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Latest Update: June 24, 2024

Should I fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)?

To determine which application you should complete, review the WASFA Eligibility Questionnaire.

  You can also review FAFSA eligibility requirements at FAFSA Eligibility Requirements.

I’m having trouble completing my FAFSA. Where do I get help?

I made a mistake on my 2024-2025 FAFSA. How do I correct it?

To make corrections on your FAFSA follow the steps in the How do I correct my FAFSA form guide.

I submitted my FAFSA but have not heard anything from Pierce. When will I know if I have financial aid?

  • The Financial Aid Office communicates with you through the ctcLink Message Center. We encourage you to regularly check your ctcLink for updates on your financial aid awards and disbursements.
  • We aim to send full-year Financial Aid Award offer letters to students enrolled in the summer quarter by July 1.
  • For students enrolled in the fall quarter to start the academic year, please monitor your ctcLink Message Center for updates on your award offer.

How do I submit my requested documents to the Financial Aid Office?

  • Email your documents to FinancialAid@pierce.ctc.edu.
    • If you have a smartphone or smart device, you can use scanning applications such the free Genius Scan App to scan and send your documents.
  • Drop off your documents at the Registration Offices
    • Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
    • Puyallup Campus: Administration Building, ADM 115
    • Fort Steilacoom Campus: Cascade Building, CAS 303
    • JBLM:
      • Fort Lewis Stone Education Center: Building 6242, Room 145
      • McChord AFB Education Center: Building 851, Room 327

What is an enrollment protection hold? How do I have the hold added to my account?

  • An enrollment protection hold prevents your courses from being dropped while the Financial Aid Office processes your aid application. You must have a FAFSA or WASFA completed and on file.
  • The hold will be added to your account for you by the Financial Aid Office once we receive your FAFSA or WASFA.
  • There are two types of enrollment protection holds:
    • No Action Required: The Financial Aid Office has all required documents
    • Action Required: The Financial Aid Office needs additional documents from you by the priority date to avoid being dropped

The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) said I would be Pell eligible. Will I be?

The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) is an estimate of your federal awards. The final determination of Pell grant eligibility is made by the Pierce Financial Aid Office team once your FAFSA Form is reviewed.  

I completed my FAFSA, but how do I get my loans?

Visit Financial Aid - Loans for the steps on how to accept your loans, and complete your Master Promissory Note, and Loan Entrance Counseling.

When will I get my aid?

  • The goal is to begin disbursing aid on July 1, 2024, for the summer quarter.
  • We will award fall quarter aid after summer quarter awards. Check your ctcLink Message Center for updates on awarding and disbursement timeline for fall quarter.

When will I get my refund?

  • Student financial aid refunds are processed by the Cashier Office and will be issued to you within 14 calendar days from the date your aid was disbursed.
  • To receive your refund electronically, follow the instructions you received in the Green Envelope letter. For more information on getting started visit How to Get Started.

I use my financial aid for basic needs (food, rent, etc.). What do I do?

Contact the following resources for additional help.

  • Pierce Advocacy and Resource Connections - The Basic Needs Department helps students connect to community and college resources such as housing, food, healthcare, and more.
  • WorkForce - Workforce Programs (BFET, WorkFirst, Opportunity Grant and Worker Retraining) may assist students with funding for tuition, books, and/or wrap around support. Each program has eligibility components (see Workforce website for each program) students must meet and students are encouraged to connect with Workforce to review eligibility and their individual needs.
  • TRIO - TRIO Student Support Services serves first generation college students, income eligible students, or students with a documented disability who present an academic need for additional support.

How do I contact the Financial Aid Office while they are closed?

Where do I find my financial aid information in ctcLink?

Please see the ctcLink Student Resource page with guides on how to navigate your financial aid information including accessing Message Center and To Do List. 

I need a textbook for the summer term. What are my options?

The library may have what you need. Beginning July 1, contact them directly for assistance.

To see if we have what you need: