How to Pay for School
Click on the relevant tab below to learn about ways in which you might be able to help pay for school. In specific circumstances, you may qualify for an exemption. Learn about the various exemptions available and note that you will need to verify your eligibility to take advantage of them.
Methods of Payment
Multiple videos are also available on /student-affairs/new-student-orientation/voe/virtual-resources.html to help you understand the financial aid process.
How to apply for financial aid/FAFSA
- To begin your application for Financial Aid, you can go to the (FAFSA)
- The application will be available beginning October 1; for priority consideration, you must submit your application by January 15, but it is best to submit it as soon as possible to reduce a delay in processing. Missing the priority deadline does not mean you won’t get financial aid.
- When filling out the application please make sure to enter your legal name as it appears on your driver’s license/social security card to ensure it is processed correctly.
- It takes 7-10 business days for the University to receive your application.
After you have submitted the FAFSA
- Using your student credentials, you can now log on to your student portal MyStatus at . This is a portal that will connect you to the most up-to-date statuses on your account. Housed in this portal is information on Financial Aid, Admissions, Orientation, and Holds. You may also update your student information through MyStatus.
- If pending items are not handled in a timely manner, they will lead to longer processing times. You can view your pending items through MyStatus > Financial Aid.
Your financial aid award
To accept your awards, you must do the following: Go to my.utep.edu > Goldmine > Financial Aid > My Award Information > Award by Aid Year > Choose the current term > Accept your Terms and Conditions > Accept Award Offer. Should you have any questions, please email studentfinancialaid@utep.edu.
How to read the Financial Aid Award Offer
(This is only an example of an Award Offer. Your account may reflect different award types)
- Column 1 shows a list of awards you have been offered. For an explanation on the type of award you are receiving, please visit the following pages on the UTEP Financial Aid website: Loans or Grants
- In Column 2, you will be able to Accept or Decline an award. If you wish to accept a partial amount, an empty box will be provided for you to type in the desired amount. (Be advised that when you accept a partial amount, it is split in half for each semester)
- Column 3 lists the term in which the awards are being offered.
- Column 4 shows the amount per semester in which you are eligible for the award.
- The row marked 5 shows the total amount of aid you will receive for the year.
Financial Aid Management
Once your financial aid has been processed, you must stay up-to-date with the processes and requirements post-disbursement.
- Refund/Disbursement: After financial aid pays out, if there are any funds remaining, you can set up direct deposit to receive the funds through your bank account instead of receiving a check by mail. This process usually takes about 5-7 business days after your refund has been processed. To set up your direct deposit, go to utep.edu > Finances > Direct Deposit.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and enrollment levels for financial aid): We know you are working toward an important milestone: a degree from UTEP. We want to help you achieve this goal and understand that financial aid is part of your future success. To remain eligible for financial aid, you must continue making progress toward your degree.
Federal regulations, HEA Sec. 484(c), §668.16, 668.34, require all schools participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs to have a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy that meets the requirements detailed below.
These conditions apply to all students as one factor for determining eligibility for financial aid. This is determined once a year after spring grades have posted. In accordance with federal regulations, financial aid will only be applied to courses included in a student’s program of study (degree). Any courses a student chooses to take outside of the program study (degree) will not receive financial aid.
Financial aid awards are based on full-time enrollment during the fall, spring and summer semesters. However, financial aid will not cover payment if a student is not enrolled in courses listed on their degree plan or is making a third attempt of a previously passed course (see Complete Repeat Coursework Policy).
| Academic Level | Full-Time | Three-Quarter Time | Half-Time | Less Than Half-Time | Summer Enrollment Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 12+ hrs | 9 - 11 hrs | 6 - 8 hrs | 1 - 5 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Graduate | 9+ hrs | 6 - 8 hrs | 4.5 - 5 hrs | 3 hrs | 4.5 hrs |
UTEP Connect welcomes military-affiliated students to its programs. Our Military Student Success Center is here to help in every way.
There are several types of benefits that are offered here at UTEP for military students. For details on these and answers to questions you may have, please visit the Military Student Success Center website at any time. You may also contact them at 915-747-5342 or by email at mssc@utep.edu.
A third party is an entity which guarantees payment of tuition and/or fees on behalf of a student with whom it has a relationship. Examples of a third party are:
- Employers
- City, County, State or Federal Government
- Military Units
- Foreign Governments
- Private Organizations
If you are non-military and are having your tuition paid by a third party, complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Go to the Resources page of the Student Business Services website and download a Statement of Understanding (SOU) for the term for which tuition will be paid by the third party
- Step 2: Complete and sign the form
- Step 3: Attach additional paperwork if needed
- Step 4: Submit the completed SOU form and additional paperwork via e-mail to sbsforms@utep.edu
If you are a military student or a military dependent
- You do not need to fill out an SOU form
- Contact Military services at 915-747-5342 or via e-mail at mssc@utep.edu for pre-certification requirements
For additional information, contact Student Business Services Office at 915-747-5116 or by email at sbs@utep.edu.
These options are best utilized if you are waiting for an award to pay out, or if you are paying out of pocket and do not wish to pay in one lump sum.
- Payment Plans are a quick and simple way to pay off your tuition and secure your class schedule.
- An Emergency Loan defers your initial down payment and divides your remaining tuition and fees into equal payments. This is not a traditional loan, and must be repaid back through equal payments throughout the semester.
More information on these options are available at /vpba/student-business-services/Payment%20Options/format.html. You may also contact Student Business Services at 915-747-5116 or by email at sbs@utep.edu.
The Office of Scholarships is dedicated to awarding the maximum number of scholarships available to the most deserving students while striving to be informative, responsive, resourceful, compliant, professional and sensitive to students, faculty and donor needs.
If you are interested in scholarships, you may contact their office at 915-747-5478 or by email at scholar@utep.edu.
