Lamar University is committed to helping students achieve their educational goals and expand their opportunities. Financial aid is monetary assistance designed to help offset the costs associated with attending Lamar University. Financial assistance is available to qualified students in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Students must be admitted into a degree-seeking or eligible certificate program and meet all other requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education to be eligible for federal financial assistance.

Information regarding financial aid programs, policies, rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria can be found at https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/or request in person at the Office of Student Aid located in the Wimberly Building, Room 200.

1. When to Apply

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all required supporting documents should be completed by February 1 to meet the priority deadline for the following academic year. The Office of Student Aid will begin emailing award notifications in late spring. All official financial aid communications are sent to students’ LU email accounts.

The University will continue to award financial assistance as long as funds remain available. However, the most desirable types of assistance are typically awarded early; therefore, students are strongly encouraged to meet the February 1 priority deadline.

2. How to Apply

Step 1

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online by the priority deadline. The FAFSA uses prior-prior year income tax information. Students must complete a new FAFSA in their first year and a renewal FAFSA in subsequent years.

The student and one biological parent (if applicable) are encouraged to obtain an FSA ID to electronically sign the application. An FSA ID may be obtained at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.

Be sure to list Lamar University (School Code: 003581) on the FAFSA. Once submitted, the student will receive an acknowledgment from the U.S. Department of Education confirming receipt.

Step 2

Once Lamar University receives the student’s FAFSA information, the Office of Student Aid may request additional documentation before awarding financial aid. After being admitted, students can log into Self-Service Banner to view any required documents.

Requests often include the student’s and, if applicable, the parent’s tax information from the year reported on the FAFSA. Additional documentation may be required to complete the verification process.

For faster processing, students should upload all requested documents through Self-Service Banner.

Step 3

Once the Office of Student Aid has received, reviewed, and verified all required documentation, students will be awarded any eligible grants (if available) and loans.

During this process, the Office of Student Aid will also evaluate the student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Any student not meeting Lamar University’s SAP standards will have financial aid placed on hold and notified. Students may appeal by submitting documentation to the Office of Student Aid explaining the circumstances that affected their academic progress.

Step 4

Once financial aid has been awarded, grants (if applicable) are automatically accepted on behalf of the student. If a student has been awarded loans and wishes to receive them, the loans must be accepted through Self-Service Banner. Students who accept loans are required to complete both Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). All required steps must be completed before funds can be disbursed.

Parents who wish to apply for a Parent PLUS Loan must complete both the PLUS Loan Application and the PLUS Master Promissory Note using the parent’s FSA ID. Once the Office of Student Aid receives approval for the PLUS Loan, the funds will be awarded to the student and must be accepted by the student through Self-Service Banner.

Graduate students requesting a Graduate PLUS Loan must complete the PLUS Loan Application and the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN). If approved and awarded, the loan must be accepted through the student’s Self-Service Banner account.

Step 5

Provided a student has registered during the priority registration period, and all financial aid processing is complete, funds will disburse to the student’s account no earlier than 10 days before the first day of classes. Any remaining funds (refunds) will be issued by the Cashiers’ Office through the Cardinal One Card.

Students are initially awarded grants, work-study, and loans based on full-time enrollment (undergraduates: 12 credit hours; graduates: 9 credit hours). If a student enrolls less than full-time, financial aid may be reduced. Once grant funding has been reduced, additional grant funds may not be available if the student later adds classes.

If loan amounts are reduced due to enrollment status and the student later increases enrollment, an Additional Loan Request Form may be required to request an increase based on the new enrollment level.

To be eligible for loans and most grants, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours as an undergraduate or 5 credit hours as a graduate student.

Before releasing funds, the Office of Student Aid will verify enrollment hours, satisfactory academic progress, loan default status, and completion of required Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Students who withdraw during the first 60% of the semester may be required to have a portion of their grant and/or loan funds returned to the U.S. Department of Education. This return may result in a balance owed to Lamar University, and the student may also be required to repay grant funds directly to the Department of Education. Federal regulations do not allow appeals for this requirement.

Deferred Payments

Lamar University’s Cashier’s Office provides a Deferment Payment program for students in need. Those interested in deferred payments should contact (409) 880-8390.

Employment

Employment opportunities are available to Lamar University students through the Federal Work-Study Program and other university employment programs. The university, along with local businesses and industry partners, offers a variety of part-time positions that allow students to earn income to help cover educational and personal expenses while attending LU.

Students can explore available job opportunities at https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/student-job-opportunities.html.

To check the status of your financial aid award:

1. Go to Self Service Banner and Log In.
2. Look under the "Financial Aid" tab. Under this title, you will see various links that provide information concerning your financial aid account.

