Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is my financial need determined?

When you complete the FAFSA form, the information you provide determines your financial need. The result is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC varies based on the number of people in your household and how many are in college. It considers your income and assets. If you are a dependent student, the EFC also considers your parents' income and assets.

Need-based aid can be in the form of grants, scholarships, Perkins loans, and subsidized low-interest loans. If you don't qualify for aid based on need, you can still get unsubsidized loans or PLUS loans.

2. When will I know about my financial aid offer?

Once we have your complete file, we will send you an email to let you know your financial aid offer is available through E-Services within three weeks. We begin awarding for the upcoming school year by the beginning of May each year.

3. How many credit hours do I need to receive my aid?

Financial aid awards have various enrollment requirements, (i.e. Direct Loans require half-time enrollment; TEXAS Grant requires 9 hours of enrollment). Your financial aid is always adjusted based the actual number of credit hours you are enrolled in.

In order to accurately determine your financial aid disbursement eligibility, you will need to complete an Intended Enrollment Form in E-Services. You will be prompted to do this once we receive your FAFSA. We will send you an email to your UHCL email address requesting that you complete the Intended Enrollment Form. We will package your financial aid based on this submission, or will assume full-time enrollment if it is not completed. If your enrollment ever changes notify our office at 281-283-2480 or uhcl_fao@uhcl.edu.

Undergraduate (or Post-Bacc) Students:
Full Time: 12 or more hours 
Three Quarter TIme: 9-11 hours
Half Time: 6-8 hours
Less Than Half Time: 5 hours or less

Graduate Students:
Full Time: 9 or more hours 
Three Quarter TIme: 7-8 hours
Half Time: 5-6 hours
Less Than Half Time: 4 hours or less

4. Can I receive more financial aid?

Financial aid offers include grants, loans, work-study, or scholarships. Grants and work-study offers are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis due to limited funding. If you complete your application early, you may receive more financial aid than late applicants. The priority deadline at UHCL is March 1st, 2024 (this date is delayed from our original priority deadline of January 15th due to the delayed release of the 2024-2025 FAFSA application). If additional financial aid becomes available during the school year, we will re-award students, starting with those who have the highest financial need.

If you applied for a scholarship and it is not included in your offer, don't worry—scholarships are awarded separately from grants, loans, and work-study, so you might be offered a scholarship at a later time. If your award email is missing aid you were expecting, call the Office of Student Financial Aid at 281-283-2480.

5. What is an "overaward"?

Financial aid is designed to help you pay only expenses associated with your education. An overaward happens when your need-based financial aid is more than your financial need, or when your financial aid exceeds your cost of attendance.

You could have an overaward if you change your enrollment status, housing plans, FAFSA information, residency classification, student type (undergraduate, graduate) Satisfactory Academic Progress status, or if you receive additional financial aid awards or resources. If you are in an overaward situation, we will modify your award as necessary and let you know.

6. Are international students eligible for aid?

With few exceptions, Federal financial assistance is only available to citizens of the United States. If you have only an F1, F2, J1, or J2 student or work visa you are not eligible for federal student aid. See FAFSA for more information on exceptions for people who are not citizens.

International or undocumented students can apply for some state aid. Go to our Forms and Resources to view the TASFA (for undocumented Texas residents) or the Financial Aid for International and Undocumented Students application. 

International students are also eligible for many university scholarships. Also, international students may be eligible for some private student loans. For information regarding these loans, or other external financial aid information, please visit www.edupass.org. 

1. How do I apply for financial aid? 

To apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, you start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online at the Federal Student Aid website.

You can also complete the FAFSA via the phone at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). However, we recommend you complete the FAFSA online.

Each year the FAFSA form is normally available on October 1, but the release date for 2024-2025 has been delayed until December 2023 for the next school year. File your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available to ensure that we receive the results of your FAFSA by March 1.

With few exceptions, Federal financial assistance is only available to citizens of the United States. If you have only an F1, F2, J1, or J2 student or work visa you are not eligible for federal student aid. See FAFSA for more information on exceptions for people who are not citizens.

