Financial Aid
If You're Worried About Paying for College, Relax.
Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas. On top of that, more than 70% of our students receive financial aid. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship.
Financial Aid Basics
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state
Scholarships are sources of financial aid that do not have to be repaid. These can originate from the university or from outside sources.
Most grants do not have to be repaid and are given to students based on financial need.
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support for graduate education. Assistantships may be awarded to qualified graduate students who have received full or conditional admission to a master's or specialist program or full admission to a doctoral program. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments. In addition to funding graduate education, assistantships provide students with opportunities for professional growth.
Applying for Financial Aid
Your first step in applying for financial aid of any kind is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Aid (TASFA). You may qualify for low-interest, forgivable federal loans and other kinds of scholarships and grants after federal aid is applied .
FASFA is for U.S. citizens, permanent U.S. residents and eligible non-citizens.
TASFA is for Texas residents who are not eligible to apply for federal aid and want to be considered for state financial assistance.
- U.S. Citizen
- Permanent U.S. resident with an Alien Registration Card (I-551)
- Conditional permanent U.S. resident with visa type I-551C
- Citizens of the Freely Associated States: the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republics of Palau and the Marshall Islands
- Eligible non-citizen with an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) showing one of the following:
- Refugee
- Asylum granted
- Parolee (for a minimum of one year)
- Cuban-Haitian entrant
- It is extremely important to understand the questions on the FAFSA especially with questions regarding whether you are a dependent or independent student.
- For more information review Determine Your Dependency Status or view the Dependency Status video.
- Your Social Security number (it’s important that you enter it correctly on the FAFSA!)
- Your parents Social Security numbers if you are a dependent student
- Your driver’s license number if you have one
- Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen
- Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information for you (and your spouse, if you are married), and for your parents if you are a dependent student IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ
- Foreign tax return
- Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia or Palau
- Records of your untaxed income such as child support received, interest income, and veteran’s non-education benefits, for you, and for your parents, if you are a dependent student
- Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student.
- You will need to create a FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to create an FSA ID.
- How to Create Your FSA ID video
- When you are ready to complete your FAFSA, select “Filling Out a FAFSA” in Section 2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- You may also obtain a paper version of the FAFSA from your high school counselor or from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. Please note that the paper FAFSA can take 3-5 weeks to be sent to East Texas A&M.
- How to Fill out the FAFSA video
- If you or your parent has completed your taxes for the appropriate FAFSA year, you may be able to upload the required income information directly from your or your parents IRS tax return to your FAFSA. This step is highly encouraged because it can assist you in processing your FAFSA faster.
- IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- You’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) Information Acknowledgment in the mail about 2 weeks after submitting your online FAFSA. If you provided a valid email address, you’ll receive an email with a link to your SAR information on the web within 5 days.
- To check the status of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), click Log In on the FAFSA on the Web home page to log in; your FAFSA status can be found on the “My FAFSA” page, which displays immediately after you log in if you have already started or completed a FAFSA.
- When you receive your SAR, read the comments section and review. If you find any errors correct them. Remember: If you are a dependent student, your parents must sign the correction also.
- After the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office receives your FAFSA, you will be sent an email to your university email account on myLEO. You will then be required to log on to your myLEO account to complete any other requirements before you are awarded financial aid. Complete any outstanding requirements as soon as possible otherwise your financial aid will be delayed and you will not be awarded in a timely manner.
*Applications for assistance cannot be fully considered until all of the required application forms are received by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office and the applicant is fully admitted as a regular degree-seeking student. Contact the Admissions Office for admission information. East Texas A&M officially corresponds with students through their assigned East Texas A&M email account myLEO.
Important Dates
The application period begins on October 1 of each year for the following academic year. You should complete the FAFSA or TASFA as soon as possible for each academic year, so put it on your calendar!
Application Priority Deadlines
To receive the best possible combination of financial assistance, applicants should submit all required application forms to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by the priority deadline dates listed below. Applications received after these deadline dates are awarded based on funds available.
- Fall/Spring: January 18
- Spring Only: November 15
- Summer: April 15
Deadline for 2026-2027 FAFSA & TASFA
Financial aid applications for the 2026-2027 year need to be received in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office by June 30, 2026. Due to the various processes required, applications will not be accepted after June 30, 2026.
If you’re a Texas resident who isn’t eligible for federal aid, you’ll use the TASFA to be considered for state and some institutional support.
Graduate Student Aid
If you are enrolled in any graduate program and taking at least 6 hours, you may be eligible for financial aid.
Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), provides a limited annual supply of fee reduction certificates for the GRE. A limited supply of the fee reduction certificates are made available to colleges and universities and are disbursed based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be required to pay 50% of the full test fee.
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien who is a college senior or an unenrolled college graduate.
- Receiving financial aid through an undergraduate college in the United States, American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, and
- A dependent, who has a FAFSA that shows parental contribution (EFC) of no more than $2,500 for the senior year, or
- Self-supporting and has a FAFSA that shows a contribution (EFC) of no more than $3,000 for the senior year
- Have applied for financial aid and
- Have a FAFSA that indicates self-supporting status and a contribution of no more than $3,000.
- The ETS GRE Fee Waiver process has changed. Schools are no longer directly involved as in years past.
- If you are interested in applying for a GRE Fee Reduction Waiver you will need to complete the Reduction Waiver and attach a copy of the current FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR).
View more information about the GRE Fee Reduction Certificate.
These grants are available for Texas residents and have limited funding. Eligibility is based on financial aid need as determined by completion of the FAFSA or TASFA. Awards vary based on funding levels for the academic year and your financial need. You must be enrolled in no less than six graduate credit hours. Early application is recommended.
The grant may pay up to $1,000 per semester, provided all eligibility is met each year, for up to two years or graduation, whichever comes first.
The grant may pay up to $1,500 per semester, provided all eligibility is met each year, for up to two years or graduation, whichever comes first.
The grant may pay up to $1,500 per semester, provided all eligibility is met each year, for up to four years or graduation, whichever comes first.
- Texas resident
- Fully or conditionally admitted to the Graduate School
- Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree
- Financial need as determined by completion of the FAFSA/TASFA and all verification documentation by the priority deadline, January 15.
