Student Financial Aid Checklist

Use the guide below to complete the financial aid process as a MSMS student at Baylor. If you have questions, visit the Baylor One Stop Student Financial Services website or contact a Baylor One Stop representative.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To be considered for federal, state, and Baylor need-based financial aid—including loans, grants, and scholarships—you must complete the FAFSA.

Check the guide below to see which FAFSA you should complete and when. Baylor’s FAFSA school code is 003545.

After you submit your FAFSA and list Baylor’s school code, your information will be sent automatically to Baylor’s Financial Aid Office for processing. We encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible.

After you complete the FAFSA, watch your personal and Baylor emails. Baylor One Stop may contact you for additional information or to share financial aid opportunities. You can also check your Financial Aid Dashboard in BearWeb for updates.

FAFSA TIPS

2. Explore Other Funding Options

There are many ways to help pay for your education beyond federal, state, and Baylor financial aid.

Baylor also offers Scholarship Universe, where you complete a short questionnaire and receive recommendations for outside scholarships.

Scholarships open and close throughout the year, so check Scholarship Universe regularly.

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS

3. Review Your Financial Aid Offer in BearWeb

After you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Financial Aid Offer in the Financial Aid Dashboard in BearWeb.

This offer includes your Cost of Attendance, which is an estimate of your total expenses for the year. This is not your bill. Instead, it estimates tuition and living costs and shows the maximum amount of financial aid you may receive during the aid year (Fall, Spring, and Summer).

BEARWEB

UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

4. Apply for Loans, If Needed - Six Weeks Before Billing

Federal Loans:
Your Financial Aid Offer may include federal loans that you can accept or decline. If you accept them, you must complete additional steps such as Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note. 

Private Loans:
You can also review Baylor One Stop’s Preferred Lenders List to compare lenders, interest rates, and terms.

IMPORTANT:  You are NOT restricted to the lenders presented on the preferred lender list. You should not be directed to any specific lender by the University; you may choose any lender and follow their application process: Private Loan Consumer Information

Trimester Billing Dates: 

*Check the One Stop site to confirm the latest billing date information for Trimesters

Visit the One Stop Loan page to learn more.

5. Pay Your Bill for the Term

Bills will be made available on the dates listed below. Your balance must be paid by the due date using personal funds, financial aid, or a payment plan.

Trimester Billing Dates: 

*Check the One Stop site to confirm the latest billing date information for Trimesters

COST & PAYMENT

6. Receive Any Credit Balance Refunds

After financial aid is applied to your student account, you may have money left over after your bill is paid. This is called a credit balance. If you have a credit balance, the remaining funds will be refunded to you. Refunds are usually sent before the start of the term.

To receive your refund faster, sign up for Direct Deposit with BankMobile in BearWeb.

REFUNDS & DIRECT DEPOSIT

7. Stay in Touch with One Stop

Check your Baylor email regularly for updates from Baylor One Stop about your financial aid and other opportunities.

If you have questions, contact Baylor One Stop by:

• Submitting an online contact form
• Calling 254-710-2611
• Visiting the office on the third floor of the Bill Daniel Student Union Center (SUB)

ONE STOP STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES