The Basics
1.
2.
3.
Students get financial aid from different places.
You can apply for assistance from the federal or
state government, local banks or credit unions,
civic or church groups, your or your parents’
employer or union, and the college or university
itself.
The middle of your junior year in high school is
the best time to start asking about financial aid.
Your best source of information (including
application deadlines) is the financial aid
officer at the college or university you want to
attend.
When you ask for catalogues from colleges and
universities, also ask for financial aid applications
and related instructions. Apply even if you think
you won’t qualify. Be sure to meet due dates and
complete all forms carefully. College and
university funds are limited, and you can lose
your chance to get some types of aid if you apply
late.
Types of Student Aid
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Grants & Scholarships: gifts of money that do
not have to be paid back. Scholarships are
usually awarded based on grades or some
special talent; grants are awarded based on
financial need.
Loans: borrowed funds that usually must be paid
back with interest.
Forgiveness Loans: borrowed funds that usually
must be repaid by performing some type of
service.
Work-Study: part-time jobs provided by colleges
and universities so students can work and earn
money.
Tuition/Fee Exemptions: programs that decrease
the tuition and/or fee charges for eligible students
attending public colleges or universities.
Loan Repayment Programs: programs that make
payments against outstanding student loans in
repayment for services provided by the borrower.
Waivers: programs that allow some non-resident
students to attend Texas public colleges or
universities and pay the lower resident tuition rate
Students who receive financial aid are offered an “aid
package” by a college or university. The package
often includes more than one type of aid. The total
amount of aid in your package depends on your
financial need. Most federal and state aid is awarded
based on financial need rather than academic merit
(grades). Your financial need is determined by the
information you report on your Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Applying for Financial Aid
All colleges and universities will ask you to file a
FAFSA if you are applying for financial aid.
You must complete a FAFSA, either on paper or on
the Web, to apply for state and federal aid. The
information contained in this application is used to
calculate your need for financial aid. High school
counselors and college and university financial aid
offices have copies of the paper application. The
Web version is located at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Follow
the instructions on the form or Web site to submit your
completed form.
If you want to apply for aid for a fall term, complete
and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after you
and your family complete your federal income tax
form for the prior year, or by the college’s or
university’s financial aid deadline -- whichever comes
first.
Upon receiving your completed FAFSA, the processor
will review it and calculate your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC) -- the amount you and your family
will be expected to pay toward college costs. The
calculation takes a lot of different things into
consideration -- your parents’ income, your earnings,
your family’s assets, the size of your family, and the
number of people attending college at the same time.
It also takes into account family expenses. These
include income taxes paid, housing, clothing and food
costs, and your parents’ need to save for retirement.
Within four to six weeks of submitting your FAFSA
(two to four weeks if you complete the FAFSA on the
Web), you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).
Read the report carefully. If corrections are needed,
follow directions for making them. The SAR will
indicate your family contribution and report if you are
eligible for a federal Pell Grant. If you are not eligible
for a Pell Grant, don’t worry! You might still qualify for
other types of aid. The Pell Grant is targeted towards
the students with the greatest financial need. Many
students who do not get the Pell Grant receive other
types of awards.
Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program or the
College Access Loan (CAL) Program.
Calculating Financial Need
Parents may also borrow through the federal PLUS
Loan Program and a variety of supplemental
educational loan programs that your college financial
aid office can tell you about.
Most state and federal aid only goes to students with
financial need, and need equals:
Cost of Attendance
-Expected Family Contribution
Need
The Cost of Attendance includes tuition and fees,
books and supplies, and living expenses. Your
financial need is the “gap” between this cost figure
and the EFC the processor calculates your family can
provide.
Each financial aid program has its own set of eligibility
requirements. The information you give the aid office
through your FAFSA and other forms they ask you to
submit (if required) allows the aid office to determine
which programs you can qualify for.
After the aid office has the information from your SAR,
it can calculate your need and decide which awards to
offer you. (You do not have to apply separately for
each program.) After these decisions are made, the
aid office sends you an award letter, listing your aid
package. This letter is usually sent out by early
summer.
Forgiveness loan programs provide money to
students who sign contracts or agreements to perform
certain work or services after completing college. If
the student completes the services as agreed, no
repayment is required. If the student fails to perform
the service, the money received as a forgiveness loan
has to be repaid with interest. Forgiveness loans are
available to outstanding rural scholars, students in
educator certification programs, and child-care
workers seeking advanced credentials. All three
programs require the student to work for one or more
years in the profession for which the loan paid for
education.
Things to Remember
1.
The amount of financial aid you qualify for is
based on your financial need. Your EFC will
remain the same from one college or university to
another; your need may increase or decrease
depending upon the costs of the college or
university.
2.
Colleges and universities handle “outside
scholarships” (scholarships you bring with you to
the school) differently. The college or university
may reduce the amount of institutional grant aid
you receive to reflect the amount of the outside
scholarship.
3.
You must apply for aid each year. Your family’s
federal income tax return should be completed
early, allowing you to complete your FAFSA
accurately and on time. Using estimated
information on the FAFSA will mean you will have
to make corrections later.
4.
Each college and university sets its own
deadlines for applying for financial aid. Contact
all colleges in which you are interested to learn
about financial aid deadlines.
5.
This is the most important investment you can
make in your future. Take time to learn about
your options before you make any decisions.
Financial aid officers can help you find ways to
pay for your education.
Facts About Loans
If you intend to borrow from a federal student loan
program to help pay for your education, ask your
college or university financial aid officer about the
application process at their particular institution. The
college can also help you find a lender -- an
organization able to loan the funds to you.
The least expensive educational loans are those
targeted to financially needy students. These loans -Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans
-- require no interest or repayment while the borrower
is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Specialized, need-based loans are also available to
students in medical and allied health professions.
Interest does accumulate while the student is in
school; but no repayment is required until the student
drops below half-time enrollment.
Students who do not qualify for need-based aid also
might be eligible to borrow money through the
To Learn More About Financial Aid...
Your best source of information is the financial aid
office at the college you wish to attend. A list of
Texas non-profit colleges and universities, with
contact information for their financial aid offices, can
be requested by calling 800-242-3062, ext. 6387.
You can also use a computer at home, school, or at
the public library to find online information about
grants, scholarships, and loans -- it’s easy and
convenient.
The home pages of many of the Texas colleges and
universities can be accessed through the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board Web site at:
www.collegefortexans.com.
You can also contact these agencies for additional
information:
Center for Rural Health
Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
Free Application for
Federal Student Aid
800-433-3243
www.fafsa.ed.gov
Texas Guaranteed
Student Loan Corp.
PO Box 201725
Austin TX 78720-1725
800-252-9743
www.tgslc.org
United Student Aid
Funds
PO Box 5826
Indianapolis IN 46250
U.S. Department of
Education
Office of Student
Financial Assistance
1200 Main Tower
Dallas TX 75202
800-4FED-AID
800-433-3243
www.ed.gov
Minnie Stevens Piper
Foundation
GPM South Tower
Suite 200
800 NW Loop 410
San Antonio TX 78216
210-525-8494
www.window.state.tx.us/
scholars/mspmain.html
Texas Health Service
Corps
TDH-Center for Rural
Health Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
www.crhi.state.tx.us
Tuition and Fee Exemptions (Free Tuition and/or
Fees)
Exemptions are programs that allow public colleges
and universities to lower tuition and/or fees for eligible
students.
For more information, contact the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board at 800-242-3062 or
visit the Web site at:
www.collegefortexans.com
Useful Web Sites
Texas has exemption programs for some students
who:

