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Undergraduate Financial Aid

The HSU Office of Financial Aid strives to provide students with information and financial resources to attend Hardin-Simmons University, along with support programs that promote higher education and developmental opportunities. As a part of this commitment, we hope to provide several financial solutions to undergraduate students at all levels.

If a student requires need-based financial aid, the student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application should be completed after October 1, but preferably before February 1 for priority consideration for the upcoming academic year. The FAFSA should be completed in sufficient time to allow HSU to receive the results no later than July 15th, so that students will be notified of eligibility before invoices for fall charges are mailed. HSU normally receives results of the FAFSA from the federal processor within three to five business days from the date you file the form electronically.

Financial assistance is awarded for one year at a time (Summer, Fall, Spring). Separate applications must be filed each year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in October for the coming academic year.

Need-based financial assistance programs are designed for students who have a demonstrated financial need, as defined by the FAFSA or other applicable application, in order to assist students in paying college expenses. All financial aid is contingent upon student enrollment and making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), as defined by the HSU Financial Aid Office or the specific aid program.

Financial aid is available in two forms: Gift Aid and Self-Help.

Gift Aid	Self-Help
Grants (Federal, State, Institutional)	Loans (Federal, State, Alternative, Institutional)
Scholarships	Student Employment (Work Study, Internships)
	Outside Scholarships

The purpose of financial aid is to ensure that all students have an opportunity to obtain a college education, and that no student will be denied that opportunity because of lack of funds. Most financial aid is awarded to students based on financial need to meet college cost. Therefore, the financial aid application process is set up to uniformly measure how much financial aid each individual student needs for college based on the individual circumstances of the student and the student’s family.

• HSU Financial Aid wishes to assist eligible students in realizing their goals.
• HSU will publish an annual Cost of Attendance (COA) budget that estimates expenses as realistically as possible by including, where applicable, tuition/fees, books, course materials, and equipment, living expenses (housing and meals), transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, loan fees, and professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential.
• Parents are expected to contribute (if required) according to their means, taking into account their income, assets, number of dependents, and other relevant information. Students themselves are expected to contribute from their own assets and earnings, including appropriate borrowing against future earnings.
• Financial aid will be offered once a determination of need can be established for both institutional and federal/state aid. The amount of aid offered will not exceed the amount needed to meet the difference between the student’s total educational expenses and the family’s resources.
• The amount and type of self-help expected from students will be related to the circumstances of each individual.
• The Financial Aid Office (FAO) will review its financial aid cost of attendance budgets annually and adjust them, if necessary, to reflect changes in the financial needs of students and the expenses of attending the university. HSU has an obligation to inform students and parents of the financial aid offer, via a financial aid notification, once eligibility has been determined and verification completed (if applicable), based on the financial aid office’s receipt of a Student Aid Report (SAR) and/or Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR).
• Because the amount of financial aid awarded reflects the economic circumstances of students and their families, HSU will refrain from any public announcement of the amount of aid offered and encourage students and others to respect the confidentiality of this information.
• All documents, correspondence, and conversations between and among aid applicants, their families, and the FAO are confidential and entitled to the protection ordinarily arising from a counseling relationship.

The objectives of the FAO revolve around the major functions of the office. Those functions include:

1. Awarding and disbursal of funds
2. Reporting at the institutional, state, and federal levels
3. Providing a satisfying, open door policy to assist students

To apply for financial assistance, an eligible student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st each year for the next academic year. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid as soon as possible. Students who do not meet the citizenship eligibility requirements to complete the FAFSA may be eligible to submit the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) on the College for Texas Website. Information on these applications can be found at the How to Apply for Financial Aid webpage.  Only students who have been accepted for enrollment, have a FAFSA or other financial aid application on file, and have submitted all requested documentation to HSU Financial Aid will be sent a financial aid offer. Financial aid offers for incoming students beginning in the Fall semester are made early in the preceding Spring semester. Financial aid offers for incoming students beginning in the Spring semester are made late in the preceding Fall semester. Financial aid offers to continuing students for the upcoming academic year are made Spring semester and may be adjusted once Spring grades have been submitted. To be considered for Summer Financial Aid you must complete a Summer Financial Aid Request form and complete the following steps prior to submitting your request form to the Financial Aid Office.

• You must file a FAFSA for 2023-2024 in order to receive financial aid for Summer 2024.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time. To be considered enrolled half-time, the student must register for and attend at least six (6) hours during the summer terms.
• If you are Pell eligible you will be awarded your summer Pell eligibility amount based on enrolled hours, and if you wish to deny the award you must contact the Financial Aid Office via email. Pell eligibility awarded amount is subject to change based on actual summer attendance as determined on Pell Recalculation date of August 8. If funding has already disbursed, you may be required to repay your financial aid.

Financial aid offers are made based on the assumption that students will enroll full-time in the Fall and Spring semesters. Cost of attendance and offered financial aid amounts will be adjusted for students who are enrolled less than full-time at HSU or another approved consortium program.

Students may only receive federal financial aid for eligible courses that count towards their program of study.  State and Institutional Aid are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions. Regardless of the type(s) of aid offered, the cost of attendance for students will be reduced for courses that are not counting towards their program of study, which may result in a lower amount of federal, state, and institutional aid a student could receive. Financial aid offers may also be adjusted if a student does not begin attendance in all courses in which he or she is registered.

Student inquiries may be directed to:

Hardin-Simmons University
Financial Aid
HSU Box 16050
Abilene, TX 79698
Direct Ph. - (325) 670-1050   Toll-Free - (800) GO-HSUTX   Fax - (325) 670-5822

Email - financialaid@hsutx.edu

FAFSA School Code 003571

Please visit our website for the most current information on financial aid applications, programs, and any associated deadlines.

Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who have NOT received a baccalaureate degree and who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The Federal Pell Grant provides a foundation of financial assistance to which aid from other sources may be added. If you are eligible, you will receive the full amount you qualify for based on your enrollment status and your expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. Students enrolled in summer courses will receive a portion of their Federal Pell Grant during the summer term depending on the number of hours they are enrolled in and calculated EFC. Pell eligible students are entitled to receive up to 150% of their scheduled award during the award year. If a student receives Pell in the summer and fall terms, then they must be enrolled at least half-time to receive additional Pell Grant funds in the spring term.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant from the federal government that assists students with the most financial need and are pursuing their first undergraduate degree pay for college. Funds for this grant are limited, so the sooner a student files a FAFSA the higher their chances are to receive this grant. Per federal regulation institutions must fund 25% of the SEOG grant program, so HSU offers students who are eligible for SEOG an institutional grant. Students with the most financial need will be given priority.

