**Due to the impacts of Hurricane Harvey, the Scholarships4Kats application will not open until September 8th.
Need to check your financial aid status?
- Login to mysam.shsu.edu and go to the My Account tab and then the Financial Aid section to check your information.
Financial Aid Awards
- For Fall 2017/Spring 2018 Financial Aid Packages that have been awarded, accepted and processed will be disbursed starting August 13, 2017.
Refunds Questions?
- Financial Aid refunds will start 3-5 business days after awards disburse on August 13, 2017.
No Financial Aid?
- If you have not received a financial aid package, please login to mysam.shsu.edu to create a payment plan and/or emergency loan.
Latest FAFSA Update
“Despite the urgency stemming from inaccurate media reports that parents must file for college financial aid using the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid) by October 1st, 2016, parents and those advising parents through the college aid and admissions process should remain calm about filing their FAFSA because the October 1st date is not a deadline and never was a deadline. It is an option to file early." Forbes reports.
SHSU FAFSA deadlines remain unchanged. You now have the option to submit a 2017-18 FAFSA as early as October 1st rather than beginning on January 1st.
Please use the table below to determine key dates for submitting the FAFSA depending on when you plan to go to school:
| If you plan to attend college from | You will submit this FAFSA | You can submit the FAFSA from | Using Income and Tax information from |
| July 1, 2016- June 30, 2017 | 2016-17 | January 1, 2016- June 30, 2017 | 2015 |
| July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018 | 2017-18 | October 1, 2016- June 30, 2018 | 2015 |
| July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019 | 2018-19 | October 1, 2017- June 30, 2019 | 2016 |
Helpful links:
7 Myths about the 2017-18 FAFSA Debunked
Financial aid requirements are displayed in My Sam under the My Account tab. When you see a red flag, click the Financial Aid Status link, just below the "Choose Another Year" drop down box. Additional information regarding the red flag will be provided there.
SHSU Selected as Terry Foundation School
Please visit the SHSU Terry Website for additional information about the full ride Terry Foundation Scholarship.
New Document Requirement
| Incomplete verification packets will NOT be accepted. This includes, but is not limited to: forms, tax return transcripts and/or any other requested documents for verification purposes or special circumstances. No exceptions! |
IMPORTANT Federal Updates
*NEW* as of 5/10/15 - The FSA ID - a username and password - has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Details and instructions on how to create your FSA ID.
The FAFSA encourages students and their parents to import tax information from the IRS. The IRS Data Retrieval saves time and reduces the probability of being chosen for verification. Those who do not elect to utilize the automatic retrieval will more likely be selected for verification. For Eligibility, Advantages and additional information, read on...
Transfer Students - Instructions
Refunds - When you can expect your refund.
Semester Loan Application
To proceed, you MUST be on an installment plan during the Fall or Spring semesters. Summer does not have that requirement.
Net Price Calculator
The Net Price Calculator is intended for incoming freshman as a means of estimating the amount of aid they will receive. Actual amounts may vary based on application date and availability of funds.
Applying for Financial Aid Instructions
How to Accept Your Financial Aid
Parent PLUS Loan Application Instructions
Check Your Status - Banner Self Service
Have you applied for financial aid? You can check the status of your aid using the steps below. An application must have been received by Undergraduate Admissions or Graduate Programs in order to access this system.
- Banner Self Service Via My Sam:
- Click on My Account;
- Financial Aid Requirements;
- Select the correct aid year;
- Any outstanding requirements will be displayed.
Are you a Work Study student?
- View our Employment Opportunities
- For more complete job descriptions and application instructions, go to Jobs for Kats. Tip: To search for details on a specific job, use the job ID number listed.
Students who are interested in a listed employment opportunity and have an aid package that does not include work study may contact a Financial Aid Counselor for an eligibility review.
Grant Program TEACH Grant!
Check out Bearkat Promise!
Contact Us:
The Financial Aid & Scholarships office is located on the 2nd floor of the Estill Building, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with the exception of University holidays. Please feel free to visit us with questions, or call us at 936-294-1774. The University's toll free number is 866-232-7528. Ask for our department.