Texas Residents who are not US citizens can sometimes apply for State aid with the TASFA application. Go to our Forms and Resources to view the TASFA (for undocumented Texas residents) or the Financial Aid for International and Undocumented Students application. 

International students are also eligible for many university scholarships. Also, international students may be eligible for some private student loans. For information regarding these loans, or other external financial aid information, please visit www.edupass.org.

2. What is a first priority deadline?

The priority deadline is the deadline to submit your FAFSA to us so that we can consider you for the maximum amount of financial aid eligibility. Because of limited funding all grants (except Federal Pell Grant) and college work-study are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Once they're gone, they're gone! Therefore, it's important to get your FAFSA in early. You can still apply for financial aid after the priority deadline, and will be considered for any remaining funds that are available. We must have the results of your FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline before we can consider you for the most financial aid.

Generally, we start awarding students for the upcoming aid year in May. It takes about 3 weeks for us to receive and process the FAFSA. Please check your UHCL email account for any communications from us!

3. What is UHCL's school code, and where do I enter it?

UHCL's school code is 011711.

Enter it on your FAFSA so that we can receive your FAFSA results. The FAFSA form allows space for you to enter codes for up to six schools.

4. How can I fix a mistake I made on my FAFSA application?

If you find incorrect information on your FAFSA, or you originally used estimated income information and need to report actual figures, you can go to the Federal Student Aid website to make the correction. Or, you make your changes on your Student Aid Report (SAR) then sign, date, and mail it back to the Central Processing System (CPS).

1. What is verification, and what do I need to do if I am selected?

Verification is a process that all universities participating in federal aid programs have to complete. If the Central Processing System (CPS) selects you, you must complete verification in order to qualify for financial aid. If you are selected, we will send you an email requesting additional documents. Using these documents, we compare your data to the information on your FAFSA, and make corrections, if needed.

2. What documents do I need for verification?

Please check your UHCL email or your checklists in E-Services for the specific documents we are requesting from you. Generally, we will be requesting:

• Verification Worksheet available at Online Forms & Services.
• Copy of your tax transcript. Please review your verification worksheet to get detailed directions on receiving a tax transcript. Alternatively, you may do the IRS data retrieval which is discussed on the verification worksheet. The IRS data retrieval is the preferred way of providing tax information.
• Copies of all current W-2 forms for student and parents/spouse.
• Dependent students who did not file taxes will be asked to complete and submit a Student Non-Filer Form. Independent students/spouses/parents who did not file taxes will be asked to complete a non-filer form and submit a copy of an IRS Verification of Non-Filing Letter for the appropriate tax year. These forms are available at Online Forms and Services.
• If after reviewing these documents we need more information, someone from our office will contact you via your UHCL email account.

3. How long will the verification process take?

Once we have collected all your verification documents, they go to your counselor. We can usually review your verification documents within three weeks after receiving them. (During peak times, the process may take slightly longer.) After the verification is completed, we will award you your financial aid.

4. What is the due date to submit verification documents?

There is no official deadline to submit documentation for Verification; however, students are encouraged to submit all required documentation at their earliest convenience. In order to submit any Verification documents to our office, you must already have an official SAR and EFC processed by the Department of Education. Submission of documents does not guarantee a disbursement of funds. To be considered for any federal or state aid disbursement, you must submit any required verification documents to our office 10 days before the official closing of the semester in which you are enrolled.

1. What's the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans?

Federal Direct Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who are enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credit hours). The federal government pays the interest on a subsidized loan while you are in school at least half-time and during periods of grace and deferment.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (HT) (undergraduate HT status: 6 or more credit hours; graduate HT status: 5 or more credit hours). The interest is NOT paid by the federal government, and is therefore paid for by the student. Interest begins to accrue on an unsubsidized loan on the disbursement date. The interest continues to accrue and capitalizes during repayment.

