Important Dates for Attendance

Once you and your parents receive the previous year’s W2 forms, complete your Federal Income Tax Forms as soon as possible. If you or your parents have reported income, you will need these figures to apply for financial aid.
Use federal tax returns and end-of-the-year benefit statements to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or update your Renewal Application. It may take anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks (depending on whether it is a web application or paper application) to receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) with your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
If you are applying for need-based scholarships, as well financial aid, your completed FAFSA and EFC will help the Financial Aid Office determine your eligibility. The Scholarship Award Priority Date is March 1st for freshman awards.

Apply to the University. Request that unofficial (those prepared before graduation) and official high school and college transcripts be sent to the Admissions Office. Request that ACT or SAT test scores be sent if you have not already done so. Request that your GED scores be sent by the appropriate agency.
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for the information you request to come in, and for your forms to be processed. The date of March 1 is the Award Priority Date for scholarships for the fall semester.

March 1 is the priority award date for Incoming Freshman Scholarship Applications and FAFSA submission for the fall semester.
Scholarship Application, including a personal statement and Letters of Reference. (See Scholarship Requirements). A FAFSA is required for need-based scholarships.

April 15 is the priority award date for completion of your Financial Aid file for supplemental grants and Work-Study awards. Your FAFSA should be on file, as well as supporting documentation, if you are selected for verification.
May 1 is the priority consideration date for continuing, transfer, and graduate student Scholarship Applications.
Incoming freshmen will receive early offers for scholarships. Accept or decline your award letters and return them to Financial Aid.
For continuing students, after the end of the semester, your academic progress will be reviewed by Financial Aid to determine if you meet the criteria for continuing the awards and aid you have been receiving.
Continuing students may receive notices of probation or suspension. File Appeals for the fall semester as soon as possible (if mitigating circumstances exist, document them well). Your eligibility for Financial Aid will be reviewed after your grades are recorded.
Freshmen and Transfer students should sign up for a New Student “Cowboy” Orientation.
Register for fall classes early to insure that your Financial Aid will be processed. You will not receive a Financial Aid package until you are enrolled.
Recent eligible New Mexico graduates who have completed the Admission and scholarship process will receive notification of their scholarship award. Returning students who continue to qualify for Lottery Scholarships will also be notified.

Continuing, transfer, and graduate student scholarship offers will continue to be extended throughout the summer, starting in June.
If you apply for loans you must submit a loan data form; the FAFSA process must be complete; and you must be registered as required for the loan. If a new borrower, you must complete entrance counseling and sign a master promissory note. Download PDF here.

Once your FAFSA application process is complete and you have been awarded a financial aid package and are enrolled for your classes, your awards are posted to your account in the Business Office and should be available the Friday before classes begin. Financial Aid is first used to pay your school expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board. Checks for remaining funds, if applicable, will be issued to you in the Cashier’s Office. Bring your I.D.!