The Federal Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship is an award available to Pell-eligible students whose parent/guardian* died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer** These students are eligible to receive the maximum Pell grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. Please see the following website for detailed eligibility requirements and definitions* https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2018-11-19/general-subject-children-fallen-heroes-scholarship-act or locate the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship on our Grants section of the HSU Webpage.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a federal grant to assist students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree whose parent or guardian died because of military service in either Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 and who were under the age of 24 or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of their parent’s/guardian’s death. Students will be considered for the IASG by filing a FAFSA. If you are eligible, you will receive the amount you are eligible for based on your enrollment status. IASG recipients taking summer courses will be able to receive IASG funds during the summer terms. Please see the following website for detailed eligibility requirements https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/iraq-afghanistan-service  or locate the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant in our Grants section of the HSU Webpage.

The Tuition Equalization Grant program is a need-based grant funded by the State of Texas that assists Texas residents who display financial need and are pursuing their first undergraduate degree pay for their education. Eligibility is determined by information reported on the FAFSA or TASFA as well as information reported on the Texas Residency Form https://www.hsutx.edu/tuition-aid/financial-aid-checklist/statement-of-texas-residency/

Eligibility Requirements:

• File a FAFSA or TASFA
• Full-time enrollment required, unless you are in your graduating semester
• Have financial need
• Be classified as a Texas Resident
• Be registered for the Selective Service, or be exempt
• Be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a degree plan leading to a 1st associate, baccalaureate, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree (excluding degree plans intended to lead to religious ministry)
• Not majoring or minoring in theology or religious degree program and not receiving a ministry grant or theology scholarship.*Some exceptions for religion minors not resulting in a career in ministry
• Have an EFC equal to or below the TEG EFC Cap (determined each award year)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• At the end of the 1st academic year, meet the institutional SAP policy for renewal
• At the end of the 2nd academic year or later, students must complete 24 hours (18 graduate hours) and a 75% completion rate in the previous academic year with a cumulative 2.5 GPA for renewal. Courses a student earned the grade F cannot count towards completed hours total but is counted in their completion percentage per State Guidelines (19 TAC, SECTION 22.25)
• Undergraduate eligibility is limited to 5 years from the 1st semester awarded TEG at HSU or another institution if the student is enrolled in a degree or certificate program of four years or less (19 TAC, SECTION 22.26). No maximum time limit for graduate students.
• Students obligated to pay child support and are more than 30 days delinquent are not eligible for any State Aid
• A Texas Residency Affirmation form must be filed to receive funds from any Texas financial aid program. This is a one-time, state-mandated regulation

*Limited funds available

*Undergraduate students will be given priority for TEG funds. If TEG funds remain after awarding TEG to all eligible undergraduates, then eligible graduate students will be considered for the funds based on the criteria above.

*Eligible students receiving full-tuition scholarships are eligible to receive the normal annual TEG award amount but not the exceptional need amount if their TEG award does not exceed their financial need, tuition differential, or annual maximum award.

*Eligible undergraduate students in an online program are eligible for the TEG award based on their EFC. However, their TEG award is subject to be adjusted to not exceed their semester tuition differential calculation.

*Students graduating in December may be eligible for the full year amount of TEG based on their EFC if all eligibility requirements are met and the award amount does NOT exceed the lesser of their tuition differential, financial need, annual maximum award amount, or cost of attendance budget. Eligibility for this is also subject to the amount of TEG funds available that year.

*TEG cannot be applied to the summer term

TEG Hardship Policy: In the event of a hardship, the Financial Aid Office may allow an otherwise eligible person to receive a TEG for the following reasons. *Please note, a condition must be met to qualify a particular hardship provision. (TAC, Title 19, Section 22.27).

1. If a student is enrolled less than full-time (12+ credit hours).

• Conditions:

1. a student’s need to complete fewer than the required minimum number of hours in a given term in order to complete a degree, in which case the award amount will be determined on a pro rata basis for a full-time award.
2. a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance, or
3. an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her academic performance

1. If the student fails to meet the TEG SAP requirements. TEG SAP policy states a student must complete 24 undergraduate credit hours (18 graduate hours) and have a 75% completion rate in the fall/spring the previous academic year with a cumulative 2.5 GPA for TEG renewal. (TAC, Title 19, Section 22.25)

• Conditions:

1. a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance, or
2. an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her academic performance

1. If the student has taken more time to complete their degree or certificate than specified in TAC, Title 19, Section 22.26.

• Conditions:

1. a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance, or
2. an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her academic performance

The HSU Financial Aid Office will monitor if a student is eligible to receive TEG while being enrolled in less than 9 hours in their graduating semester and determine the amount to fit within institutional, federal, and state financial aid policies.

A student experiencing a hardship can request a TEG Hardship Appeal. Please email the financialaid@hsutx.edu explaining your hardship condition. Depending on the hardship, supporting documentation may be requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships and Endowments

Hardin-Simmons University strives to make attending our university affordable for incoming, transfer, and continuing students. After admittance, applicants are evaluated for institutional scholarships, most notably, an academic scholarship. The various scholarships offered to Hardin-Simmons students are one of many ways that you can fund your education while attending HSU. The HSU Net Price Calculator is designed to help you estimate your financial aid options and takes just 3-5 minutes to complete.

About Institutional HSU Scholarships

• Your admission application and FAFSA are used in determining your eligibility for scholarships.
• Requirements and/or evaluation criteria for scholarships are subject to change.
• Institutional scholarships are applied to fall and spring semesters only.
• All awards funded by HSU are tuition specific.
• Institutional scholarships are available for programs for which regular, undergraduate block tuition is assessed.
• Students in the Intercollegiate Program or Study Abroad (beyond one semester) programs are not eligible for institutional scholarships.

Qualifications

Hardin-Simmons provides equal opportunity for all students seeking scholarship funds. HSU considers the following when determining eligibility for institutional scholarships:

• academic performance,
• ACT/SAT scores,
• co-curricular involvement,
• enrollment status, and
• anticipated major when awarding scholarships to a student’s account.

Duration

Academic Scholarships are four-year/eight long term awards and based on full-time enrollment. You must meet eligibility requirements each year to continue receiving your scholarship in future years. Some scholarships are awarded on an annual basis only.

Application

• Institutional scholarships are automatically determined during your admission application review to Hardin-Simmons University. Additional scholarship opportunities can be applied for through Scholarship Central, HSU’s endowed scholarship management system, of which houses all our departmental scholarship opportunities offered across campus.
• Unless otherwise noted, additional applications for institutional scholarships are not required, however, it is recommended that all students complete the FAFSA or TASFAA to secure as many aid options as possible.

Scholarship Central & Deadlines

• Hardin-Simmons University utilizes Scholarship Central, HSU’s endowed scholarship management system, of which connects students to donor-funded scholarship opportunities, commonly referred to as endowed scholarships that are awarded by the faculty/staff in their respective department on campus.
• This system provides students with the ability to directly apply to specific scholarship opportunities offered to HSU students, and the ability to also explore additional external scholarship opportunities listed in the system.
• Each new academic year presents a unique opportunity to complete and/or update the General Scholarship Application within Scholarship Central, which when submitted, may provide students with additional scholarship funds for the academic year for which they have applied.
• The application cycle for endowed scholarship opportunities begins February 1, with the deadline to apply being May 31 of the following year. Given these dates, scholarships offered through Scholarship Central are for the subsequent Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters after the May 31.