2. What is the interest rate for Federal Direct Loans?

3. How do I accept my Stafford loans?

• First, we send you an email about your financial aid package.
• When you receive your email, go to E-Services to accept your financial aid. You can take the amount we offer you, or if it's more than you need or want, you can reduce it in E-Services. 
• If this is your first time receiving a loan at UHCL you will need to complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN can be completed online at the Federal Student Aid website.  
• If this is your first time receiving a loan, you must complete Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling. The Entrance Counseling can be found at the Federal Student Aid website.

4. How do I reduce the amount of my Stafford loan?

We will offer the maximum loan amount you qualify for. If you'd like to reduce the amount, go to E-Services, select the Financial Aid tile and select "View Financial Aid." From there, select "change" to update the aid year, if needed.  The slelct "Edit" to accept or decline.  Once you accept, you can edit the amount to reduce it.  Then be sure to click Submit.

Loan amounts automatically split between Fall and Spring semesters.

If you decide to reduce your loan amount, or to see if you qualify for additional loan funds, please contact financial aid at uhcl_fao@uhcl.edu

5. Why do I need to complete Entrance Loan Counseling?

We are required to provide Entrance Loan Counseling to all first-time student loan borrowers before we disburse the money to your account. Entrance Loan Counseling is a short online tutorial that explains why you need to repay your student loans. It tells you the consequences if you fail to repay, and also helps you budget your money while in school. We can't release your loan funds until you have completed Entrance Counseling at the Federal Student Aid website.

6. Why do I need to complete Exit Loan Counseling?

We are required to provide additional loan counseling to students once you have dropped below half-time status or have graduated. If you have a loan and you are planning to graduate, complete Exit Loan Counseling online at the Federal Student Aid website.

7. Why did I only receive half of my expected loan amount?

Federal regulations require us to split your loan funds into at least two equal payments. If your loan is for fall and spring, you'll get half of your loan at the beginning of fall and the other half at the beginning of the spring semester. If your loan is for one semester only (e.g. summer), however, you will get just one loan disbursement at the beginning of that semester.

8. Why hasn’t my loan been credited to my student account?

Before we can credit a loan to your account you must

• Accept the loan in E-services
• Have a current Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file. 
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours for undergraduates, 5 hours for graduate students).
• Have completed Entrance Loan Counseling (if this is your first Stafford loan or first Grad PLUS loan).
• Be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Not be in default on any federal loans or owe a Title IV overpayment.

1. Am I eligible for College Work-Study?

For College work-study (CWS) awards, first make sure your FAFSA is on file with our office by the March 1 priority deadline, and indicate on your FASFA that you are interested in work study. If you are not initially awarded CWS, contact our office about your work-study eligibility. CWS funds are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, and there is no guarantee that you will receive a CWS award.

2. How do I get a College Work-Study position?

To find a work-study job you have to apply and be interviewed. Please start by creating an account through Jobs4Hawks. With Jobs4Hawks, you can find dozens of part-time student jobs for both work-study and non-work-study. 

3. How many hours am I permitted to work as a College Work-Study student?

You can't work more than 20 hours per week. Work-study students must also remain in good academic standing (meet SAP), must stay enrolled in at least 6 credit hours throughout the semester, and cannot work during scheduled class times. Some positions will require 20 hours per week while others may be less. CWS students generally find that the flexibility of their schedules is a perk of participating in the program.

4. Next Steps

After applying for a work-study position, you will be contacted for an interview if the department chooses to select you as a candidate. If you are selected for the position, the department will help you with the hiring process. Please review the paperwork required in Human Resources for Student Employees. The hire approval process can take up to two weeks.

1. After my financial aid posts to my student account, how do I get it?

Student Business Services will apply financial aid to what you owe in tuition and fees, then SBS will refund any credit balance to your selected UHCL BankMobile refund preference. (See below for more info for BankMobile)

2. Can I pick up my refund check from Student Business Services?

No, you cannot pick up a check from SBS.  All refunds are processed through BankMobile.

3. Where’s my grant money?

Grants are credited to your account a week or so before classes begin. If your grant does not hit your account by the fee payment deadline, it will show on your student account as "anticipated aid." You won’t be penalized for nonpayment if your total anticipated aid is enough to cover what you owe.

