Financial Aid Programs

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - A grant that may be awarded to first and second year students who have completed a rigorous high school curriculum.  First year students may receive up to $750.  Second year students can receive up to $1300.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – This federal grant provides assistance to students who exhibit exceptional financial need.  Awards can range from $100 to $1,000 annually.

Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) – This grant is to assist students who are attending public institutions of higher education.  To be eligible a student must have remaining financial need and have an EFC between 3501 and 7000.  Awards range from $100 to $1,000 annually.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) and Supplemental Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (SLEAP)- This grant combines federal and state monies to assist students attending institutions of higher education. To be eligible, a student must have exceptional remaining financial need. Awards range from $100 to $1,000 annually.

TEXAS Grant (TEX) - This state grant is to assist students who completed an Advanced High School Program and who demonstrate financial need. Awards are for $865, and a student must be enrolled in at least 9 hours each semester.

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) - This state grant is to assist the student who is not eligible for the original TEXAS Grant, has less than 30 attempted hours and demonstrates financial need. Awards are for $865, and the student must be enrolled in at least 6 hours each semester.

Educational Aide Exemption (CED) - This exemption is only awarded to students who met the federal need criteria, do/have worked as an educational aide for at least one full academic year in a Texas public school district and are majoring in education. These funds cover all tuition and certain fees. Applications are available from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) at www.texansforcollege.com.

Subsidized Stafford Loan – The Federal Stafford Loan is based on financial need.  If you qualify for this loan, the government pays the interest for you during the following periods:

• While you are enrolled in school at least half time
• During the six month grace period after you graduate or drop to less than half time enrollment
• During authorization periods of deferment

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not based on financial need.  The government does not pay the interest on your behalf.  You are responsible for paying all of the interest that accumulates while you are in school and during periods of grace and deferment.  You have the option of making interest payments while you are still in school.  Or you may defer interest payments while you are still in school.