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Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to provide a grant of money to enable academically-prepared, eligible students to attend public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Texas.
Who can compete for an award?
A student who:
- is a Texas resIdent;
- graduated from a pubic or accredited private high school in Texas no earlier than fall 1998: (1)
- completed the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum or its equivalent (2) (3)
- has financial need;
- has applied for any available. financal aid or assistance;
- enrolls at least 3/4 time in an undergraduate degree or certificate program; and
- has not heen convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance
When should students apply?
Deadlines vary by institution, but fall and spring grants are generally awarded in the spring prior to enrollment. The student must receive his/her first TEXAS Grant within 16 months of high school graduation.
How much can a student receive through the program?
The award amount depends on the number of hours taken by the student and the type of institution the student attends. In general, it is an amount equal to the student's tuition and required fees. (Approximately $1,325 per semester for full-time university students; $484 per semester for fulltime community college students; and $770 per semester for full-time technical college students.)
Is this a one-time award?
No. Students who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours or for six years, whichever occurs first. In the first year of college, the academic standards are set by the institution. In subsequent years, the requirements are completion of at least 75 percent of the hours taken in the prior semester, plus an overall grade point average in college of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Associate Degree holders who meet program academic standards may receive awards for up to 4 years or 9O semester credit hours.
How do students apply?
Awards are made through the financial aid office of the college. Persons interested in the program should contact the financial aid office to find out about deadlines and procedures.
(1) Students who receive Associates Degrees in May 2001 or later will also be eligible to compete for TEXAS Grants.
(2) If a student's public high school did not offer all courses necessary to complete the curiculum, the district must certify to the Texas Education Agency that the high school did not offer all of the courses, and the high school counselor must certify in writing that the student completed all courses toward such a curriculum that the school had to offer.
(3) In addition to other eligibility requirements. the transcript for a student who graduated from an accredited private high school must include information indicating that the student has completed or is scheduled to complete the equivalent of the recommended or advanced curriculum.
The (TEXAS) Grant is also available for persons receiving an Associate's Degree in May 2001 or Later. Check with your school of choice for information on how to apply.
Source/Allocation of Funds
Funds are generated through state appropriations. Initial year funds are allocated based on information from Financial Aid Database - number of Pell Recipients with zero family contributions. Renewal year funds are alIocated based on prior year participaton and the college's retention rate. |
Calendar - Important Dates
November 30 -- deadline for encumbering allocated funds
December 1 -- progress reports due: first reallocation date; funds reported as unencumbered are to be reallocated; first come/first serve applications
December 20 -- deadline for returning unencumbered fall funds
March 15 -- progress reports due: second reallocation date. Funds reported as unencumbered are to be reallocated.
April 1 -- Due date for spring refunds
July 1 -- year end reports due (1) Student-by-Student report, and (2) year-end fund balance report |
Potential Sanctions
Schools with progress reports postmarked up to a week late will not be eligible for immediate receipt of reallocated funds. If progress reports are postmarked more than a week late, school will lose 5% of its next year initial allocation.
If year-end report is postmarked up to a week late, school can lose 5% of its next year initial allocation. Year-end reports postmarked more than a week late can cause 10% decrease in next year initial allocation. Year-end reports more than 1 month late can cause more severe penalties. Maximum cumulative penalty in a year is 30% of the next year's initial year award. |
Contacts: Ernest Jacquez (jacquezet@thecb.state.tx.us) and Jane CaIdwell (caldwellje@thecb.state.tx.us)
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