To receive your grant funds, you must register for the correct number of hours for which your aid was awarded. Of course you must also meet the other eligibility requirements (making Satisfactory Academic Progress, not be in default or owe a Title IV Overpayment, be admitted to a degree-seeking program, etc.)

Pell Grant amounts are adjusted at various points near the beginning of each semester based on your enrolled hours.  A final adjustment is made after census date (12th class day) based on your official enrollment at census.  If you drop a course or enroll in less hours than what you entered on your Intended Enrollment Form, you may owe a balance to UHCL if your Pell Grant is reduced.

4. Where's my loan money?

After we get your eMPN and Entrance Counseling, we'll post your loan(s) to your account, after verifying your eligibility.

If your loan does not hit your account by the fee payment deadline, it will show on your student account as "anticipated aid." You won’t be penalized for nonpayment if your total anticipated aid is enough to cover what you owe.

5. How do I get my refund the way I want it?

UHCL has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid refund.

We are committed to providing students with clear choices and offering great customer service.

UHCL has partnered with BankMobile to provide refund disbursements.  You will receive information from BankMobile  with instructions on how to select your refund preference.

For more information, visit BankMobile.

1. What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?

Under federal and state statutes all students applying for or receiving federal or state financial assistance must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree or certification. UHCL also uses this requirement for awarding institutional funds.

SAP is based on three measures:

1. Grade Point Average. Undergraduates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Completion ratio. Students must complete 75% of their cumulative attempted coursework at UHCL. This is derived by dividing the total number of UHCL hours plus accepted transfer course work completed by the total number of UHCL hours attempted plus accepted transfer course work. Attempted hours are those completed plus hours of "WX", "WQ", "I", "F", and "IP."
3. Time frame to Complete Academic Program. Undergraduates who have attempted more than 171 credit hours and graduates who have attempted more than 54 credit hours have exceeded the established time frame for their respective degrees. Total hours also includes any accepted transfer course work

Undergraduate students enrolled in the following programs must complete their program within the specific time time frame frame listed below:

• Pre-Engineering 99 credit hours

Graduate students enrolled in the following programs must complete their master's or doctoral degree within the specified time time frame frame listed below:

• Early Childhood Education MS 73 credit hours
• Clinical Psychology MA 63 credit hours
• School Psychology SSP 70 credit hours
• Family Therapy MA 63 credit hours
• Healthcare Business Administration 84 credit hours
• Education Leadership EdD 69 credit hours

The first semester that a student fails to meet the GPA or completion ratio requirement for SAP he or she will receive a warning email regarding financial aid eligibility. The second semester that a student fails to meet the GPA or completion ratio, his or her financial aid will be canceled. Students who exceed the time time frame frame for their academic program will not receive a warning. Their financial aid will be canceled.

2. Can I appeal my Satisfactory Academic Progress status?

If you are not eligible for financial aid due to academic progress, then you may file a written appeal to the office of financial aid. The appeal form is available on our website under Forms and Resources. Please read the appeal form instructions carefully and submit all supporting documentation. Upon approval of your SAP appeal, your financial aid will be reinstated. Appeals must be approved before the close of the semester in order for your aid to be reinstated. 

3. How long does it take to process a Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal?

Our committee usually reviews appeals within three weeks. We send appeal results by email the following business day.

You can find more detailed information about Satisfactory Academic Progress in the UHCL catalog.

1. How does a short-term loan work?

If you are eligible for financial aid but your funds are not ready, you may qualify for a short-term loan for the full amount you need. We make these loans available on a case-by-case basis beginning one week prior to the payment deadline. Contact Financial Aid at 281-283-2480 if you are interested in applying.

2. Can I get a short-term loan for expenses other than tuition and fees?

No, unfortunately short-term loans are only available for tuition and fee payments. UHCL does not have an "emergency" loan program.

