Financial Aid & Scholarships
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.
Learn more about funding by visiting our Osteopathic Medical Student Checklist.
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.
Student Money Management Center (SMMC)
shsu.edu/smmcd | 936.294.2600
The SMMC offers personal, one-on-one coaching sessions to assist with managing your personal finances. This will help you to understand fee statements, financial aid packages and refunds, reduce student debt, and navigate the process of student loan repayment.
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.
Scholarships
shsu.edu/scholarships | 936.294.1774
Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help pay for college. You must be an accepted student at SHSU to apply for scholarships. To review your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the general application in the Scholarships4Kats portal. After you complete your profile, you are automatically considered for all relevant scholarships.
Assistantships
Graduate, teaching, and research assistantships are available in most departments. If awarded, you may qualify for in-state tuition and other benefits. Contact your program advisor for availability information.
Travel/Research Funding
Research funds may be used to purchase necessary equipment, software, or datasets needed to complete a project. Awardees may receive up to $1,000 in graduate student funding per academic year.
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.