Freshman and Transfer Scholarships

Leland (Full-Tuition) – Leland Scholars receive a full-tuition scholarship. This scholarship is limited to five members of the fall Julius Olsen Honors Program class and selection is made by the Director of the Honors Program once the Honors class is chosen for that year. Application and admission into the Julius Olsen Honors Program required.  The Leland scholarship will take the place of any previously awarded academic scholarship.

Honors Scholarship ($23,000) – Application and admission into the Julius Olsen Honors Program required.  The Honors scholarship will take the place of any previously awarded academic scholarship.

Incoming Students Academic Scholarships

The Academic Scholarships listed below are based upon test scores and high school academic criteria. After admittance, applicants are evaluated for scholarships based on their academic performance. Please see the HSU Net Price Calculator to help you estimate the type of scholarship you may be eligible to receive.

• Trustee ($20,000)
• Presidents ($18,000)
• Deans ($16,000)
• University ($14,000)
• Opportunity Grant ($12,000)

Transfer Academic Scholarships

• Presidents ($15,000) – 3.50 transfer GPA required.
• Deans ($13,000) – 3.00 transfer GPA required.
• University ($11,000) – 2.50 transfer GPA required.
• Transfer ($9,000) – 2.00 transfer GPA required.

Academic Scholarship Information

• The above scholarships apply to first-time freshmen or transfer students who begin attendance in the 2023-2024 academic year.
• For students who began attendance in previous cohort years, please view your academic catalog for renewal amounts.
• HSU academic scholarships are only available for programs for which regular, undergraduate block tuition is assessed.
• Hardin-Simmons University does not stack Academic Scholarships. If you qualify for more than one Academic Scholarship, HSU will offer you the highest dollar-value scholarship only.
• All HSU scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four years/8 long terms of undergraduate study and capped at tuition.
• The above scholarships cannot be applied to other programs, including online programs.
• A student may not receive an academic scholarship of higher value than the original award.

Other Scholarships for Freshmen and Transfer Students

Heritage Scholarship ($1,500) – The Heritage Scholarship is awarded in two different ways:

1. Undergraduate students whose parent/sibling graduated from Hardin-Simmons University or who currently have a brother/sister attending HSU.
2. Undergraduate students whose parent is currently serving in full-time Christian church ministry, or whose parent is currently serving as a full-time Christian missionary. The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to request additional documentation from the churches participating to verify eligibility. The Hardin-Simmons Financial Aid office will have final say related to questions of eligibility for a specific church.

The Heritage Scholarship is not applicable for students with a scholarship from the Honors Program, International Students, or students taking courses at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Simmons Exchange Grant ($ amounts vary) – Utilize the Net Price Calculator to see how you may qualify.  The Simmons Exchange Grant is funded by various sources. HSU is blessed with donations from many alumni, parents, friends, and foundations who generously give to the university each year. These gifts plus grant programs make up what we call the Simmons Exchange Grant, which is used to lower the tuition cost of an HSU education. Students who are awarded additional scholarships, endowments, and/or other grants will see their Simmons Exchange Grant decreased as it is replaced with specific grants or the names of generous donors who gave sacrificially to help lower your tuition cost.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian ($1,500) One year scholarship – Awarded to incoming high school graduates who rank #1 or #2 in their class. Students must submit an official transcript indicating class rank. Not applicable for students with a scholarship from the Honors Program.

Phi Theta Kappa ($2,000) – Awarded to incoming transfer students whose transcript or PTK certificate indicates their membership to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Student must present transcript or PTK certificate to the financial aid office.

Match Scholarships (Amounts vary):

• Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) – HSU will match scholarship funds received for students recognized by AEF.
• Church Match ($1 for $1 up to $2,000) – HSU will match designated Christian church gifts $1 for $1 up to $2,000 per year, per student. Students must complete and submit the Church Match Scholarship Form annually to receive the match.
• Stone Owl ($3,000 – $6,000) – HSU will match scholarship funds received for students participating in the Stone Owl Scholars program.

*All total match scholarships capped at $4,000/semester.

International Student Scholarships

 Leland – $30,694 Leland Scholars will receive a full-tuition scholarship award. Up to five members of the fall Julius Olsen Honors Program class will be chosen as Leland Scholars. Determination of eligibility for the Leland Scholarships will be made by the director of the Honors Program after the Honors class is chosen for that year.  Application and admission into the Julius Olsen Honors Program required. The Leland scholarship will take the place of any previously awarded academic scholarship.

Honors – $23,000 Application and admission into the Julius Olsen Honors Program required. The Honors scholarship will take the place of any previously awarded academic scholarship.

University – $14,000 Hardin-Simmons University provides an excellent scholarship for high achieving international students who desire to study in the United States at our Abilene, Texas campus. After receiving admission to the university, international students are eligible to be evaluated for this scholarship. HSU considers a student’s academic records, college entrance exam scores, co-curricular involvement, enrollment status, and anticipated major when awarding scholarships to an international student.

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarship opportunities are financial aid awards that have been established through generous donations to Hardin-Simmons University by individuals who wish to enable Hardin-Simmons’ students to further their education at reduced cost through additional scholarship funding.

About Endowed Scholarships

• Endowed scholarships are available through the various university departments across campus, each having their own set of eligibility and selection criteria established by the donor of the scholarship fund. Recipients of a particular endowed scholarship(s) are determined by the respective faculty/staff member who serve as their department’s Scholarship Budget Officer.
• Students may apply for endowed scholarship opportunities through Scholarship Central, HSU’s scholarship management system. In order to access the system and view/apply for scholarships you must have your HSU login credentials, provided after you have been admitted to Hardin-Simmons.
• Once you login with your HSU email and password, you will be prompted to answer a series of optional Matching Questions that will enable the system to further identify the HSU endowed scholarship opportunities you could potentially receive from the information we do not already have on file from your admissions application, academic records, and/or FAFSA data.
• Answering the optional Matching Questions is not required to submit the General Scholarship Application within Scholarship Central but is encouraged as doing so will further increase your chances of receiving an endowed scholarship.
• Filling out a scholarship application within Scholarship Central DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive an endowed scholarship. However, it greatly increases your chances of receiving an endowed scholarship. All endowed scholarships are capped at tuition per institutional policy.

Endowed Scholarship Application Cycle

The application cycle for endowed scholarship opportunities begins February 1, with the deadline to apply being May 31. Given these dates, scholarships offered through Scholarship Central are for the subsequent Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters after the May 31 deadline.

Please Note: There is an unequal distribution of endowed scholarship funds available between departments given that each endowed scholarship was designated to benefit specific departments on campus at the discretion of the donor of the scholarship fund.

Scholarship Central

Endowed scholarship opportunities available to Hardin-Simmons students can be applied for through Scholarship Central, HSU’s scholarship management system. Visit Scholarship Central.

