Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of receiving financial aid?

The only way to determine your eligibility for financial aid is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The likelihood of receiving some form of financial assistance is probably better than most students and their families anticipate.

What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?

To receive maximum consideration for aid, the FAFSA must be received by the institution for processing prior to March 31^st for the following academic year.

Is there a maximum income level that will disqualify me from receiving financial aid?

Most people have the misconception that income is the only factor in determining need for financial aid assistance. However, other variables are considered such as: family size, number of family members in college, age of older parent, savings, investments, and various other allowances to the family's income and assets.

Are there other forms that I can fill out in order to be considered for any other grants?

The FAFSA is required in order to be considered for all grant programs available through processing by the financial aid department. Grants are considered need based aid.  We also require the University Supplement for Financial Aid from all students who wish to be considered for aid. You may print the University Supplement for Financial Aid by choosing the Forms link on this page or you may pick one up from the financial aid office.

In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?

Yes. In order to receive consideration for eligible programs you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. File the FAFSA as close to January as possible. For speedy processing you can apply over the Internet at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov instead of using the paper form.

If my parents are divorced or separated, which parent do I put on the FAFSA?

You should provide information from the parent that provided you with the most support in the past year. If the parent who provided you with the most support has remarried, your step- parent's information must also be provided on the FAFSA.

Why can't I apply for financial aid without using my parent's information on the FAFSA form?

When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to certain questions will determine whether you are considered dependent on your parents or independent. If you are considered dependent on your parents, you must report their income and assets as well as your own. If you think you have unusual circumstances that would make you independent, talk to your financial aid administrator.

What happens if I drop a class?

If you drop a class prior to the census date, you may be responsible for repayment of the difference between the amount of money you received and the amount specified for the new enrollment status. If you drop a class, you must make sure you remain in compliance with our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, Undergraduate Students; Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy , Graduate Students.

What happens if I withdraw?

If you withdraw completely or drop below ½ time status, you may be responsible for repaying money received from financial assistance. You will be academically ineligible for financial aid, if you return to school and fail to remove all academic deficiencies. Your grace period begins to count down and if you fail to enroll within 6 months, the repayment will begin on your student loans.

Will the financial aid transfer from one school to another?

No. Financial aid does not transfer from school to school. Students planning to transfer to another school should contact the Financial Aid Office at both schools to find out what is required.

What is verification? And why was I chosen?

You should save all records and all other materials used in completing the application because you may need them later to prove that the information you reported is correct. This process is called verification.

Students are selected for verification randomly by the federal processor.

Why is the maximum amount of loan money limited?

Students applying for the Federal Stafford Loan are subject to annual and aggregate loan limits that are based on the academic level, dependency status, and length of the academic program. The Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) presets the Stafford loan limits.

What if my financial assistance is not available by the due date for my tuition?

Students may apply for short-term loans to help pay for certain semester educational expenses. The student must meet specific academic requirements to be eligible. Yes, there is a small short-term loan interest rate but it is minimal compared to other alternatives.

 

SHSU Financial Aid Office
1903 University, Estill 201
Box 2328
Huntsville TX 77341-2328
TEL: (936) 294-1774
FAX: (936) 294-3668
Toll Free: (866)BEARKAT
Financial Aid Questions: ww2.shsu.edu