Student Aid - Student aid consists of various federal, state, institutional, and private programs designed to assist you with financing your college education. Most federal and state student aid programs are based on the idea that you (and your parents or spouse, if applicable) have the primary responsibility for paying for education expenses. Those expenses, or Costs of Attendance (COA), are made up of Direct and Indirect expenses. Financial aid is generally intended to meet the gap between your student aid index (SAI) and the COA.

FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to apply for federal student aid to assist you in paying for college. Apply at https://studentaid.gov/.

TASFA - The Texas Application for State Financial Aid is used for Texas Residents to apply for state financial assistance. Only students who are classified as Texas Residents who cannot apply for federal aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA. Once you complete the TASFA, submit your application to the Office of Student Aid.

Academic Year - A period defined by the school that approximates one year’s worth of full-time academic work. At Lamar, the academic year is defined as the fall and spring semesters combined, with the summer considered a trailer to the academic year. Or, if enrolled in an accelerated on-line 5-week Graduate Education Program, the academic year is defined as the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Student Aid Index (SAI) - This is the number that is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, state aid, and most institutional aid here at Lamar University. This number results from the information you provide on your FAFSA application.

FAFSA Submission Summary - The FAFSA Submission Summary can offer a big picture outlook of your financial aid: your eligibility for the coming award year, information about the schools you are considering, and what you need to do next to prepare to pay for school. You’ll be able to access the FAFSA Submission Summary once your FAFSA form is processed, which usually takes one to three business days. Only you, the student, can access the FAFSA Submission Summary—not your form contributors.

Need Based Aid – Student aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.

Non-Need-Based Aid – Student aid that is not based on your SAI.

Cost of Attendance (COA) – The estimated amount it will cost to go to school.

Basic Federal Student Aid Eligibility Requirements - Almost everyone qualifies for some type of federal student aid if the general eligibility requirements listed below are met.

• A S. citizen or eligible non-citizen as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
• Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
• Enrolled as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA (except for certain loans)
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours for undergraduates, 5 credit hours for graduates) for the majority of aid programs
• In good standing in accordance with LU Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for student aid
• Not in default of a student loan
• Provide consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly into your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form
• Qualify to obtain a college or career school education

Other Financial Assistance - The estimated amount of assistance for a period of enrollment that a student (or a parent on behalf of a student) will receive from Federal, State, institutional, or other sources, such as but not limited to, scholarships, grants, the net earnings from need-based employment, or loans.