Types of Financial Aid

The following is a summary of the types of assistance that are available to students at The University of Texas at Dallas. The student should be aware that many of the programs are subject to change without notice by the state or federal government. Information on all programs may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office unless otherwise noted.

Federal College Work Study Program

College work study employment is available to students on the basis of demonstrated financial need. The acceptance of employment reduces the amount of loan assistance a student will be permitted to accept in order to meet financial need to cover educational expenses.

Compensation depends on the type of job, qualifications, and classification. The number of hours and work schedule will vary depending on the position. For information on job availability, students need to contact the Career Center at (972) 883-2943.

Federal Pell Grant

Students wishing to apply for this federal program must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications are available at the Student Financial Aid Office, high schools, and local libraries, or through the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, selecting the “Applying for Financial Aid” option. Applications are processed by the U.S. Department of Education. The amount of the grant for undergraduate students is based on the family contribution, the amount of funds available for the program, number of hours enrolled per semester, and the cost of education, not to exceed one half of educational cost. This grant is available to undergraduate students only who are pursuing their first baccalaureate degree.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

This loan program provides a combination of federal and institutional funds to students who qualify on the basis of financial need. High priority is given to those students who demonstrate exceptional need. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this program.

An undergraduate student may borrow up to a maximum amount of $15,000 which includes all undergraduate Federal Perkins loans.

A Federal Perkins loan bears a modest interest rate. Borrowers are required to begin repayment of principal and interest nine months after they cease to be at least half time students. Repayment may extend over a ten year period; however, there is a minimum rate of repayment.

Federal Stafford Student Loan Program

Funds from this program are made available to the student from lending institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions. Students must qualify for a Federal Stafford Subsidized Student Loan on the basis of need. The U.S. Government will pay the interest on a Federal Stafford Subsidized loan as long as the student remains enrolled in school at least half-time. The Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan Program is available for students who do not demonstrate financial need. Students are responsible for payment of interest while they are enrolled in school. Students interested in this program should contact the Financial Aid Office for further information. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this program.

The loans are made at a modest interest rate and there exists a maximum amount that can be borrowed for a given academic year. See the Financial Aid Office concerning the maximum loan amount. The borrower will be required to begin repayment of principal and interest upon graduation or after he or she ceases to be at least a half time student. Repayment may extend over ten years, but the program requires a minimum monthly payment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Through this federally funded program a limited number of grants are available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this grant. Awards are based on availability of funds and the student’s financial need.

Hazlewood Veteran Tuition Exemption

Certain veterans who have served on active military duty, who were residents of Texas at the time of entry into the service, who have resided in Texas for the last 12 months prior to the date of registration, and whose entitlement to educational benefits under federal legislation has been exhausted, are eligible for exemption from the payment of tuition, general fee and laboratory fees. However, an individual who has “exhausted his/her federal education benefit” as a result of a default on a federal or state loan may NOT receive the Hazlewood benefit. These exemptions also apply to children of members of the Armed Forces of the United States killed in action, missing in action, who die or died while in service, or whose death is documented to be directly caused by illness or injury connected with service in the armed forces; and to children of members of the Texas National Guard killed since January 1, 1946, while on active duty. Effective Fall 1995, there will be a maximum of 150 credit hours (including remedial courses) of work for which a person may receive benefit under the Act. This accrual will begin with the Fall 1995 semester. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Hinson Hazlewood College Student Loan Program

Texas residents who meet eligibility requirements may borrow funds to meet a portion of their school expenses. The loan carries a modest interest rate. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or withdrawal from the university.

International Fund Scholarship

Through the proceeds from the International Education Fee, scholarships are available for U.T. Dallas students to participate in study abroad programs. These scholarships are open to both graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at least one half time (six hours or more). Students must be admitted to a degree program and have a GPA of 2.0 or above. While abroad, the recipient of this scholarship must be enrolled in a full time course of study. Course work undertaken must apply to the student’s degree program at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Other On Campus Employment

Various programs and schools of the university employ students in positions that are not work study positions and are not based on need. In accordance with appropriate guidelines, pay scales depend on the type of job, qualifications, and classification. Normally, students will be employed for a maximum of 19½ hours per week. Students interested in these positions should contact the Career Center at (972) 883-2943.

Property Deposit Scholarship

This is an institutionally sponsored scholarship program with limited funding. The amount of the award varies. Eligibility is based on need. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this grant.

Scholarship Programs

Information about a variety of scholarships awarded on the basis of academic merit and achievement is available from the Office of Financial Aid. The University of Texas at Dallas also offers a number of endowed scholarships that are administered by a school or program. Students are encouraged to contact their school dean or program office to obtain information about eligibility criteria and scholarships awarded in the student’s area of study.

In addition to any specific criteria governing awards of competitive scholarships (e.g., major field of study) the committee responsible for such awards will give primary consideration to the applicant’s scores on standardized tests and scholastic records, both evaluating the type and nature of courses taken and the grades achieved in specific courses. The committee may also consider and give positive weight to such factors as the following in designating recipients:

• achievements in work experiences
• community service
• extracurricular activities; leadership
• surmounting obstacles to the further pursuit of higher education
• socioeconomic background
• educational level
• status as a first generation college student

Scholarships typically are awarded in the spring semester for disbursement during the following academic year. A few scholarships are awarded during the fall semester. Announcements about available scholarships, application procedures and deadlines are available in the Office of Financial Aid (972-883-2941). Also, notices are distributed on university bulletin boards, placed in the student newspaper (The Mercury), and on the Financial Aid Office web site at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Students with questions about financial aid can contact a Financial Aid Counselor via the Internet at http://financial-aid.utdallas.edu/.

Short Term Emergency Loans

Students needing emergency help with educational expenses may borrow from the short term loan fund. Loans must be repaid within the semester during which they are borrowed or a fee will be charged of $10.00/month or a maximum of $30.00/semester. Contributions to these funds have been made by Mrs. Lloyd V. Berkner, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Castelli, the Kiwanis Club of Richardson, Rotary Club of Richardson, the Richardson Savings and Loan Association, the First Texas Savings and Loan Association of Dallas, Richardson Altrusa Club, Chaparral Steel Company, and funds set aside out of student tuition.

Teach for Texas Conditional Grant Program

(This is a Student Loan with Cancellation Provisions for Teaching)
The purpose of this program is to encourage students to become certified classroom teachers and to encourage these newly certified teachers to teach in a field having a critical shortage of teachers or in communities having a critical shortage of teachers.

Eligible students must:

• Obtain a recommendation from the Teacher Development Center;
• Have completed at least 75 percent of the credit hours attempted in the most recent academic year;
• Be enrolled at least full time in an approved educator certification program as a junior, senior, or a post-baccalaureate student enrolled for the first time in an educator certification program;
• Enter in an agreement with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to teach full time as a certified classroom teacher for five years at the preschool, primary, or secondary level in a public school in Texas in the person’s chosen critical shortage field or in a community experience a critical teacher shortage;
• Sign a promissory note acknowledging the conditional nature of the grant and promising to repay the grant plus interest at an annual fixed interest rate of 7 percent and other charges stated in the promissory note.

The amount of this award will vary based upon the student’s anticipated program completion date and the availability of funds.

Texas Public Educational Grant

An act of the 64th Texas Legislature established a grant program to provide financial assistance to students. The program is funded through appropriation of a portion of the tuition charge for resident and nonresident students. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this grant. Awards are based on availability of funds and the student’s financial need.

Toward EXcellence, Access & Success Grant (TEXAS Grant)

This program is to provide a grant of money to enable academically prepared eligible students to attend public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Texas. An undergraduate student is eligible who:

• is a Texas resident;
• graduated from a public or accredited private high school in Texas no earlier than fall 1998. There is a time limit of 16 months after graduating from high school to be eligible;
• completed the recommended or advanced high school curriculum or its equivalent;
• had financial need, with an EFC of 4,000 or less for the 2004-2005 academic year;
• has applied for any available financial aid or assistance;
• enrolls at least ¾ time in an undergraduate degree; and
• has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance.

The amount of the grant is based on the average tuition and fees charged at 4-year public institutions. For the 2004-2005 academic year the award will be $3,950 for the year. Students who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours or for six years, whichever occurs first. Requirements for continued funding are completion of at least 75 percent of the hours taken in the prior semester, plus an overall grade point average in college of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Awards will be made through the Financial Aid Office. Students completing a FAFSA will automatically be considered for this grant. Students must apply early as there are limited funds for the 2004-2005 year.

The University of Texas at Dallas 2004-2006 Undergraduate Catalog
Volume 30, Number 1
Copyright © The University of Texas at Dallas

This catalog is a general information publication only. It is not intended to nor does it contain all regulations that relate to students. The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and The University of Texas at Dallas or The University of Texas System. The University of Texas at Dallas reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, to change fees or tuition, calendar, curriculum, degree requirements, graduation procedures, and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.

Statement on Equal Educational Opportunity
The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, and veteran status. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.