- Must be enrolled in 6 credit hours each long semester and summer session(s)
- You must meet the Financial Aid Standards of Progress requiring 3.0 GPA for each semester and institutional cumulative GPA
- This grant is renewable provided a FAFSA/TASFA is completed each academic year, financial need is demonstrated each year and the Financial Aid Standards of Progress are met at the end of each payment period
- Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis after all financial aid requirements are met
Note: Awards are predicated on the availability of funding.
Must be fully admitted into an eligible program. Provisional admitted students are not eligible. Contact the Graduate School to confirm full admission.
You must submit a copy of your certification/deficiency plan to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Non-degree programs are not eligible.
- Students in these programs may have limited loan eligibility due to loans borrowed to complete their undergraduate degree(s).
- Certification students should contact the Graduate School and/or the Certification Office to confirm full admission.
- Pell Grants are not available for certification students at East Texas A&M.
- Students must contact Undergraduate Admissions to confirm full admission.
- Students in these programs may have limited loan eligibility if they have other student loans.
Awarding Financial Aid
We make every effort to meet your financial need through a combination of aid programs. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited funds are available, and they will be based on:
- The financial need of the applicant
- The limitations imposed by the various financial aid programs
- The availability of funding
- An award notice will be sent to you, the applicant, through your myLEO email account. The notice will indicate the types and amounts of aid offered.
- You must review your award notification in myLEO and accept or decline all the financial assistance offered to you.
Your total calculated need will likely not be met with gift-aid (grants and scholarships). In order to meet as much of the documented need as possible, you may apply for self-help programs (loans or employment). If, after the aid package has been awarded, it is determined that an additional resource(s), such as outside scholarship(s) and/or third-party payments are available to help meet the cost of attendance, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will:
- Recalculate your (the applicant’s) eligibility to include the additional resource(s).
- Adjust your award to prevent an over-award situation. Adjustments may include canceling or decreasing previously awarded aid.
- Send a revised email to you indicating any revisions made to the aid package.
Based on current laws and regulations overseeing federal and state financial aid programs, eligible disbursements can be credited to university student accounts no more than 10 days prior to the first day of classes. Courses taken in sub-terms within the traditional fall/spring semester may have different release dates based on the earliest start date of coursework. In addition, specific online programs have different release dates due to the length of the terms.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships authorizes eligible disbursements to student accounts beginning at 5 p.m. on release days. These dates are subject to change should federal and/or state laws and regulations change.
For information about financial aid refunds, visit the Refunds webpage.
- Courses taken by audit
- Credit hours earned by placement exams
- Non-credit coursework
- Transient and transfer students attending for only one term
- Non-degree students who will not seek a degree from East Texas A&M
- Course(s) being repeated where a passing grade was earned and are accepted towards the degree
- Course(s) where a passing grade was earned and the course(s) is being repeated for the sole purpose of improving the GPA
- A course where a passing grade was earned and the course is being repeated in combination with another course for purposes of receiving financial aid
- Course(s) taken outside of a student’s degree program and not required for graduation
How to Accept Your Financial Aid Award
These will be the steps you will follow to accept your financial aid.
Log in to your MyLEO. Select the “Student Resources” tab and scroll to the bottom of the menu to click on the link titled “Your Financial Aid.” This opens your personalized financial aid homepage. Be sure to select the appropriate award year.
Select the “Award Offer” tab to accept or deny any offered financial aid by using each drop-down box. Please keep in mind, if aid is awarded for fall and spring, the amount awarded will be split between the terms, whether or not you modify the award.
Click on the submit button on the bottom right of the “Award Offer” page.
Acknowledge the terms and conditions, if prompted, and click “Accept Award” to confirm your decisions.
Standards of Academic Progress
MAINTAINING YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Stay on track; keep your financial aid intact! To remain eligible for financial aid, you will need to meet the government’s standards for academic progress.
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a minimum standard of satisfactory academic progress for students who receive financial aid. These standards shall apply to all students who receive financial aid, unless the terms of a particular grant provide otherwise. These provisions apply to students who, at any point in their educational career, apply for financial aid.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will review each financial aid recipient for overall academic progress as well as end of term progress (fall/spring/summer II). All terms will be reviewed, including those for which financial aid was not requested.
Student records will be reviewed to ensure that the following criteria are met:
- Qualitative progress: Both institutional cumulative and semester/term GPA requirements are met.
- Quantitative progress: The required number of credit hours are completed each semester/term and, overall, the student has not exceeded the maximum number of credit hours allowed to complete degree (see below).
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
Students must maintain both institutional cumulative and term GPA standards.
| Student classification | GPA required |
| Undergraduate students | 2.0 |
| Graduate students | 3.0 |
Hours Requirement
In general, to be eligible for financial aid in any semester/term:
- Undergraduate* and graduate students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours
- *Federal Pell Grant eligible undergraduate students may receive a minimum Federal Pell Grant for enrollment of less than six credit hours.
- All students must complete a minimum of 67% of the number of credit hours they attempted in a semester/term and overall (including transfer work).
- Calculation: Hours completed divided by hours attempted x 100
- Example: Student attempted 12 hours but withdrew from a three-hour class, completing only nine hours (9 hrs/12 hrs x 100 = 75%).
Undergraduate students
The number of credit hours a student attempts may not exceed 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in his or her program of study, as published in the university catalog. If the published number of hours required for graduation is 120, a student may not attempt more than 180 credit hours (120 x 150% = 180) and continue to receive financial aid. All periods of enrollment are considered, including those where the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred from another school. If the number of attempted hours reaches 150% of the hours required for graduation, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
Students will be limited to the following number of attempted hours to complete their degree or certification program:
| Degree or program | Attempted hours |
| Undergraduate degree | 180 |
| Second undergraduate degree | 45 |
| Teacher certification | 45 |
Graduate students
To coincide with East Texas A&M’s Graduate School policy, graduate students pursuing a master’s degree must complete their degree program within six (6) years from the time they are admitted to their respective master’s program. Graduate students pursuing a doctoral program must complete their degree program within ten (10) years from the time they are admitted to their respective doctoral program. All periods of enrollment are considered, including those where the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred from another school. Once the maximum time frame has been reached, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
Graduate students who have been placed on a financial aid suspension for the 150 rule but have not reached their maximum year limit are advised to email [email protected] to request a manual Satisfactory Academic Progress review. This will allow the financial aid office to verify the students account information and remove the notification, if applicable.
In order to receive financial aid, you are required to successfully complete 67% of the classes attempted each semester and cumulatively.
