Office of Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

checklist image, see complete list in text on this page1. Admission Status

To be eligible for Federal Financial Aid students must be completely admitted into the university as a degree-seeking student. All high school and any dual enrollment transcripts, as well as, all test scores must be submitted and reviewed before any financial aid will be awarded. You can contact the Recruitment and Admission Office at 318-342-5430 for your admission status. If you are a first-time student, you will need to apply for admission as a degree seeking student.

2. Complete/Renew the FAFSA

If you do not already have an FSA ID, create a new FSA ID on www.studentaid.gov.


The FSA ID allows you to "sign" your FAFSA electronically which creates a totally paperless application process

Safeguard you FSA ID just like your Social Security Number! Keep your FSA ID with all of your other important documents. You will use your FSA ID  again. Do not give your FSA ID to anyone!

If you are providing parental information on the FAFSA, one of your parents will also need to apply for a FSA ID.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows the student to be automatically considered for federal and state financial aid based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You can apply online at www.studentaid.gov.

  • Be sure to include ULM’s school code, 002020, to your application.
  • The application process can take at least 4-6 weeks.
  • Be aware of deadlines.
  • Students must complete a new FAFSA each year.

Important Reminder when completing the FAFSA
Link student and parent’s tax information to the FAFSA by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool under the Income section.  If you do not link your taxes, you and your parents will have to submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript to the Financial Aid Office for verification of income.  A tax return transcript can be obtained online at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling 1-800-908-9946.  If you are chosen for Verification, you will need to complete all requirements Before any federal financial aid awards can be processed.

There is no charge for submitting or receiving help with your FAFSA.  It is FREE!

3. Learn How to Use Banner (ULM's online system)

 BANNER is your personal ULM guide to...

  • Check your financial aid status
  • View any Unsatisfied Requirements and Verification Forms
  • Register for classes
  • Check your Account Summary
  • Accept your Award Offer
  • View Academic Progress

4. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

Your SAR is the summary of your FAFSA.

You should receive an email in about two weeks from the Department of Education that will direct you as to how you can retrieve your SAR.  If you did not provide an email address on your FAFSA, your SAR will be mailed to the address provided on your FAFSA.  Once you receive your SAR, you should review it for errors.  Your aid is processed based on this information.

Your complete, correct SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility.  To check the status of your SAR visit: SAR status (www.studentaid.gov)

It is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your FAFSA.

5. Student Loans

All students will be required to complete an Entrance Counseling Interview and
a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentaid.gov.

  • Loans will not disburse until the beginning of the 6th hour in which you are enrolled.
  • All financial aid awards are based on full-time enrollment status. On the last day of Add/Drop, your award amount will be adjusted based on the current number of hours in which you are enrolled.

6. Stay Informed and Up-To-Date

Continue to monitor your Banner Self-Service Account and ULM Student Email throughout the Semester.

Carefully read the terms and conditions of your financial aid:

Your financial aid awards are subject to terms and conditions that impact how much money you may receive.

ULM Communicates Electronically

  • We correspond via your Warhawk email

    ...to notify you that your FAFSA has been received.

    ...to notify you of missing requirements.

    ...to send you award notification.

    ...to keep you updated with announcements.

  • We receive application data electronically.

  • We disburse aid electronically.

  • Your Warhawk email address is essential for the financial aid process at ULM.

  • Check Banner frequently for additional requirements that could delay your aid.