FAFSA QUESTIONS
In most cases, yes. Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to being considered for financial aid that can help pay for tuition and other college expenses.
By completing the FAFSA, you may qualify for:
- Federal grants (such as the Pell Grant)
- State grants
- Work-study opportunities
- Federal student loans
- Many scholarships and institutional aid programs
Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, the FAFSA is often required for other types of assistance.
When might a FAFSA not be required?
Some tuition support programs, exemptions, or private scholarships may not require a FAFSA. However, completing it is still strongly recommended to maximize your eligibility for aid.
Bottom Line
To be considered for most financial aid programs at Sul Ross State University, you should submit a FAFSA each year.
You can apply online at:
https://studentaid.gov
If you have questions, contact the SRSU Financial Aid Office for assistance.
The FAFSA does not automatically “transfer,” but you can send your FAFSA information to multiple schools. When you complete the FAFSA, you can list up to 20 colleges to receive your financial aid data.
If you change schools, you must make sure Sul Ross State University is listed on your FAFSA so we can receive your information.
Yes. The FAFSA may require contributor information (such as a parent or spouse) based on federal guidelines, not on where you live.
If a contributor is required, their financial information must be included even if you do not live with them or they do not plan to help pay for college.
After you submit your FAFSA, you should receive a confirmation email from Federal Student Aid. You can also log back into your FAFSA at studentaid.gov to check the status.
Once processed, your FAFSA will show as “Processed” and you will be able to view your FAFSA Submission Summary.
SRSU typically receives FAFSA information within a few business days after it is processed.
After submitting your FAFSA, you should:
- Review your confirmation page and save your FAFSA Submission Summary
- Check your email for any follow-up requests
- Monitor your SRSU student portal for additional requirements
- Submit any requested verification documents as soon as possible
- Respond promptly to Financial Aid Office communications
Completing the FAFSA is the first step — additional steps may be required before aid can be awarded.
Some of the most common FAFSA mistakes include:
- Entering an incorrect Social Security Number or date of birth
- Leaving required fields blank
- Not providing contributor information when required
- Using estimated tax information instead of IRS data transfer
- Listing the wrong school code
- Forgetting to sign and submit the FAFSA
- Not completing verification requirements after submission
Double-check your information carefully before submitting.
To avoid delays, keep these tips in mind:
- File your FAFSA early each year
- Use the FAFSA Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) tool when available
- Make sure your name matches your Social Security record
- List Sul Ross State University on your FAFSA
- Check your student portal regularly for missing documents
- Ask for help if you are unsure — the Financial Aid Office is here to assist you
ENROLLMENT QUESTIONS
Yes. Most students may still attend classes while their financial aid is being processed, as long as they have completed the required steps. However, financial aid is not finalized until all documents are received and eligibility is confirmed. Students are responsible for any charges not covered by aid.
Yes. Summer financial aid may be available for eligible students, but it often requires:
- Summer enrollment
- Remaining federal aid eligibility
- Completion of a summer aid request process
Summer funding is limited and may differ from fall/spring awards.
Yes. If you are borrowing a Federal Direct Loan for the first time at SRSU, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling before loan funds can disburse.
Both can be completed at:
https://studentaid.gov
Loans are typically disbursed after:
- Enrollment is confirmed
- All required documents are complete
- Entrance Counseling and MPN are submitted
Loan funds usually disburse in two payments, one per semester.
Yes, in some cases. Federal regulations require loan amounts to be prorated if you are enrolled in a program or term that is shorter than a full academic year, such as your final semester before graduation.
Once all required documents are submitted, processing may take several business days to a few weeks, depending on the time of year. During peak periods, processing times may be longer.
Students should monitor their student portal for updates.
Disbursement is when financial aid is applied directly to your student account to pay tuition, fees, housing, and other charges.
Refund is any remaining amount left over after charges are paid, which is then issued to the student by the Cashier’s Office.
A negative balance usually means your financial aid has paid more than the amount currently owed, and you may be due a refund. Refunds are processed after disbursement and handled by the Cashier’s Office.
SAP is the federal requirement that students must meet academic standards to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP includes:
- Maintaining a minimum GPA
- Completing a required percentage of attempted courses
- Finishing your degree within the maximum timeframe
Students who do not meet SAP may lose eligibility and may need to submit an appeal.
Appeals are reviewed in the order received. Processing time may vary depending on volume and documentation. Students will be notified by email once a decision has been made.
You can also check your student email to see if additional information is needed.
To complete your financial aid application, we may request you submit additional forms. Please contact us if you are unsure which forms to complete.
Forms may be submitted to Sul Ross State University Financial Aid Office using your preferred method.
- Mail: SRSU Office of Financial Aid ▪ PO Box C-2 ▪ Alpine, TX 79832
- Drop off: Lawrence Hall Suite 102
- Scan and email: fa@sulross.edu
Document Submission Requirements
- Please read the directions for all forms. Make sure all forms are filled out completely.
- Please make sure that all forms are signed and DATED.
- All forms must be signed with a “wet” or handwritten signature. Typed signatures are not accepted.
- If submitting forms by e-mail use your sulross.edu e-mail address ONLY.
- Please submit all e-mailed documents to us in PDF Format.
Financial Aid Forms
If you do not have access to a scanner or printer, you still have several easy options:
- Use your phone to take a clear photo of the completed and signed form
- Use a free scanning app (such as Adobe Scan, CamScanner, or Notes on iPhone) to create a PDF
- Sign electronically if the form allows an e-signature
- Visit campus resources such as the Financial Aid Office, library, or computer lab, where printing and scanning may be available
Once completed, forms can usually be submitted through email or in person.
If you have questions or need help, please contact the Financial Aid Office.