To access the system and view/apply for scholarships you must have HSU login credentials, of which are provided after you have been admitted to Hardin-Simmons.

Scholarship Central Frequently Asked Questions

Am I still able to submit the application even if my reference hasn’t submitted their letter of recommendation?
Yes, Scholarship Central allows for student users to submit their application before their listed reference completes their letter of recommendation and automatically applies the document to your application once finalized.

How do I know if my application has been submitted?
To check the status of your scholarship application(s) you will navigate to the left-hand side of the page and select the fourth tab labeled “Applications." This screen will show the applications that you have yet to begin under the “Ready to Start” status, those begun but not completed under the “In Progress” status, or under the “Submitted” status for those that have been completed.

Do I have to answer all the matching questions to submit my scholarship application?
You are not required to answer any matching questions to submit the General Application. Doing so will only consider the data that we already have on file for you including your admissions application, academic records, FAFSA data, etc.

I’ve answered several matching questions, but the majority of the remaining questions do not apply, do I need to keep answering?
Answering matching questions enables the system to identify more scholarships that you may be eligible to receive from data that we do not currently have. It is in your best interest to answer the matching questions that are applicable to enable the system to identify more scholarships that you may be eligible to receive.

How many matching questions are asked that pertain to HSU endowed scholarships?
There are 96 matching questions that are specific to HSU endowed scholarships. You will be prompted to acknowledge that you have completed all of the HSU specific matching questions once you have completed all of them.

When will scholarships be added to Financial Aid Award Packages within Student Self-Service?
If you are selected to receive one or multiple endowed scholarships, you will be notified by email the scholarship name and the amount awarded. Please allow 2-4 business days for this scholarship to be translated over to your Financial Aid Award Package within Student Self-Service

How often do I need to check Scholarship Central?
At least once a year, in February, so that you can submit the General Scholarship application to be considered for endowed scholarships. However, the system contains hundreds of external/outside scholarships that can be applied for that have their own application/awarding timeframes.

Outside Scholarships

Instructions for submitting outside scholarships to HSU:

1. Make the scholarship check payable to the order of Hardin-Simmons University.
2. List the student’s first and last name along with the HSU ID# within the memo of the scholarship check or in an additional communication letter.
3. Indicate if the scholarship check is term specific (EX. Fall Term Only / Fall & Spring).
4. Mail scholarship check and any additional information to:

Office of Financial Aid
Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
2200 Hickory Street
HSU Box 16050
Abilene, TX 79698

Outside scholarships are funded by private individuals, foundations, or organizations that play an important role in providing gift revenue that you can use to pay your educational costs. You can apply for numerous outside scholarships online, although some scholarships require you to complete a paper application. All have certain required qualifications that applicants must meet, and all have an application filing deadline.

This guide is provided to permit easy access to some available outside scholarships, many of which are local or regional. The content of this guide is frequently revised as old scholarship offers expire and new ones take their places. There are many other outside scholarships available that aren’t covered in this guide, so be sure to do other searches related to your intended major, your parents’ employers, your church or denomination, and other unique aspects about you.

Legitimate scholarship offers will require specific information about you and often the application requires you to provide a written statement about your need or qualification eligibility, but none will ask for personal financial access information (your personal bank account or credit card information). In your searches, those kinds of personal financial information are generally an indication of an illegitimate offer, and they should be avoided. If you are completing an online application, look in the URL address line to be sure you are logged into a secure site (https://). If you are not, the information you provide may be accessed by others. If you are unsure of a specific scholarship or application process, please contact the HSU Financial Aid Office.

• Outside Scholarship Guide
• How To Search for Outside Scholarships
• Additional Outside Scholarships
• Nursing Outside Scholarships
• Avoid Unverifiable Aid Offers

Loan Programs

There are many options for investing in your education from lenders such as the federal government (Department of Education), private lenders, parent plus loans and plus loans for graduate students to reduce your costs. HSU encourages responsible borrowing and will be happy to offer you guidance in making wise decisions regarding loans.

Hardin Simmons University values a high-quality degree at a reasonable price. Your education is the investment of a lifetime. Let us help you expand your possibilities and launch your future.

Federal Direct Loans

The U.S. Government makes low-interest loans available to you and, in some cases, your parents, through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program to help pay for the cost of your education. Under the Direct Loan Program, you receive funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education, which serves as the lender. The Direct Loan Program includes Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct PLUS loans for parents and graduate/professional students.

Interest rates are set by the federal government every July 1st for the following year. For additional information and current or upcoming interest rates, please contact the FSA website for interest rates and fees for federal student loans.

The Standard Repayment Plan allows for a repayment period of 10 years. Alternative repayment plans allowing for a longer repayment period are available.  Additional repayment information is available at  studentaid.gov.

Upon receipt of the appropriate application materials, the Financial Aid Office will determine your eligibility and originate your loan. If you have previously borrowed a Federal Direct Loan and signed a Master Promissory Note, then you will not need to sign another MPN. New borrowers must sign a Master Promissory Note. First time borrowers must also complete Loan Entrance Counseling. Both may be completed at studentaid.gov.

For academic year loans, two equal disbursements are made—one at the beginning of each semester—through a direct credit to your student account with Hardin Simmons University. For summer session and single term loans, one disbursement is made at the beginning of the term.

There are limits on the amount in subsidized and unsubsidized loans that you can receive each academic year (annual loan limits) and the total amounts that you may borrow for undergraduate and graduate study (aggregate loan limits).

Annual Loan Limits

Academic Level	Limit - (Dependent Students)	Limit - (Independent Students)
Freshmen (0-29 hours)	$5,500 No more than $3,500 in Subsidized Loans.	$9,500 No more than $3,500 in Subsidized Loans.
Sophomore (30-59 hours)	$6,500 No more than $4,500 in Subsidized Loans.	$10,500 No more than $4,500 in Subsidized Loans.
Junior/Senior (60 + hours)	$7,500 No more than $5,500 in Subsidized Loans.	$12,500 No more than $5,500 in Subsidized Loans.
Graduate Students		$20,500 Graduate students are not eligible for SubsidizedLoans.

Aggregate Loan Limits

Level of Study	Limit (Dependent Students)	Limit (Independent Students)
Undergraduate	$31,000 No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans.	$57,500 No more than $23,000 in Subsidized Loans.
Graduate Students		$138,500 Includes loans borrowed during undergraduate study

Federal Direct PLUS Loans

• Parents: A credit-based, fixed-rate loan that parents of dependent, undergraduate students can borrow on the student’s behalf to meet educational expenses. Parents may apply with an endorser. If a dependent student’s parent is not eligible to borrow a PLUS loan, the student may be eligible to borrow Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans up to the maximum annual limit for independent students.
• Graduate Students: A credit-based, fixed-rate loan that enables graduate or professional students to borrow funds to meet their educational expenses. Students may apply with an endorser.

Returning Federal Student Loan Funds

Reduce your debt by canceling or reducing your loan amount.

