Financial Aid Overview
Financial aid helps students pay for college expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. For the Spring 2023 semester, our institution offers a variety of financial aid options to help make education affordable and accessible.
Different types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Each type of aid has specific eligibility requirements and application processes.
Important Note: Financial aid packages for Spring 2023 are currently being processed. Students who have completed their applications should expect award notifications by November 30, 2022.
Financial Aid Statistics
- Over 75% of our students receive some form of financial aid
- Average financial aid package: $15,400
- Over $4.5 million in scholarships awarded annually
- 98% of admitted graduate students receive funding
Types of Financial Aid
Understanding the different types of financial aid available can help you determine which options best suit your needs. Here's an overview of the various types of aid available for Spring 2023:
Grants
Grants are need-based financial awards that do not need to be repaid. These are typically awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Federal and state grants include Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, and state-specific grant programs.
Scholarships
Scholarships are merit-based awards that also do not require repayment. They are awarded based on academic achievement, special talents, or other criteria. Our institution offers numerous scholarships for both new and continuing students.
Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Positions are available both on and off campus.
Loans
Student loans must be repaid with interest. We participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), PLUS Loans for parents and graduate students, and private student loans from various lenders.
Application Process
To apply for financial aid for Spring 2023, follow these steps:
Priority Deadline: November 15, 2022
Final Deadline: December 31, 2022
- Complete the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Our school code is 123456.
- Submit institutional forms: Complete the Institutional Financial Aid Application available through the student portal.
- Sumbit documentation: Provide tax returns, W-2 forms, and other requested documents to our Financial Aid Office.
- Review your Student Aid Report: Check your SAR for accuracy and make corrections if necessary.
- Wait for award notification: Award letters will be sent to eligible starting in November 2022.
- Accept or decline aid: Use the student portal to accept or decline each type of aid offered.
Tips for Successful Application
- Apply as early as possible to maximize eligibility
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA
- Respond quickly to requests for additional documentation
- Keep copies of all submitted forms
- Stay in touch with financial aid counselors if you have questions
Spring 2023 Scholarships
We offer a variety of scholarships for the Spring 2023 semester. Here are some featured opportunities:
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
| Academic Excellence Award | $5,000 | GPA 3.5, full-time enrollment | Nov 30, 2022 |
| First Generation Student Scholarship | $3,500 | First in family to attend college | Dec 15, 2022 |
| Community Leadership Award | $2,500 | Demonstrated community service | Dec 15, 2022 |
| STEM Excellence Scholarship | $4,000 | STEM majors, GPA 3.2 | Nov 30, 2022 |
| Transfer Student Award | $2,000 | New transfer students | Jan 10, 2023 |
| International Student Scholarship | $3,000 | International students, merit-based | Dec 15, 2022 |
In addition to these institutional scholarships, we encourage students to apply for external scholarships. Our scholarship database includes over 1,000 opportunities with a total value exceeding $10 million.
New for Spring 2023: The Excellence in Online Learning Scholarship provides $1,500 to students taking at least 75% of their coursework online. Application deadline is January 5, 2023.
Grants Available
Several grant programs are available for students with demonstrated financial need:
Federal Grants
- Pell Grant: Up to $6,495 for eligible undergraduates
- FSEOG Grant: Up to $4,000 for students with exceptional financial need
- Texas Public Education Grant: Up to $2,000 for Texas residents
State Grants
- State Need Grant: Up to $3,000 for residents based on need
- Workforce Development Grant: Up to $1,500 for students in high-demand fields
- Teacher Education Grant: Up to $2,500 for education majors
Institutional Grants
- University Grant: Need-based grants ranging from $500-$5,000
- Continuing Student Grant: For continuing students with remaining need
- Summer Bridge Grant: For students attending summer terms
Note: All grant awards are subject to availability of funds. Students who apply by the priority deadline have the best chance of receiving grant funding.
Work-Study Programs
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students. For Spring 2023, we have numerous positions available across campus and with approved off-campus employers.
Benefits of Work-Study
- Earn money to help pay education expenses
- Gain valuable work experience
- Build professional skills and resume
- Flexible scheduling around classes
- Work conveniently located on or near campus
Work-Study Positions for Spring 2023
- Library assistants
- Tutors and academic support staff
- Research assistants
- Administrative office support
- IT help desk positions
- Food service positions
- Fitness center staff
- Community service opportunities
Work-study wages for Spring 2023 range from $12.50 to $15.00 per hour, depending on the position and student qualifications. Students may work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and may be eligible for additional hours during breaks.
New Program: Spring 2023 introduces our Career-Connected Work-Study program, which places students in positions related to their field of study. Interested students should complete the Career-Connected Work-Study application by December 10, 2022.
Student Loans
Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. We offer several loan options for Spring 2023:
Federal Direct Loans
- Subsidized Direct Loans: Need-based loans where the government pays interest while you're in school
- Unsubsidized Direct Loans: Non-need-based loans where you're responsible for all interest
- Direct PLUS Loans: Loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students and graduate/professional students
Private Student Loans
We work with several preferred lenders who offer competitive private loan options. We recommend students exhaust federal loan options before considering private loans.
Loan Borrowing Limits for 2022-2023
| Year in School | Dependent Students | Independent Students |
| First-Year Undergraduate | $5,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized) | $9,500 (up to $3,500 subsidized) |
| Second-Year Undergraduate | $6,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized) | $10,500 (up to $4,500 subsidized) |
| Third-Year and Beyond | $7,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) | $12,500 (up to $5,500 subsidized) |
| Graduate/Professional | N/A | $20,500 (unsubsidized only) |
New Policy: Beginning Spring 2023, first-time loan borrowers must complete Enhanced Borrower Counseling and Financial Financial Literacy modules before loan funds will be disbursed. Students will receive notification when these modules become available.
Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility
To continue receiving financial aid, students must meet certain standards of academic progress and remain eligible according to federal and institutional policies.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
SAP is evaluated at the end of each semester. To maintain SAP, students must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (undergraduate) or 3.0 (graduate)
- Successfully complete at least 67% of attempted credit hours
- Complete their degree program within 150% of the normal timeframe
Academic Warning and Probation
- Warning: Students who do not meet SAP standards are placed on warning for one semester while still receiving aid
- Probation: Students who do not meet SAP standards after the warning semester may be placed on probation with an academic plan
- Suspension: Students who do not meet SAP standards after probation will lose financial aid eligibility
Appeals Process
Students who lose eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may submit a SAP appeal. The appeal must:
- Be submitted within 30 days of notification
- Explain why standards weren't met
- Document the extenuating circumstances
- Describe what has changed that will allow future success
Important: SAP appeals for Spring 2023 must be submitted by January 15, 2023. Late appeals will not be accepted except in cases of documentation submission delays.
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. By clicking 'Accept all cookies', you agree to the use of these cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our [Privacy Policy/Cookie Policy.
