Many awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and completing the FAFSA early gives you plenty of time to make corrections if necessary.”
The TMCC Financial Aid, Scholarships and Student Employment Office will host a FAFSA Fiesta on January 11. This free event will provide one-on-one assistance with FAFSA applications from noon to 3 p.m. at the Sierra Building on the TMCC Dandini Campus. Cryderman explained that this event is also an opportunity for general financial aid inquiries: “We invite anybody and everybody to join us for FAFSA Fiesta.”
Cryderman noted that while the 2025–2026 FAFSA form is similar to last year's version, it includes adjustments for easier completion. He advised attendees to set up their FSA ID at least three days before January 11 and bring relevant tax documents.
For those unable to attend the event, assistance is available during business hours at the TMCC Financial Aid office. “All in all, we cannot stress enough the importance of submitting the FAFSA early,” Cryderman said.
In addition to FAFSA, students should apply for scholarships by March 1. Samantha Bellwood, TMCC Foundation Scholarship Manager, highlighted that scholarships can bridge financial gaps: “Scholarships can help fill your financial gaps between any financial aid you receive.”
The scholarship application process has moved to a new platform called AwardSpring. Bellwood assured students that this platform simplifies applications: “The application should only take 15 minutes to complete and that is worth your time.” She offered tips such as proofreading essays and carefully reading scholarship descriptions.
For further information or questions about scholarships or financial aid, students are encouraged to contact the TMCC Foundation or visit RDMT 315.