Were in foster care

Are blind

Were adopted

Are deaf

Were valedictorians

Were early high
school graduates
Texas also has programs for the children of:

Disabled or

Parents receiving
deceased peace
TANF benefits for
officers
the student when
he/she was a high
school senior

POWs or MIAs

Deceased veterans
www.adventuresineducation.org
... information on applying for financial aid, managing
your money, and repaying your student loans
The CollegeBoard – www.collegeboard.com
...the CollegeBoard homepage, including an online
financial aid calculator, information on scholarships,
and the SAT
FastWEB – www.fastweb.com
...a highly popular, customized financial aid search
engine with more than 300 references
Texas has a new program for the surviving spouse
and/or dependent children of:

Certain deceased public servants
Financial Aid Information Page -- www.finaid.org
...lists a variety of grants, scholarships, and consumer
information
For more information, call 800-242-3062, ext. 6387 to
request a fact sheet on a particular exemption
program or to request a full list of exemptions,
including statutes. General information is also
available online at www.collegefortexans.com, or you
can email the Coordinating Board at:
grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us
National Association of Student Financial Aid
Administrators – www.nasfaa.org
...financial aid tips for students, parents, and
counselors
Financial Aid for
Texas Students
2002-2003
Peterson’s Education & Career Center –
www.petersons.com
...scholarship search and other resources
Loan Repayment/Forgiveness Programs
Texas has loan repayment programs for persons
employed in certain fields. These programs are:

