Grants
Grants are awarded based on need and do not need to be repaid. Federal, state and institutional grants are available. In order to apply for aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. Eligible students will be considered for all types of need-based aid. Grants are renewable each year, provided that the recipient meets the specified criteria for each award and submits updated documentation annually. In order to maintain eligibility, students must maintain certain qualifications as outlined by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and/or the qualifications as outlined by the specific grant program awarded.
Federal Grants
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional financial need and who have not earned a bachelor's degree. Award amounts are based on the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Award amounts can change yearly, and are prorated based on enrollment status.
Public Law 112-74 signed into law on December 23, 2011, reduces the maximum period for which a student may receive Pell Grants to 12 full-time semesters. This includes all semesters that Pell funds were received at other institutions.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The SEOG Grant is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional financial need and who have not earned a bachelor's degree. Award amounts are based on the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Amounts can change yearly, and are prorated based on enrollment status. It is a campus-based federal program and funding is limited to amounts allocated by the Department of Education.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program that provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Students must be enrolled in an eligible program and agree to teach in a high-need, low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which the TEACH Grant was awarded. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for this grant.
Students receiving the TEACH Grant must complete the following:
- TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling (Must be completed prior to completing ATS)
- TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS)
TEACH Grant Exit Counseling
After completing your teaching program or ceasing to be enrolled you must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling. The exit counseling will explain the TEACH Grant Service Obligation and the terms and conditions that apply should your grant become a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
State Grants
Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)
State grant aid to provide funds for financially needy students to enable them to attend private universities in Texas. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive TEG funds.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Are Texas residents or are non-resident National Merit Finalists;
- Show financial need
- Are enrolled in a degree plan leading to a baccalaureate or master's degree
- Earn and maintain an overall college GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 credit hours per year (18 credit hours per year if a graduate student)
- Full-time enrollment
- Are not receiving athletic scholarships
- If male, must register for Selective Service
Note: The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and Spiritual Action is not eligible for state funding.