1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog General Information - Financial Aid

The university administers an extensive program of grants, scholarships, and loans. The awarding of grants and loans is based on need, while the awarding of scholarships is based mainly on academic ability and, in some cases, need. Assistance in the form of work is available through the Federal College Work-Study Program and the New Mexico Work-Study Program, and is based on financial need. The student must apply annually for financial assistance by March 1.

General eligibility requirements to receive financial aid are as follows:

• Only students who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid.
• Students must be in good academic standing and must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree.
• Undergraduate students must be enrolled at least half time (six hours) for federal aid programs and full time (12 hours or more) for scholarships. Graduate students must be enrolled at least half time (six hours) for federal aid programs and full time (nine hours) for scholarships.
• Students attending only during the summer sessions are not eligible for financial aid.
• Need must be clearly established for need-based financial assistance.
• Students must have a high school diploma or a GED, or must have passed an independently administered test approved by the U.S. Department of Education (Ability-to-Benefit).
• Students who are required to register with Selective Service must sign a statement indicating that they have done so.
• Students must sign a statement verifying that they do not owe a refund on a federal grant and that they are not in default on a federal student loan.
• No student will be denied financial assistance on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

For detailed information concerning scholarships, grants, work study, and, loans, contact the Financial Aid Office, Box 30001, MSC 5100, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001, (505) 646-4105.