How Do I Apply for my Financial Aid?
Financial Assistance Application Process
The entire process takes at least 10 weeks, once all required information is submitted and filled out correctly. So it is important for you to get started as soon as possible and complete all the required forms.
PRIORITY DEADLINE - The priority date for submitting all documents required for financial aid awards is April 15.
Some student aid funds are limited and the demand is usually greater than funds available. Priority status is given to students who apply by the priority date. Begin to File the FAFSA as early as January 1 in order to meet the priority deadline.
Late applications processed after the priority deadline will be processed as time and volume permit. Late applicants should be prepared to meet initial down payment at registration and pay applicable service charges while waiting for financial aid to be processed.
Steps in the financial assistance process:
Step 1: |
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| The PIN Application is for students or parents who would like to receive a PIN to electronically sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* |
Step 2 : |
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)* |
| Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the envelope provided, or you can complete the application on-line. In order to ensure that TSU receives the Student Aid Report promptly, include the Federal School Code on the FAFSA. Texas Southern University's Federal School Code is 003642. The FAFSA application is submitted to the Department of Education and is processed within 3 weeks. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. Make any corrections if necessary.
*Renewal FAFSAs are mailed to continuing Financial Aid Applicants. Electronic FAFSAs are accessible through: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. If you prefer to file a paper FAFSA but cannot visit our office in person, you may request an information packet here .
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Step 3: |
If you are Selected for Verification |
| If Part 1 of the Student Aid Report (SAR) states you have been selected for the verification process, submit a Verification Worksheet to TSU Office of Student Financial Assistance along with a signed copy of your signed federal income tax return (IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) and, if appropriate, your parents' federal income tax return. |
Step 4: |
Additional Requirements |
Respond to All Requests for Additional Documents and Information - No financial aid can be awarded until all required information and documents have been received and verification is completed.
All documents accepted by the Office of Student Financial Assistance must be completed and have the required signatures. Incomplete documents are not accepted and will be returned to the student.
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Step 5 : |
Complete Authorization Form |
| Complete the authorization to disburse funds and apply credit balance |
Step 6 : |
Processing Time |
| Once your file is complete, the OSFA will review all the forms you submitted to determine your eligibility for grants, Federal Work-Study and loans |
Step 7: |
Review Award online at em.tsu.edu |
Review awards that have been offered.
Federal, State, and University funds provide four types of Financial Aid:
Grants are need-based funds and do not have to be repaid.
Loans must be repaid with interest, usually after graduating or withdrawing from college.
Scholarships are awarded based on grades and other achievements, and may or may not be need-based.
Work-study money is need-based and is earned through part-time employment.
Please notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance if you are declining an award at financialaid@tsu.edu |
Step 8 : |
Loan Request |
If your award includes a Federal Stafford Student Loan, and you are a first-time Stafford Student Loan borrower,
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THINGS TO REMEMBER
Disbursement of Funds - All students must be admitted and enrolled at Texas Southern University before any financial aid funds can be disbursed to their account. An official High School transcript must be received before aid is disbursed to students account (First Time Freshmen). All students must be enrolled in at least six hours for the disbursement of loan funds.
SAP - Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained in order to continue to receive financial aid.
30 DAY HOLDS - All first time loan borrowers and all continuing students who have previously withdrawn within the last semester attended will have their loan funds held for 30 days after the first class date.
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