The Financial Aid Office will award your Federal Direct Loans for the maximum amount for which you are eligible. Once you see your account charges or receive a credit balance refund, you might decide you do not need to borrow that much money. You can minimize your loan debt by reducing a loan amount or canceling it completely.

If you choose to reduce or cancel your federal loans, you should do so before they disburse to your student account. However, it is possible to adjust your loans after they have been disbursed.

How to cancel or reduce your loans after they are disbursed:

After your loans are disbursed to your student account, you will get an email message about your right to cancel or reduce your loans. You have 14 days from the date on the message to complete the loan cancelation/reduction request form. If you do not want to cancel or reduce a loan, just ignore the email.

You may request to cancel or reduce your loan by completing the cancelation/reduction request form received in your email. Only the borrower may submit a request. For example, a parent may not submit a cancelation/reduction request for a Federal Direct Loan on which their student is listed as the borrower. If you are not the borrower, your request will be denied.

REMEMBER: You must submit the form no later than 14 days from the date on the notification email informing you that loans have been disbursed to your student account. Once we receive your request form, we will process your request in a timely manner. Unsubsidized loans will be reduced or canceled before subsidized loans.

You may return your request form to:

Hardin-Simmons University
Financial Aid Office
2200 Hickory
P.O. Box 16050
Abilene, TX 79698

Or email to:msmurphy@hsutx.edu

Late requests to cancel or reduce loans after 14 days will be denied. 

You will need to contact your Direct loan servicer for guidance on how and where to return your loan money should you want to return direct loan funds after the 14 day time frame.

Important information about canceling or reducing loans:

Any refunds you have already received may need to be returned.

If you received a refund before we receive your loan cancelation/reduction request, the Business Office will notify you of the outstanding balance due on your student account, how to pay, and the deadline by which you need to pay. If a cancelation or reduction creates an outstanding balance on your student account, you must use personal funds to pay the balance. Failing to do so will result in late payment fees and other institutional penalties.

PLUS Loans for Undergraduate Students (Parent PLUS Loan)

Parents of dependent students can take out loans to supplement their student’s aid packages. The Federal Parent Plus Loan for undergraduate students lets parents borrow money to cover any costs not already covered by the student’s financial aid package, up to the full cost of attendance. Parent Plus loans are credit based and are the financial responsibility of the parents, not the student.

Parent Plus loans have a fixed interest rate of 7.54% and a loan origination fee of 4.228% for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. Repayment begins after the funds are fully disbursed unless a deferment is requested during the loan application process. Generally, the parent will have 10 to 25 years to repay the loan, depending on the selected repayment plan.

If a parent is denied a parent plus loan, the lender will contact HSU within 48 hours and the student’s award will be recalculated to include a federal unsubsidized loan up to a maximum of $4,000 for first and second-year students. Students who are in their third year or greater are eligible for up to a maximum of $5,000.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU CONTINUE:

• The Department of Education will conduct a credit check on all Direct Parent Plus Loan applicants.

• If you have placed a security freeze on your credit file , you must lift or remove the freeze at each credit bureau before you continue. Your application will not be processed if you have a security freeze on your credit file.
• To qualify for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan, you must not have an adverse credit history. If the credit check shows that you have an adverse credit history, we will explain how you may still be able to qualify for a Direct Parent Plus loan.

• You must also complete a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (Direct PLUS Loan MPN) before you can receive Direct PLUS Loan funds.

• The Direct PLUS Loan MPN explains all of the terms and conditions of Direct PLUS Loans and is your legally binding agreement to repay all Direct PLUS Loans you receive under the Direct Plus Loan MPN.
• If you have not previously completed a Direct Plus Loan MPN, you will have an opportunity to do so after you complete this Direct PLUS Loan application.

• Parents must login with their FSA ID and password (not the students) to begin the plus loan application.

Private Loans for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Federal loans are generally the best option for financing your education and should be your first consideration. In addition to the Federal Loan Programs, there are alternative/private loan options for students seeking additional funds to fill the gap between the financial aid awarded and the actual cost of education.

HSU strongly recommends that you thoroughly research your alternative loan options to determine which lender offers a loan that fits with your individual needs and circumstances. We recommend using the lender research tools presented below, however as a student/parent borrower, you are not restricted to the lenders presented with either of these resources; you may use any lender of your choice.

Please remember: Alternative loans are credit based and will require a credit check. Final approval amounts are determined by the Office of Financial Aid once a request for certification is received from your lender. Be aware that due to federal policies governing educational lending, the amount certified by HSU may be less than the amount you were approved for on your initial application.

Elm Select presents a randomized list of lenders based on historical borrowing of HSU students over the last three years.  All lenders who have provided profile information to ELM SELECT and have accepted the invitation to be represented appear in this list.  In confirmation of the federal disclosure requirements of HES Sec. 487(a) (27) and (h)), none of the lenders listed is an affiliate of any other lender on the list.

Students should keep in mind that the Federal Consolidation Loan program consolidates only federal loans.  This excludes all loans received through private lenders.  Some alternative loan lenders may offer loan consolidation programs that will consolidate both federal and alternative/private loans.  However, these consolidation loans are usually offered at much higher interest rates than that of the federal program.  Students should ask lenders about consolidation options and their costs before committing to an alternative loan.

About ELMSelect

Simply put, it makes comparing private student loans easy. With a few clicks, students can view, filter and compare private student loan options available for a specific school.

Lenders provide. You decide.

ELMSelect is a transparent, lender neutral, free service. Lenders provide the loan information available for comparison. You decide what private student loan makes the most sense for you.

Made For Students

Powered by ELM Resources, one of the most trusted names in the industry, ELMSelect provides students and borrowers with information needed to make intelligent, well-informed decisions regarding private student loans.

Simple Loan Comparison

Comparing private student loans at ELMSelect is easy. Choose your school and program then view, filter, favorite or select loans to compare. It is that easy. Use our loan estimator to calculate estimated monthly and total cost of a loan.

Latest up-to-date rates

Lenders manage and provide real-time loan details on ELMSelect. Loan rate information you see at ELMSelect is the latest, most up-to-date information provided directly by lenders.

ELMSelect is a FREE service

There is no catch. Comparing private student loans on ELMSelect is Free. No first name, last name or email is required to get additional information.

Apply for a private loan from ELMSelect

Lenders in ELMSelect give you the option to apply for private student loans from their lender products.

Private loans take longer to process than federal loans due to the multiple disclosure statements and right-to-cancel period required by federal lending laws. Please read carefully to understand the process:

1. Select your preferred lender and apply through the lender’s website. NOTE: The correct school code for HSU is 003571

• When applying for your loan, you will be asked for your Loan Term. The loan term can be for one or both semesters in the academic year.

1. Complete the Application Disclosure Statement and any additional required documents from your lender. Ask your lender questions if you are unsure of any information.
2. If approved, you will be asked to complete an Approval Disclosure Statement from the lender.
3. The HSU Financial Aid Office will then receive your loan request from the lender
4. Once the Financial Aid Office certifies the loan, you will receive a Final Loan Disclosure Statement from the lender.

