How to Apply for Financial Aid

STEP BY STEP

You can file for financial aid in just a few easy steps.

Step 1. Gather necessary Information and Apply for PIN(s)

• Prior year tax records, untaxed income, etc.
  
  A complete list of recommended documents.

Step 2. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• FAFSA on the web.
• UTPA Express Lab Schedule
• Mail in your FAFSA, if you do not want to submit it electronically.
• HB1403 Students (Non Residents/Non U.S. Citizens)
  1. Start by Applying for Admissions to determine if you qualify under HB1403.
  2. You will be assigned to a Financial Aid Advisor who will contact you to start the FAFSA process.
• Check the priority Deadlines and apply early to maximize your financial aid awards.

Step 3. Be on the look out for your SAR (Student Aid Report).

The Student Aid Report summarizes the information you report on your FAFSA. The schools you list on your application can request electronic copies of your SAR and use the information to determine if you are eligible for federal financial aid.This report from The Department of Education contains important Financial Aid information including your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).

The Expected Family Contribution will appear on the upper right hand corner of page one of your SAR (Student Aid Report) that you receive in the mail. The EFC will be based on the financial information you provide on the FAFSA, and your school will use it to award your financial aid.

More information:

Data Release Number (DRN) is a four-digit number found in the bottom left hand corner of your SAR used to report a change of address, request duplicate copies of your SAR be mailed to you, or release copies of your SAR electronically to schools you didn't list on your FAFSA.

Verification

Corrections

Step 4. Check to see if you have been awarded on ASSIST.

If you have financial need and you have met the Satisfactory Academic Policy requirements and any other programspecific requirements, the financial aid office will "package" your awards.

Step 5. Make sure that you understand your award letter. It is each student's responsibility to read and understand their entire award letter. You can review and accept your awards online on ASSIST.

Step 6. Make sure that your UTPA bill is paid. Check on ASSIST for Balances under Student Services.

Step 7. Follow- up/ Responsibilities. Once your bill is paid and if there is a credit balance, you should be receiving a check after 12class day. See Disbursement Process for more information.