Physician Education Loan Repayment Program

Early Childhood Care Provider Student Loan
Repayment Program

Border County Doctoral Faculty Education Loan
Repayment

Texas Rural Physician Assistant Loan
Repayment Program

Dental Education Loan Repayment Program, and
the

Professional Nursing Student Loan Repayment
Program.
Additional programs that have not yet been funded
are being developed for teachers, attorneys working
for the Texas Attorney General’s Office, attorneys
working for non-profit organizations, and persons in
alternative teacher certification programs.
Student Loan Marketing Association –
www.salliemae.com
...financial aid tips for students, parents, and
counselors
Texas Tomorrow Fund – www.texastomorrowfund.org
...provides information on the Texas prepaid higher
education tuition and fee program
Texas Workforce Commission – www.twc.state.tx.us
...provides information on educational and job training
opportunities
For additional copies, contact:
Student Services Division
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
800-242-3062, ext. 6387 or
grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us
Programs listed are subject to change after
09/01/2003.
TEXAS NON-PROFIT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Institution
Financial Aid Office
Abilene Christian University
Alvin Community College
Amarillo College
Amberton University
Angelina College
Angelo State University
Austin College
Austin Community College
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor University
Blinn College
Brazosport College
Brookhaven College
Cedar Valley College
Central Texas College
Cisco Junior College
Clarendon College
Coastal Bend College
College of St. Thomas More
College of the Mainland
Collin County Comm. College
Concordia University
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas County Comm. College
Del Mar College
East Texas Baptist University
Eastfield College
El Centro College
El Paso Community College
Frank Phillips College
Galveston College
Grayson County College
Hardin-Simmons University
Hill College
Houston Baptist University
Houston Community College
Howard County Jr. College
Howard Payne University
Huston-Tillotson University
Jacksonville College
Jarvis Christian College
Kilgore College
Kingwood College
Lamar Institute of Technology
915-674-2643
281-388-4630
806-371-5311
972-279-6511, x 32
409-633-5291
915-942-2210
903-813-2314
512-223-7550
713-798-3379
254-710-2611
979-830-4144
979-230-3441
972-860-4111
972-860-8269
254-526-1559
254-442-2567
806-874-3571
361-358-2838
817-923-8459
409-938-1211, x 246
972-881-5761
512-452-7662
214-333-5460
972-860-7715
361-698-1295
903-935-7963, x 214
972-860-7032
214-860-2097
915-831-2561
806-274-5311, x 18
409-763-6551, x 238
903-463-8783
915-670-1331
254-582-2555, x 204
281-649-3276
713-718-8546
915-264-5087
915-649-8015
512-505-3027
903-589-2808
903-769-5740
903-983-8210
281-312-1606
409-880-2137
Lamar State College-Orange
Lamar State College-Port
Arthur
Lamar University
Laredo Community College
Lee College
LeTourneau University
Lon Morris College
Lubbock Christian University
McLennan Comm. College
McMurry University
Midland College
Midwestern State University
Montgomery College
Mountain View College
Navarro College
North Central Texas Com.
Colege
North Harris-Montgomery
Com. College
North Lake College
Northeast Texas Com.
College
Northwest Vista College
Odessa College
Our Lady of the Lake
University
Palo Alto College
Panola College
Paris Junior College
Parker College of Chiropractic
Paul Quinn College
Prairie View A&M University
Ranger College
Rice University
Richland College
Sam Houston State University
San Antonio College
San Jacinto Com. Col.-South
San Jacinto Com. Col.-District
San Jacinto Com. Col.Central
San Jacinto Com. Col.-North
Schreiner University
South Plains College
South Texas College of Law
South Texas Com. College
409-882-3362
409-984-6200
409-880-2302
956-721-5357
281-425-6388
903-233-3430
903-589-4000
806-796-8800, x 267
254-299-8608
915-793-4713
915-685-4507
940-397-4214
409-273-7247
214-860-8565
903-875-7361
940-668-4242
281-260-3107
972-273-3326
903-572-1911
210-348-2100
915-335-6429
210-434-6711, x 319
210-921-5320
903-693-1121
903-782-0429
214-902-2424
214-306-3696
936-857-2422
254-647-3234, x 7
713-527-4958
972-238-6188
409-294-3607
210-733-2979
281-922-3428
281-998-6342
281-476-1856
281-459-7121, x 7
830-896-8411
806-894-9611, x 2410
713-646-1820
956-631-4922
Institution
Financial Aid Office
Institution
Financial Aid Office
Southern Methodist University
Southwest Texas State Univ.
Southwestern Adventist
College
SW Assemblies of God Univ.
Southwestern Christian
College
Southwestern University
St. Edward’s University
St. Mary’s University
St. Philip’s College
Stephen F. Austin State Univ.
Sul Ross State University
Tarleton State University
Tarleton Univ. System Center
Tarrant County College
District
Tarrant County College-NE
Tarrant County College—NW
