Financial Aid Time Line

Terms with an asterisk are defined in the Glossary

January

·Complete and mail FAFSA* or Renewal application* for next award year*. If application questions arise after reading any of the material, please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

·Scholarship applications for continuing students available in the scholarship office for next award year.

·Receive this semesters financial aid funds at the Bursar's Office. Preenrollment by a certain date is necessary to receive funds in a timely manner. Check with the Financial Aid Office for that date.

·Emergency Enrollment Loans for tuition and fees only are available by appointment in the Financial Aid Office.

·High School Seniors: New student orientation for students admitted for spring semester.

February

·Summer financial aid applications available in Financial Aid Office. A current or next award year FAFSA or Renewal application is required to receive summer financial aid.

·Financial Aid Office begins mailing scholarship offers to new students for next award year.

·Short Term Loans for education related expenses are available by appointment in the Financial Aid Office.

March

March 1: Absolute deadline (no exceptions) for scholarship application for next award year.

·Mail FAFSA or Renewal application by March 1* to the processor. If the application is mailed after this date, your file may not be complete by the preference deadline of May 1.

·Respond promptly to any requests for additional information in order to complete your financial aid file*.

·Graduates who have received student loans must attend Exit Loan Counseling*

·High School Seniors: Respond promptly to any requests for information from college admission's office.

April

·Respond promptly to any requests for additional information in order to complete your financial aid file.

·High School Seniors: Those students who have been admitted for the fall semester will receive information concerning New Student Orientation.

May

May 1: Preferred deadline for financial aid file to be complete for next award year. Check with Financial Aid Office if you are not sure if your file is complete.

June

June 1: Deadline for summer financial aid application.

·Financial Aid Office begins mailing scholarship offers to continuing students.

·New Student Orientation for students admitted for fall semester.

·Check with the Financial Aid Office to make sure your file for the next award year is complete.

July

·Develop award year budget using financial aid awards and other resources.

·New Student Orientation for students admitted for fall semester.

August

August 1: Make sure your signed award letter has been returned to the Financial Aid Office and that you are enrolled for the fall semester. Missing this deadline will cause delays in the disbursement of your fall semester funds.

·Receive this semesters financial aid funds at the Bursar's Office. Preenrollment by a certain date is necessary to receive your fall semester funds in a timely manner. Check with the Financial Aid Office for that preenrollment date.

·New Student Orientation for students admitted for fall semester.

·Emergency Enrollment Loans for tuition and fees only are available by appointment in the Financial Aid Office.

September

·Short term loans for education related expenses are available in the Financial Aid Office.

·High School Seniors: Apply for admissions. Register to take the ACT and/or SAT test. Start searching for private scholarships*. Contact the Scholarship Office for applications and information for Texas Tech scholarships.

October

·Graduates who have received student loans must attend Exit Loan Counseling.

·High School Seniors: Attend College Fairs and Financial Aid Information nights. Check with a guidance counselor for further information.

November

·New students who have been admitted for the spring semester will receive information concerning New Student Orientation.

Helpful Hints

·Apply early-between January 1 and March 1each year for the next award year.

·Complete your federal income tax forms early to help you in completing the FAFSA or Renewal application.

·Send tax documents to Texas Tech only when requested.

·Apply accurately. If you have questions, ask before mailing your application.

·Keep copies of everything you send.

·Read everything carefully. Ask questions.

·Keep the Admissions and Records Office informed at all times of your permanent and local mailing addresses.

·Research your scholarship opportunities.

·Be aware of financial aid policies for enrollment and academic progress requirements. Ask the Financial Aid Office for a copy of the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

·Respond quickly to financial aid mail.

·Important readingThe Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

·Transfer students: Send financial aid transcripts* from each college previously attended.

Glossary

Award Year--The 12-month period beginning with the start of the fall semester. Financial aid awards are usually offered for the fall and spring semesters. Applications for summer aid are considered separately. The summer semester is considered at the end of the award year.

Current Year--The award year you are in right now.

FAFSA--Free Application for Federal Student Aidthe core part of the application for financial aid. This form collects financial and demographic information to determine financial need.

Financial Aid Transcript--A transcript that reports whether you received financial aid at a prior post-secondary school. It is required from the financial aid office of every school beyond high school you have attended, even if you did not receive aid at the previous school.

March 1--The date by which the Financial Aid Office suggests that you mail your FAFSA or Renewal application for the new award year. March 1 is not an absolute deadline; however, for best service and best aid program availability, you should submit the application by March. You can mail your application as early as January 1.

Private Scholarships--Scholarships offered by organizations not affiliated with Texas Tech. Check with the Scholarship Office for information on how to search. Also, check with a reference librarian.

Renewal Application--This application is sent to students who have previously applied for aid. Allows the returning aid applicant to update and/or confirm prior year information.

Financial Aid File--Complete and correct FAFSA or Renewal application with all required supporting documents; refer to the Checklist included in your financial aid packet.

Exit Loan Counseling--Any students who has received student loans at Texas Tech or another institution must attend Exit Loan Counseling each time they graduate or withdraw from Texas Tech. Check with the Financial Aid Office for scheduled times.

Important Phone Numbers

Admissions--806-742-3661

Bursar--806-742-3272

Dean of Students--806-742-2192

FAFSA--319-337-5665

Financial Aid--806-742-3681

Freshman Orientation--806-742-2192

Housing and Dining--806-742-2661

IRS--800-829-1040

Main Switchboard--806-742-2011

New Student Relations--806-742-1480

Scholarships--806-742-3144

Traffic and Parking--806-742-3811