The Department of Education recently launched a new simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year. To help navigate the process, the Sam Houston State University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, in conjunction with the university’s Student Money Management, is offering a series of free FAFSA workshops for students and parents at both its Huntsville and The Woodlands Center campuses. Here, experienced advisors can assist applicants with the new system, answer questions, and ensure students receive their benefits on time. Spanish translators will also be available at the workshops.

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) understands the challenges of an affordable college education. Currently, more than 80% of students are on some sort of financial aid.

“We are well aware that for some, the cost of a college education can be daunting. The university has numerous financial aid options to help our students pay for tuition, fees, books and other costs associated with a college education,” said John Jordan, associate vice president for enrollment services at SHSU.

According to the Department of Education, who administers the FAFSA, the new form streamlines the process for students seeking assistance, allowing more applicants access to federal aid, including over 600,000 students nationwide who will receive Federal Pell Grants for the first time.

“Applying for aid can be intimidating, whether you have never filled out the FAFSA or have done so four times. To prepare, it’s important to review the process and have your documents in place before filing,” said Amy Wilson, SHSU director of financial aid.

Sam Houston State University provides various financial aid options, depending on eligibility, including:

–Grants: gift aid that does not have to be repaid.

–Scholarships: generally, merit-based gifts that do not have to repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.

–Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

–Work Study: wages for part-time employment with SHSU.

More information on aid and the new FAFSA process can be found at https://www.shsu.edu/dept/financial-aid/FAFSASimplification .

Students filling out the form should use SHSU school code 003606.