(Dec. 22, 2017) -- Attending college is a priceless investment. And students may not realize just how much free money is out there to help them pay for their education.
So where should they start? The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has many resources to make the process easier for current and prospective students.
The first step students should take is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to UTSA using UTSA’s federal school code 010115. This application is what UTSA uses to determine if students qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. The federal form became available on October 1, and must be submitted each year.
Financial aid officers advise students that the earlier they complete and submit their FAFSA, the more likely they will secure a robust financial aid package based on their need. The priority deadline to submit a FAFSA application for students enrolling in Fall 2018 classes is March 15, 2018.
While student loans must be paid back, grants and scholarships do not. Grants are awarded based on an applicant’s financial need, a threshold determined by the FAFSA.
Future Roadrunners applying for admission to UTSA should also complete the scholarship portion of their ApplyTexas application to be considered for UTSA General Scholarships. The deadline for incoming freshman and transfer students is January 1, 2018. Once admitted, students will be evaluated based on merit, financial need or both to determine their scholarship award. Current students can access the General Scholarship Application on ASAP. The deadline for 2018-2019 for continuing students is Feb 15, 2018.
UTSA also offers competitive merit-based scholarships to incoming first-time freshman and transfer students. Learn more about the requirements for the Distinguished Presidential Scholarship and the Distinguished Transfer Scholarship.
Students are encouraged to seek as many scholarships as possible. They can find out how to get started and about general scholarships, departmental scholarships and miscellaneous scholarship opportunities on the UTSA scholarships website.
Students should also contact community organizations to apply and compete for scholarships. Great places to start include the UTSA academic department home to their area of study, national chapters of any student organizations they belong to, local community groups and corporate foundations.
Have a question or need help filling out an application? UTSA has staff ready to help at the UTSA One Stop Enrollment Center. Students are encouraged to call and to stop by UTSA’s One Stop offices, located in the John Peace Library (JPL 1.01.04) on the Main Campus and the Frio Street Building (FS 1.500) on the Downtown Campus. Students who want counsel for complex financial situations are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a counselor for a one-on-one session.
Over the holidays, the UTSA Main Campus and call center will have limited hours and staff available. The Downtown Campus location will be closed. Emails sent to UTSA One Stop over the holidays will be responded to after January 2. Learn more about UTSA One Stop holiday hours.
Learn more about UTSA student aid opportunities.
Learn more about UTSA scholarship opportunities.
How to apply for financial aid.
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UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Move In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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