Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you're applying for scholarships, exploring loan options, or wondering how work-study works, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions. From eligibility requirements to application deadlines, this resource is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every year you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available on October 1st.
SHSU’s school code: 003606
PRIORITY DATE: March 15th
Most students who meet SHSU’s eligibility requirements and have completed a FAFSA are eligible for some form of financial aid.
The Department of Education has FAFSA application deadlines for each academic year. SHSU's priority date is March 15th of each year, and we strongly recommend you complete your FAFSA application during October for maximum aid consideration.
There is no maximum income that would disqualify you from receiving Federal Aid.
FAFSA uses the following elements to determine your need: family size, savings, investments, income taxed and untaxed, assets, and benefits such as Social Security Income.
There are no other forms outside of the FAFSA needed to be considered for federal grants.
Yes. You must apply for FAFSA every year on or after October 1st to determine what financial aid you can receive.
If your parents are divorced or separated, you will use the parent who provided the most financial support in the past year. If the parent who provided the most support has remarried, your step-parent's information must also be used on the FAFSA. Additional guidance on who is considered a parent can be found online at the Federal Student Aid website.
When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to certain questions determine your status as an independent or dependent student. If you are considered a dependent student, you must report your own and your parents' income and assets. If you think you have unusual circumstances that would make you an independent student, please speak with your financial aid counselor.
If you drop a class you may be responsible for a partial repayment for that class. Also, when dropping a class you must make sure you remain in compliance with our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
If you plan to drop a class(es), drop below half-time status or resign you may have to return some or all of your financial aid, resulting in money owed to SHSU. Additionally, please check our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy as changes to your course schedule can impact your academic standing. If you are unsure how changing your schedule will impact your financial aid please contact our office.
No. Your financial aid does not automatically transfer from your current school to SHSU. If you are entering SHSU as a transfer student, contact the Financial Aid Office at your current school and request your financial aid be canceled for any future semesters. Additionally, add the SHSU school code, 003606 to your FAFSA for the aid year in which you plan to transfer.
Verification is the process used to confirm the information you reported on your FAFSA is accurate. Approximately 22% of students are randomly selected for verification and selected students are notified of one of two ways: 1) SHSU notifies you via your SHSU email. 2) After your FAFSA has been processed the Department of Education notifies you via email on your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you have been selected for verification, please check your requirements via your MySam account.
Federal student loans are similar to other types of loans (e.g., mortgage, bank) and must be repaid. There are several factors that determine the maximum amount you can receive. Maximums for undergraduates students are different from graduate students. Keep in mind that your award is based on your information and you may not qualify for the maximum amounts listed. You can find additional information at StudentAid.gov.
Students may apply for a payment plan and/or a semester loan to help pay certain educational expenses. These loans must be paid back to SHSU during the semester via financial aid received and/or out of pocket. Please note, you must meet specific academic requirements to be eligible for a semester loan.
You receive a financial aid warning when if you do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If you do not meet these requirements, you will lose financial aid eligibility next semester, including federal/state aid and waiver programs.
To meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements:
- Complete at least 67% of your overall coursework. Completion rate can be affected by Q drops, resigning from a semester, or failing courses.
- Maintain the minimum required SHSU GPA, regardless of letter grade. 2.00 for undergraduate students and 3.00 for graduate students.
You can receive financial aid for a course up to 3 times if, on your previous 2 attempts, you earned a grade of F or a grade below the accepted pass level required by your degree program. If you are unsure if your grade is considered a pass, please review your program requirements via the SHSU Catalog or your DegreeWorks.
If you or your family has experienced a significant financial hardship we may be able to help! If you have a qualifying special circumstance, our office may adjust your status to better reflect your current financial situation and increase your financial aid eligibility.
Students who submit their FAFSA by the priority date are given priority consideration for programs with limited funding. The earlier you send in the FAFSA, the better.