You might be surprised to find out how much financial aid you can receive, regardless of your family income level. You won’t know what you are eligible for unless you apply! With a little preparation and a few tips on how to get through the financial aid application process, financing your college education is within your reach.

Although UNT Dallas makes every effort to keep costs low, many students still need help paying for college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an application that helps colleges and universities determine your eligibility for financial aid. In fact, nearly all students who complete the FAFSA receive some type of financial assistance.

Financial aid awards are funded and regulated by federal and state governments, so applying for and receiving financial aid is a process. The information and advice in this guide will help you get started. Then, by planning ahead, applying early and following the necessary steps, you will be able to meet your goal.

We’re here to help you. For more information, call us at 972.780.3662 or drop by the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office on the first floor in Bldg 1.

Am I eligible to apply for financial aid?

To apply for federal financial aid (grants, work-study, loans), you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen*
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Have a high school diploma or a GED (general equivalency diploma)
  • Be accepted for admission by the university and enrolled in an eligible degree or certification program
  • Not be in default on any Title IV loan (Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Stafford Loan) or owe a refund on educational funds received at any institution
  • Be registered with the Selective Service, if required
  • Enroll in and maintain at least half-time class load at UNT Dallas and demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

* Non-Documented Students may qualify for state assistance under Texas Senate Bill 1528.

How and when do I apply?

To receive first consideration for awards, submit your FAFSA and all required documentation by the priority deadline.

If you miss the priority deadline, you can still submit your application. Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will continue to process applications received after these dates.

Learn how to apply for financial aid using our step-by-step process for applying for financial aid.

When I complete the FAFSA, will I be applying for scholarships?

No. Applying for scholarships is separate. However, many scholarships could require you to complete the FAFSA. For information about scholarships, visit our scholarship page.

Take Note!
You must apply for financial aid each year. Changes in federal regulations, educational costs and your family circumstances make it necessary to evaluate your eligibility annually. To continue your eligibility, you also must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines. You may complete a renewal FAFSA on the web as early as Oct. 1 each year. TASFA application dates to be announced.

What types of financial aid are available?

Grants: A grant is a type of need based aid that does not have to be repaid. Your financial need is determined by the FAFSA. Many federal, state and institutional grants are available at UNT Dallas.

Work-study: Work-Study jobs are partially funded by the state or federal government. Your eligibility for the work-study program is determined by financial need. Work-study students work 10 to 20 hours per week on campus and receive an hourly wage. A typical award is up to $4,000 per nine-month academic period.

Loans: Loans are available at low interest rates to students and parents of dependent students and must be repaid after you graduate or drop below half-time status. Some loans are based on financial need and others are available regardless of your financial circumstances. Several loan programs are available at UNT Dallas .

How is financial need determined?

The U.S. Department of Education determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on information you provide on the FAFSA. Parent and student resources are considered the first source of funds to finance an education. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources. The primary responsibility of funding rests with families and students. Parents’ income is not included in the EFC for an independent students

Learn more about how UNT Dallas determines your financial need.

Special circumstances

Representatives in the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office can use professional judgment and take special circumstances into consideration as decisions are being made about financial aid award packages. Examples of situations that are considered to be “special circumstances” include:

  • Loss or reduction of employment, wages, or unemployment compensation
  • Loss of untaxed income or benefits, such as Social Security or child support
  • Separation or divorce
  • Loss of a parent or spouse
  • Unusually high medical expenses

Contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information on special circumstances.

When will I know?

Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will receive your FAFSA data electronically about two weeks after you have completed
your FAFSA and you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you feel corrections are necessary, contact Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. If your SAR is accurate, keep it for your records.

Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify you via your student portal with additional instructions. It is important that you respond to all requests for additional information in a timely manner. Your file must be complete and you must be admitted to UNTD before processing of aid can continue. Again, applying for and receiving financial aid is a process.

You may access your financial aid information here. The amount of your financial aid award will be posted on myUNTDallas, where you can accept or decline each award.

Do I have other options?

Yes. There are other UNT Dallas programs and services available to help you finance your education. These include:

  • Tuition and Fee Installment Plan
  • Veterans Programs—If you need to speak to a financial aid counselor, call 972.780.3662 or visit our office on the first floor of Building 1.

Financial Aid Success Checklist

  • The online FAFSA is available October 1. Apply early to get first consideration for awards!
  • Request the PIN required for filing the FAFSA.
  • You can transfer information directly into your FAFSA with the Data Retrieval Tool.
  • For fall/spring semesters, submit FAFSA by March 15.
  • For spring semester only, submit FAFSA by August 15.
  • For summer, submit FAFSA by February 15.
  • About a week after you submit the online FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) – check your report for accuracy and submit any necessary corrections immediately!
  • Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify you if additional documentation is required.
  • Visit my.untdallas.edu for updates from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office. The amount of your financial aid award will be posted on myUNTDallas, where you can accept or decline awards.
  • Don’t forget: you must apply for financial aid each year. You can submit a renewal FAFSA on the web as early as October 1 of each year.
  • Congratulations! You have found success with financial aid.

Tips for completing the FAFSA

Before you apply...

  • Make sure you’re eligible to apply. Look for eligibility requirements in this guide under “Am I eligible for Financial Aid?”
  • The FAFSA and renewal FAFSA are available each October for the upcoming academic year. Apply early in order to get first consideration for awards!
  • Request your Personal Identification Number (PIN) required for filing and review necessary documents ahead of time.
  • Gather all required documents and information, such as your complete federal income tax return, Social Security number and bank statements.

When filing the FAFSA, don’t forget to …

  • Provide your correct Social Security number.
  • Complete the income and asset information. Do not leave it blank. For questions regarding income, if the answer is zero or if the question does not apply to you, enter 0.
  • If you and/or your parents already filed a federal tax return with the IRS, you may be eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which is the best and easiest way to provide accurate tax information. With just a few simple steps, you and/or your parents can transfer information directly into your FAFSA.
  • List our Title IV Federal School Code: 042421.
  • Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.

After you have applied for financial aid …

  • Check your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. You will receive a copy of your SAR via email or mail about a week after the FAFSA has been filed. The SAR summarizes information included on the FAFSA. The SAR also will indicate Pell Grant eligibility, if any, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • Check your Student Portal for updates from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office. Select the aid year you want to review. The amount of your financial aid award will be posted on myUNTDallas, where you can accept or decline each award.