Procedures
Step 1
Incoming Freshman or transfer students: Apply first for admission to the university and have transcripts and test scores sent to the Admissions Office. Enroll for classes at one of the New Student Orientation sessions in the summer before fall attendance.
Returning undergraduates and graduate students: Meet with your advisor and enroll for classes. Your Financial Aid Package will not be completed until you are enrolled. |
Step 2
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a renewal FAFSA by March 1 and have it sent to Highlands.
The NMHU School Code is 002653.
Complete a FAFSA even if you think your family’s income is too high for financial aid. Because cut-off levels change, you may be eligible for some form of aid. If you hope to receive financial aid in the form of grants, loans, work-study or need-based scholarships such as the New Mexico Scholars Awards, you must complete a FAFSA. The easiest way is on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, we have computer stations available in our office to accommodate your needs. You may also pick up an application form in our office. |
Step 3
You must complete a Loan Data Form in order to be considered for a Stafford Loan. This form must be completed for each term you are requesting a loan (summer is always separate from fall and spring). |
Step 4
For academic achievers (3.0 GPA and above; or 21 ACT and above), complete a Scholarship Application and submit it by March 1st,or as soon as possible for freshmen, and May 1st for continuing, transfer, and graduate students.
The Scholarship Application can be printed here and mailed, faxed, or delivered to the Financial Aid Office, Felix Martinez Building, NMHU, Box 9000, Las Vegas, NM 87701. Include a personal statement of goals and career plans and letters of recommendation. See also the specific Scholarship Requirements. |
Step 5
Make sure your FA file is complete by April 15. This is the date that you should aim for to make sure all the information requested by Financial Aid (in case of verification) is in. Students with completed files as of this date will be given first consideration in the awarding of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Work-study assignments are also given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Complete a FAFSA by March 1st and check your interest in Work-Study on the FAFSA form to so that these awards can be included in your Financial Aid package. |
Step 6
If you miss the deadline, don't despair. Get your materials in as soon as you can. If aid is available, you may still be eligible. If application is made during peak times, be aware that the process may be delayed. Always follow up by checking your status in the secure area of MyNMHU. |
Step 7
We recommend using the scholarship search engine at www.fastweb.com to help facilitate the external scholarship search and application process. Note: these scholarships are external to NMHU’s scholarships and NMHU has no jurisdiction over the awarding of these scholarships. If you do receive outside scholarship support, this must be reported to NMHU’s Financial Aid Office to be included as part of your financial aid package. |
Step 8
Sign up to attend a New Student Orientation. Enroll for classes. Go to class and maintain academic progress. |
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