Application Process
Priority consideration for grants, work study, and loans is given to students who apply for the upcoming academic year by March 1 and complete their financial aid files promptly thereafter. Most students with a current financial aid file receive a Renewal Application by January. Those not receiving a Renewal Application can obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services or enter your information via the web at FAFSA after January 1. Completion of one of these forms is necessary to be considered for financial aid.
Remember: Certain funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who are eligible. You must file and complete your financial aid files early to be considered for maximum awarding.
The NMSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services conducts workshops with information on available financial aid and tips on completing the FAFSA or Renewal Applications. Workshops are held in various locations around the state. Contact your high school counselor for the date and location most convenient for you.
Workshops are also held on the NMSU campus during spring semester. Dates and locations vary but details are available from the Financial Aid Office at our toll free phone number: 1-877-278-8586. Remember the staff of the Financial Aid Office are here to help you, make an appointment to visit your financial aid advisor should you have any questions or require assistance.
The financial aid process takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on the time of year, type of aid desired, and your promptness to requests by the Financial Aid Office. The typical order of events is shown below:
| Step 1: | Complete an application,
either the Renewal or the FAFSA, and either mail your
application to the Department of Education's processor, or you may enter
your information via the internet at FAFSA.
NOTE: NMSU (main campus) Title IV Code is 002657. If
you plan to attend an NMSU branch campus, list both the NMSU (main campus)
code and the branch code. NMSU-Alamogordo Title IV Code is 002658.
NMSU-Carlsbad Title IV Code is 002659.
NMSU-Dona Ana Title IV Code is E00876. NMSU-Grants Title IV Code is 008854.
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| Step 2: | You receive your Student Aid Report
(SAR) and the FAO receives your data electronically. The FAO then requests
any additional information needed to complete your file.
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| Step 3: | You submit the requested documentation to the FAO. |
| Step 4: | Within 4 - 6 weeks of processing time, the FAO mails your official award notification letter. |
| Step 5: | Allow 2 - 3 weeks for processing of Stafford/PLUS
loans. When you receive your Master Promissory Note, complete the borrower/student
section and mail the Master Prom Note in the provided envelope.
Remember, your financial aid advisor cannot process your loan until you attend a Debt Management Counseling Session. |
If you have unusual circumstances that affect your financial resources for college, make an appointment to see an advisor after filing the application and receiving a Student Aid Report (SAR). Unusual circumstances may include a reduction in income or benefits, medical expenses not covered by insurance, a death in the family, divorce, etc.
Grades and course completion are important for students receiving financial aid. The Financial Aid Office has a specific Academic Progress Policy. Your academic transcripts are reviewed each semester based on the policy. For details visit your financial aid advisor. In general you must:
| Cumulative Grade Point Average |
All undergraduate students receiving financial aid must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 to remain in good standing. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 (a B average). Grade point values are: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0. Grades of I, CR, RR, NC, W, AU are not calculated in the GPA.
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| Credit Hour Progression |
Credit hour progression will require a student to complete a minimum of 70% of all attempted hours with passing grades. Attempted hours will include summer hours and transfer hours. Only courses receiving grades of A,B,C,D,S and PR will count as completed courses. Courses with all other grades, including incomplete (I), repeats (RR), withdraws (W), unsatisfactory (U), fail (F), audit (AU), and no credit (NC) are NOT considered completed course work. Repeated courses are included in the calculation and will count against academic progress.
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| Time Frame | Students receiving financial aid are expected to achieve a degree within a reasonable length of time. Students must complete their program within 150 percent of the credit hours required by the program. Students who have reached the maximum allowable time will be suspended from receiving financial aid. Developmental/remedial hours are excluded from this calculation. Total attempted hours including repeated courses and transfer course work are included in the student's maximum time frame calculation. A student who has fewer than the maximum credits allowed when the term begins will be certified for aid for the term. Eligibility for financial aid will end after the following has been reached or attempted. |
| Undergraduate > | Max. Credits | Graduate | Max. Credits |
| 1st Associate Degree | 80 | 1st Master's Degree (past Bachelor level) | 44 |
| 167 | 80 | ||
| 105 |
Failure to meet any one of the above criteria results in the denial of financial aid (grants, work study, and loans). You can appeal based on extraordinary circumstances. For details regarding appeals, visit your financial aid advisor.
If you are pursuing a second undergraduate degree, submit a letter explaining your situation. Attach a current degree check list (signed by your academic advisor) that clearly indicates how many hours from your first degree apply to your second degree. The degree check list must also indicate your expected graduation date.