Federal Financial Aid

  1. Eligibility
    There are certain eligibility requirements mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. In order for students to receive Title IV federal financial aid, students must:
    1. a have a high school diploma or GED;
    2. be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program leading to a degree or certificate;
    3. be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
    4. be making satisfactory academic progress;
    5. not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan;
    6. be registered with selective service if required;
    7. must not possess a Bachelor’s degree from any foreign or U.S. college
       
  2. Application Process
    All students applying for the federal financial aid programs must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application should be completed on the internet at www.studentaid.gov. The school code to use for Southern Union is 001040. Students and parents of dependent students should first create a FSA User ID and password to complete FAFSA online.

    Applications received by June 1 receive priority consideration for Pell and/or loans for the upcoming fall semester. Students who have not completed all the required paperwork by June 1 cannot be assured that Pell and/or loans will be ready in time for fall tuition and fee payment. Students must apply each academic year for assistance.

    Students should have an application for admission and all required transcripts on file in the Student Services Office. If a student is selected for additional verification, all documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office should be submitted as soon as possible. Students can check their student portal for documents needed in order to process their financial aid offer. When all required information is received, eligible students will receive an offer notification from the Financial Aid Office.

    All questions relating to the verification process or awarding of financial aid can be sent to financialaid@suscc.edu.

  3. Ineligibility/Drug Conviction
    A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student for FSA funds. The student self-certifies in applying for aid that he/she is eligible; you are not required to confirm this unless you have conflicting information.

    Convictions only count if they were for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid, they do not count if the offense was not during such a period. Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record does not count, nor does one received when they were a juvenile, unless they were tried as an adult.