*This process will take 10-15 business days from start to finish, please plan accordingly*

Ask your lender questions, you are responsible for knowing what type of loan you are applying for and what the terms of the loan agreement as well as the repayment process. We recommend that you apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before you apply for an alternative loan. More information about Direct Loans can be found on our loan page.

Private Loans for Parents of Undergraduate Students

When federal loans and other aid do not cover your cost of education, private or alternative educational loans are available. Private educational loan programs vary by lender. Please contact specific lenders to find out about terms and conditions that may apply.

Click this link for more info. When prompted to select your program, choose “parent loans.”

Student Employment

Work Study Programs are a great way to stay on top of your education and your financial health at the same time! There are two types of work study programs that you can be a part of at Hardin-Simmons. You can work on campus at Hardin-Simmons, or at one of our off-campus jobs available through the federal/state work-study program. Both programs are designed to help undergrad and grad students with financial needs. This gives you an opportunity to have a part-time job earning money to help with your educational expenses.

Students must complete paperwork with the Payroll Office and may work a maximum of 19 hours/week during fall and spring. During the summer that number increases to 29 hours/week. It is important to know that you must be registered in classes in the fall and/or spring at Hardin-Simmons to be eligible. However, you can begin the summer before a fall semester if you are already enrolled!

On-Campus Employment

Every one of our students is eligible to work on campus. Besides earning a wage, this opportunity will help you gain valuable professional experience, and allow you to work with faculty and staff! One bonus about an on-campus job is that your supervisor understands and supports you being a student. Your supervisor can offer flexibility and scheduling that another employer might not.

Being eligible doesn’t guarantee you a job, but you can apply for positions all through the year!

Off-Campus, Work-Study Employment

Your eligibility for this program is determined by your FAFSA form. To find out you are eligible you must file a FAFSA each year, be enrolled at HSU, and have financial need as calculated by the FAFSA to be eligible for off-campus work-study jobs. Students who are interested in working at the Boys and Girls Club of Abilene and Beltway Kids Club must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Financial Aid office to give to the employer before the student can work. There is no minimum or maximum a student can earn in federal/state work study funds as long as their earnings do not exceed their financial need calculated by the FAFSA.

Finding and Applying for Jobs

You can find more information about job fairs, seminars, and job searching on our Career Services page. By activating your account in our online recruiting platform Handshake, you can view open positions on- and off-campus, submit your resume for employers to view, see upcoming event details, and access career documents and resources.

How You Get Paid

Students who are hired for on/off-campus employment will be paid bi-weekly depending on the number of hours they worked during the pay period. Student workers will receive their paychecks via direct deposit, unless otherwise specified by the student. It is the student’s responsibility to request work study earnings go towards their institutional balance if they want it to. For work study to go towards a student’s balance, students must go to the Payroll Office and complete a Student Receivable Account Direct Depositing Authorization Form.

Applicants for student employment are required to apply via Cornerstone Applicant Management System.  To view open student worker positions, click here. The student worker positions are updated as changes occur. Therefore, if a position is listed on this site as being open, HSU is still accepting applications.

If a student provides an email address on their application, they should monitor that email in the event they are trying to be contacted.

More information about working at HSU is available on the Human Resources page.

Tuition Exchange

The tuition exchange scholarship is a partnership of over 500 colleges and universities offering competitive scholarships to dependents of full-time faculty and staff of member institutions. Tuition Exchange scholarships are highly competitive and are not guaranteed to all applicants. The awards cover four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate tuition. Fees, course overload, room and board, and Patty Hanks School of Nursing tuition are not covered. These scholarships cover tuition where regular HSU tuition is assessed. The scholarship will be awarded up to the cost of tuition when combined with any other institutional scholarship or grant.

Note: Housing requirement: Effective for Fall 2023, Tuition Exchange recipients are required to live 4 years on campus (2-years in residence hall; 2-years in university apartments).

For additional information, please email financialaid@hsutx.edu

Christlieb Program

The Christlieb Program for orphan/abandoned students was established so students could attend HSU with their tuition paid for by a sponsor. These students have either had their parents die, have been permanently abandoned by their parents, or their parents are unknown. Students are identified by HSU Admissions or Office of Financial Aid and sent an application that is processed through the FAO. Students approved for the program will be required to sign and abide by the Christlieb contract in order to receive the award. This is award is good for 5 years or ten long semesters.

Note: Housing requirement: Effective for Fall 2023, Tuition Exchange recipients are required to live 4 years on campus (2-years in residence hall; 2-years in university apartments).

For additional information, please email financialaid@hsutx.edu

Veterans Benefits

The coordination of benefits for veterans is the responsibility of the Office of the Registrar, which aids veterans and dependents of veterans.

Veteran Benefits Coordinator
Cheyenne Silva
Cheyenne.silva@hsutx.edu
325-670-1811

At HSU, we are honored to serve those who have served our country. Our Office of Veteran Student Affairs helps veteran students and eligible family members take advantage of your education benefits.

HSU is a recognized military-friendly school and a participating institution in the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership of Understanding.

Veteran Student Resources

• GI Bill ® (GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Tuition Assistance Program

HSU participates in the Military Tuition Assistance Program.  This program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component services members. Service members should speak with their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their military service prior to enrolling at HSU.  Approved courses are eligible for assistance up to $250/semester credit hour. Learn more about the Tuition Assistance Program.

We have a veterans’ benefits coordinator on campus who will help you complete the VA forms required for you to start your academic experience at HSU, as well as provide guidance on choosing the right academic program. For information regarding the return of funds withdrawal policy please visit the Business Office page.

Changes in Hours & Withdrawals

Students who wish to drop courses or withdraw from the University must secure the proper form(s) from the Registrar’s Office and contact the Financial Aid Office. Students should know in advance how changes in enrollment affect their financial aid eligibility. A reduction in hours may result in an adjustment to the award package and could affect satisfactory academic progress status.

The primary responsibility for paying for a college education rests with the student and family. Financial aid is considered supplemental, and enrollment status governs receipt of funds.

• When a student withdraws, is expelled, or ceases to be a student before the end of an academic term, a refund may be due in accordance with University’s refund policy.
• A refund may occur when federal aid is due in the term but has not been disbursed at the time of withdrawal.
• Federal law and University policy dictate that calculated amounts be returned to the respective financial aid programs when a withdrawal occurs, so withdrawal may mean the loss of part or all federal, state, or institutional aid.
• Withdrawing students are responsible for payment of any balance resulting from the return of financial aid. Payment plans may be arranged with the HSU Business Office.
• Priority order for the return of federal funds is unsubsidized Direct loans, subsidized Direct loans, Perkins loans, Direct Plus loans, Pell grants, and FSEOG.
• Student loan recipients must complete loan exit counseling upon withdrawing from the university at Exit Counseling on the internet. Due to this federal requirement, HSU will hold transcripts and other education records until exit counseling is confirmed.

