Grants
Grants are financial aid funds that generally do not need to be repaid, although repayment
may be required in certain circumstances. Eligibility depends on financial need, enrollment,
program requirements and available funding.
Apply for financial aid
Complete a financial aid application each year to be considered for eligible grant
programs. Texas residents who are eligible to complete the FAFSA should submit it
as early as possible. Students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA may be eligible
to submit the TASFA.
Texas financial aid priority date
Available grant programs
Review the program summaries below. Award amounts and availability may change based on federal or state appropriations and institutional funding.
Overview
The Federal Pell Grant is funded by the federal government and is generally awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree. Limited exceptions apply to students enrolled in eligible postbaccalaureate teacher-certification or workforce programs.
Who may qualify
- U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens
- Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program
- Students who maintain satisfactory academic progress
Award information
The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2026–2027 award year is $7,395. The amount awarded depends on the Student Aid Index, financial need, cost of attendance and enrollment intensity.
Important limitations
- Students may receive Pell Grant funds from only one school at a time during an academic period.
- Lifetime eligibility is limited to the equivalent of six years, or 600%.
- The grant generally does not need to be repaid, except in certain circumstances such as withdrawing and owing a refund.
Overview
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a campus-based federal grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It is administered by the financial aid offices of participating institutions.
Who may qualify
Participating schools give priority to students with the greatest financial need. Awards depend on application timing, other aid received and the availability of institutional FSEOG funds.
Important limitations
Not all schools participate. Like the Pell Grant, FSEOG generally does not need to be repaid except under certain circumstances.
Overview
The Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) is a need-based grant administered by the financial aid offices of participating Texas public institutions.
Who may qualify
- Texas residents, nonresidents or foreign students
- Students who demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA or TASFA information
- Students registered with Selective Service, unless exempt
Funding
Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students and are subject to available funds.
Overview
The Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant is a need-based state grant for eligible students attending participating Texas public institutions. Initial eligibility may be established through qualifying high school, TEOG, associate-degree, military-service and other approved pathways.
Renewal eligibility
- Previously received an initial-year TEXAS Grant
- Registered with Selective Service or exempt
- Demonstrates financial need
- Enrolled at least three-quarter time in an eligible baccalaureate program
- Meets satisfactory academic progress requirements
- Meets applicable program restrictions
After the second academic year, renewal generally requires completion of 24 semester credit hours during the most recent academic year and at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA.
Duration limits
Eligibility ends when the student earns a baccalaureate degree, reaches 150 attempted semester credit hours or reaches the applicable program time limit.
Target award amounts
- $5,000 per academic year
- $2,500 per semester
Disbursement
TEXAS Grant disbursements are scheduled for fall and spring semesters only. Student disbursement timing depends on state processing and institutional procedures.
TEXAS Grant recipient instructions
Previous TEXAS Grant recipients must self-identify
Email elp.financialaid@ttep.edu with the subject line Texas Grant. Include:
- Your name
- The institution where you received your most recent TEXAS Grant
- The fall or spring term in which you received the award
- For initial-year associate-degree pathway students, the month and date the associate degree was earned
Allow at least 30 days for an eligibility review after the email is received.
TEXAS Grant hardship provision
A student who does not meet certain general TEXAS Grant requirements may be considered under a hardship provision. Approval is limited to requirements eligible for hardship consideration and is subject to available funding.
Examples may include:
- A severe illness or other debilitating condition affecting academic performance
- Responsibility for caring for a sick, injured or dependent person
- Enrollment in fewer than nine semester credit hours because fewer hours are required to complete the degree plan
- Illness or death of a family member
Students enrolled in fewer than six semester credit hours cannot be considered for a hardship and are not eligible for a TEXAS Grant award.
Tuition set-aside information
Texas law requires public institutions to set aside a portion of designated tuition for financial assistance programs. The set-aside does not add a separate charge, change a student’s financial aid award or guarantee that the student will receive financial assistance.
Tuition set-aside is a portion of tuition paid by resident students that is dedicated to need-based financial assistance.
No. The set-aside comes from designated tuition already charged. No additional amount is assessed to offset the set-aside.
Set-aside funds may support need-based grants, scholarships and other authorized financial assistance. Eligibility is determined under applicable institutional, state and federal requirements.
No. Tuition set-aside does not reduce an award or guarantee that a student will receive financial aid.
Notices are included with student electronic bills. Texas Education Code § 56.014 requires institutions to notify students about tuition set aside for financial assistance.
Additional resources