The Department of Education recently launched a new simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year. To help navigate the process, Sam Houston State University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, in conjunction with the university’s Student Money Management, is offering a series of free FAFSA workshops for students and parents at both its Huntsville and The Woodlands Center campuses. Workshops begin February 2nd.
Through the workshops, experienced advisors can assist applicants with the new system, answer questions and ensure students receive their benefits on time. Spanish translators will also be available.
SHSU understands the challenges of an affordable college education. Currently, more than 80% of students are on some sort of financial aid.
According to the Department of Education, who administers the FAFSA, the new form streamlines the process for students seeking assistance, allowing more applicants access to federal aid, including over 600,000 students nationwide who will receive Federal Pell Grants for the first time.
Sam Houston State University provides various financial aid options, depending on eligibility, including:
- Grants: gift aid that does not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships: generally, merit-based gifts that do not have to repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.
- Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
- Work Study: wages for part-time employment with SHSU.