IMPORTANT: Students must complete at least one semester hour in a term with a passing grade to prevent a return of federal financial aid funds. For financial aid purposes, the Department of Education monitors class attendance. Non- attendance and the receiving of all failing grades in a term requires a return of financial aid funds. Students receiving all failing grades in a term are immediately placed on academic suspension by the registrar and financial aid suspension by the financial aid director.

Dropping a course may affect a student’s enrollment status depending on the type of term and when the student drops.  In turn, enrollment status may impact certain funding sources as described in the below sections.

Enrollment Status – A student’s enrollment status continues to be adjusted throughout the semester when a student drops a course.  However, in most cases, the change in status has minimal impact, depending on timing or recent changes in laws. The impact is primarily on student loan repayment. Federal financial aid can only be paid for courses included in the student’s degree plan. Enrolling in courses not on the degree plan may result in reduced financial aid eligibility.

Dropped Courses – Timing matters on when a student drops a course.

Fall & Spring Semesters

Effective May 1, 2005, students dropping individual courses after the closing date of official registration (census date) will be allowed to keep 100% of their financial aid.  No refunds for courses dropped will be given and no course credit will be issued.  Students withdrawing in full are subject to the Federal mandated refund policy for Title IV aid.  It is highly advised that students receive counseling by the financial aid office prior to dropping classes because:

Class hours dropped with a WF are added to the student’s attempted hours, thus affecting the completion rate for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Financial aid is available for only two attempts of a class (one attempt for Institutional Family Grant or Tuition Exchange).

Summer Terms – Effective May 1, 2005, students dropping individual courses after the closing date of official registration (census date) will be allowed to keep 100% of their financial aid provided that the student remains in six (6) semester hours, which is a prerequisite for aid received.  Students not enrolled in six (6) semester hours for the summer terms (May – Summer II) combined will not be eligible for financial aid and subject to the appropriate adjustments (excluding Pell).  Students who are eligible for aid at the time of disbursement will keep their disbursed aid, but no future aid disbursements will be made if they drop below the 6-hour requirement.  Students completely withdrawing are subject to the Federal mandated refund policy for Title IV aid.

The financial aid office must counsel students who drop classes because class hours dropped with a WF add to the student’s attempted hours, thus affecting the completion rate for satisfactory academic progress.  Also, financial aid is available for only two attempts of a class (one attempt for Institutional Family Grant or Tuition Exchange).

Student Loan Repayment – students must maintain at least half-time enrollment throughout the semester for student loans to remain in an in-school deferred status. Dropping below half-time enrollment at any time during the semester will trigger student loans to enter any applicable grace period, with repayment required after the grace period has elapsed. Changes in enrollment status from full-time to half-time have no consequence on student loans. Half-time enrollment for an undergraduate student is defined as 6 hours for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Withdrawing from the University (Dropping All Classes) – please see the Institutional Refund Policy or visit the financial aid office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The Office of Financial Aid monitors your SAP at the end of every semester. If you do not meet the requirements for SAP, you have the right to appeal and provide information about extenuating circumstances that may have hindered your progress. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please note that SAP and minimum enrollment requirements for individual financial aid program eligibility may vary.

SAP Components

There are three components to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Failure to comply with any component may result in a loss of aid eligibility. The three components are as follows:

1. Minimum Financial Aid Grade Point Average (GPA) - Qualitative Measurement

• HSU Hours 6-32: one must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.60
• HSU Hours 33-48: one must maintain a cumulative GPA of 1.80
• HSU Hours 49 or more: one must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2:00
• Graduate: one must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00

All graded courses are included in this calculation, including failed courses. This could be different from the academic GPA. The academic GPA is used to determine HSU scholarships and institutional aid.

2. Completion Rate (Pace) – Quantitative Measurement *Change from 75% to 67% was approved on February 15, 2023.  22 Summer and 22 Fall calculations reflect the previous policy.  23 Spring calculations will include the updated policy change.

While students are expected to enroll full-time to be eligible for financial aid, each student must successfully complete a minimum percentage of all credit hours attempted. This percentage includes all institutional and transfer credit hours, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.

• Students must earn at least 67 percent of the credit hours which they attempt for each program level (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate degree).

This component is measured at the conclusion of each semester (summer, fall and spring) and is calculated using the total number of transfer hours as well as completed hours at HSU divided by the total number of attempted hours. Drops and withdrawals are considered unsuccessfully completed coursework when determining SAP and will impact completion rate. All repeated and remedial courses are calculated in this quantitative measure.

All Pace calculations are rounded up or down to the nearest full percentage (e.g. 0.664 is rounded down to 66% and 0.665 is rounded up to 67%)

3. 150% Maximum Credit Hours – Max Time Frame

Students are expected to complete their degree pursuits within a maximum timeframe and are limited to receiving aid for up to 150% of the attempted credit hours required for completion of their program of study. Transfer credits are included in the attempted hours calculation.

Credit hours are cumulative; thus, students working towards obtaining more than one degree in the same category (e.g., double major, undergraduate nursing) may reach this maximum timeframe before completing their course of study and may need to appeal eligibility.

SAP Warnings

After one semester of not meeting the SAP standards, students will be issued a warning and will be permitted to receive financial aid for the next semester. However, after the one semester of warning, students who fail to meet any one or a combination of the SAP components will be ineligible for financial assistance. Students may appeal ineligibility by providing information on extenuating circumstances, indicating what has changed to allow successful academic progress. If an appeal is granted, students may be placed on financial aid probation and asked to follow an academic plan that will lead to meeting minimum SAP requirements in the near future. If students do not meet the terms of probation, eligibility for financial aid will cease and all remaining aid will be cancelled. Subsequent appeals of the same nature are not permitted. Once a student falls from his/her academic plan and loses eligibility, the only way to regain eligibility for financial aid is to meet the SAP requirements.

SAP Notifications

Students who fail to meet minimum SAP standards are not eligible to receive financial aid. Students will be notified of the reason(s) for the loss of eligibility through an email sent to their HSU email address as well as via the self-service portal.

SAP Appeal Process

Students may appeal their ineligibility by providing information on extenuating circumstances, indicating what has changed to allow successful academic progress. However, the submission of an appeal is only a request and does not guarantee that financial aid eligibility will be reinstated. The appeal must be submitted online through the online portal or appeals may be submitted to the attention of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee (financialaid@hsutx.edu) and must be received by the first day of classes for the Fall semester and the first day of classes for the Spring semester.

Changes to recorded grades that take place after SAP evaluation has occurred will be included in the next official SAP evaluation at the end of the subsequent semester. If a grading error is corrected after the SAP evaluation was completed, students may contact our office by phone, email, or in person to request a recalculation of SAP status using the corrected grade. Recalculations will not be done when an Incomplete (I) grade is updated once missing work is completed.

If an appeal is granted, you will be placed on financial aid probation and asked to follow an academic plan that will lead to meeting minimum SAP requirements in the future. If you do not meet the terms of probation, eligibility for financial aid will cease and all remaining aid will be cancelled. Subsequent appeals of the same nature are not permitted. Once you fail to meet the terms of your academic plan and lose eligibility, the only way to regain eligibility for financial aid is to meet the SAP minimum requirements.

