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.
Application Process
To apply for federal Title IV or state financial aid, students must:
- 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.
- Submit signed copies of all required documents to the financial aid office if selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Have a completed financial aid file, as verified by the financial aid office.
Submit your materials to the Financial Aid Office, or contact the office with questions:
Finanical Aid Office - Main Campus
1635 Technology Way
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423-744-2814 Fax: 423-744-2817
[email protected]
TCAT Athens FAFSA Code - 005358
FAFSA Deadlines
To be considered for federal student aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year, and you must reapply annually to be considered for aid. Filing deadlines are listed below.
2025–26 Academic Year
FAFSA® forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2026. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 12, 2026.
In addition to FAFSA deadlines, some state aid programs also have separate application deadlines. For more information about state aid and applicable deadlines, please visit the College for TN website.
We strongly recommend completing the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 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 homeschool 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.
- Complete a statement of educational purpose confirming that funds will be used only for school-related expenses (this is typically collected through the FAFSA).
- Not have been convicted of any offense involving possession or sale of a controlled substance while receiving Title IV financial aid.