Things to remember

• Students must first be accepted to Lamar University before Financial Aid can be reviewed and awarded.
• The priority date for submitting all documents required for financial aid awards is February 1st.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress must be maintained in order to continue to receive financial aid.
• Lamar University will not automatically award or process any loans for individuals who have defaulted on their student loans. Students submitting documentation that the defaulted loan has been repaid or satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made may be considered for grants and work-study. The letter (from the respective guaranty agency) must also state that the student is now eligible for further financial aid.

3. Scholarships

Lamar University scholarship programs dedicate substantial financial resources to helping students achieve their educational goals. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis using criteria such as academic achievement, standardized test scores, class rank, and grade point average. Additional factors—including academic major, demonstrated leadership ability, and specialized talents (such as athletics, marching band, art, music, and dance)—may also be considered.

The scholarship review process begins in October for the following academic year. Entering freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to apply early. For priority consideration on most Lamar University scholarships, students should apply no later than February 1, although some scholarships may have earlier deadlines.

Application deadlines and detailed information about individual scholarships are available online at https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/.

Applying for Scholarships

To apply for Lamar University scholarships, both new and continuing students should submit applications online at https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/, the Lamar University online scholarship application management system.

New students must first apply for admission to the University, where at that time they will receive a username and password for entry into Lamar electronic services. Current students use their existing LU electronic credentials to log into the scholarship application site.

1. Minimum Qualifications

Scholarship awards to incoming freshmen are primarily determined by the applicant’s high school grade point average and class rank. If class rank is not available, scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT) may be used as an alternative measure. Additional factors, such as demonstrated leadership, may also be considered.

Scholarship awards to transferring college students are based on cumulative grade point average, the number of semester credit hours earned, and major field of study.

Scholarship awards to continuing students are determined by cumulative grade point average and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Some scholarships require that financial eligibility be established through the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible for federal educational aid, the student must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
2. Possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school (Note: Students who graduate from home schools or unaccredited high schools must submit passing ACT or GED scores);
3. Be admitted to Lamar University; and
4. In the case of continuing students, meet reasonable academic progress standards.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)—Students receiving aid must maintain a 2.00 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Students must also complete 67 percent of the hours they attempt and earn their first degree within 150 percent of the published hours required to earn the degree.

2. Policy Regarding Competitive Scholarships

Competitive scholarships are awarded under the authority of the Lamar University Scholarship Committee, or other University committees specifically authorized by the Lamar University administration to commit scholarship funds. Students applying for academic scholarships administered through the university should complete the Lamar University Scholarship Application. Students seeking scholarships related to specific skills or areas of study should contact the university department in that specific area of interest.

3. Selection Factors

Scholarships offered through the Lamar University Scholarship Committee are awarded on a competitive basis. The application process is open to all potential and current students. Scholarships may be awarded to graduating high school seniors, transfer students, or currently enrolled Lamar University students. Factors indicating academic achievement used in determining recipients of competitive scholarships include:

1. class ranking and/or grade point averages
2. standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, or GRE
3. previous high school and/or college academic transcripts
4. academic awards, honors, or achievements; and
5. academic major

Displayed leadership abilities and participation in extracurricular activities are used as secondary factors.

Competitive scholarships are also awarded by university programs for students showing demonstrated abilities and prior successful participation in such areas as music, writing, art, dance, or athletics. Factors in the awarding of competitive skill-based scholarships include an evaluation by faculty and/or staff in each specific area. Evaluations may be based on, but are not limited to, video, film, audiotape, auditions, student-created works, or personal observations of student performance by university faculty or staff.

4. Waiver of Non-Resident Fees

Students receiving competitive academic scholarships of $1,000 or more may be exempt from the payment of nonresident tuition rates. To be eligible for this waiver the scholarship must meet all institutional requirements of competitive awards and comply with all rules governing tuition rates and waivers as established by the State of Texas.

5. Valedictorians

Valedictorians from accredited high schools of Texas are entitled to an exemption from payment of tuition and laboratory fees for the two regular semesters immediately following graduation. Other fees are not exempt. Upon registration, valedictorians should submit the "Highest Ranking Graduate Certificate" to the Student Financial Aid Office so that the appropriate fee adjustment can be made.

6. Texas Workforce Commission

The Texas Workforce Commission offers assistance to students with disabilities. More information can be found:

Online:
https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/vocational-rehabilitation/adults
or
https://setworks.org/

In person:
510 Park Street
Beaumont, Texas, 77701
(409) 839-8045.

7. Hazlewood Exemption

The purpose of the Hazlewood Exemption is to provide an education benefit to Texas veterans who received an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans.

Eligibility is for Veterans who

1. were, at the time of entry into the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas residents
2. designated Texas as Home of Record or entered the service in Texas
3. served at least 181 days of active military duty; and
4. have no federal benefits dedicated to the semester enrolled that do not exceed the value of Hazlewood benefits (such as Ch 33 Post 9/11 or Ch 31 Voc Rehab).

