FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid Deadlines:
FALL - MAY 2
SPRING - OCTOBER 1- flexible deadline
When funding your legal education, you must begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be accessed via web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In addition to the FAFSA, we also require you to submit the following documents, which will allow us to determine your federal loan eligibility:
- New Student Application for Financial Aid
- TEG Core questions
Once a file is under review, other documents may be required from either the Department of Education or our office. All of these forms can be obtained from our website at www.stcl.edu/fao/. The above forms are due in our office by May 2 if you are seeking aid. This deadline is extremely important to meet as it determines the timeliness in receiving your federal loans. I strongly urge you to submit all documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid as soon as possible. Please do not wait for a decision from our Admissions Office, as these two processes are independent of each other. Documents should still be submitted after May 2 if you are seeking aid.
Your financial aid award is based on the Total Cost of Attendance (COA). Please see the example below of how the COA is determined for a student's budget:
2011-2012 ESTIMATED ACADEMIC YEAR BUDGET
Tuition Rate: $875/hr + $300 fee
Budget Category
Fall/Spring
Per Semester
Fall/Spring
Per Semester
9 Months Full-time
4 ½ Months
9 Months Part-time
4 ½ Months
Tuition & Fees
26,850
13,425
18,100
9,050
Books
2,150
1,075
1,600
800
Room & Board
13,300
6,650
13,300
6,650
Misc/Personal
3,000
1,500
3,000
1,500
Transportation
2,700
1,350
2,700
1,350
Total
$48,000
$24,000
$38,700
$19,350
*Full-time is based on 30 credit hours plus fees
All students are eligible to apply for Stafford Loans in the amount of $20,500. To offset the remaining Cost of Attendance, Graduate Plus loans, federal work-study, external gift aid, internal and external scholarships, tuition equalization grant (TEG) and scholarships are other available sources. Dean's Merit Scholarships, which are offered through the Office of Admissions, are automatically awarded to admitted students whose undergraduate G.P.A. and LSAT score meet an established criteria.
Please inquire with the Admissions Office for scholarship questions.
Let us help you finance your legal education:
If you would like to check on the status of your financial aid file or have any questions regarding the federal financial aid program, please feel free to contact us at (713) 646-1820 or go online to view your STANLEY account.
What is the process for determining if I’m eligible for financial aid?
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA - every January 1
Step 2: Submit South Texas application for financial aid - before May 1 each year
Step 3: Submit TEG Core Questions
Step 4: An award letter will be sent for your review and also available on StanleyIf I’m working full-time and attending law school part-time, can I still receive financial aid?
Yes, you will be eligible for federal loans, however your expected family contribution (EFC) that is determined by the Department of Education (DOE) will be used to determine which loan program you will be eligible to receive. The loan maximum is $20,500 per academic year.
How do I apply for grants and scholarships?
You must complete the FAFSA before the May 1 deadline each academic year.
How do I complete a master promissory note?
Beginning July 1, 2010 we will be processing all loans through the Direct Loan Program. For more information regarding Direct Loans, please visit https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action.
What if my loans and scholarships don’t cover all my law school expenses?
Unfortunately, the Stafford Loan will not cover tuition for a full-time student, as the maximum is $20,500. However, we offer merit scholarships, external scholarships, federal work study, grad plus loans, and alternative loans.
When do I get my loan and scholarship funds?
The Accounting Services office at South Texas handles student account and billing inquires.
What personal factors affect my financial aid amount and loan eligibility?
The DOE only looks at the individual student when determining loan eligibility. Any external or internal scholarships, employer reimbursements, or tuition savings plan will count as resources and potentially reduce your loan debt.
Who do I contact for VA Benefits or the Post 911/Yellow Ribbons Programs?
Your point of contact is Mandisa Gibson in the Registrar's Office, at 713.646.1702.
Does the state offer grants to graduate students?
Yes, the State of Texas offers graduate students that attend a private institution a Tuition Equalization Grants (TEG).
You will be considered for this grant if you are a Texas resident, or a National Merit Scholar, registered for selective service (males only), enrolled in at least 6 hours, did not receive a TEG to complete a Masters Degree at another institution, and demonstrate financial need determined by the FAFSA.TEG funds do not require repayment.
How do I accept my award on Stanley?
- Log into Stanley.
- Click on Campus Life tab at the top.
- Then click on Academic Services.
- Then click Student & Financial Aid
- Then click on Financial Aid tab.
- Then click on Award then select aid year.
- From there you can either accept the full amount, partial amount or decline your award.