If you have not yet been admitted to the university, you should visit Apply Texas and obtain admission status before completing Step 2.

Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by applying online at http://studentaid.gov/. You will have to complete the FAFSA every academic year using your tax information for the tax year requested on the application. You will complete a new FAFSA the first year and a renewal FAFSA in subsequent years.

You and one of your parents should create a FSA User ID, which consist of a username and password. The FSA User ID is used to authenticate the identity of students, parents, and borrowers, to access their federal student aid information.

Make sure that Lamar University receives the information by selecting Lamar University when you complete the FAFSA. Our school code is 003581. Upon their receipt of your information, you will receive an acknowledgement from the U.S. Department of Education.

Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA. The TASFA application will be available by January 1, 2024. A new application must be completed each year.  Once complete, mail your completed application to the following address or drop them in person to the our office located in the Wimberly Building, room 200.

Lamar University Student Aid
P.O. Box 10042
Beaumont, TX 77710

Need-based scholarships require completion of the FAFSA. Note deadlines (most occur between January and March) and requirements. Continue searching for scholarships throughout the year as new scholarships are posted regularly.

Admitted and current students can start the scholarship process online at big5vn.com/myscholarships. 

Get updates on your financial aid status through your LU Email and Self-Serv Banner, both accessible at LU Connect.

Once we receive your FAFSA, a list of additional requirements will be listed on Self-Serv Banner, found at LU Connect.  You will need to complete the requirements listed before we disburse your aid.  Disbursements will begin up to 10 days prior to the start of class.

If you are placed in verification you will find verification documents listed on your Self-Service Banner. You may need to submit all required documents before receiving an award package. You may be required to submit tax documents from you/your parents where applicable.

You will need to submit all required verification documents by July 1st to meet the priority deadline. Students can still submit required documentation after the July 1st deadline; however, students that submit documents by the priority deadline may be eligible for additional grant funds.

Many times we will request IRS transcripts of your tax returns, and those of your parents, from the tax year requested on the FAFSA, a verification worksheet, and documentation of additional untaxed items such as child support paid, IRA/Keogh deductions, workers compensation, and interest on tax-free bonds.

Students—and/or parents if applicable—who file an extension with the IRS will need to wait until they can either use the IRS DRT tool or submit a tax transcript before we can award you any monies.

Once we have received from you all requested paperwork, reviewed it, and verified it, you will be awarded the grants and loans for which you are eligible.

Verification improves the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA.  Please be aware that our office cannot process financial aid, requests for professional judgment, or disburse federal student aid until the verification process is complete.

Once awarded aid, you will have the option to accept loans online through Self-Serv Banner at LU Connect. Follow the additional instructions for student loans to ensure the funds arrive as soon as possible. All grant funds are automatically accepted for students.  Students must completely follow all instructions to receive all of their financial aid. Once you accept your loans, you will need to complete an additional step and complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note at studentaid.gov. 

Parents wishing to request a PLUS loan need to complete the PLUS application at studentaid.gov by logging in with parent information. Once we receive a request for the PLUS loan and all required documentation is complete, the eligible amount of funds will show as an awarded amount on Self-Serv Banner at LU Connect.  You will need to accept the loan at Self-Serv Banner and then go to studentaid.gov and complete a promissory note. View instructions for completing the Parent PLUS Loan.

Graduate students requesting a Graduate PLUS loan must apply at studentaid.gov.

Provided you have registered during the priority registration time frame and all your processing is complete, money will be disbursed to your account up to ten days before classes begin.

Any residual money (refund) will be disbursed to you through the Cardinal One Card. Note: Prior to Lamar University releasing your funds, we will check the number of class hours in which you are enrolled, satisfactory academic progress, default status, and if you have completed the entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note for student loans requirement.

To learn more about the different types of aid and the associated eligibility requirements, visit Types of Aid.