Example: You’ve registered for 15 hours at the beginning of the semester but dropped a 3 hour class and received an F in another 3 hour class. Therefore, you’ve attempted 15 hours and completed 9 hours resulting in a completion rate of 60% (9/15 = .60).
Example: You’ve transferred from another school with 30 attempted hours but only completed 25 hours. You then attempt 15 hours at East Texas A&M but only complete 3 hours. Therefore, you have a total of 45 attempted hours and 28 completed hours resulting in a completion rate of 62% (after rounding – 28/45 = .6222).
NOTE: Summer terms (Summer I & Summer II) are considered one entire semester. Therefore, if you take 3 hours in each term, you attempted a total of 6 hours for the Summer terms.
The first time you fail to meet financial aid SAP standards, you will be placed on financial aid warning status. A notification will be sent to you via myLeo email. You will be eligible for financial aid while in a warning status; however, you must make satisfactory academic progress during the semester/term to remain eligible for financial aid.
In the event, you do not meet the requirements for SAP while on financial aid warning status, you will be placed on financial aid suspension. Notification will be sent to you via myLeo email. You will not be eligible for any type of federal, state or institutional aid while in suspension status.
Note: If you completely withdraw from all courses in a semester/term or receive all Fs for a semester/term, your aid will be canceled for any future aid periods. Students will automatically be on financial aid suspension.
If you have successfully appealed your financial aid suspension, you will regain aid eligibility for one semester/term under financial aid probation. While on financial aid probation, you must meet satisfactory academic progress/educational plan requirements during your probationary semester/term to regain eligibility for future semesters.
Attempted hours include all registered hours per semester whether or not the student earns a grade or receives credit.
The following are considered hours attempted, but not completed:
- F grades for undergraduate students
- D or F grades for graduate students
- W or withdrawal from courses for all students
- Q dropped course(s), but still enrolled for all students
- I, incomplete, ip, in progress, or x incomplete grades for all students
- U unsatisfactory grades for all students
- All transfer hours attempted, but not completed for all students
The following are considered completed hours and include all semester hours for which the student earns a grade:
- A through D grades for undergraduate students
- A through C grades for graduate students
- S satisfactory grades for all students
- All transfer hours completed for all students
Financial assistance is usually not provided for repeated coursework. However, if a higher grade for a particular course is required for that course to be accepted to the student’s official program of study, financial assistance can be provided on an individual basis.
Certain courses, in the school of music and the department of art, though they appear to be repeat courses are not repeated courses. The course needs to be taken several semesters in order to obtain the necessary credit hours within the course.
Are you a student receiving financial aid and considering dropping a class or completely withdrawing? Below are just a few things you should know before you withdraw.
All students must successfully complete minimum credit hour and minimum GPA requirements in order to receive financial aid funds each semester. Failure to do so can endanger your ability to receive financial aid for future semesters.
More information about Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Return of Financial Aid Funds: The Department of Education requires institutions to perform a Return to Title IV Calculation when a student withdraws from the term/semester after receiving Federal Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Office may be required to return a portion of a student’s Federal Financial Aid depending on the student’s last day of Academic Engagement.
Outstanding Student Account Balance: Monitor your student account balance before and after you withdraw. You are responsible for any account balances. Outstanding balances can prevent you from registering, receiving an official transcript, plus much more.
Several types of financial aid, such as Federal Pell Grant and Direct Student Loans, have limitations regarding the amount of funds you can receive in your lifetime. Once they are used, you cannot get those funds back; therefore, the longer you delay, the more you pay for your education.
Students who are no longer enrolled at least half-time will be required to begin repaying their student loans after their six-month grace period has ended. In addition, exit loan counseling will be required. It is important that students always know their student loan history. This information is always available at www.studentaid.gov for every loan at any institution attended.
If you are considering dropping a class, you need to know how this can affect your financial aid and much more.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
If you do not meet SAP standards, you will lose your financial aid eligibility. Students are required to successfully complete 67% of the classes they attempt along with the minimum GPA requirement for your classification. For more details see Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Return of Financial Aid Funds
Students that drop a class on or before the census day of the semester may no longer be eligible for all the financial aid they originally received. Several awards such as the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loans have enrollment requirements in order to receive them. The Financial Aid Office will adjust your award accordingly and any funds that have been disbursed will result in a balance owed to East Texas A&M.
CONSORTIUM AGREEMENTS
East Texas A&M students who are taking courses at another college and transfer their coursework to East Texas A&M may qualify for financial aid through the Consortium Agreement.
Through the Consortium Agreement, East Texas A&M serves as the “home” school while the other institution serves as the “host” school. The Consortium Agreement officially notifies us that you are registered, the class is in your degree plan and that you will submit transcripts at the end of the class to East Texas A&M. Consortium Agreements are not processed until after census day, which is the 12th day of class.
Note: Students enrolled in a CBE-TAB program are not eligible for Consortium Agreements.
- Spring and fall consortiums will require no less than 6 credit hours of enrollment at East Texas A&M to be eligible for processing.
- Summer consortiums will not require enrollment at East Texas A&M.
- Only federal financial aid will be applicable.
- The coursework to be taken must transfer back to East Texas A&M and be applicable to the student’s degree at East Texas A&M for the Consortium Agreement to be applicable.
- The coursework must be approved by the student’s East Texas A&M academic advisor.
- The student cannot be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the “host” institution.
- The student is responsible for the tuition and fees at the “host” institution.
- For consortium agreements to be reviewed and processed, they must be submitted at least 30 days prior to East Texas A&M’s last day of class for the term.
- Transcripts must be received by the Admissions office no later than 30 days after the East Texas A&M term end date.
- Complete part 1 of the Consortium Agreement form. (For summer terms please submit a Summer Consortium Agreement form.)
- The student’s East Texas A&M academic/faculty advisor completes part 2 of the Consortium Agreement form.
- The Financial Aid Office at the “host” institution completes Part 3.
- The Financial Aid Office at the “host” institution or the student submits it to the East Texas A&M Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
A student on a Consortium Agreement is responsible for and agrees to provide information, updates and documents to ensure their Consortium Agreement remains valid to continue to receive financial aid.
- The student is responsible for reporting enrollment changes and providing such changes within two days of when the change occurs.
- The student is responsible for submitting official academic transcripts to the Admissions office at East Texas A&M, showing completion of the coursework taken through the Consortium Agreement. If transcripts are not received in a timely manner, as stated above, the aid previously disbursed as a result of the consortium being processed will be returned. This will create a balance that will have to be paid.
