Financial Aid & FAFSA
Financial Aid & FAFSA
shsu.edu/finaid | 936.294.1774
A variety of financial aid resources are available to assist with funding your education. Federal, state, school, and private funds are available to those who qualify.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is easy and takes only about 20-30 minutes. Complete your FAFSA each year beginning October 1.
There is even an app! Download the official myStudentAid app to get started at studentaid.gov.
Types of Aid
- Grants: gift aid that does not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships: generally, merit-based gifts that do not have to repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.
- Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
- Work Study: wages for part-time employment with SHSU.
Eligibility for financial aid is determined using your FAFSA application. While it’s not mandatory to complete a FAFSA for some types of financial aid, it is the form states and most colleges use to determine need-based aid.
Non U.S. Citizens
If you’re a Texas resident and not a U.S. citizen or you’re ineligible for Federal Aid, the state of Texas offers the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Learn more about the TASFA by visiting shsu.edu/tasfa.
Learn more about funding by visiting our Freshman Checklist or Transfer Checklist.
Veteran Students and Dependent
shsu.edu/beabearkat/veteran-journey/apply-va
Our Veteran Resource Center is here to help veteran students and/or dependents. Read more about how to apply to veteran affairs and review benefits.
Bearkat Promise
Our Bearkat Promise guarantees all qualifying students receive grant and scholarship funds to cover the cost of mandatory* tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester!
*The Bearkat Promise does not cover non-mandatory fees.
Grants
A grant is a form of financial assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund). A variety of federal grants are available including Pell Grants, TEACH grants, military service grants, and more. Typically grants are need-based but can be merit-based. In order to determine if you qualify for a grant, you must first complete the FAFSA. Many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your FAFSA early!
Federal Loans
Federal Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of college. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan. If you accept a Direct Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment online.
Award Acceptance
Financial aid notifications are sent to SHSU student email accounts. Use your MySam account to review, accept, or decline awarded aid. Accepted aid is applied to your total balance due.