3. Can I receive a book voucher?

We do not have a book voucher program, but you can charge books and supplies to your account in the UHCL Campus Store as soon as you have a credit balance on your account from a recent financial aid disbursement. Once we transfer the credit balance to BankMobile, you can no longer charge books to your student account.

Students may officially withdraw on E-Services. When a student withdraws prior to completing 60 percent of the term, they have not "earned" all of their federal financial aid. As a result, a Return of Title IV Funds calculation must be performed. We are required to return the lesser of the unearned portion of federal aid or the total institutional charges (tuition and fees, housing charges, etc.) billed to the student.

Funds which may need to be returned if you withdraw:

• Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan
• Subsidized Direct Stafford Loan
• PLUS Loans
• Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
• TEACH Grants

The unearned portion of aid is returned to the Federal Direct Student Loan program or other federal aid program. For example, if a student completes only 20 percent of the term, then he or she has failed to earn 80 percent of the federal financial aid that was disbursed, or could have been disbursed, prior to the withdrawal. If the return of the funds creates a balance due on the student account, the student will be responsible for paying the balance on their UHCL student account.

Also, students who receive all "F" or a combination of "F" and "WX" or "WQ" grades are considered to be unofficial withdrawals. These grades do not confirm attendance or participation in the entire semester in any class, so a Return of Title IV Funds calculation must be performed.

Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 281-283-2480 prior to withdrawing to discuss implications caused by withdrawing.

Summer financial aid is awarded separately from fall and spring semesters. Awards are determined by the classes you are registered for and any aid you have remaining from the academic year.

Steps to apply for summer 2024 financial aid:

1. Complete a 2023-2024 FAFSA application

   • Students must have submitted all outstanding to-do list items in order to be eligible for Federal and State Financial Aid.

   • Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress for the term in which they are receiving aid.

2. You must register for summer courses, beginning mid-April 2024.

3. Once registered, you must complete a short "Summer Aid Application" available in E-Services, under the financial aid tile.  On the Summer Aid application, you will indicate your exact enrollment  (credit hours) that you are registered for before our office will begin processing financial aid awards.

Awards for Financial Aid will begin late April/early May.  Changes to enrollment after an award is made can effect your award; please make sure to contact our office if you plan on changing your enrollment.

What financial aid awards can I receive in the summer?:

Pell Grant

In summer 2024, Pell Grant eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award each year. What does this mean for you? If you were a Pell eligible student in fall 2023 and/or spring 2024, you may qualify for a Pell Grant for summer 2024!  In most cases, there is a requirement to enroll at least half-time (6+ credits).

Important facts to note:

Pell Grant alone is not enough to cover the full cost of attending classes in the summer.

Many students use their full loan eligibility over the fall and spring semesters, leaving nothing available for summer. If possible, students should reserve some of their annual federal loan eligibility for the summer.

The maximum time time frame frame that students may receive Federal Pell Grant is the equivalent of twelve full-time semesters. One full-time semester of Pell equals 50%.

Minimum credit hours for Summer Pell:

If you enrolled full-time (12+ credits) and received the full-time Pell Grant amount for fall 2023 and spring 2024, you must enroll at least half-time (6+ credits) in summer classes to receive a summer Pell Grant.

If you enrolled part-time fall 2023 or spring 2024, there is no minimum credit requirement to receive a summer Pell Grant (unless required by your EFC). You can use the remainder of your annual Pell Grant amount during summer with no minimum credit requirement.

Other State/Federal Grants:

There are limited Federal and State grants for summer based on need and enrollment.  These grants are awarded first-come, first-served, therefore students should plan ahead with their academic advisor for summer enrollment and complete all steps to apply for summer financial aid immediately.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans:

Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan.

You must have unused loan eligibility from fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters. Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) have annual and lifetime limits. If you accepted or received less than your annual limits in fall and spring, you may request additional loans for summer.

Summer sessions are shorter and more varied than during the rest of the year. When you drop or withdraw from classes, there can be a significant impact on your aid, including needing to repay funds in some situations. Contact us before you make any changes so we can let you know how changing enrollment can impact your summer aid.

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What is the deadline to apply for summer financial aid?