These veterans must be

1. current Texas residents
2. not in default on a student loan made or guaranteed by the State of Texas, and
3. enrolled in classes for which the college receives tax support.

Qualifying Veterans may transfer their unused Hazlewood benefits to their biological child, stepchild, adopted child, or dependent in the current or previous tax year. The child must be a Texas resident and 25 years or younger on the first day of the semester.

The children and/or spouse of qualifying Texas Veterans (who were members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Texas National Guard or Texas Air National Guard) are entitled to Hazlewood if the parent or spouse died as a result of service-related injuries or illness, is missing in action, or became totally disabled for purposes of employability as a result of service-related injury or illness. The children and/or spouses must be current Texas residents.

Further information and applications may be found at http://www.tvc.texas.gov or through the Lamar University Veterans Affairs Office at (409) 880-8998 or https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/veterans-affairs/index.html.

8. Release of Records

All records (applications and need analysis documents) submitted by a third party become the property of Lamar University and cannot be released to another institution or the student. Prior to processing, items submitted by the student may be returned upon the student's written request. Parental income tax information may be returned upon the written request of the parent. A minimum of five days may be required to complete the return of the requested items. Once the application has been processed, all items must be maintained for audit purposes and cannot be released.

9. Tuition Rebates for Certain Undergraduates

Certain students entering higher education for the first time in fall 1997 or later may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 for tuition paid by the student. This would be granted at the time of graduation. Specific details of this program are available from the Registrar, at Registrar@lamar.edu. To be eligible to apply for this rebate, students must meet all the following conditions:

1. Enroll in higher education for the first time in the fall of 1997 or later.
2. Work toward a first baccalaureate degree.
3. Attempt all courses at a Texas state institution and have been entitled to pay resident tuition rates at all times of enrollment.
4. Graduate within four calendar years for a four-year degree or five calendar years for a five-year degree, if enrolled for the first time in fall 2005 or later.
5. Attempt no more than three hours more than the minimum number of semester credit hours to complete the degree under the Lamar University General Catalog from which they graduated. Hours attempted include transfer credits, course credit earned by examination (the first nine hours do not apply), courses dropped after the official census date, for-credit college readiness courses, optional internship and cooperative education courses, and passed, failed or repeated courses. Co-enrolled courses taken as a high school student do not count toward these total hours.
6. Apply to the Office of the Registrar during the semester in which the student applies for graduation.

Dispute Resolution

A student must write a request that they are appealing a Tuition Rebate decision to the Registrar's Office, within 30 days after commencement or 30 days following the date of notification that they were ineligible (whichever comes first). A Tuition Rebate Committee (composed of representation from the Offices of the Registrar, the Bursar, Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Dean of the relevant college) will review all appeals within five working days of the request. The committee will notify the student in writing of their decision. Students may appeal all decisions made by the tuition Rebate committee to the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.

10. Refunds

For those students withdrawing from the university and who are receiving or have received financial aid(grants, loans, scholarships), all or a portion of the refund will be returned to the appropriate financial assistance source. Recipients in attendance at Lamar University for the first time and who withdraw prior to the 60% point in the semester will have refunds calculated according to the Pro-Rata Refund Schedule listed below. All other applicable refunds will be calculated according to the Refund Policy as outlined in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.

Pro-Rata Refund Schedule

Fall, Spring or Summer Full Term Semesters

1. Prior to the first class day, 100%
2. During the first week, 80%
3. During the second week, 70%
4. During the third week, 50%
5. During the fourth week, 25%
6. During the fifth week, 0%

Summer Session and Half Term Semesters

1. Prior to the first class day, 100%
2. During class days 1-3, 80%
3. During class days 4-6, 50%
4. After the 6th class day, 0%

For dates relevant to refunds during accelerated online courses, see the LU Online Calendar.

In allocating the refund to specific programs, Lamar University will practice a "Fixed Priority Allocation." The listing below indicates the priority in which programs will be refunded. The full amount received under each program is returned in priority order until the refund amount is exhausted. The amount returned to a specific program cannot exceed the amount the student received from that program. Refunds due to the Department of Education (DOE) for Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans will be refunded directly to the DOE. The Director of Student Financial Aid may exercise professional judgment in exceptions to the distribution hierarchy policy.

Refund Priority

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
• Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
• Federal PLUS Loan

Policy Regarding Referrals of Suspected Fraud or Criminal Misconduct

If an applicant is suspected of participating in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the application for Title IV, HEA program assistance, the information will be referred to the appropriate university, state, and/or federal authorities. These authorities may include but are not limited to, the following: University Discipline Officer, University Police, Beaumont Police and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.