For further information or questions regarding Consortium Agreements, please contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office at [email protected].
Veteran and Military Services
Your GI Bill benefits will go further at East Texas A&M. With some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, we make it easier for our veterans to earn a college degree.
East Texas A&M, with the support and cooperation of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Texas Veterans Commission, is proud of and dedicated to serving veterans and their dependents in their pursuit of higher learning. Find out how to make the most of your military training and benefits as you convert that experience into a highly valued education that will enable you to succeed in the marketplace.
Visit Veteran and Military Services for more information.
Applications for benefits for new veterans and their dependents can be made online directly to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA will mail a Certificate of Eligibility showing eligible benefits.
Veterans will upload the COE and DD 214 to the Request for Certification form.
Dependents will upload the COE to the Request for Certification form.
Transfer students utilizing CH.33 Post 9/11 will need to complete VA Form 22-1995 to inform the VA of the change in place of learning.
Transfer students utilizing CH.35 will need to complete VA form 22-5495 to inform the VA of the change in place of learning.
Every semester a Request for Certification form for all students receiving a GI Bill must be submitted to receive benefits.
Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty
Chapter 31: Veteran Readiness and Employment
Chapter 33: The Post 9/11 GI BILL (NEW)
Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program
Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI BILL Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program
Veteran and dependent students will need to apply for Hazlewood by using the Hazlewood Application
Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption Application for Continued Enrollment
Forms
Instead of using email, please use the Secure Upload Tool to submit your forms and documents.
Please use the correct form below if your financial or family status has changed since you completed your 2025-2026 FAFSA.
Academic Year 2025-2026 Forms
- Dependent Student Household Size Verification Form 2025-2026
- Independent Student Household Size Verification Form 2025-2026
- Parent Confirmation of Assets Form 2025-2026
- Student Confirmation of Assets Form 2025-2026
- Student Enrollment History Verification Form 2025-2026
- Student Support Test Form 2025-2026
- Student Verification of Income for Non-Tax Filer Form 2025-2026
- Parent Verification of Income for Non-Tax Filer Form 2025-2026
- Verification of Other Untaxed Income Form 2025-2026
Academic Year 2026-2027 Forms
Meet Our Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of financial aid are available?
GRANT: A sum of money given by a government or other entity that does not have to be paid back.
LOAN: Money that is borrowed and must be paid back.
WORK STUDY: A program enabling students to work part time on campus while attending college.
SCHOLARSHIP: A grant or payment made to support a student’s education based on achievement
Why was my student selected for verification?
The verification process is a quality control method used to ensure that federal aid is disbursed accurately. Therefore, the Department of Education uses various models to determine which FAFSAs are selected and then the school is required to verify. The goal of the process is not to deny students aid, the goal is to ensure that all students are getting all of the aid for which they qualify.
What if I don’t use all of my money?
If you do not use all of your funding, it is NOT saved. In fact, we encourage you to use as much of the money as you can because if you don’t, the federal government reduces the money it gives us because our students don’t earn it all.
Is financial aid available?
How are transfer credits evaluated?
Credits are assessed by the Office of Admissions and may be reviewed by department heads or deans. Only
- Submit Application
- Apply using ApplyTexas and choose East Texas A&M University as your school of choice.
- Submit Official Transcript(s)
- FRESHMEN: Complete high school transcript through your junior year. Dual-credit freshmen must also submit an official transcript from the institution that offered the dual-credit classes.
- TRANSFER: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- INTERNATIONAL: Transcripts must be evaluated by an independent credential evaluation agency before being considered for admission.
- Submit Test Scores
- FRESHMEN: Use the East Texas A&M codes, 4088 ACT and 6188 SAT, to submit your scores on act.org or collegeboard.org.
- INTERNATIONAL: Language proficiency scores Apply for Financial Aid
- FRESHMEN, TRANSFER: See page 32 for details. Follow up
Check your account for admission status, financial aid and scholarship info, registration, updates and deadlines through myLEO.
Why am I only getting minimum wage?
The department determines how much you will get paid. Theoretically, they pay you based on the position you have. Positions with greater responsibilities can pay more than minimum wage.
I have no more appeals left, what are my options?
I have no more appeals left; what are my options?
Students who have exhausted all available financial aid appeals have the following options:
- Reinstatement of financial aid through the reinstatement process. This process requires the following to occur: Register for a minimum of 6 credit hours in the semester; pay out of pocket for tuition and fees for the registration; complete all courses attempted with the minimum end-of-term GPA (undergrad requires no less than a 2.0 GPA; grad requires no less than a 3.0 GPA). Once all the steps are complete, students will need to submit a Request for Financial Aid Reinstatement Form.
- Private education loans programs. These types of educational loans are available from lenders and agencies outside the university. These programs are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower and may require a co-signer. The terms and conditions and repayment plans of these loans vary from program to program. Our office works with all programs and we do not endorse any one particular program. Further information can be found on our web site at Private Education Loans.
- Tuition loan and installment plans. These are available through the Cashier’s Office. Both programs are short term in nature as full repayment is required in the semester for which the tuition loan (short-term loans) or installment plan are utilized. The installment plan can be initiated through LeoPay in your myLEO student portal (Summer terms may not be eligible for tuition loans and installment plans. Contact the Cashier’s Office for more information).
Is Financial Aid Available for International Students?
International students are required to show proof of financial support through bank and sponsor statements. Financial aid and/or assistantships should not be relied on for funding of housing or education.
How do I apply for financial aid?
First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.
For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.
This is my second appeal, what do I do?
A second financial aid appeal (non-scholarship) requires you to submit another appeal form/educational plan, completed by your academic advisor, as well as supporting documentation. Supporting documentation must confirm the statements made in the appeal form.
How can I recover my FSA ID & Passwords?
FSA ID and passwords are under the domain of the Department of Education. While the university does not have any access to reset or recover this information for you, the Department of Education can help you.
How do I get a copy of a tax transcript?
Tax transcripts must be requested directly from the IRS. Unfortunately, this is not a document that your tax professional has. The easiest way to get a copy of the tax transcript is to visit irs.gov. Once you have navigated to the site the “Get Transcript by Mail” process is easier. Please note that the Get Transcript Online process is more difficult. In most cases, your student may also use the Data Retrieval Tool on their FAFSA to download the information
When can we expect an award offer?
