Financial Aid FAQs

Should I apply for aid even if I think I won't qualify?

Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply. In addition, there are some sources of aid that are available regardless of need. The FAFSA form is free. Follow the steps outlined in How To Apply to begin the application process.

Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at a particular campus within the Lone Star System?

No. You can apply for financial aid any time after January 1st for the following academic year. To receive communications from the financial aid office and actually receive funds you must be admitted and enrolled at one of the campuses.

Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?

YES! You must reapply for financial aid each year by completing the Renewal Application for Federal Student Aid (if you receive one from the federal processor) or by completing the next year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.gov).

My parents did not claim me on their tax returns this year. Can I file my FAFSA as an "independent" student?

Maybe! To determine dependency status, first see if you meet any of the automatic criteria on the FAFSA. If not, but feel that you should be considered an independent student, visit with a financial aid advisor.

I am an international student and have not obtained any kind of U.S. citizenship status. Do I qualify for any federal or state financial aid?

Unfortunately, unless you are a permanent resident or a political refugee granted status by the INS, you are not eligible. International students who have a F1 or F2 student visa are not eligible for federal aid.

My parents will no longer help me with school. How can I change my status to "independent" for financial aid purposes?

Dependency for financial aid purposes is defined to include all students who are undergraduates and who are under the age of 24, not married, not supporting dependents of their own, not veterans, not orphans or wards of the court, not an emancipated minor or in legal guardianship, not homeless and not in foster care since turning 13 years old. Even if your parents choose not to help you with school, their income and assets are used to determine how much they could pay, and financial aid eligibility is based upon this information. Exceptions to this policy do exist. Consult with a financial aid advisor at your college campus for help in documenting your situation.

Are there income cutoffs for financial assistance?

No. Every application is individually reviewed so that factors such as assets, family size, and number in college are considered, in addition to the family income.

Is financial aid available for illegal aliens and undocumented students?

Financial aid is generally not available for undocumented students. The majority of all student aid, including federal student aid, requires the recipient to be a US citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) or an eligible non-citizen. Texas is one of a few states that allow undocumented students to qualify for state aid. Lone Star College System has several state grants available to undocumented students. To apply, complete the TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Assistance) available at the "College For All Texans" website.

Can I still apply if I missed the deadline?

Yes. Although applications can be submitted at any time during the academic year, FAFSA's received after our priority filing date of April 1st will be considered for funding only after all on-time filers have been awarded and then only if funds are available.

Do I need to submit copies of my family's federal tax returns to the financial aid office?

We will request copies of all required documents through your LoneStar e-mail, after your FAFSA is initially reviewed. Do not submit any documents to our office unless we have specifically requested you do so.

What if my family circumstances change after I apply?

If your situation changes after filing the FAFSA because of unusual circumstances, contact the Office of Financial Aid. You may submit a letter of Appeal, Request for Special Circumstances Consideration or an Income Reduction Request with appropriate supporting documentation.

How will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid award?

Each recipient of federal student aid has a calculated financial need and the combination of all sources of aid cannot exceed this need figure. It may be necessary to reduce your financial aid, especially loans, if an outside scholarship arrives after our aid offer.

What will happen to my financial aid award if I drop a course or withdraw from the college?

If your tuition is adjusted because you drop a course, it may be necessary to reduce your financial aid. If you totally withdraw from the college during the first 60 percent of the term, your financial aid eligibility must be recalculated. Dropping courses and withdrawing are academic actions which might have serious financial implications and may affect your future aid eligibility because of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress. It is your responsibility to understand the effects these actions will have on your financial aid award.

What if my financial aid is not enough to cover my bill?

If the financial aid assistance you are offered is not enough to pay for your entire college charges (tuition, fees, books, etc.), you are responsible for making other arrangements to cover these charges (cash payment or installment plan).

What happens if I don't meet Satisfactory Academic Progress?

If you fail to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements you may be denied additional financial aid assistance. If you are denied additional financial aid assistance you may regain your financial aid eligibility by submitting a written appeal with documentation explaining why you failed to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. You also have the option of successfully completing six (6) semester hours without financial aid assistance to regain your financial aid eligibility.

Can I receive financial aid at more than one school at a time?

No, you can only receive financial aid at one school/college at time. Failure to disclosure that financial aid for the current award year has been disbursed to you by another college may result in an over award.

How do I receive refund from my financial aid funds?

If you have a balance remaining after your college charges have been paid, a paper check or direct deposit (for information, please go to myLoneStar) for the balance will be mailed to your address as it appears in myLoneStar after the official date of record for each semester.