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Applying for Financial Aid

Students should always be on the lookout for financial aid opportunities. One way to make the most of these opportunities is to complete the financial aid application process. Applying for financial aid should begin as soon as possible. Allow for considerable amount of time to complete the process and be considered.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is valid for an academic year. The academic year is the 365 day period that begins with the first day of the Fall Semester and ends with the day before the first day of the following Fall Semester. It comprises the Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters in sequential order, beginning with the Fall Semester. Regarding the completion of degree requirements, an academic year for a given student is the completion of two full semesters, normally Fall and Spring. For the purpose of awarding Federal Student Aid, the definition of an Academic Year at Texas A&M University-San Antonio is 24 credits and 30 weeks. The School Code is 042485.

Priority Deadlines:       Fall: February 15       Spring:  November 1       Summer:  May 1

Financial Aid Checklist

Do you need help paying for college but arent sure where to start? Applying for financial aid can be a daunting task. The checklist below will give you step-by-step instructions on how to apply for financial aid.
Financial Aid Checklist

FAFSA



TASFA


FAFSA info

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. But FAFSA itself isn’t the money or loans you receive. Instead, it’s a form that assesses your financial need and supplies you with funding options accordingly.

The application is administered by the Department of Education. After you fill out the information, it gets sent to your college’s Financial Aid Office and is used to help understand how much you can afford to pay for college. Enter our School Code 042485 to ensure we receive your FAFSA.

Upon completing the form, a document called the Student Aid Report (SAR) is generated. This document provides insight about your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for your education. Don’t worry when you receive this number, it’s not actually what you will have to pay for school. It’s an estimate based on your school of choice to helps understand what types of funding options you may need.

Complete the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA

TASFA info

The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is a free application that collects information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs administered by higher education institutions in the state of Texas. Students classified as Texas residents who are not eligible to apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA.

Note: The federal application covers federal and state financial aid opportunities. If you meet the FAFSA filing requirements, then you should submit a completed FAFSA. You do not need to complete both the FAFSA and TASFA.

To qualify for this program, students must meet the criteria below:

  1. Must have lived in Texas at least three years before receiving their high school (in Texas) diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency
  2. Must have lived in Texas at least three years before enrolling in a public college or university (in Texas)
  3. Must submit an Affidavit of Intent with the Registrar’s Office declaring that they will apply for permanent residence in the United States as soon as the student becomes eligible
  4. Male students between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with Selective Service
Complete the TASFA
Complete the TASFA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAFSA?

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, loans, and work study, you need to complete the FAFSA. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college.

Apply for the FAFSA

Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?

Yes! You must reapply for financial aid each year by completing the Renewal Application for Federal Student Aid (if you receive one from the federal processor) or by completing the next year's FAFSA (studentaid.gov).

What happens after I complete the FAFSA?

Your application is processed by the Department of Education and then sent to Texas A&M-San Antonio so that eligibility can be determined.

View the FAFSA process

Can I still apply if I missed the priority filing deadline?

Yes. Although applications can be submitted at any time during the academic year, FAFSAs received after our priority filing date of April 15 will be considered for grants with limited funding only after all priority filers have been awarded and then only if funds are available.

Do I need to submit copies of my family's federal tax returns to the Financial Aid Office?

We will request copies of all required documents through your electronic ProEd account, after your FAFSA is initially reviewed. Do not submit any documents to our office unless we have specifically requested you to do so.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time after October 1 for the following academic year. To receive communications from the financial aid office and receive funds you must be admitted and enrolled at our institution.

What is the IRS Direct Data Retrieval Tool?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the FAFSA, and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA from the IRS website.

Get Your Transcripts

Should I apply for aid even if I think I won't qualify?

Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply. In addition, there are some sources of aid that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. Follow the steps outlined in the Financial Aid Checklist to begin the application process.

Overview of the Financial Aid process

Are there income cutoffs for financial assistance?

No. Every application is individually reviewed so that factors in addition to family income such as assets, family size, and number of family members in college are considered.

Is financial aid available for undocumented students?

Federal student aid requires recipients to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), or eligible non-citizens. Texas is one of a few states that allows undocumented students to qualify for state aid. Texas A&M-San Antonio has several state grants available to undocumented students. To apply, complete the TASFA.

If I am an international student without any kind of U.S. citizenship status, do I qualify for any financial aid?

Unfortunately, unless you are a permanent resident or a political refugee granted status by the INS, you are not eligible. International students who have an F1 or F2 student visa are not eligible for federal aid.

Do I need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) or Entrance Counseling once I accept my Federal Direct Loans?

All first-time borrowers of a Federal Direct Loan must complete entrance counseling. In addition, you must complete the Master Promissory Note. Log in to your studentaid.gov account to complete both requirements.

MPN and Entrance Counseling

What types of aid are available?

There are various types of aid available including federal, state and institutional aid. Find detailed information in the list below: