Whether you are a new incoming freshman, transfer student or a returning Rattler, the Office of Financial Assistance is here to help you through the financial aid process. All incoming students are considered for a merit scholarship in the Admission process. In addition, we encourage you to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for additional federal, state and institutional funding.
Apply for Admission
You are eligible to receive financial aid after being accepted to St. Mary’s University.
Returning student? Skip this step!
Submit your FAFSA
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and list at St. Mary’s University on your application using FAFSA® Code 003623.
You need to submit your FAFSA® every year you attend St. Mary’s. For students attending in Fall 2024 (new or continuing students), the FAFSA® is now open. The priority deadline for this year’s FAFSA has been extended to May 6, 2024. (In future years, once you are a continuing student, the Priority Deadline to submit your FAFSA® is March 1.)
Receive your Admission Decision
You will receive your decision indicating if you have been accepted to St. Mary’s and awarded a St. Mary’s University academic scholarship.
Returning student? Skip this step!
View Missing Requirements
Requirements may keep you from being awarded additional financial aid.
To view requirements in Gateway, find Financial Aid in the sidebar menu. Once in the Gateway Self-Service Menu, select Requirements, then Financial Assistance Requirements. Select the appropriate aid year and click Submit.
Receive your Award
You will receive a financial aid award letter in the mail.
You can accept your award by visiting Gateway and selecting Financial Aid under the sidebar menu. Once in the Gateway Self-Service Menu, Select Award, then View Award Offer. Select the appropriate academic year and click Submit. Select Accept Award Offer, then if offered, decide if you want loans or Work-Study funding.
Returning students will need to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to receive their award.
Review Optional Aid Requirements
Stafford Loans. If you are a first-time borrower of federal Stafford loans, you will complete two steps at www.studentaid.gov: Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes (MPN).
Work-Study. If you accept Work-Study funding, you will receive an email with a link to the job board in July, so you can apply for available Work-Study positions.
Budgeting
Set an appointment with the Office of Financial Assistance for one-on-one financial planning. Payment is due in full by the first day of class, or payment plans are available.
Review Additional Options
Apply for Additional Loan Options. Explore additional loan options at www.elmselect.com. Parents of dependent students can apply for the Parent PLUS Loan at www.studentaid.gov.
Apply for Outside Scholarships. If you receive an outside scholarship, send us a copy of your selection letter.
Dates to Know
| Aug. 1 | Application available online |
| Dec. 15 | Priority application date for admission and general merit scholarships |
| by Dec. 31, 2023 | Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) available online |
| May 6 | FAFSA submission deadline (extended for 2024-2025 FAFSA®) |
| August | Classes begin; enrollment for payment plans opens |
Questions?
For any questions you or your family may have, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Financial Assistance or the available FAFSA® hotlines.
Office of Financial Assistance
St. Louis Hall, Room 301
210-436-3141
finaid@stmarytx.eduFAFSA® Help Hotline
1-800-433-3243
studentaid@ed.govTrellis-Project Success FAFSA® Hotline
1-877-845-9883This is a free service to assist students one-on-one with completing the FAFSA®. Counselors are available by phone Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm.