Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid

In order to receive aid from federal student financial aid programs, you must meet certain requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need (for most programs);
  • Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States;
  • Have a valid Social Security Number;
  • Register or have registered for Selective Service (if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25);
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;
  • Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan program funds;
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in college. Visit the Undergraduate and Graduate pages to learn how to maintain SAP;
  • Not be in default on any previous student loans, and not owe any money on a federal student grant and use the federal student aid only for educational purposes;
  • Show you’ve qualified to obtain a college education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law.

Your Rights

As a financial aid recipient, you have the right to know:

  • The types of financial assistance programs available, and the policies and regulations that govern these programs
  • The procedures and deadlines for the submission of all application materials
  • The cost of attendance at St. Mary’s University and our refund policy
  • How we determine financial need
  • The source of each type of aid offered
  • How aid is disbursed or applied to your account
  • The appeal procedures for financial aid decisions

In addition, you have the right to:

  • Apply for additional funds when increased financial need can be demonstrated (additional assistance is dependent on the availability of funds)
  • Be granted a reasonable amount of time in which to consider the award offered before accepting or declining
  • Confidentiality regarding all information submitted to us

Your Responsibilities

As a financial aid recipient, you have the responsibility to:

  • Complete all application forms accurately and thoroughly
  • Know and comply with all priority dates established by the Office of Financial Assistance and any aid programs to which you apply
  • Understand and cooperate with the University’s refund policy
  • Read and understand all information sent to you regarding your financial aid, and keep copies for your records
  • Understand and accept the responsibility of all agreements signed
  • Use financial aid funds solely for educational purposes.
  • Repay all loans according to the terms agreed upon at the time the loan was accepted and the promissory note signed, or risk going into default
  • Report any changes in financial circumstances to the Office of Financial Assistance
  • Understand and comply with the standards of satisfactory academic progress, as established by the Office of Financial Assistance and the federal government
  • Report all outside assistance to the Office of Financial Assistance as soon as possible (scholarships, grants, military benefits, etc.)
  • Promptly return all corrections, documentation or additional information requested by the Office of Financial Assistance or any agency with whom you have applied

  • Questions?

    For any questions you or your family may have, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Financial Assistance or the available FAFSA hotlines.

    Office of Financial Assistance
    St. Louis Hall, Room 301
    210-436-3141
    finaid@stmarytx.edu

    FAFSA Help Hotline
    1-800-433-3243
    studentaid@ed.gov

    Trellis-Project Success FAFSA Hotline
    1-877-845-9883

    This is a free service to assist students one-on-one with completing the FAFSA. Counselors are available by phone Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm. 

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