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Grants & Scholarships

Need-Based Grants

The university considers all full-time students in the Undergraduate College who submit aÌýÌý(FAFSA) for the followingÌýneed-based funds:

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University Grants
ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University grants are available to students who have financial need according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the university priority deadline date.Ìý Post-Baccalaurate students are not eligible.Ìý Each year, the university provides a significant volume of grants to offset costs.Ìý

Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
This need-based grant is offered to eligible full-time undergraduate students who are Texas residents. Students who receive athletic scholarships are not eligible to receive TEG assistance.Ìý Funding is limited and is based on state allocation.ÌýÌý Post-Baccalaurate students are not eligible.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are offered by the U.S. Department of Education to undergraduate students with exceptional need. Eligibility for this grant is determined by the U.S. Department of Education when the student completes the .Ìý ÌýThe U.S. Department of Education has a standard formula that it uses to evaluate. The formula used was created by Congress from criteria submitted through the FAFSA form. The formula produces a number that is called theÌýÌý(EFC), which determines the student's eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant.Ìý In 2024-25 Student Aid Index will replace EFC.Ìý An undergraduate student must be pursuing a first bachelor's degree, be a United States citizen, or be an eligible non-citizen (usually, a permanent resident). ÌýStudents must renew the FAFSA annually and continue to be identified by U.S. Department of Education as Pell-eligible.Ìý Post-Baccalaurate students are not eligible.

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This federal need-based grant is offered in limited numbers to eligible full-time undergraduates who receive the maximum Pell Grant.Ìý Post-Baccalaurate students are not eligible.

University and state grants along with university scholarships are offered for a maximum of four years (8 semesters) of full-time enrollmentÌýto eligible students who enter as a freshmanÌýand up to a maximum of three years (6 semesters) of full-time enrollmentÌýto eligible students who enter as a transfer.ÌýÌýExceptions: graduating seniors in a final semester of a program and students with approved modified status through theÌýOffice of Student Disability Services.Ìý

Specialty Scholarships

• Athletic

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University competes in the Lone Star Conference and is a member of NCAA Division II. Scholarships are providedÌýfor a variety of sports.Ìý Contact coaches by calling the ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's Athletic Department at 512-448-8480.Ìý Visit gohilltoppers.com to learn more.Ìý

• Theater Scholarship

A Theater Scholar receives a scholarship annually for up to four years. Students must major in Theater Arts to be eligible and must maintain at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA.

Criteria: Students are selected based on their demonstrated talent in one of four areas:

• Acting
• Directing
• Theater Management
• Technical design and direction

Application and DeadlineÌý
Auditions for these scholarships are held at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's in late February or early March. If you're interested, make sure you apply for admission first. Email an admission counselor if you have questions about auditions.

• ROTC

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University students have the opportunity to participate in Air Force and Army ROTC through the University of Texas at Austin. Each ROTC program offers numerous scholarship opportunities.Ìý Learn more through Veterans Affairs.

Post-BaccÌýFinancial AidÌý

When completing theÌýÌýbe sure to list your year in college as 5thÌýyear/other undergraduate.

As a student seeking your second bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to receive Federal Direct Loans. We are not able to offer post-bacc students InstitutionalÌýgrants or Federal need-based grants (such as the Pell Grant or SEOG). You have the same yearly and aggregate loan maximums as other undergraduates. If you are considered aÌý, your parent may also apply for the Parent PLUS loan on your behalf.Ìý

Outside Scholarship Opportunities

Learn more about Outside Scholarship Opportunities (scholarship funding outside of ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's).

Education Loans

Many of our families use educational loans to help finance the cost of their student's educational expenses in lieu of higher-interest credit cards or short-term payment plans. ÌýThe , in particular, provide easy eligibility criteria, deferment of payments while enrolled,Ìýextended repayment periods, flexible repayment options, and low, fixed interest rates.

Federal Direct Student Loans

The Department of Education provides for degree-seeking undergraduate students. These non-credit-based loans feature low, fixed interest rates, as well as deferment of payment during periods of at least half-time enrollment. Submission of a FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to certify a student's eligibility to participate in this program.

The amount a student can borrow annually is primarily determined by the student's grade level:

Dependent Undergraduates*	Amount Students Can Borrow Annually
Freshman (0 to 29 earned hours)	$5,500-No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Sophomore (30 to 59 earned hours)	$6,500-No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Junior (60 to 89 earned hours)	$7,500 per year-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Senior (90+ earned hours)	$7,500 per year-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

Independent Undergraduates and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) *	Amount Students Can Borrow Annually
Freshmen (0 to 29 earned hours)	$9,500-No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Sophomore (30 to 59 earned hours)	$10,500-No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Junior (60 to 89 earned hours)	$12,500-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.
Senior (90+ earned hours)	$12,500-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

*for federal financial aid purposes is determined by criteria set by law, and typically involves a student's age, marital status or degree program (bachelor's vs master's). If you were required to include parent information on your FAFSA, then you are considered a dependent student.

Subsidized vs Unsubsidized Direct Loans
Some students may qualify for a subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan where the Department of Education will pay the accruing interest on that loan while that student is enrolled in school at least half-time. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by a student's FAFSA results in relation to the school's cost of attendance. Because need-based eligibility is largely tied to income, not all students qualify for a subsidized loan. However, these students can still borrow a comparable amount of loan through the unsubsidized program.

Aggregate Loan LimitÌý

Dependent Students (except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) $31,000-No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

Independent Students (and dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans) $57,500 for undergraduates-No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

Federal Direct Loan Interest Rates for 2024-2025

Interest Rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans First disbursed on or after July 1, 2024Ìýand before July 1, 2025.

As of May 2024 the Treasury Department held a 10-year Treasury note auction that resulted the belowÌý interest rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.

Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans for Undergraduate StudentsÌý6.533%

Understand how interest is calculated and what fees are associated with your .

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

The Department of Education also provides an additional of dependent undergraduate students which allows them to borrow up to their student's full cost of attendance minus other aid. Payment typically begins 30 to 60 days after full disbursement of the loan funds to the university, although deferment provisions are available for students enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program.

Completion of theÌý,Ìýa Federal Direct PLUS Loan Promissory along with a loan request form are required partsÌýof theÌýapplication process. Learn more and apply through .

Federal Direct Parent Plus loan Interest Rates for 2024-2025

Interest Rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans First disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025

As of May 2024 the Treasury Department held a 10-year Treasury note auction that resulted the belowÌý interest rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2024 and before July 1, 2025.

Direct PLUS Loans for Parent of Dependent Undergraduate Student Interest RateÌýÌý9.083%

Understand how interest is calculated and what fees are associated with your .Ìý

Understanding Loan Repayment

A student that has borrowed a federal loan isÌýrequired to complete when you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. The purpose of exit counseling is to ensure you understand your student loan obligations and are prepared for repayment

Learn more aboutÌýmake payments, change repayment plans, explore options, and get help at the Deportment of Education Ìý

How to Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

If the emails, phone calls, and text messages you’re receiving about student loan forgiveness are setting off your scam sensor, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about the most common student loan forgiveness scams and how to avoid them. Visit .

Private Education Loans

Remember that interest rates and fees are generally lower for federal student loans than private student loans.

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's, in conjunction with Elm Resources, maintains information on a number of offered through private banks and lending groups.

Because these are non-federal loans, each lender sets its own eligibility criteria, interest rates, processing fees, and repayment terms.Ìý Generally, students must meet fairly high credit standards to qualify on their own, so many students will need a credit-worthy cosigner in order to qualify.Ìý If approved, students can typically borrow up to their full cost of attendance minus any other aid the student is receiving for the period of attendance set to be covered by the loan.Ìý Students will receive a finalized disclosure statement after their master promissory note has been signed confirming the terms and conditions of their loan from the lender.

Truth in Lending Act -ÌýUnder the Federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the lender must provide the following documents:

• Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form: Students must complete this form and return it to the lender before receiving their first disbursement of loan funds.
• Federal Direct Loan Disclosure Statement and Right-to-Cancel Period: After the student signs the promissory note, the Federal Direct Loan Disclosure Statement confirms the terms and conditions of the loan. At the time that this disclosure is delivered, the right-to-cancel period begins. During this period of three to six days, the student may cancel the loan by contacting the lender. The lender cannot release the first disbursement of the loan funds until the end of the right-to-cancel period.

Due to the required credit review, StudentÌýFinancial Services cannot guaranteeÌýthat all students who apply will qualify for loan funds.Ìý Approval is determined by the lender.Ìý

Please note that a lender's inclusion in this list is not meant as an endorsement by the university, nor is it meant to limit your selection of a private education loan.Ìý These particular lenders have been included because:

• they have a proven track record of reliable customer service;
• they offer competitive interest rates and repayment terms; and
• they utilize electronic processing compatible with the university’s financial aid management system ensuring consistent and timely delivery of loan funds.Ìý

However, the Office of Student Financial Services will certify an application for any private education loan regardless of whether the lender appears on this list or not.

Once you have decided upon a lender, please contact your Student Financial Services Advisor for the information you'll need to provide as part of your application for the loan, including loan period, cost of attendance, and total amounts of other assistance.

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿â's University does not receive any form of payment or renumeration from lenders in exchange for inclusion on this list.