Before a student can be offered any financial aid, they must be:
- Fully admitted into a degree program
- Have no outstanding documents to submit to our office
- Must have a FAFSA on file
Once a student has met these items, they will be automatically packaged with the most comprehensive offer we have available.
- Awarding Financial Aid to new incoming freshman students occurs first, usually in mid spring.
- Awarding Financial Aid to returning students occurs after grades have posted for the spring semester and students are checked for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
How long is the appeal process?
Appeals reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships may take 2-3 weeks to process from the date of receipt (3-4 weeks during peak periods). Appeals with the University Financial Aid Appeals Committee have no set time frame as these are reviewed outside of our office by campus partners. You will need to make alternate payment arrangements with the Cashier’s Office while your appeal is under review to avoid being dropped for nonpayment.
When is the last day I can work?
This information is located on your work study permit. Write it down when you get the permit.
How do I contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Email
[email protected]
Phone
903.886.5096
Fax
903.886.5098
Mail
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Financial Aid
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
In person
(B38 on the Campus Map)
One Stop Shop, Student Access and Success Center
2200 Campbell Street
Commerce, TX 75428
Why doesn’t my scholarship show up on my account?
As per federal regulations, funds may not be credited to a student’s account until 10 days prior to the first day of class each semester. To view your awards, access your myLEO account. Click on:
“Financial Aid”
“Financial Aid”
“Award”
“Award for Aid Year”
Then select the appropriate aid year, and “Submit”. This will show you what awards have been offered, accepted, declined or canceled.
Why is my financial aid reduced if I get a scholarship or other resources?
- Need-based financial aid is made available to assist you with the expenses of attending college. Because these funds are limited, the government recognizes that a scholarship or other resource can and does assist you with tuition and fees and other educational costs. Therefore, the government requires that your need-based financial aid be reduced so that you are not over-awarded.
What about Financial Aid?
Go to the Financial Aid Office Web page
Go to the Scholarship Office Web page
Information about Plus/Parent college loans
Book vouchers for students with financial aid
What is the work study program?
Acceptance of your work study award allows you the benefit of securing a work study position in a wide variety of departments on campus; from working in an office to working on the farm. You can build your experiences while building your resume with real job experience.
THREE (3) STEPS TO BEGIN YOUR WORK STUDY POSITION
Step 1: Logon to myLeo to accept your work study award for the terms as indicated. Upon acceptance, it is your responsibility to secure a work study position for the term. Students with accepted work study who have not secured employment within 14 days will forfeit their work study award.
Step 2: Contact prospective departments for an interview You may begin interviewing as soon as you have picked up your work permit. Various departments post openings before and during semesters. Available positions, interview and contact information are listed online: Human Resources.
Prior to going on your first interview, you must pick up your work study job permit in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
The permit indicates your eligibility for work study.
Step 3: Complete the top portion of your work study job permit with your supervisor and return the job permit to the Office of Financial Aid either in person or by campus mail when you accept an offer to work. Your supervisor will keep the bottom portion of the job permit as a record of your employment. Your schedule and work hours will be set by you and your supervisor. Remember you cannot work greater than 19 hours per week. If this is your first work study position, you will be required to complete additional paperwork by our Payroll and/or Human Resource office. Please direct questions to your supervisor regarding these and other general employment issues.
PAYMENT OF WORK STUDY EARNINGS
Your accepted work study amount indicates the amount per term you may earn during the semester. You will be paid bi-weekly. Choose to have your check mailed to you or direct deposited into an existing bank account.
ONGOING ELIGIBILITY
Work study eligibility varies by year. Students who wish to participate in work study must maintain satisfactory academic progress, must renew each year their FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA by the priority deadline provides the best chance of work study eligibility.
What is the financial aid entrance loan counseling session?
Before East Texas A&M disburses your Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized), regulations require that you complete a Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN).
The counseling session provides information about how to manage your student loans, both during and after college. To complete entrance counseling requirement students must go to https://studentaid.gov. For your records, print the confirmation page that appears after you complete entrance counseling.
If your parent is interested in applying for the Parent PLUS Loan, your parent must complete a PLUS application online at https://studentaid.gov by entering parent information first. The application will ask for student information later. A parent PLUS loan application must be completed every award year, similar to the FAFSA to receive.
Loan recipients who are receiving their loan money for Fall only or Spring only, are required to have 2 disbursements within that single semester. Half of this money will be disbursed at the beginning of the semester and the other half will be disbursed at the midpoint of the semester. This requirement is a federal regulation.
What is the financial aid withdrawal policy?
RETURN OF FUNDS DUE TO WITHDRAWAL
A student who receives financial aid and withdraws from the University may be required to repay all or part of the aid awarded. An application for withdrawal from the University must be initiated in the Office of Registrar
As part of this withdrawal process, students may be required to secure approval from the Financial Aid Office. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will determine if the student must repay all or part of the aid awarded.
Calculation of repayment is made at the time of withdrawal by determining the amount of aid the student was awarded, the amount of awarded aid the student earned, and ultimately the amount of awarded aid the student did not earn that must be returned to the aid program(s).
Excess funds will be returned in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
- Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
- Federal PLUS Program
- Federal Pell Grant Program
- Federal SEOG Program
- Other Title IV Aid
- Other State Aid
- Miscellaneous Aid
If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which, the student is otherwise eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a Post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received.
STUDENTS WHO WITHDRAW FROM ALL COURSES
1. ETAMU begins to release financial aid 10 days prior to the 1st day of classes for a semester. Students who withdraw from all courses from the first day financial aid funds are released to Student Accounts through the last day prior to the 1st day of classes must repay all financial aid disbursed for the semester.
2. Students who withdraw from all courses starting with the 1st day of a semester will have their financial aid reviewed to determine what federal financial aid was or was not earned for the semester. Federal Refund and Repayment calculations must be performed for students receiving Title IV Federal Aid who officially withdraw from all courses, drop all courses, and/or are expelled, take an unapproved leave of absence, or fail to return from an approved leave of absence prior to the 60% date of the term. All unearned aid must be returned to the federal aid programs as determined by the Federal Refund and Repayment calculations. In order to avoid repayment, students must maintain enrollment for at least through 60% of the semester. (Please note that different requirements apply to maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.)
*Due to the format of the Organizational Leadership Program, financial aid for students in this program are not part of the 10 day prior release rule.
