Financial Aid Programs
Undergraduate Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant— This is a federally funded grant program based on established financial need. Federal Pell Grants are available to students who have not received a bachelor’s degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant (FSEOG)— This is a federally funded grant program based on established financial need. FSEOG is available to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant.
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)— This is a state-funded program for Texas residents based on established financial need. A student must complete a minimum of 24 hours each academic year and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for renewal of the grant each year. Renewal eligibility will be based on funding availability and minimum requirements listed above. This grant is payable based on 9 credits or more.
Undergraduate Work Study Programs
Work-study provides jobs to students with financial need, allowing students to earn money toward their education expenses.
Federal Work Study Program (FWS)— This is a federal program that provides funding for jobs to students who have established financial need and wish to earn a portion of their education expenses. Employment may be in various on-campus positions, at some off-campus community service organizations, or in various tutoring programs. Interested students must complete a student employment application and a job interview. A student must work to earn Federal Work Study wages. Employment is not guaranteed and all wages are paid directly to the student. Students receiving Federal Work Study must be enrolled at a minimum of half time and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Students will not be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.
Loan Programs
Loans are borrowed money that you must repay with interest. Federal and state loans are low interest, deferred repayment loans to assist students with all educational costs. Some loans are limited to specific amounts. All student borrowers are required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note prior to receipts of loan proceeds and Loan Exit Counseling when the student is no longer enrolled. Loan Entrance Counseling is available at https://studentaid.gov/. Loan funds will not be released to the student account without loan entrance or a current Master Promissory Note.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan— Funding for this student loan is provided through the federal government. This loan program is based on established financial need. The federal government will pay the interest on your loan while you are in school and in certain other situations. This loan is only available for Undergraduate students. Students are required to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for this loan. Students must also complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling Form to receive the loan funds.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan— Funding for this student loan is provided through the federal government. This loan program is not based on financial need. The student is responsible for paying all interest that accrues from the date that the loan is disbursed. Students are required to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for this loan. Students must also complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling Form to receive the loan funds.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)— Funding for this unsubsidized loan is provided through the federal government and is NOT based on need. The parent of a dependent undergraduate student may apply for this loan and does require a favorable credit approval for funding. The loan funds will not be released to the student account until all required paperwork has been received.
Federal Grad Plus Program— Funding for this student loan is provided through the federal government and is not based on need. The Grad Plus loan is based on credit-worthiness of the student. If the student is denied, the student may apply with an endorser. A current Master Promissory Note will be required. The Grad Plus Loan also requires a separate Loan Entrance Counseling. The loan funds will not be released to the student account until all paperwork has been received. Students are required to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for this loan.
Private (or alternative) loans may be available to eligible students. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Hinson-Hazlewood College Access Loan (CAL)— Funding for this loan is provided through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to Texas residents or recipients of competitive academic scholarships. This process may take up to 21 days to complete. This loan does require a favorable credit approval for funding and may require a co-signer. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.