How-To Guide

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The 2025-2026 Entrance Loan Counseling, Master Promissory Note, and/or Parent PLUS Loan Applications are available on StudentAid.gov but will not update on your Financial Aid Dashboard until late June. Thank you for your patience.

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How can we help?

  • Checking the status or accepting/declining my financial aid

    1. Sign into your MySam account
    2. Select the Main Menu icon at the top-left and then select My Account
      my account button
    3. Find the Financial Aid tile and select Accept/Decline Financial Aid
      financial aid award link
    4. Select the Aid Year
      aid year drop down
    5. Select View Questions under the Responses Required header and answer all the questions
      click view questions and answer them
    6. Select the Offer tab from the top menu offer tab select
    7. Scroll down and accept/decline all of your financial aid offers then select Submit at the bottom

  • Checking the status of my financial aid or verification documents

    1. Sign in to your MySam account
    2. Select the Main Menu icon at the top-left and then select My Account
      my account button
    3. Find the Financial Aid tile and select Unsatisfied Requirements
      financial aid requirements link
    4. Select the Aid Year aid year drop down
    5. You can view your requirements, read messages, and print requested documentation here

  • Creating or editing an FSA ID

    1. Go to StudentAid.gov
    2. Click on Create Account
      create account image
    3. Follow the on-screen steps to finish creating or editing an FSA ID.

  • Filling out the FAFSA

    1. Go to StudentAid.gov
    2. Sign in with your FSA ID
    3. Hover over the Apply for Aid tab at the top and select Complete the FAFSA Form.
      complete fafsa here
    • SHSU's school code is 003606
    • Once you submit your application, SHSU should receive your application within 4 business days.

  • Completing Entrance Counseling

    1. Go to StudentAid.gov
    2. Sign in with your FSA ID
    3. Hover over the Complete Aid Process tab at the top and select Complete Entrance Counseling
      entrance counseling link
    4. Click on the Start button to begin your Entrance Counseling
      entrance counseling start button
    5. Select Sam Houston State University as your school
    6. Follow the prompts to complete Entrance Counseling

  • Completing the Master Promissory Note

    1. Go to StudentAid.gov
    2. Sign in with your FSA ID
    3. Hover over the Complete Aid Process tab at the top and select Complete a Master Promissory Note
      Complete a Master Promissory Note link
    4. Find the MPN for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans header and click on the Start button
    5. Select Sam Houston State University as your school
    6. Follow the prompts to complete your Master Promissory Note

  • Completing Exit Counseling

    1. Go to StudentAid.gov
    2. Sign in with your FSA ID
    3. Hover over the Manage Loans tab at the top and select Complete Exit Counseling
      exit counseling link
    4. Click on the Start button to begin your Exit Counseling
      exit counseling start button
    5. Select Sam Houston State University as your school
    6. Follow the prompts to complete Exit Counseling

  • Completing the Parent PLUS Loan

    Refer to our Parent Checklist for how to apply for the Parent PLUS loan

  • Still need help?

    Schedule a virtual appointment or email your financial aid counselor.

Download the PDF How-To Guide

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