Financial Aid and Scholarship Services

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 access a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1.

• Completion of one of these forms is necessary to be considered for financial aid.
  
• 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.

For more information see Financial Aid Timeline and Survival Tips.

Financial Aid Workshops

The Financial Aid Office 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, 877-278-8586. Remember the staff of the Financial Aid Office are available to help you. Make an appointment to visit your financial aid advisor should you have any questions or require assistance.

Financial Aid Process

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:

1. Complete an application, either the Renewal or the FAFSA, and either mail your application to the Department of Education's processor, or submit your information online at the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) web site. The Las Cruces (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. See Contatct Information for a complete list of NMSU Title IV Codes.
2. You receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) and the Financial Aid Office receives your data electronically. The Financial Aid Office then requests any additional information needed to complete your file.
3. You submit the requested documentation to the Financial Aid Office.
4. Within 4 to 6 weeks of processing time your award notification will be available for you to view online through your myNMSU account.

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.

Academic Progress

Grades and course completion are important for students receiving financial aid. The Financial Aid Office has a specific Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Your academic transcripts are reviewed each semester based on the policy. For details visit your financial aid advisor.

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.

Credit Hour Progression

Credit hour progression will require a student to complete a minimum of 67% 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.

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.

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.

If you are pursuing a second undergraduate degree, submit a letter explaining your situation. Attach a current second 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.