Grants
Grants are gift-aid, which means they do not need to be repaid. They are awarded based on your financial need. Funding is limited, so students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as unsatisfied student requirements as soon as possible. All grants awarded, unless otherwise noted, are based upon the hours of enrollment and will be adjusted accordingly after the census date of each semester enrolled. Generally students must maintain at least half-time enrollment to qualify for an award.
The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation source for all other aid programs. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
Eligibility
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
Award Amount
Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,195 for the 2019–2020 award year (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020). The amount you get, though, will depend on:
- Your Expected Family Contribution
- Your Cost of Attendance (Link to Cost of Attendance)
- Your status as a full-time or part-time student
- Your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less
Application Process
All applicants are required to submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the Pell Grant. No other need-based assistance grants, loans, or work-study can be awarded until a student’s eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined.
Eligibility
The SEOG grant is specifically intended to undergraduate students with the lowest EFC number (0) as determined by your FAFSA. If you are no longer eligible to receive a Pell Grant award due to having exceeded the Pell Grant lifetime eligibility limit you will also no longer be eligible to receive this grant.
Award Amount
Awards are $100 per semester and are given out on a first come first serve basis. Once the full amount of the school’s FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year.
Application Process
All applicants are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Eligibility
The Texas Public Education Grants are awarded to students who are citizens or eligible non-citizens, and who have been regularly admitted into a degree-seeking program. Students have to be registered for Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement to be eligible.
Award Amount
Full time awards start at $100 with a maximum award of $1,000.
Application Process
All applicants are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who cannot apply for aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA. Parental information is required for students who are considered dependent by federal guidelines.
The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program provides grants to financially needy students enrolled in Texas public two-year colleges. Funding is limited, so you need to submit your FAFSA application as soon as possible after October 1st and before January 15th.
Eligibility
To receive an initial year (IY) award through the TEOG Program, a student must:
- Be registered with Selective Service, or be exempt.
- Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident.
- Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
- Not be concurrently receiving a renewal TEXAS Grant.
- Be enrolled at least half-time and awarded in the first 30 hours (or its equivalent) of an associate degree or certificate program (excluding credits for dual enrollment or by examination).
The financial aid office will determine your eligibility.
Award Amount
Eligible students may receive up to $5,876/year in TEOG funds during the 2019-2020 award year (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020).
Application Process
All applicants are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who cannot apply for aid using the FAFSA are encouraged to complete the TASFA. Parental information is required for students who are considered dependent by federal guidelines.
Maintaining Eligibility
To receive a renewal year (RY) award through the TEOG Program, a student must:
- Be enrolled at least half-time as a student who previously received a TEOG award and has not yet been granted an associate degree or baccalaureate degree;
- Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident;
- Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance;
- Not be concurrently receiving a renewal TEXAS Grant; and
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress:
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- 75% successful completion of attempted hours
Each recipient’s maximum time frame must be monitored to ensure compliance. The maximum time frame for receiving the grant is the first of:
- 4 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first award through the program;
- 75 Semester Credit Hours (SCH's) attempted while receiving the grant; or
- Completion of an associate degree.