STUDENTS WHO DROP COURSES BUT REMAIN ENROLLED
Adjustments to financial aid will be made according to the enrollment level as of the close of business on Census Day. Therefore, any student who drops classes prior to the close of business on Census Day must repay any financial aid that she/he is no longer eligible to receive.
Undergraduate and Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
1. Students who drop below half time during registration, late registration, and through the close of business on Census Day must repay all financial aid disbursed for the semester. Federal Pell Grants may be adjusted for part-time enrollment as determined by student’s eligibility.
2. Students who drop classes after Census Day and maintain enrollment for the semester will not be required to repay financial aid funds. (Please note that different requirements apply to maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.)
STUDENTS WHO FAIL ALL COURSES
Due to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, institutions are required to complete a refund calculation for financial aid recipients who fail all courses for the semester. These students are considered by the Federal Government to have “unofficially withdrawn” from the University. The refund calculation determines how much of the federal financial aid a student received for the semester was actually “earned” and how much must be “repaid” by the student to the appropriate financial aid program. The amount is based on the student’s last documented date of attendance.
*Students completely withdrawing from all courses in a semester or receiving all Fs for a semester will have their aid cancelled for any future aid periods. Students will be required to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to have consideration for any future aid to be awarded.
The policy to return funds due to withdrawal may be modified at any time without prior notice in order to comply with state and federal guidelines.
How am I classified if I have less than 12 transferable hours?
If you have less than 12 transferable hours or you are a high school student with college credit (no matter how many dual-credit hours), you are still considered a freshman and must follow the freshman application procedures.
How is financial aid need determined?
Financial need is determined by taking the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) subtracted by the resources available to the student to help meet that cost. Thus, financial need is determined to be the:
Cost of Attendance (COA)
– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
– Other Available Resources (such as scholarships)
———————————————–
=Financial Need
EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC)
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount a student and parent(s) can reasonably be expected to contribute towards educational expenses. The actual amount of the EFC is dependent upon family and student income, assets, family size, number of family members in college, taxes paid and age of the older parent. A student’s EFC is determined by the information provided to the U.S. Department of Education through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All applicants are required to inform the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships of any additional assistance to be received from outside sources during the application period. For example: VA Benefits, Outside Scholarships, and assistance from Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services.
OTHER AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Students should be aware that there are outside scholarships, teacher aide exemptions, Resident Assistants (RA’s), employee scholarships, Veteran Benefits, Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services, and outside grants that are considered resources and can affect a student’s financial need. These resources must be considered in your financial aid and scholarship award package.
I applied for a previous semester and was accepted. Will I be accepted again?
If you applied as an incoming freshman or a transfer student and have since attended another institution, we need those transcripts to verify your GPA before an admission decision can be made based on your new application.
How do I accept my award offer?
Once you have received your award notification, you must accept or decline your financial aid package.
Step 1: Log in to your MyLEO. Select your “Student Resources” tab and scroll to the bottom of the menu to click on the link titled “Your Financial Aid”. This opens your personalized Financial Aid homepage. Be sure to select the appropriate award year.
Step 2: Select the “Award Offer” tab, to accept or deny the offered financial aid by using the drop-down box. Please keep in mind, if aid is awarded fall and spring, the amount awarded will split between the terms, whether or not you modify the award.
Step 3: Click on the Submit button on the bottom right-hand side of the “Award Offer” page.
Step 4: Acknowledge the Terms and Conditions click “Accept Award” to confirm your decisions.
First-time borrowers at East Texas A&M:
You will need to complete the Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Otherwise, the funds will not credit to your student account.
Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online through the Federal Student Aid website.
If you are attending only one semester within the academic year, your loan will be credited in two (2) disbursements.
When will financial aid and scholarships be posted to accounts each semester?
The earliest federal and state financial aid can be credited to university student accounts, is 10 days prior to the first day of classes for the semester. Disbursements begin at 5:00 p.m. on disbursement days. Aid will only be released for those students meeting all financial aid requirements in the semester. Disbursement dates are found on the main Financial Aid Website. These dates represent the earliest your financial aid will be released to the Bursar’s Office/Office of Student Accounts.
*For the BAAS-Organizational Leadership (TAB) program, where courses are nontraditional and 7-week courses throughout the year, the earliest day financial aid can be released will be specific to the term.
Special Note for one semester only loans
Federal loan programs must always have two disbursements in any one loan period. The loan period is the first day of the semester through the last day of the semester. The 1st installment will occur no earlier than 10 days before the 1st class of the semester. The 2nd installment will occur after the midpoint of the loan period or the after the middle of the semester.
Check the Financial Aid News and Information page for specific dates.
What deadlines do I need to remember for financial aid?
October 1: FAFSA/TASFA application and Scholarship Portal open
November 1: Scholarship Portal priority deadline
November 15: Priority deadline for FAFSA/TASFA (Spring only)
January 15: Priority deadline for FAFSA/TASFA (Fall/Spring)
What is satisfactory academic progress (SAP)?
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will review the progress of each financial aid recipient for SAP at the end of each semester or term. All terms will be reviewed, including those for which financial aid was not requested.
Student records will be reviewed to ensure that the following criteria are met:
- Qualitative Progress in that both cumulative and term GPA requirements are met.
- Quantitative Progress in that the required number of credit hours is completed each semester or term and that the student has not exceeded the maximum number of credit hours allowed to attempt to complete degree.
1. GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) REQUIREMENT
Students must maintain both cumulative and term GPA standards.
| Student classification | GPA required |
| Undergraduate students | 2.0 |
| Graduate students | 3.0 |
2. HOURS REQUIREMENT
To be eligible for financial aid in any semester or term:
- Undergraduate and Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
- All students must complete a minimum of 67% of the number of credit hours they attempted in a semester or term.
- Calculation: Hours Completed divided by Hours Attempted X 100
- Example: Student attempted 12 hours, but withdrew from a 3 hour classes completing only 9 hours. (9 hrs/12 hrs X 100 = 75%)
The following chart states the minimum credit hour completion requirements that all students must meet.
