Financial Aid Displacement Advisory

Financial aid displacement happens when your total financial aid is more than what is allowed under federal, state, or institutional rules. When this occurs, Laredo College is required to adjust (reduce or reallocate) certain types of aid so your total funding stays within allowable limits.

Understanding a few key terms makes this easier:

Cost of Attendance (COA)
The estimated total cost of attending Laredo College for the year. This includes:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Housing and meals
• Transportation
• Personal and miscellaneous expenses

Student Aid Index (SAI)
A number calculated from your FAFSA that helps schools determine your eligibility for need-based aid. Your SAI stays the same no matter which college you list.

Financial Need
Your financial need is generally:

Cost of Attendance (COA) − Student Aid Index (SAI)

Overaward
An overaward occurs when your total aid (including grants, scholarships, work-study, and sometimes loans) is more than your financial need or COA. When this happens, we are required to adjust your aid.

“Gift aid” includes grants and scholarships that you do not have to repay. In some situations, these awards may be revised to keep your total aid within required limits. Your gift aid (or other aid) may be adjusted if:

• You receive new or increased outside scholarships or grants, causing your total aid to exceed your financial need or COA.
• Your Cost of Attendance decreases, such as when you drop classes, change your housing plans, or withdraw from Laredo College.
• You do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or fail to meet renewal/merit criteria tied to a specific grant or scholarship.
• Your enrollment status changes (for example, from full-time to half-time), making you ineligible for certain programs.
• You do not submit required forms or documents by published deadlines.
• Your FAFSA information or SAI changes due to corrections, verification, or updates that impact your eligibility.

When adjustments are required, Laredo College will follow federal, state, and institutional policies. In many cases, we will reduce loans or other flexible aid first when possible.

For more detailed guidance from the state, you may review the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s official Financial Aid Displacement Advisory on their website.

1. FAFSA – U.S. Citizens and Eligible Noncitizens

If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
• Include Laredo College’s Federal School Code: 003582 so we receive your information.
• Submit your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available for your aid year (for example, beginning October 1, if applicable).
• Applying early helps you qualify for the maximum available funding and avoids processing delays.

2. TASFA – Texas Residents Not Eligible for FAFSA

If you are a Texas resident who is not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may qualify for certain state and institutional programs through the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).

• TASFA is for eligible Texas residents only who cannot submit a FAFSA.
• Do not complete both the FAFSA and TASFA. If you can file a FAFSA, that is the correct application and allows consideration for federal, state, and institutional aid at Laredo College.

Submitting your applications and documents on time helps protect your eligibility and prevent last-minute issues.

Suggested timelines (subject to official calendar updates):

• FAFSA available: As early as October 1 (check federal announcements each year).
• TASFA priority (state aid): Around January 15 (confirm annually).
• Laredo College priority processing dates:
  • Fall Semester: March 1
  • Spring Semester: November 1
  • Summer Semester: May 1

Outside, Private, need-based, and merit-based Scholarships: 

Students and scholarship organizations should notify Ms. Brenda Y. Diaz, Scholarship Coordinator, any external scholarships and or awards as soon as they are granted. Early reporting helps us adjust your aid properly and avoid over awards.

To make the most of your grants and scholarships at Laredo College:

• Apply early and meet priority dates.
• Use School Code 003582 on your FAFSA.
• Respond quickly to any requests for additional documents.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Enroll in the number of credit hours required for your aid program (for some awards, full-time enrollment is needed for the maximum amount).
• Check your Laredo College email and student portal frequently.

You can reduce the risk of financial aid displacement by:

• Reporting all outside scholarships, third-party payments, and tuition assistance to the Office of Financial Aid promptly.
• Talking with Financial Aid before dropping classes, changing majors, or changing your housing status.
• Completing all requested forms and verification documents by the posted deadlines.
• Monitoring your enrollment level and academic progress to ensure continued eligibility.

For inquiries regarding outside scholarships, please contact:

Ms. Brenda Y. Diaz,Scholarship Coordinator
Email: scholarships@laredo.edu 

• Location: Lerma-Peña Building, Room 131
• Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Phone: (956) 721-5144
• On-Campus Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

• Location: Billy Hall Center – One Stop Shop, Room 109
• Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Phone: (956) 794-4358
• On-Campus Availability: Tuesday

If you have questions about your aid or how financial aid displacement may affect you, we encourage you to contact:

• Office of Financial Aid
  Email: finaid@laredo.edu
  Phone: 956-721-5361

We are here to help you understand your options, avoid surprises, and successfully finance your education at Laredo College.