Post-Baccalaureate Financial Aid

Post-baccalaureate students (students who have already earned their first bachelor’s degree) who are admitted into a degree program or preparatory program for admission into an undergraduate, or graduate degree program may be eligible for federal direct loans if they have not already reached the aggregate maximum federal loan amount. Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan funding may also be available for dependent undergraduate students. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible for state or federal grant programs. 

General Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for federal loans, post-baccalaureate students must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a complete FAFSA for the aid year
  • Be admitted into a degree or be approved for a preparatory program for admission to an undergraduate or graduate program at Tarleton State University
  • Be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term
  • Not owe a repayment on a previous grant and not be in default on a previous federal student loan
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Complete the electronic Post-Baccalaureate form annually

Who Is Eligible to Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Form?

  1. Students who are not admitted into an undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking program and are taking pre-requisite coursework in order to be admitted into an undergraduate or graduate degree at Tarleton State University.
  2. Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree and are admitted into a second bachelor’s degree program at Tarleton State University.

Post-Baccalaureate Annual Federal Loan Limits

The amount of federal student loans a post-baccalaureate student is eligible to borrow per year is based on their dependency status and their program:

PROGRAM TYPEDEPENDENCY STATUSANNUAL direct LOAN LIMIT
Second Baccalaureate DegreeDependent$7,500
Second Baccalaureate DegreeIndependent$12,500
Prerequisite Course for Post-Bacc ProgramDependent$2,625
Prerequisite Course for Post-Bacc ProgramIndependent$8,625
Prerequisite Course for Graduate ProgramDependent$5,500
Prerequisite Course for Graduate ProgramIndependent$12,500

How to Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Form

Students who need financial aid consideration for Post-Baccalaureate coursework must complete the Post-Baccalaureate Form in Kuali. Paper forms are no longer accepted.

This form helps determine your financial aid eligibility for your 2nd Bachelor’s degree or required prerequisite coursework for admission into a new program. *IMPORTANT: Courses taken to improve the student’s grade point average do not qualify for financial aid.

Please follow the steps below to complete the form correctly and avoid delays.


Step 1: Log in to Kuali

  • Log in using your Tarleton State NTNET credentials.
  • Navigate to Student Financial Assistance services and select the Post Baccalaureate Form.

Step 2: Confirm Your Program and Purpose

  • Indicate the program you are preparing to enter (e.g., Nursing, Teacher Education, Graduate School).
  • Confirm that the coursework you are listing is required for admission to your intended program.

Step 3: Enter Your Academic Advisor’s Information

  • Provide the name and email address of your Tarleton State Academic Advisor.
  • The advisor must verify that the coursework listed is required for your program.

Step 4: List All Required Courses

You must list all courses you will take during the Post Baccalaureate period.
The form requires you to enter courses for all three academic terms:

  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer

For each course, provide:

  • Course Title
  • Subject and Course Number (e.g., BIOL 2401)
  • Credit Hours
  • Term the course will be taken

Make sure the information matches your advisor’s recommendations and the university catalog.


Step 5: Students Exceeding 12 Months of Coursework

If you will need more than 12 calendar months to complete your required courses:

  • Your Academic Advisor must clearly state this on the form.
  • Your form cannot be approved without this confirmation.

Step 6: Review and Submit the Form

  • Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
  • Click Submit.
  • The form will automatically route to your academic advisor for review and approval.

Step 7: Track Your Form

  • You will receive email updates each time a step is completed.
  • You may log in to Kuali at any time to monitor your form’s status.

Important Information

  • Only prerequisite coursework required for your intended program may be included.
  • Failure to list all required courses may delay financial aid processing.
  • Courses unrelated to program admission cannot be funded.
  • Your financial aid eligibility will be determined based on the approved coursework.
  • IMPORTANT: Courses taken to improve the student’s grade point average do not qualify for financial aid.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions or need help completing the form, please contact the Tarleton State Office of Financial Aid at finaid@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9070.