Tarrant County College-SO
Tarrant County College—SE
Temple College
Texarkana College
Texas A&M International
University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Univ.-Galveston
Texas A&M Univ. HSC
Texas A&M Univ.-Commerce
Texas A&M Univ.-Corpus
Christi
Texas A&M UniversityKingsville
Texas A&M Univ.-Texarkana
Texas Chiropractic College
Texas Christian University
Texas College
Texas Lutheran College
Texas Southern University
Texas Southmost College
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech Univ. HSC
Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Woman’s University
Tomball College
214-768-2397
512-245-8011
817-645-3921
Trinity Valley Com. College
Trinity University
TSTC-Harlingen
TSTC-Sweetwater
TSTC-Waco
Tyler Junior College
University of Dallas
University of Houston
Univ. of Houston-Clear Lake
Univ. of Houston-Downtown
Univ. of Houston-Victoria
Univ. of Mary Hardin-Baylor
University of North Texas
Univ. of North Texas-HSC
University of St. Thomas
University of Texas-Arlington
University of Texas-Austin
University of TexasBrownsville
University of Texas-Dallas
University of Texas-El Paso
University of Texas-San
Antonio
University of Texas-Tyler
UTHSC-Houston
UTHSC-San Antonio
UT Medical Branch-Galveston
Univ. of Texas-Permian Basin
UT Southwestern Medical
Univ. of Texas-Pan American
University of the Incarnate
Word
Vernon College
Victoria College, The
Wayland Baptist University
Weatherford College
West Texas A&M University
Western Texas College
Wharton County College
Wiley College
903-675-6279
210-999-8315
956-425-0673
915-235-7315
254-867-3620
903-510-2385
972-721-5266
713-743-9091
281-283-2546
713-221-8162
361-570-4131
254-295-4518
940-565-3901
817-735-2522
713-522-7911, x 349
817-272-3568
512-475-6203
956-544-8265
972-937-4010
972-524-3341, x 126
512-863-1267
512-448-8525
210-436-3141
210-531-3272
936-468-2230
915-837-8055
254-968-9070
254-526-8262, x 242
817-515-5353
817-515-6228
817-515-7711
817-515-4563
817-515-3040
254-298-8321
903-838-4541, x 214
956-326-2250
409-845-7513
409-740-4417
214-828-8236
903-886-5091
512-825-2417
512-593-2175
903-838-6514, x 221
281-998-6020
817-921-7858
903-593-8311, x 219
830-372-8076
713-313-4383
956-544-8265
806-742-3681
806-743-3025
817-531-4439
940-898-3051
281-351-3334
972-883-4021
915-747-5204
210-458-4635
903-566-7180
713-500-3871
210-567-2640
409-772-4952
915-552-2625
214-648-3611
956-381-3654
210-829-6008
940-552-6291
512-572-6410
806-296-4713
817-598-6284
806-651-2055
915-573-8511, x 309
409-532-4560, x 6437
903-927-3217
A complete list of Texas non-profit colleges and
universities, with the addresses and emails for their
financial aid offices, can be requested by calling 800-2423062, ext. 6387.
Grants & Scholarships
Program
Who is Eligible
Maximum Award
Number of
Awards
Basis of Selection
How to Apply
Byrd Scholarship
High school seniors and persons completing GED
training. Scholarship is based on GPA, rank in
class, or GED equivalents, and scores on college
entrance exams.
$1,500
1,987
Entrance exam scores and class
rank and GED scores
High school senior counselors and GED trainers recommend
up to three of their top students. Selection is then made at
the state level by the Coordinating Board. Applications are
due to the Board on March 15.
Early High School Graduation Scholarship
Texas residents who attended public high school
only in Texas and completed grades 9-12 in no
more than 36 consecutive months.
$1,000
3,923
Completion of grades 9-12 in no
more than 36 consecutive
months
High school counselor sends Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board a letter, certifying student eligibility.
Coordinating Board notifies college. For a copy of the
required certification letter, call 800-242-3062, ext. 6387 and
request an EHS packet.
Federal Pell Grant
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as
college undergraduates or vocational students at
public or independent colleges and universities.
$3,300
238,016
Financial need
Federal SEOG (Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grant)
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as
undergraduates or vocational students at public or
independent colleges and universities.
$4,100
50,811
Financial need
Fifth Year Accounting Student
Scholarship
Texas residents and non-residents who have
completed 120 semester credit hours, including 15
hours of accounting, and who plan to sit for the
CPA exam in the state of Texas.
$3,000
375
Financial need, scholastic ability,
and performance
License Plate Insignia Scholarship
Texas residents with financial need.
Varies by type of
institution
285
Financial need
PSIG-LEAP (Public Student Incentive
Grant-Leveraging Educational Assistance
Partnership)
Texas residents with financial need who are
enrolled at public colleges and universities in
Texas.
$2,500
837
Financial need
TEG-LEAP (Tuition Equalization GrantLeveraging Educational Assistance
Partnership)
