The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN will be used as an electronic signature on the FAFSA form. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will receive a copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) electronically, when our school code 002380 is added. After verifying the student is fully admitted, degree-seeking and registered for enough credits to be considered half-time, an award letter will be issued from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota works with the Federal Stafford Loan Program which includes both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are need based, and the interest is paid by the government while the student is in school and during the grace period. Unsubsidized loans are non-need based, and the student is responsible for the interest while in school.

Please allow six to eight weeks from the time the student has been fully admitted as a degree-seeking student, registered for enough credits to be considered half-time and the FAFSA form has been completed.

As a first-time borrower, a student must complete the Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note online. In addition, the student must return the signed original Award Letter and, if desired, the Refund Direct Deposit Authorization form.

The financial aid process takes 6-8 weeks to complete. It is best to apply early and to review your SAR report to make sure the information is correct. Financial aid is year-specific, so it is necessary to apply each year. The application is free and our office strongly encourages students to apply even if unsure financial aid will be needed to cover education costs.

June Fox
700 Terrace Heights #37
Winona, MN 55987-1399
(507) 457-1501
(877) 304-4273, Ext. 1501
Fax: (507) 457-6698
jfox@smumn.edu

Please contact the federal processor at (800) 433-3243.

Saint Mary's offers a limited number of scholarships annually.

Students using one of those lenders must contact that lender to inquire where the Master Promissory Note should be sent. The complete address must be included with the other award packet documentation. Be advised that this process will take longer to receive the loan money.

Email Tracy McRae directly at tmcrae@smumn.edu regarding changes to an existing direct deposit account.

Twin Cities Campus Enrollment: Please contact Janet Barringer, Assistant Registrar, at jbarring@smumn.edu to make changes with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. If you have received a Stafford Loan, you must also contact Great Lakes Educational Loan Services at (800) 366-0032 to report name and addresses changes. Great Lakes will notify your lenders of the change in information.

Winona Campus Enrollment: Please contact Georgia Curran, Assistant Registrar, at gcurran@smumn.edu to make changes with Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. If you have received a Stafford Loan, you must also contact Great Lakes Educational Loan Services at (800) 366-0032 to report name and addresses changes. Great Lakes will notify your lenders of the change in information.

Twin Cities Tuition & Financial Aid Staff

A student must be accepted through the admissions office at regular status and as a degree-seeking student. A student will need to be registered at least half time, six undergraduate credits, in order to be eligible for financial aid.

A student is responsible for payment for any classes after the financial aid refunds have been sent.

The first bill is due the 15th of the month following the start of the class. For example, if a class starts the first week in September, the bill for that class is due on October 15th. If a payment is late, there will be a 1% finance charge per month applied to the student tuition billing account. The student is responsible for the account balance if financial aid has yet to be applied. If the tuition bill is paid in full before the financial aid is applied, the student will receive a refund from financial aid. Applying early for financial aid will help to have funds in place before tuition is due.

No, students must pay for their own textbooks and reimburse themselves after their financial aid refund is received.

By dropping below half-time status, you are both ineligible for financial aid and failing to meet satisfactory academic progress. The remaining loan money on your account will be returned to your lender. You will also be placed on financial aid probation.

A student is placed on financial aid probation when satisfactory academic progress has not been met. Once a student has been placed on financial aid probation, the student must complete the number of credits registered and attain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 for the next semester registered. Failure to do this will result in financial aid being terminated.

A student failing to complete financial aid probation will have financial aid terminated. A student will have to complete a semester at their own expense, meeting the satisfactory academic progress. If a student completes this successfully, financial aid can be made available again for the following semesters.

Contact the financial aid office to ensure you are still qualified and complete the necessary paperwork. Please allow 10 business days from the date paperwork has been completed before the funds may be applied to your Saint Mary’s tuition billing account.

Please complete a Letter of Special Circumstance and return to the financial aid office for consideration.

Transcripts are needed as soon as possible during the admissions process. A student's grade level and financial aid award is determined by the amount of credits on their transcript.