Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get additional information about the TEXAS Grant program?
- Do I have to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to continue eligibility for the TEXAS grant?
- What are the requirements to apply for a TEXAS Grant?
- What is the maximum amount that I can be awarded of the TEXAS Grant?
- What is the purpose of the TEXAS Grant?
- Do I have to maintain a minimum number of hours to continue eligibility for the TEXAS Grant?
- Is a TEXAS Grant renewable?
- If I graduate from a private high school, can I apply for the TEXAS Grant?
- If I meet all eligibility requirements for the TEXAS Grant, can I use it at any college or university?
- When do I apply for TEXAS Grant?
- What are the academic standards that need to be followed to be eligible for TEXAS Grant?
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Do I have to attend a mandatory TEXAS Grant workshop?
Where can I get additional information about the TEXAS Grant program?
You can contact The University of Texas – Pan American Student Financial Services office located at:
University of Texas Pan American
Student Financial Services
Old Computer Center OCC 108
1201 W. University Dr.
Edinburg, Texas 78541
Contact persons:
Nancy Smith
(956) 381-2514 or at nancysmith@panam.edu
Brenda Garcia
(956) 292-7298 or at
bgarcia15@panam.edu
Or at texasgrant@panam.edu
Fax # - (956) 381-2392
For Program specifics please click on the following
link
Please let your TEXAS Grant Coordinators know if you have any other
questions.
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Yes. As an entering freshman, the college or university
sets the academic standards. In the next year, and in all subsequent
years, the requirements are:
• An overall GPA in college of at least a
2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completion of 75% of the attempted hours
taken in the prior year.
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What are the requirements to apply for a TEXAS Grant?
A FAFSA is required each year to determine eligibility
for a TEXAS Grant. An official high school transcript is needed and must
be turned in to the Office of Admissions and Records.
Requirements for a TEXAS Grant are:
• Be a Texas resident.
• Show financial need.
• Register for Selective Service or
are exempt from this requirement.
• Graduated from a public or
accredited high school in Texas in the Fall of 1998 or later.
• Graduated under the Recommended,
Distinguished, Honor or Advanced programs in high school.
• Enroll in college on at least a
three-quarter time basis (unless granted a hardship waiver).
• Receive their first award in this
grant program within 6 months of high school graduation.
• Have not been convicted of a felony
or a crime involving a controlled substance.
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What is the maximum amount that I can be awarded of the TEXAS Grant?
The award amount depends on the number of hours taken by the student. In general, it is an amount equal to the student’s tuition and required fees. (For 2002-2003, the award was $1475 per semester for public university students).
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What is the purpose of the TEXAS Grant?
To provide grant aid to financially needy students who are academically prepared to handle college-level courses.
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Do I have to maintain a minimum number of hours to continue eligibility for the TEXAS Grant?
TEXAS Grant recipients must enroll a minimum of ¾ time (
9 hours) and remain enrolled 9 hours for every tuition due date.
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Yes. For
students who received the TEXAS Grant as a high school graduate:
A student can continue to receive the TEXAS Grant for up to 150 semester
credit hours, six years, or until earning a bachelor’s degree, whichever
occurs first, as long as the student continues in college and meets
For students who received the TEXAS Grant after earning their first
Associates Degree:
A student can receive the TEXAS Grant for up to 90 semester credit
hours, four years, or until earning a bachelor’s degree, whichever
occurs first, as long as the student continues in college and meets the
academic standards set by the program and shows financial need.
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If I graduated from a private high school, can I apply for the TEXAS Grant?
Students, who graduated from a public or accredited private high school in Texas no earlier than fall 1998 and meet all other eligibility requirements, should apply.
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Only Texas public, private, and non-profit colleges or universities may participate in the program.
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When do I apply for TEXAS Grant?
Due to limited funding in the TEXAS Grant program,
Entering Freshmen and First-Time Associate Degree Holders are encouraged
to apply via the FAFSA before March 1 which is UTPA’s recommended
priority deadline date. FAFSA applications are available starting
January 1 of every year. Applying before the priority deadline date does
not guarantee the eligible student the TEXAS Grant award since the
eligible students meeting this priority deadline date is greater than
the available funding.
Renewal students are also encouraged to apply before the priority
deadline date. Renewal students should know that they must have a
completed financial aid file demonstrating financial need by October 1
of each year to be guaranteed a TEXAS Grant award.
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What are the academic standards that need to be followed to be eligible for TEXAS Grant?
As an
entering freshman, you must follow UTPA’s Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy your first year in the program.
In subsequent years you must follow the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board’s academic requirements:
• Completion of 75% of the attempted hours taken in the previous
academic year.
• A cumulative GPA in college of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
First-Time Associate Degree Holders and renewal students must follow the
academic standards set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
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Do I have to attend a mandatory TEXAS Grant workshop?
Yes, all TEXAS Grant recipients are required to attend
two mandatory workshops; one workshop for each of the first two years
the student is receiving the grant.
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