Graduation & Financial Aid - FAQs

1. I am a graduate or professional student, do I have to file the FAFSA?
2. What happens if I do not graduate when I was supposed to and I need financial aid?
3. Why do I need to complete a Statement of Educational Purpose (SPSEP) form and a degree plan?
4. In order to receive financial aid, what degree program would be acceptable after receiving an undergraduate degree?
5. What kinds of financial aid are available to students who already have a bachelor's and are returning to school?
6. Can I still receive financial assistance if I am still lacking a few classes to complete my graduation requirements, but I want to walk in an early graduation ceremony?
7. If I have questions regarding my graduation plan from high school, whom should I contact?

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1. If I am a graduate or professional student, do I have to file the FAFSA?

Yes. If financial assistance is needed to pay for educational expenses, a FAFSA application must be completed.

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2. What happens if I do not graduate when I was supposed to and I need financial aid?

You will need to complete a “Revision” form available at the Student Financial Services Office (Student Services Bldg. Rm. 186). You can also call us at (956) 381-2501 if you would like for a form to be mailed to you. Completing and returning this “Revision” form to the Student Financial Services Office will allow this office to accurately evaluate your educational status.

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3. Why do I need to complete a Statement of Educational Purpose (SPSEP) form and a degree plan?

Once a student completes an undergraduate degree, a statement of educational purpose must be completed in order for the Student Financial Services office to determine if the student is enrolled and has been accepted for enrollment as a regular student working towards another degree or certificate in an eligible program. If you have any questions regarding an SPSEP, please call (956) 381-2137.

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4. In order to receive financial aid, what degree program would be acceptable after receiving an undergraduate degree?

In order to receive financial aid, a student must be in an eligible degree/certification program. Listed below are some of the eligible programs:

• Masters Degree
• 2nd bachelors
• Accelerated Alternative Program
• Deficiency Plan Certifications

Not acceptable plans/licenses are as follows:

• Licenses for Professional Counseling
• Emergency certifications
• Certificates/Licenses for Public Accountants

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5. What kinds of financial aid are available to students who already have a bachelor's and are returning to school?

To apply for all types of financial aid, including a Stafford loan, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UT Pan American can award two basic categories of financial aid to students with a bachelor’s degree. Gift aid is money from scholarships and federal/state grants. Self-help aid is money from employment (work-study) and Stafford student loans.

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6. Can I still receive financial assistance if I am still lacking a few classes to complete my graduation requirements, but I want to walk in an early graduation ceremony?

You will need to complete a “Revision” form available at the Student Financial Services Office (Student Services Bldg. Rm. 186). You can also call us at (956) 381-2501 if you would like for a form to be mailed to you. Completing and returning this “Revision” form to the Student Financial Services Office will allow this office to accurately evaluate your educational status.

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7. If I have questions regarding my graduation plan from high school, whom should I contact?

The best contact is your high school counselor. Your high school counselor should be able to assist you in choosing the right plan for you.