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TEXAS Grant Program

TEXAS Grant Program
This program is to provide a grant to enabled well-prepared eligible students to attend institutions of higher education in the state of Texas. To be considered for this grant, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Funding is limited so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The amount of the award is determined by the institution but the amount at minimum is equal to the student's tuition and required fees.

Criteria for Eligibility

To receive a basic initial award through the TEXAS Grant Program, a Baccalaureate student must:

  • Be registered with Selective Service, or be exempt;
  • Have a 9 month EFC of no more than $6,454;
  • Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident;
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance;
  • Be enrolled at least three-quarter time as:

A Baccalaureate student who:

  • graduated from an accredited public or private high school in Texas;
  • completed the Foundation, Recommended, or Distinguished Achievement high school program (or the equivalent); and
  • enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program at an approved institution within 16 months from high school graduation having not accumulated more than 30 SCH’s (excluding credits for dual enrollment or by examination); OR

A Baccalaureate student who:

  • earned an associate’s degree from a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education in Texas, and
  • enrolled in an eligible institution within 12 months after receiving the associate’s degree; OR

A Baccalaureate student who:

  • graduated from an accredited public or private high school in Texas May 1, 2013 or later;
  • completed the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school program (or its equivalent); and
  • enlisted in military service within 12 months of high school graduation and enrolled in an eligible GATI within 12 months of receiving an honorable discharge; OR

A Baccalaureate student who:

  • transferred into a public university in Texas with at least 24 SCH’s and a minimum 2.5 GPA; and
  • received an initial year (IY) Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) in Fall 2014 or later;

To receive an Renewal (RY) award through the TEXAS Grant Program, a student must:

  • Be enrolled at least three-quarter time as an undergraduate student who previously received a TEXAS Grant award and has not yet been granted a baccalaureate degree;
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
  • Have a calculated financial need;
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP): At the end of the first year: meeting Institutional SAP; At the end of all years preceding the first year: 2.5 Cumulative GPA and 24 Semester Credit Hours in an Academic Year
  • Complete the FAFSA by the priority deadlines as the award is not a guarantee but it is based on prioritizing those that have applied for the FAFSA the earliest.

Maximum Time Frame Defined

Recipient entering the program as a high school graduate

  • 5 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first award if in a degree plan of 4 years or less;
  • 6 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first award if in a degree plan of more than 4 years;
  • 150 SCH attempted while receiving the grant; or
  • completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Recipient entering the program with an associate’s degree

  • 3 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first award if in a degree plan of 4 years or less;
  • 4 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first award if in a degree plan of more than 4 years;
  • 90 SCH attempted while receiving the grant; OR
  • completion of a baccalaureate degree

Recipient entering the program as a transfer student

  • if 1st award was made out of high school, no more than 150 SCHs,
  • if 1st award was made after obtaining an associate's degree, no more than 90 SCHs; OR
  • completion of a baccalaureate degree

Hardship Appeal

To be eligible for the TEXAS Grant Renewal Award, recipients must meet all eligibility requirements. Under certain circumstances, an ineligible student may be considered for a hardship review. Examples of extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:

  • Less than 9 credit hour needed to complete degree plan- Must be enrolled at least 6 credit hours
  • Extended hospitalization or medical condition of student that impacted academic performance
  • Major hospitalization of an immediate family member that impacted academic performance
  • Other extraordinary circumstances that prevented student from meeting renewal requirements

To be considered for a hardship, submit a Texas Grant Hardship. The appeal must include the hardship application, a typed personal statement explaining extenuating circumstance, and supporting documentation. Submission of the appeal does not guarantee approval.

Please note, students enrolled less than half-time (6 credit hours) cannot be considered for a hardship and are not eligible for the TEXAS Grant Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TEXAS Grant?

Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success, better known as (TEXAS) Grant Program, is used to provide financial assistance to eligible students attending Texas public institutions of higher education.

Do I need to apply for the TEXAS Grant?

No, there is no application specifically for the Texas Grant. By completing your FAFSA on time, you are also considered for being awarded the Texas Grant. The award is not a guarantee but it is based on prioritizing those that have applied for the FAFSA the earliest.

Can the TEXAS Grant be transferred?

Yes, the Texas Grant can be transferred. This grant is not to be confused with Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) and Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG). These awards are similar to the Texas Grant, but they are found in two year institutions. The Texas Grant is awarded in four year institutions.

For how long can I get the TEXAS Grant?

The amount of time that a student receive the Texas Grant is generally 5 years from the first semester awarded. However, if the student is enrolled in a degree plan that would take more than 4 years, the student can receive the award for up to 6 years.

How do I maintain eligibility for the TEXAS Grant?

In order to maintain eligibility for the Texas Grant, a student must continue to have: have financial need, be enrolled at least 3/4 time (9 credits), maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP), complete 24 credit hours total by the end of each academic year and not have earned a baccalaureate degree. In addition, you cannot have have reached 150 attempted hours. The award is not a guarantee but it is based on prioritizing those that have applied for the FAFSA the earliest.

If I lose eligibility, can I regain my eligibility for the TEXAS Grant?

Yes, a student could regain the Texas Grant. The student must complete what is called a Texas Grant Appeal. The appeal must demonstrate a true hardship that you experienced during the period of poor academic performance. Examples of hardships include, but not limited to, a severe illness or responsibility for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person. You may also submit an appeal if you cannot enroll full-time due to graduation, or a required student teaching or internship program. The submission of an appeal is only a request for review and does not guarantee a change in status.

Do I have to apply for the TEXAS Grant in the summer?

No, just as there is no application for the Texas Grant for the fall and spring semesters, there is none for the summer. As long as you had the award for the regular academic year there is a possibility of qualifying for summer. This is normally determined after the spring semester showing if SAP has been met and must have enrollment of 9 credit hours for the summer.

How many credits can I attempt before I lose my eligibility?

Once you attempt 150 semester credit hours or the equivalent, you will lose your eligibility. You can, however, appeal for a hardship extension.