The University of St. Thomas believes that qualified students who wish to attend should not be prevented from doing so for financial reasons. Through extensive financial aid programs, the University seeks to put educational costs within the reach of every student qualified for admission. Although the University expects students and families to finance the cost of education to the fullest extent possible, it makes every effort to assist those who need help.
Demonstrated financial need is the difference between the cost of attending the University of St. Thomas and the amount the student and parents can reasonably be expected to contribute toward these costs. Costs include actual tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses and transportation. The estimate of a family’s ability tocontribute is determined in accordance with the federal need analysis as established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Eligibility for each type of assistance varies, depending on the source of funds. All students attending the University who meet the eligibility requirements listed below qualify for some form of financial aid. Assistance offered by UST includes institutional scholarships as well as federal, state and institutional grants, low–interest loans and work–study.
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid has counselors available to assist families as they complete the application process. For additional information concerning application procedures, the determination of need, or financial aid programs, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at 713–525–2170 or by e–mail at finaid@stthom.edu.
All students who believe they will need assistance to attend UST are encouraged to submit financial aid applications. Application procedures are outlined below.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, all applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is available beginning Oct.1. Normal processing time of the FAFSA by the Department of Education is approximately 2 weeks.
FAFSA on the Web is a free U.S. Department of Education Website for completing a FAFSA online and submitting it via the Internet. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.gov. UST’s school code, 003654, must be entered on the form. The FAFSA can be signed electronically if the student (and parent, if applicable) first obtains a U.S. Department of Education FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov
Applicants selected by the Department of Education for verification on their Student Aid Report must also submit additional documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, including but not limited to IRS Tax Transcripts and Verification Worksheets, before any offer of financial aid can be prepared.
Other supplemental information will be requested as needed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Students must have a completed financial aid file with all necessary documents, be regularly admitted to the University, and have met the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress before any financial aid awarding may begin.
Financial aid awards are not made prior to admission to the University. Students are encouraged to pursue admission at the earliest possible point but should not wait for an admission decision before beginning the financial aid process.
Eligibility Requirements
Students seeking need–based financial aid must:
- Have a high school diploma, Home School Equivalent or GED equivalent
- Be admitted as a degree–seeking student
- Be enrolled for at least half–time (6 credit hours, minimum)
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non–citizen (I–551, I–151, I–94, I–688) or have certificate of naturalization
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (details in following section)
- Not be in default on a federal loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
- If male, be registered with Selective Service
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
At the University of St. Thomas, all students applying for federal financial aid must meet the satisfactory academic progress guidelines as established and be in accordance with regulations. Students should be aware that their entire academic record will be considered when determining eligibility for financial aid regardless of whether aid has previously been awarded. However, once a degree is earned a student’s previous academic record will not be consideredwhen determiningacademic progress. The University’s satisfactoryacademicprogress guidelineshave all elements and components of the regulation.This policyis as follows:
Satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes is defined as meeting all of the following:
- Successful completion of 75% of all credit hours attempted
- Minimum grade point average
- Undergraduate: 2.00 GPA
- Graduate: 3.00 GPA
- Requirements for degree must be completed within a specified time: 180 credit hours attempted for undergraduates and 54 credit hours attempted for graduates.
“W”, “I”, and “F” grades will be calculated into the GPA as credit hours attempted with zero qualifying points earned. Courses passed with “P” grades will be counted into courses attempted but not into the GPA.
GRANTS
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not require repayment. Grant funds are provided by the University of St. Thomas and by the federal and state governments. Financial aid award packages will include grant funds whenever regulations, University policies and funding levels permit.
Federal Pell Grant: For undergraduate students who have not yet completed a baccalaureate degree. The exact amount of the student’s award will be determined based on the cost of education, the expected family contribution and the student’s enrollment status.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): For undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not yet completed a baccalaureate degree. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. FSEOGs are contingent on federal appropriations.
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): A state–sponsored program for Texas residents who meet state–specified eligibility requirements. Maximum award amount is established annually. TEG awards are contingent on state appropriations.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: For students who agree to serve as a full–time teacher for a minimum of four years in a high–need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low–income students. Grant will be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for any student who does not fulfill the teaching obligation within the required timeframe.
University Grants: Funded by the University of St. Thomas for undergraduate students with exceptional need. The amount of each grant is based on individual need and awarding policies.
LOANS
Loans are often a part of a financial aid award. The following long–term, low–interest loan programs provide students with an opportunity to defer the cost of their education.
Federal Stafford Loan: Subsidized and unsubsidized low–interest, long–term loans provided by the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is enrolled at least half–time. Repayment begins six months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half–time.
Parents Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): The PLUS loan program is designed to assist parents of dependent students who are not eligible for need–based assistance or who need funds in addition to their Federal Stafford Loan eligibility. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education less any estimated financial aid each year. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement.
Jewish Family Services Loan Fund: A short–term, interest–free loan program available to all students for any related educational expense. The maximum loan amount is $600. Applications are available in the Business Office.
WORK–STUDY/CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
The work–study program provides on– and off–campus jobs for undergraduate students who need help to meet a portion of their living and educational expenses. Funding for the work–study programs is provided by the federal and state governments as well as the University of St. Thomas. Work–study awards are based on need.
Federal Work Study: A federal program that provides on–campus jobs for qualified students based on demonstrated need and is awarded by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Students receive paychecks for work performed.
Texas College Work–Study Program: A state funded work–study program for eligible Texas residents.
Campus Employment: A number of positions are available on campus for students who desire to work. Such positions can be secured through the Career Services Office and are not part of financial aid awards.