1. File the FAFSA
You can begin filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as January 1 of the academic year you plan to enter college. FAFSA is required to be considered for UT Martin scholarships and grants. Make sure to apply early, as some of the awards are on a first come, first serve basis.
How To File
- Visit FAFSA.gov
- School Code: 003531
- Keep your FSA ID in a secure place for easy reference
- Remember to fill out a FASFA every year to receive Financial Aid.
- Click here for a video tutorial
What if I’m selected for FASFA verification?
The government randomly selects about a third of the applications for verification. If you are selected for verification, we will send you notification with a list of documents that you need to supply. You can also see your outstanding requirements and their status in Banner Self-Service in the Financial Aid section.
2. Receive Award Letter
After all requirements are satisfied and the FAFSA is official, awards are made by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. First-time students will receive award notifications via US Mail, usually in March. Returning students will receive their notifications via their UTM email account, after grades post in May.
3. Accept Your Award
How To Accept
- Visit UTM Banner Self-Service
- Select 'Financial Aid'
- Select 'Award'
- Select 'Accept Award by Aid Year'
- Select 'Accept Award Offer'
- Scroll down and accept or decline your award.
First-time Borrowers for Loans
Follow through with Steps 2 (complete the Master Promissory Note) & Step 3 (Complete online Entrance Loan Counseling) The MPN is good for 10 years and the Entrance Loan Counseling has no expiration. Students must take a minimum of 6 credit hours to process loans.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
Students receiving federal financial aid must meet standards in 3 areas:
- Completion rate
- Cumulative grade point average
- Maximum time frame
Notes
- Other awards have specific requirements associated with them. Be sure to read carefully when accepting.
- Periodically check on the status of any outstanding requirements.
- READ. There are many avoidable errors made when applying and accepting Financial Aid due to not reading. If, after reading, you are still not clear on a question, take the time to call either your school or the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID (1-800-433-3243). The few extra minutes it takes could save you weeks of delays!