SMU Funded Financial Aid Programs


 Required Actions Description
SMU Academic Aid
  • Not need-based
  • Determined during the admission application process
  • Departmental scholarship opportunities exist to new and continuing students.
  • May be received for up to 5 semesters for transfer students and up to 8 semesters for first year students, or graduation, whichever comes first.
  • Student must maintain required GPA for merit aid renewal.
SMU Need Based Aid (i.e. SMU Opportunity Award, SMU Need-Based Grant) FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE required
  • Need-based
  • Must file the FAFSA and CSS/Profile needs analysis each academic year
  • Award amount will vary from year to year based on the information received from the FAFSA and CSS/Profile
  • Award is NOT guaranteed each year
  • Must maintain enrollment of 12 or more hours each term
  • Incoming, first year, students may receive for a maximum of 8 regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first.
  • Incoming, transfer, students may receive for a maximum of 5 regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first.
SMU Family Assistance Loan
  • Eligibility is based upon creditworthiness
  • For additional information visit