Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Texas Grant Requirements

Ready for the next step


The Texas grant is a form of financial aid for high school students and students that hold an associate degree that can be used toward tuition and fees for their public college of choice. The grant applies to the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, but allows for five years to obtain the degree. If the institution has a five-year program then the grant allows for six years to complete the program. Whether the program is four or five years there is a maximum of 150 credits allowed for the grant. Currently, per college year, students at a public four-year college or university could receive up to $6,080, community college students could receive $1,780 and technical college students have a potential grant amount of $2,680.


Residency


You must be a Texas resident. A Texas resident is a person that has lived in Texas for at least one year and has established a place of residence such as an apartment or house. For residency it doesn't make a difference if the individual rents, leases or owns his place of residence.


Selective Service


Register for selective service, if applicable. Men age 18 to 25 must register for selective service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Failure to register disqualifies students from receiving financial aid from the state or federal government.


Determine Expected Family Contribution


Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be below or equal to $4,000. Financial need is determined by subtracting the EFC from the institution's cost of attendance.


Academics


Graduate from an accredited Texas high school under either the Recommended High School or Distinguished Achievement Programs, or earn an associate degree from a public community, technical or state college in Texas.


Calculate Current Credits


High school students can hold no more than 30 semester credit hours. This does not include hours earned through credit by examination courses.


Enroll in College


Enroll in a college or university in Texas within 16 months after graduation from a public, non-profit high school or no later than 12 months after receiving an associate degree. The applicant must have earned her associate degree during or after May 2001.


Complete FAFSA


The application for the Texas grant is filed with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline for the FAFSA is June 30, but you may submit the application as soon after January 1 as you can. The college or university determines the eligibility of the student.


Verify Legal Standing


The applicant can't have any convictions connected to a controlled substance. This would include felonies or any other crimes related to a controlled substance.

Tags: associate degree, college university, college students, controlled substance, could receive, Expected Family