Texas residents and National Merit Scholarship
finalists enrolled as undergraduate or graduate
students at independent colleges and universities
in Texas.
$3,572 TEG
$1,250 LEAP
1,855
Financial need
All of these programs are awarded through the financial aid
office of the college or university the student attends. To
apply, students must complete the FAFSA and show
financial need.
Based on each student’s need, the financial aid office
matches the students to the program requirements and
assembles a “package,” or combination of awards, which it
then offers to students through an award letter. Award letters
are usually mailed to students in late spring or early summer.
To be considered for the greatest number of awards, the
student must have submitted all documents required by the
aid office by its priority deadline. This deadline varies among
colleges and universities, and students should check with
their particular college about (1) the deadline and (2) the
documents it requires.
Grants & Scholarships
Loans
Program
Who is Eligible
Maximum Award
Number of
Awards
Basis of Selection
TEXAS Grant (Towards EXcellence,
Access, and Success Grant) for Recent
High School Graduates
Texas residents with financial need who
completed the Recommended or Distinguished
Achievement High School Program and graduated
from high school after December 1998, and who
enroll in a Texas college or university as a
freshman within 16 months of high school
graduation.
Varies by type of
institution
18,162
Financial need and high school
curriculum
TEXAS Grant (Towards EXcellence,
Access, and Success Grant) for Students
who Earned an Associate’s Degree in
May 2001 or Later
Texas residents with financial need who earned
an Associate’s Degree in May 2001 or later and
who enroll in a Texas college or university to
pursue a higher degree or certificate within 12
months of receiving the Associate’s Degree.
Varies by type of
institution
New program in
2001-2002
Financial need and Associate’s
Degree
TEXAS Grant (Towards EXcellence,
Access, and Success Grant) II
Texas residents with financial need who are
enrolled at Texas public 2-year colleges and are
not eligible for the traditional TEXAS Grant. This
program is NOT transferable to a university.
Varies by type of
institution
New program in
2001-2002
Financial need
TPEG (Texas Public Education Grant)
Texas residents, nonresidents, and foreign
students enrolled at public colleges or universities
in Texas.
Financial need
2,930
Financial need
Professional Nursing Scholarships
Texas residents enrolled as undergraduates or
graduates at public or independent colleges or
universities in Texas in degree programs leading
to a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in
professional nursing.
$2,500 or $3,000
256
Financial need and academic
performance
Vocational Nursing Scholarship
Texas residents enrolled as college
undergraduates at public or independent colleges
in Texas in degree programs leading to licensure
as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
$1,500
88
Financial need and academic
performance
Federal Family Education Loan or Direct
Loan: Subsidized Stafford Loan
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at
eligible colleges or universities.
Maximum Award
Varies based on year in school:
$2,625 - $8,500 per year (interest
capped at 8.25 %)
Financial need
How to Apply
All of these programs are awarded through the financial aid
office of the college or university the student attends. To
apply, students must complete the FAFSA and show
financial need.
Based on each student’s need, the financial aid office
matches the students to the program requirements and
assembles a “package,” or combination of awards, which it
then offers to students through an award letter. Award letters
are usually mailed to students in late spring or early summer.
To be considered for the greatest number of awards, the
student must have submitted all documents required by the
aid office by its priority deadline. This deadline varies among
colleges and universities, and students should check with
their particular college about (1) the deadline and (2) the
documents it requires.
Apply at college or university financial aid office or through a
private lender (bank or credit union).
Who is Eligible
Maximum Award
Basis of Selection
How to Apply
Federal Family Education Loans or Direct
Loans: Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at
eligible colleges or universities.
Varies based on year in school:
$2,625 - $18,500 per year (interest
capped at 8.25 %)
Financial need
Apply at college or university financial aid office or through a
private lender (bank or credit union).
Federal Perkins Loans
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at
eligible colleges.
Up to $3,000 (variable interest rate)
Financial need
Federal PLUS Loans
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at
eligible colleges
