The University of St. Thomas believes that qualified students who wish to attend should not be prevented from doing so for financial reasons. Through 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.
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 and state grants, low-interest federal loans and work study.
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid has counselors available to assist students 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 1 week.
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.studentaid.gov. UST’s school code, 003654, must be entered on the form. The FAFSA is signed electronically after the student (and parent, if applicable) first obtains a U.S. Department of Education ID, also at www.studenaid.gov
Applicants selected by the Department of Education for verification must also submit additional documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, which may include 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
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. The University’s satisfactory academic progress guidelines have all elements and components of the regulation. This policy is 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 – first semester GPA, 1.70-1.99; second semester Cumulative GPA, 1.80- 1.99, third semester Cumulative GPA, 1.90-1.99, fourth and subsequent semesters Cumulative GPA, 2.00 and above.
- Graduate: 3.00 Cumulative 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.