The Prospector

Issue date: 1/15/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Michael Reese Sophomore history major Juan Varela waits to speak with a financial aid representative. By 11 a.m., Jan. 14, the line at the Office of Student Financial Aid stretched into the hallway.

There is still time for UTEP students to apply for financial aid for the 2007-2008 academic year.

Jose Torres, assistant director for the Office of Student Financial Aid, said if a student is in good academic standing and remained enrolled in 75 percent of their classes last semester, they may still be eligible for financial aid for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

"There are still federal Pell Grants and federal Stafford Loans for undergraduates and graduates," Torres said.

If an eligible student didn't apply for financial aid before the fall semester, but was approved for funds by the government, the student can still apply and accept the grants or loans for both fall and spring semesters.

"People maybe need the money now and it turns out they were eligible for a grant without knowing it," Torres said.

Torres said it's crucial for students to read their e-mails in order to keep up with summer financial aid options. The financial aid office will send students e-mail reminders in February instructing them to download the supplemental summer application, a five question form from the Web site at academics.utep.edu/finaid, and turn it in at their office in the Academic Services Building as early as March 1.

"Usually, people that turn in their applications by March 15 have a good chance of getting grant money for the summer," Torres said.

Jessica Flores, senior education major, fills out her financial aid forms early every year. Although she generally doesn't attend classes during the summer, she said she would more than likely attend this year and will have to apply for summer aid. Flores would have applied for aid last summer, but the courses she needed were not being offered.

"I'll apply early (for summer financial aid) as well," Flores said.

Torres warned if students wait to turn in their applications after mid-March, their chances of receiving grants decrease and they may only be eligible for loans, if anything at all.

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