Financial Aid Statement of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Undergraduate

Full-time enrollment for financial aid purposes is enrollment in at least 12 hours per long semester (for example Fall/Spring) or six hours per summer session. This could include May term, Summer 1, and/or Summer 2 for a combination of 12 hours during the summer session. An undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least six hours (half-time) during any long semester or combination of summer terms to be eligible for financial aid. Please see a financial aid counselor for details. An academic year equals two long semesters plus summer sessions. The May Term is part of the summer session.

Satisfactory progress toward a degree includes all attempted hours at all institutions attended. Evaluation for satisfactory academic progress by the Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid Office will be measured on HSU coursework. Therefore, the cumulative grade point average/completion percentage is based on hours attempted at HSU only. All hours, including transfer hours, are counted to determine the number of academic years completed. The maximum time frame an undergraduate or graduate student can remain eligible for financial aid cannot exceed 150% of the published length of the program. For instance, if the published length of an academic program is 124 credit hours, the maximum time frame established by the school must not exceed 186 attempted credit hours (that is, 124 x 1.5 = 186).

A student can repeat a course (or its equivalency) an infinite number of times and receive federal aid only if all previous attempts resulted in an F on the student’s record. Once a student passes a course (earned A, B, C, or D grade), he/she can retake the course a second time and receive federal aid (if eligible). Regardless of whether or not the second attempt is a pass or fail, the student cannot receive aid for another attempt. Ex. If the student earned a ‘C’ in a class and wants to attempt to earn an ‘A’ or ‘B’, a student may use Pell to pay for the class. If the student earns a ‘B’, he may not use federal aid in a third attempt to try and earn the ‘A’.

Graduate

The maximum time frame in which a student may complete a master’s degree varies from program to program. Please refer to the HSU Graduate Studies Catalog for the specified length of each program. Full-time enrollment for financial aid purposes is enrollment in at least nine hours per semester or six hours per summer session for most graduate programs. This could include May term, Summer 1, and/or Summer 2 for a combination of 12 hours during the summer session. The May Term is part of the summer session. A half-time course load for a graduate student is defined as six hours per long semester; four hours in the summer session for most graduate programs. A half-time graduate student must complete 12 cumulative hours for each academic year completed. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for enrollment requirements for doctoral programs.  Graduate students must meet the scholastic regulations established by the Graduate School of Hardin-Simmons University with regard to the cumulative HSU grade point average required to be in good academic standing.

Postgraduate

A postgraduate student is defined as a student who has previously received an undergraduate degree and is not admitted to a graduate or professional school. Postgraduate enrollment in prerequisite courses for Graduate School enrollment will limit the types of aid for which a student may be considered. By definition, a post-graduate student is not enrolled in a degree seeking program. Eligibility for federal student aid requires enrollment in a degree-seeking program or eligible certificate program. See a financial aid officer for details. Full-time enrollment for financial aid purposes includes at least 12 hours per long semester (Fall/Spring) or six hours per summer session. This could include May term, Summer 1, and/or Summer 2 for a combination of 12 hours during the summer sessions. The May Term is part of the summer session.

Verification

Verification is the process the U.S. DOE and colleges use to ensure federal student financial aid funding is based on accurate information. After completion of the FAFSA, students may be selected for verification and required to verify some of the information provided on the FAFSA. All applications selected by the federal CPS for verification are subject to the verification procedure which includes completion of the appropriate verification worksheet (Dependent/Independent) and submitting any required supporting documentation to the Financial Aid Office at the home college campus. Students selected for verification are notified via their Student Aid Report (SAR) and in their HSU Colleague Student Self Service account. All applicants selected for verification must complete the process prior to having federal aid awarded/disbursed. HSU will not make any interim disbursements of any Title IV funds before verification is complete.

HSU Financial Aid has the authority to verify additional students and may require an applicant to verify any specified information on the FAFSA [34 CFR 668.54(a)(3)]. Institutions must verify any application information they have reason to believe is incorrect [34 CFR 668.54 (a)(2). All verification requirements, such as deadlines, allowable tolerances, and interim disbursement rules, apply equally to all students who are being verified.

Acceptable Documentation and Forms

HSU Financial Aid utilizes Campus Logic StudentForms to streamline the verification process and create digital workflows. Campus Logic worksheets includes instruction for completion and what, if any, additional documentation is required. Refer to https://hsutx.studentforms.com/ for the appropriate verification worksheet documentation and verification requirements for both tax and non-tax items such as household size and number in college, student and/or parent tax information, and the opportunity to review and electronically sign the document.

For verification of tax items, the DOE encourages students and parents to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) as the fastest, simplest, and most secure way of meeting verification requirements. The DRT is used to import data from tax returns. If DRT is not offered, students may upload IRS Tax Returns, Tax Transcripts, and other documentation as may be requested by the Financial Aid Office. The financial aid office will determine what documents are need based on the type of verification for which the student was selected (V1, V4, or V5). Any unsolicited tax documentation received by our office will be destroyed.

Students selected for verification must provide the required documentation and a dependent/independent verification worksheet via the Campus Logic System. Paper Worksheets and documentation may be accepted as approved by the Director of Financial Aid and only in special situations.

Data Elements to be Verified

The Secretary of the DOE publishes a notice in the Federal Register announcing the information that institutions and students may have to verify along with the documentation acceptable for verifying this information. Verification items that must be verified could vary based on which tracking group students are assigned to and could include:

• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
• U.S. Income Tax Paid
• Education credits
• Untaxed Pensions
• Untaxed portions of IRA distributions
• Tax Exempt Interest
• Income Earned from Work
• Household Size
• Number in College
• High School Completion Status
• Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose

Colleges may choose to verify additional items in order to resolve conflicting information.

A verification flag of “Y” and an asterisk beside the EFC will refer to a comment in the student section of the SAR telling selected applicants that their school will ask for documentation.

Conflicting and Inaccurate Information

To ensure the integrity of all financial aid applicant data received at Hardin-Simmons University (HSU), the Student Financial Aid Office must resolve any conflicting information in a student’s file.  Any HSU office may hold information or documentation that could create a conflict. The Financial Aid Office will work with all sources to collect documentation for the purpose of clarification and accuracy.

Examples of Conflicting Information

• Social Security number
• Date of Birth
• Name change
• Dependency status
• Marital status (student and/or parent)
• Admissions status regarding prior institutions
• Income and taxes paid
• Number in household
• Number in college
• NSLDS Data

A student may be asked to submit written documentation and/or additional information to clarify or correct conflicting information. This action may be in conjunction with the Verification Process normally processed by HSU or by a separate request for information.

Student Notification of Verification Changes

Students are notified via an automated email process of any new ISIR/SAR due to verification. They will also be notified of changes made to their financial aid package via automated email directing them to view their Colleague self-service account.