3. MAXIMUM TIME FRAME TO COMPLETE A DEGREE PROGRAM
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
The number of credit hours a student attempts may not exceed 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in his or her program of study, as published in the University catalog. If the published number of hours required for graduation is 120, a student may not attempt more than 180 credit hours (120 x 150% = 180) and continue to receive financial aid. All periods of enrollment are considered, even those where the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred in from another school. If the number of attempted hours reaches 150% of the hours required for graduation, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
Students will be limited to the following number of attempted hours to complete their degree or certification program:
| DEGREE OR PROGRAM | ATTEMPTED HOURS |
| Undergraduate Degree | 180 |
| 2nd Undergraduate Degree | 45 |
| Teacher Certification | 45 |
GRADUATE STUDENTS
To coincide with East Texas A&M’s Graduate College policy, graduate students pursuing a Master’s degree must complete their degree program within six (6) years from the time they are admitted to their respective Master’s program. Graduate students pursuing a PhD program must complete their degree program within ten (10) years from the time they are admitted to their respective PhD program. All periods of enrollment are considered, even those where the student did not receive financial aid as well as hours transferred in from another school. Once the maximum time frame has been reached, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid.
FAILURE TO MEET SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
FINANCIAL AID WARNING
The first time a student fails to meet Financial Aid SAP standards, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning Status. A notification will be sent to the student via MyLEO email account. Students will be eligible for financial aid while in a warning status. However, students must make satisfactory academic progress during the semester or term to remain eligible for financial aid.
FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION
In the event the student does not meet the requirements for SAP while in Financial Aid Warning Status, he or she will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Notification will be sent to the student via MyLEO email account. Students will not be eligible for any type of federal, state or institutional aid while in a suspension status.
*Students that completely withdraw from all courses in a semester or receive all Fs for a semester will have their aid cancelled for any future aid periods. Students will automatically be on Financial Aid suspension.
APPEAL PROCESS
Students whose eligibility for financial aid has been suspended may appeal the decision in writing to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if they had extenuating circumstance(s) that led to their unsatisfactory progress. An appeal consists of the appropriate appeal form and supporting documentation. Extenuating circumstances consist of but is not limited to a personal illness, medical problems, death in the family, etc. Documentation is required to substantiate the extenuating circumstance(s).
Appeals are reviewed by a committee and decisions are sent from the Financial Aid Director to the student in writing to student’s MyLEO email account.
If the student is not satisfied with the decision sent by the Financial Aid Director, then the final option for the student is to appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. This must be completed within 10 calendar days of notification of denial by the Financial Aid Director. The student must request in writing that they would like their appeal to be reviewed by the Committee. The Chair of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee will notify the student in writing of the decision. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee is final and cannot be overturned.
Note: A student will only be allowed to submit an appeal for review three times as an undergraduate and three times as a graduate student. Students will forfeit the right to appeal after the 3rd appeal and will permanently lose financial aid eligibility at East Texas A&M. If the student has exceeded the maximum time frame of 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation in his or her program of study, as published in the University catalog and is appealing based on a change of major, the student must download the appropriate appeal form and must also their Department Head and Academic Advisor complete the 2nd portion of the appeal form which indicates the number of credit hours required for the major and the number of hours remaining. Appeal will not be reviewed without completion or submission of this form.
FINANCIAL AID PROBATION
The student who fails to make satisfactory progress and has appealed their Financial Aid Suspension and has had eligibility for financial aid reinstated is assigned a status of Financial Aid Probation and are able to receive financial aid. Students on Financial Aid Probation may not receive financial aid for the subsequent semester or term unless the student makes satisfactory academic progress or the university determines that the student met the requirements specified in the academic plan for the student.
REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID
To be considered for financial aid reinstatement for a subsequent term after Financial Aid Suspension, a student must enroll at least half-time (undergraduates-6 hours; graduates-6 hours) for one semester at Texas East Texas A&M, pay the expenses related to that enrollment and pass the term with a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students. A student who successfully meets the requirements for reinstatement will be placed back on Financial Aid Probation and will be eligible to apply for financial aid. Two consecutive terms of meeting the standards of academic progress will place the student back in good standing.
HOW GRADES, INCOMPLETES, WITHDRAWALS, TRANSFER CREDITS AND REPEATS AFFECT SAP
Attempted hours include all registered hours per semester whether or not the student earns a grade or receives credit.
The following are considered hours attempted, but not completed:
- “F” grades for undergraduate students
- “D” or “F” grades for graduate students
- “W” or withdrawal from courses for all students
- “Q” dropped course(s), but still enrolled for all students
- “I”, incomplete, “IP”, in progress, or “X” incomplete grades for all students
- “U” unsatisfactory grades for all students
- All transfer hours attempted, but not completed for all students
The following are considered completed hours and include all semester hours for which the student earns a grade:
- “A” through “D” grades for undergraduate students
- “A” through “C” grades for graduate students
- “S” satisfactory grades for all students
- All transfer hours completed for all students
Financial assistance is usually not provided for repeated coursework.
However, if a higher grade for a particular course is required for that course to be accepted to the student?s official program of study, the financial assistance can be provided on an individual basis.
Certain courses, in the School of Music and the Department of Art, though they appear to be repeat courses are not repeat courses. The course needs to be taken several semesters in order to obtain the necessary credit hours within the course.
FINANCIAL AID WILL NOT BE PROVIDED FOR:
- Courses taken by audit
- Credit hours earned by placement exams
- Non-credit coursework
- Transient and transfer students attending only for one term
- Non-degree students who will not seek a degree from East Texas A&M University
- Course(s) being repeated where a passing grade was earned and are accepted towards the degree
- Course(s) where a passing grade was earned and the course(s) is being repeated for the sole purpose of improving the GPA
- Course where a passing grade was earned and the course is being repeated in combination with another course for purposes of receiving financial aid
How are Pell grants dispersed?
All students receiving financial aid must meet the disbursement requirements of each aid program awarded in order for aid to be disbursed. Enrollment is verified on census date for each semester. Dropping classes, withdrawing, or registering for fewer hours once awarded and financial aid is released will result in a change in the amount of your financial aid for the semester or complete cancellation of your financial assistance. Below is a chart explaining the disbursement requirements for each aid program. (The Pell grant is listed separately due to its unique and very specific requirements).
FEDERAL PELL GRANT
The amount of Pell grant you may receive is based on the number of hours the student is enrolled in at the time of disbursement.
12 hours or more is full-time enrollment
9-11 hours (3/4 time) or
6-8 hours (1/2 time)
The Pell grant is federally funded “gift” aid and is not normally repaid, however, if a change in your enrollment status occurs prior to the census date (full-time to 3/4 time or less), you will be responsible for repayment of the difference between the amount you received and the amount specified for the new status. Withdrawal from all courses after the census date may also necessitate repayment.
TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION GRANT-TPEG
The amount of TPEG you may receive is based on the number of hours you are enrolled in at the time of disbursement.
12 hours or more is full-time enrollment
9-11 hours (3/4 time) or
6-8 hours (1/2 time)
The TPEG is state funded “gift” aid and is not normally repaid, however, if a change in your enrollment status occurs prior to the census date (full-time to 3/4 time or less), you will be responsible for repayment of the difference between the amount you received and the amount specified for the new status. Withdrawal from all courses after the census date may also necessitate repayment.
Click Here to view a Video Tutorial about what to do if Financial Aid is not available when tuition is due.
| Type of Aid | Minimum number of enrolled hours to be eligible | Can dropping classes change my eligibility? | Can withdrawing from the university require repayment? |
| SEOG GRANT | 6 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| TPEG GRANT | Full Time | Yes | Yes |
| TEXAS GRANT | 9 credit hours/Complete 24 credit hours in academic year | Yes | Yes |
| DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN | 6 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN | 6 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| FEDERAL PARENT PLUS LOAN | 6 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| COLLEGE ACCESS LOAN | 6 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| BE ON TIME LOAN | 12 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS | 15 Hours | Yes | Yes |
| TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS | 15 Hours | Yes | Yes |
What are the financial consequences for withdrawing?
If you are considering completely withdrawing from all your classes, you need to know how this can affect your financial aid and much more.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
If you do not meet SAP standards, you will lose your financial aid eligibility. Students that completely withdraw or cease attendance will be placed on financial aid suspension and will not be eligible for financial aid for upcoming semesters.
For more details – Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Return of Funds Due to Withdrawal
A student who receives financial aid and withdraws from the university may be required to repay all or part of the aid awarded. An application for withdrawal from the university must be initiated with the Registrar’s Office.
As part of the withdrawal process, students may be required to secure approval from the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship. This office will determine if the student must repay all or part of the aid awarded.
Calculation of repayment is made at the time of withdrawal by determining the amount of aid the student was awarded, the amount of awarded aid the student earned, and ultimately the amount of awarded aid the student did not earn that must be returned to the aid program(s).
Excess funds will be returned in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
- Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program
- Federal PLUS Program
- Federal Pell Grant Program
- Federal SEOG Program
- Other Title IV Aid
- Other State Aid
- Miscellaneous Aid
If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which, the student is otherwise eligible, he or she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received.
Students Who Withdraw from All Courses
- East Texas A&M begins to release financial aid 10 days prior to the first day of classes for a semester. Students who withdraw from all courses from the first-day financial aid funds are released to Student Accounts through the last day prior to the first day of classes must repay all financial aid disbursed for the semester.
- Students who withdraw from all courses starting with the first day of a semester will have their financial aid reviewed to determine what federal financial aid was or was not earned for the semester. Federal refund and repayment calculations must be performed for students receiving Title IV Federal Aid who officially withdraw from all courses, drop all courses, and/or are expelled, take an unapproved leave of absence, or fail to return from an approved leave of absence prior to the 60% date of the term. All unearned aid must be returned to the federal aid programs as determined by the federal refund and repayment calculations. In order to avoid repayment, students must maintain enrollment at least through 60% of the semester. (Please note that different requirements apply to maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress.)
*Due to the format of the Organizational Leadership Program, financial aid for students in this program are not part of the 10-day prior release rule.
What is verification?
The Department of Education randomly selects students in a process called, Verification. Verification works as a mini-audit whereby the school collects information and documents from the student applicant and parents, if applicable.
Not all students are selected for verification and not all students are selected for schools to verify the same data. Each applicant is selected for specific data to be verified. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships requests from the selected applicant documents applicable to the data needing to be verified. Students have 14 days from date of request to submit the documents originally requested. Students are able to view the required documents needed through the myLEO portal; Financial Aid section. The Verification Forms are available on the FORMS tab. Based on the information on the original documents, the Office Verification Team may request additional documents or request clarification if conflicting information is received. With few exceptions, no financial aid is awarded until the verification process is complete.
Do you consider special circumstances when reviewing the FAFSA?
The data on the FAFSA is a
What are the general eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid?
To receive funds under any of the Federal Student Aid programs, you must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree-seeking or certificate program.
- Be enrolled in courses that are part of the degree program the student is admitted and actively pursuing.
- Graduate students who are admitted to two degree programs have a priority 1 degree program and a priority 2 degree program. In these circumstances, the courses registered for in a semester need to coincide with the priority 1 degree program. If the courses registered in a semester coincide with the priority 2 degree program instead of the priority 1 degree program, the priority number of the degrees need to be changed. Students need to contact the Graduate School to make this change.
- Be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours).
- Students enrolled in May Mini will need to also be enrolled in Summer 1 to be considered for financial aid*.
- Students enrolled in Winter Mini will need to also be enrolled in the Spring semester to be considered for financial aid*.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Be registered with Selective Service (if required).
- Be in good academic standing and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward completion of a degree or certificate.
- Not owe a refund on a Federal Grant or be in default on a Federal educational loan.
- Demonstrate a Financial Need – except for some loan programs.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit any required documentation required for verification.
*Payment for May mini or Winter mini courses is due before financial aid can be released. Students will need to either pay out of pocket or contact the Bursar’s Office to obtain a tuition loan. Once financial aid for the particular semester is released the Bursar’s Office will apply it to the tuition loan and any other current debt to the University.
I do not receive Financial Aid or I do not receive enough aid to pay for everything. Can the university provide any assistance?
East Texas A&M – Tuition Loans – Information and Forms
East Texas A&M Leo Personal Loans – Information and Forms
What is a Parent PLUS loan?
Parent PLUS loans are unsubsidized federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for educational expenses not covered by other financial aid. Applications for Parent PLUS loans are available through the U.S. Department of Education, processed through the Financial Aid Office, and are part of a student’s financial aid package. Loan funds are disbursed to the student’s account and applied to pay outstanding charges as needed.
How do I apply for financial aid after getting an admission?
First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.
For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Information about scholarships can be found in the following locations/offices,
- Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Office of Admissions
- Alumni Association
- Academic Departments
For more information, please visit the Scholarships website.
Does academic probation/suspension affect my financial aid?
If you are receiving financial aid, your academic status will affect your financial aid eligibility. Please refer to the Financial Aid Standards of Progress information on the Financial Aid and Scholarship website.