Students should apply immediately following their summer registration.  The final deadline to apply is August 1, 2024 as long as you remain enrolled in your registered courses.

I am taking a course at another college.  Can that count towards my enrollment and financial aid I receive at UHCL?

No, UHCL can only count courses registered for and taken at UHCL for purposes of financial aid awards.

I'm at my annual loan limits for 2023-2024.  Can I use the 2024-2025 aid year financial aid to fund my summer 2024 courses?

No, students receiving financial aid for summer 2024 must be awarded from their 2023-2024 financial aid eligibility.  If a student has reached their annual limits for loans, they cannot use another aid year.

The Intended Enrollment form does not include summer.  How do I complete the Intended Enrollment for summer?

Students do not need to complete the intended enrollment form to be awarded summer financial aid.  Students need to register first, then complete the Summer Aid Application available in E-Services to apply for summer financial aid.

I will be taking one class this summer, will I qualify for financial aid?

Most students need to be enrolled at least half-time (undergraduates - 6 hours and graduates 5 hours) to be eligible for most financial aid, including loans, state grants and most Pell grant awards.  Depending on a students Pell grant eligibility, they may be eligible for a small Pell grant for being enrolled in one class.

Are there any scholarships for summer?

Most opportunities for scholarships will be available in the Fall and Spring terms.  Students attending summer should monitor the Scholarship website for available opportunities if one becomes available.

When will I receive my financial aid for summer?

Financial aid begins disbursing financial aid to students account beginning one week before the start of the first summer session you are enrolled.  Disbursement means that your financial aid will be applied to your student account.  Any remaining money will be refunded to you by Student Business Services beginning the first week of classes.

What if I change my classes after I have received my financial aid?

Please contact financial aid before changing classes, if possible, to make sure there are no adjustments to your financial aid award.  Most financial aid, including Pell grant and state grants, are dependent on your enrollment through the census date of the session.  Other enrollment changes can result in not just an award change but returning a portion of your financial aid through a Return to Title IV process as required by the Department of Education.

I have already used my annual and/or lifetime limits in loans for the aid year. What options do I have for summer?

Students who have already been awarded the maximum financial aid in the Fall/Summer or have reached their lifetime limits on loan borrowing, can review options for Federal Direct PLUS loans or Alternative loans through private lenders. Information about these options can be found at  Student Loans at UHCL.  PLUS loan applications for summer must to be submitted by June 30.

Winter mini financial aid is awarded as part of your spring financial aid. Awards are determined by the combined enrollment of winter mini and courses you are registered for in the regular and eight-week spring sessions. The combined enrollment will help determine your spring financial award.

How do I apply for financial aid for the Winter Mini Session?

Students should submit a FAFSA application and complete all outstanding to-do list items in order to be eligible for Federal and State Financial Aid. Students are highly encouraged to complete these items well in advance to ensure the Financial Aid Office can award financial aid prior to payment deadlines.

What financial aid can I receive for the Winter Mini Session?

Dependent on a student's enrollment, please visit the Types of Aid page. Please also refer to "When will I receive my financial aid" question below.

When will I receive my financial aid for the Winter-Mini Session?

Financial aid for the Winter Mini Session will not be applied to the student account until Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This is the first disbursement date of the spring 2024 term. If you have enough pending financial aid that covers the balance of your Winter Mini Session, you will not be dropped. You must stay enrolled and complete the winter-mini Session for that enrollment to count towards your spring financial aid.

What if I am not awarded financial aid or don't have enough financial aid to cover my winter-mini balance?

If you are not awarded financial aid or have enough financial aid to cover your Winter Mini Session balance, you will need to make full payment of the course with Student Business Services.

Why did my financial aid award change for the spring term?

You are initially awarded financial aid based on the Intended Enrollment completed through E-Services. Any dropping or adding of winter mini or other spring courses can result in an adjustment of cancellation of your entire spring financial aid award. If you fail or withdraw from winter mini, this course will not count towards your spring enrollment and your financial aid could possibly be reduced.