Acceptance of Stafford Loans for the 2009-2010 academic year can be done anytime after July 1, 2009. If you are enrolled for summer classes and want to use Stafford funds, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Hardin-Simmons University is committed to providing excellence in education that is affordable for our students, regardless of their personal financial status or background. Approximately 90 percent of student receive some form of financial assistance through various scholarship, grant, loan, and work programs.
Working together with you, we will put together the best program of financial assistance for which you qualify. Combined with what you and your family can provide, this assistance should make your college career a wise and affordable investment.
Applying for Financial Aid
The following information (steps) applies to all students wishing to determine eligibility for financial assistance through various programs of which eligibility is required.
STEP 1: Apply to Hardin-Simmons University
Scholarship funding is available through HSU, for those who have applied for admission. Once you are admitted, you will receive notice of the scholarship awards for which you qualify.
STEP 2: Apply for Federal and State Grants and Loans
To begin the process of obtaining financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be completed online. Online applications require a PIN for both you and a parent or guardian.
FAFSA forms should be submitted as soon as possible AFTER January 1 of each year. The FAFSA is based on the previous tax year and is a document that must be filed annually. Some funding is limited, so for priority processing, submit the form prior to March 1 of each year. Make sure to include HSU’s code: 003571.
STEP 3: Complete Verification (if selected)
One out of every three FAFSA filers is selected for a process known as verification. Verification is not an audit. The financial aid office must “verify” the information that you submitted on your FAFSA is correct and accurate. To do this (if selected), you must submit signed copies of tax returns and W-2’s for both the student and parent/s to the financial aid office. Failure to submit required tax information will delay financial aid processing and awarding.
STEP 4: Submit your Texas Residency Affirmation Form
Bona fide Texas residents looking to be eligible for state grant funds must complete an oath of residency before being awarded any state grant funds.
STEP 5: Seek Outside Scholarships
Talk to your high school counselor and explore credible web sites like www.fastweb.com to learn more about the availability of outside awards. Your local library, newspaper, and community organizations are also good sources for scholarship information.
Beware of scholarship search services that may be scams and/or frauds. Do not pay for information or services that are provided free elsewhere.
STEP 6: Apply for Departmental Scholarships
Each academic department (based on major area of study) is responsible for the awarding of scholarships within its department. Not all departments award money to incoming freshman. Please contact the appropriate academic department about scholarships within your major field of study.
STEP 7: Review Your Award Notification
Once admitted to HSU, filed your FAFSA, and submitted verification documents (if applicable), you will be sent an official award notification outline the types and amounts of aid for which you qualify.
STEP 8: Apply for Student Employment
If you have eligibility, desire to work on campus, and have pre-enrolled for the next long semester, you may apply for one of the many part-time jobs available on campus. Please note that there are typically more students wanting jobs than there are available jobs. Contact the Office of Career Services for more information and to complete an on-campus job application.
STEP 9: Claim your Loans
If you have been awarded a Federal Stafford Loan and/or been approved for a Federal Parent Loan, you can claim your loan 30-days prior to financial settlement. To claim your loan, please visit https://lbw.tgslc.org/LBW/start.do and following the on screen instructions.
STEP 10: Financial Settlement
One-third of any balance not covered by financial assistance is due at financial settlement. For the fall semester, financial settlement is typically the last Monday of July. Please consult your pre-registration statement for official dates. Your feedback will help us to improve our service to you. Access our customer satisfaction survey at:
www.hsutx.edu/financialaidevaluation. You can also contact us with any suggestion, question or comment by e-mail at:
financialaid@hsutx.edu. Thank you.