Student Aid

Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success Grant (TEXAS Grant)

Description/Requirements
  • Completed the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in high school (or equivalent).
  • Classification as a resident of Texas.
  • Registration with Selective Service, or be exempt from registration.
  • No felony conviction or crime involving a controlled substance.
  • Demonstration of financial need (EFC/SAI cap).
  • Enrollment at least three quarter time as:
    • An entering undergraduate within 16 months of high school graduation, or
    • A continuing student who has acquired an Associate’s Degree and enrolls in a higher level program at an eligible institution within twelve months of receiving an Associate’s Degree.
  • To be considered for the initial Texas Grant, you may NOT have more than 30 semester credit hours, excluding those earned for dual or concurrent courses or awarded for credit by examination (AP, IB, or CLEP).

 Additional Academic Requirements for Priority Consideration

In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, you must meet requirements in at least two for the following four areas for priority consideration:

  • Advanced Academic Program – Twelve hours of college credit (dual credit or AAP courses), complete the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP), or complete the International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
  •  TSI Readiness – Meet the Texas Success Initiatives (TSI) assessment thresholds or qualify for an exemption.
  • Class Standing – Graduate in the top third of high school graduating class or have a B grade average.
  • Advanced Math – Complete at least one math course beyond Algebra II.

Veterans Student Category

Veterans who meet the following criteria can compete for the initial year (IY) award consideration. You must be an otherwise eligible entering student who:

  • Graduated from High School May 1, 2013 or later,
  • Enlisted in military service within 12 months of high school graduation, and
  • Enrolled in college within 12 months of receiving an honorable discharge

Academic Requirements for Continuing in the Texas Grant Program

  • At the end of the first year, a student entering the program must be meeting the school’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
  • At the end of the second year in the program or later years, you must have an overall college grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete at least 24 semester credit hours per year. Prior to the 2014-2015 school year, all students must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted in the prior academic year (Fall + Spring).

 Texas Grant Hardship

No student enrolled for fewer than six (6) hours may receive a TEXAS Grant.  However, in the event of a hardship, or other good cause a designee from Lamar University’s Office of Student Financial Aid may allow an otherwise eligible student to receive a TEXAS Grant while enrolled for an equivalent of six to nine semester credit hours or if the student’s grade point average or completion rate or number of completed hours falls below the satisfactory academic progress requirements (SAP).  Such conditions are not limited to, but include:

  1. A showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance;
  2. An indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her   academic performance; or
  3. The requirement of fewer than nine hours to complete one’s degree plan.

The designee from the Office of Student Financial Aid may grant an extension of the year limits found in §22.230 of this title (relating to Discontinuation of Eligibility or Non-eligibility) in the event of hardship.  Documentation justifying the extension must be kept in the student’s files, and Lamar University must identify students granted extensions and the length of their extensions to the Coordinating Board, so that it may appropriately monitor each student’s period of eligibility.

The designee from the Office of Student Financial Aid may allow a student to receive his/her first award after more than 16 months have passed since high school graduation if the student and/or the student’s family has suffered a hardship that would now make the student rank as one of the institution’s neediest.  Documentation justifying the exception must be kept in the student’s file.

A student has the right to submit an appeal to receive their TEXAS Grant.  This request must be submitted in writing and must explain in detail the reason for the request.

Important Deadlines for Texas Grant

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