Varies based on need (variable
interest rate)
Financial need
HHCSLP-HELP (Hinson-Hazlewood
College Student Loan Program-Health
Education Loans Program)
Students in medical or allied health professions
(including veterinary medicine) eligible to pay
Texas resident tuition rates enrolled as
undergraduates or graduates at public or
independent colleges or universities in Texas.
Varies based on program of study:
$7,500 - $20,000 per year (interest
rate currently 8.00 %, rates are
subject to change)
Financial need
HHCSLP-CAL (Hinson-Hazlewood
College Student Loan Program-College
Access Loan)
Students eligible to pay Texas resident tuition
rates enrolled as undergraduates or graduates at
public or independent colleges or universities in
Texas.
Up to $7,500 per year (interest rate
currently 9.00 %, rates are subject to
change)
Financial need
Health Professions Loans
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in
dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry, or
veterinary medicine.
Up to $2,500 per year plus tuition
(variable interest rate)
Exceptional financial need
Nursing Student Loans
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in
programs leading to a diploma, associate’s
degree, bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree in
nursing.
Varies by year: $2,500 - $4,000
Financial need
Contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for
application information: 800/242-3062, ext. 6387 or
grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us
Outstanding Rural Scholar Forgiveness
Loan Program
Texas residents enrolled in or intending to enroll in
an eligible institution to become a health care
professional who are sponsored by a rural
community that is committed to providing financial
support. Must either be (1) high school student in
upper 25 % of class, in class of 48 or more
students, or have a cumulative Grade Point
Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; (2) a college
student with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0
scale; or (3) an individual who has a high school
degree or equivalent and demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the sponsoring rural community the
motivation, qualities, and abilities that lead to
success in the chosen health care profession.
Forgiveness loan covers the cost of
tuition and fees, books and supplies,
and living expenses as determined by
the college financial aid office. Half of
the forgiveness loan is provided by
the sponsoring community; half is
provided by the State of Texas.
Applications are scored and
ranked by an advisory committee
on the basis of academic
achievement, standardized tests,
essays, results of interview with
sponsor, community statement
of need, and commitment of
financial support from the
sponsor. Selected student must
commit to work for one year in
the sponsoring community for
each year of support that is
received.
Contact:
Center for Rural Health Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
www.crhis.state.tx.us
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Loans
Program
Apply at the financial aid office of the college or university of
your choice or through a participating private lender (bank or
credit union).
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Program
Who is Eligible
Maximum Award
Basis of Selection
How to Apply
Teach for Texas Conditional Grant
Juniors and seniors enrolled at least three-quarter
time in educator certification programs at approved
institutions. See
www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/tofa2.cfm?ID=43
for additional requirements.
The maximum amount that may be
awarded in a lifetime of a recipient is
currently $10,752. Annual awards
canl range from $3,584 to $10,752
based upon the applicant's
anticipated program completion date
as well as previous awards. This is a
“conditional” grant that will revert to a
student loan if certain conditions are
not met as stated in the required
promissory note.
Academic standing, financial
need, and recommendation from
the Dean/Chair of the education
department.
Contact:
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
512-427-6340
800-242-3062
Varies based on need
Financial need
Recipients must commit to becoming full-time
“certified” teachers for five years in a Texas public
school in either an approved shortage field or a
community that has been designated as having a
critical shortage of teachers.
Other Programs
U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled as
undergraduates or graduates at public or
independent colleges or universities in Texas.
Apply at college or university financial aid office.
Texas College Work-Study Program
Texas residents enrolled as undergraduate or
graduate students at public or independent
colleges or universities in Texas.
Varies based on need
Financial need
Exemption Programs for Certain Students
at Public Colleges and Universities
Veterans or their dependents, valedictorians, blind
or deaf students, children of disabled firemen and
peace officers, surviving spouse and dependent
children of certain public servants, children of
POWs/MIAs, disabled peace officers, fire fighters
enrolled in fire science courses, foster
care/adopted students, senior citizens, children of
parents who received TANF (Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families) benefits, Texas
National Guardsmen or Texas State Guardsmen,
and educational aides.
Varies by category. Some
exemptions cover tuition only, some
cover tuition and fees (or other costs).
Some have time limits.
Varies by category
Contact: The registrar or business office at the Texas public
college or university you plan to attend. A complete listing of
exemption programs can be obtained from the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board at: 512-427-6387 or 800-2423062, ext. 6387. You can also request a copy by email:
grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us.
Community Scholarship Program (for
primary health care providers)
Health care students who plan on returning to their
rural, designated Health Professional Shortage
Area communities to practice.
Varies
Willing to practice in a rural,
designated Health Professional
Shortage Area community for a
specified period of time
Contact:
Center for Rural Health Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
www.crhis.state.tx.us
Exemptions
Work-Study
Federal College Work-Study Program
See also:
www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/tofa2.cfm?ID=43
Other Programs
Waivers
Program
Who is Eligible
Maximum Award
Basis of Selection
How to Apply
Hazlewood Act (Exemption Program for
Texas Veterans)
Texas veterans who served at least 180 days of
active duty beyond their training period, were
honorably discharged or separated (or have a
general discharge or separation under honorable
conditions), are current Texas residents, will
be/are attending a Texas public college or
university, and have exhausted their eligibility for
federal benefits.
Tuition and fees
Must have been a Texas
resident at the time of entry into
service.
Contact the registrar’s office at the Texas public college or
university you are/will be attending.
Texas Health Service Corps Repayment
Program
Primary care residents who agree to at least one
year of practice in a county that has been
designated as a Whole MUS (entirely medically
underserved area) or HPSA (Health Professional
Shortage Area) for each year they receive a
stipend.
Up to $15,000 per year
Priority given to individuals
working in areas with the
greatest level of need.
Contact:
Center for Rural Health Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
www.crhis.state.tx.us
Texas Health Service Corps Scholarship
Program
Available to students in specific primary care
areas. Must agree to serve in areas with severe
health professional shortages.
Varies
Competitive scholarship. Must
agree to serve in areas with
severe health professional
shortages.
Contact:
Center for Rural Health Initiatives
PO Box 1708
Austin TX 78767
512-479-8891
www.crhis.state.tx.us
Texas National Guard Tuition Assistance
Program
Available to eligible members of the Texas
National Guard or State Guard attending public or
independent colleges or universities in Texas.
12 semester credit hours of tuition
only
Priority set by the Adjutant
General’s Office, State of Texas
Contact:
Education Services Office, Department of the Adjutant
General, State of Texas, 512-465-5001
education.services@tx.ngb.army.mil
Texas Tomorrow Fund
Available to Texas residents.
This is a prepaid tuition program -tomorrow’s tuition at today’s prices.
None
Contact:
The State Comptroller’s Office, 800-445-GRAD
www.texastomorrowfund.org
Veterans Administration Benefits
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and
dependents whose parent(s) was(were) disabled
either while on duty or as a result of service in the
U.S. Armed Forces.
Varies
Contact sponsor agency
Contact:
Veteran’s Administration, 800-827-1000
or
American Legion, 512-472-4138, www.txlegion.org
Waiver programs for nonresident students
attending Texas public universities
Certain U.S. Armed Forces members and family;
certain Public Health Service Officers and family;
certain U.S. Foreign Service officers; competitive
scholarship recipients; registered nurses enrolled
in graduate nursing programs; ROTC students;
certain citizens of Mexico; certain students from
states or counties bordering Texas; and others.
Waiver of nonresident tuition
Varies by category
Contact: The admissions office at the public college or
university in Texas that you plan to attend. A complete listing
of waiver programs is available on the
www.collegefortexans.com website or can be obtained by
contacting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,
800-242-3062, ext. 6387 or emailing the Coordinating Board
at: grantinfo@thecb.state.tx.us.