Financing College - Northwest Independent School District

4-Year Colleges Offering Free Tuition Based on Family Income

4-Year Colleges Offering Free Tuition Based on Family Income

Updated November 2023

While we strive to keep this information as accurate as possible, students should use the links to review the criteria and deadlines rather that relying on the information in this table.
College	Criteria for Free Tuition	Important Deadlines
Angelo State University	Blue & Gold Guarantee 1st time Freshman Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $40,000 or less Covers eight semesters, not including summers; must complete 15 credit hours each semester	May 1– Blue & Gold Guarantee (Be admitted & complete all Financial Aid paperwork) May 1 – Admission & FAFSA
Lamar University	Lamar Promise Program 1st time Freshman or transfer student; Covers tuition/ fees for students with family Income of $25,000 or less Must be ‘dependent’ student and Federal Pell Grant eligible Must complete 12 credit hours each semester	February 1 – Scholarship Priority (& FAFSA) February 1 – Lamar Promise (Be admitted and submit all Financial Aid paperwork) August 1 – Regular Admission
Midwestern State University	Mustangs Guarantee Program Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $50,000 or less Eligible for four years, excluding summers Must complete 15 credit hours each semester and maintain 2.0 GPA	May 31 – Mustangs Guarantee Program (Be admitted & complete all Financial Aid paperwork) April 1 – Must be admitted by date to be considered for university scholarships August 7 – Regular Admission
Rice University	The Rice Investment 1st Time Freshman or eligible transfer student FAFSA & HB 1403 eligible Full-time Family Income $130,000 or less for	November 1 – Application January 15 - Financial Aid & Admissions paperwork submitted and accepted
Sam Houston State University	Bearkat Promise 1st Time Freshman or transfer student Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $25,000 or less Renewable for three years, not including summers. Must complete 12 credit hours each semester; maintain 2.5 GPA.	November 1 – Scholarship & FAFSA Priority November 1 – Bearkat Promise
Stephen F. Austin University	Purple Promise Program 1st time Freshman Must be ‘dependent’ student and Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $30,000 or less Eligible for up to four years, not including summers. Must complete 30 credit hours each year; maintain 2.2 GPA.	February 1 – Scholarship (must be admitted to apply) March 15 – Financial Aid Priority June 1 – Purple Promise Program
Tarleton State University	Tarleton Promise 1st time Freshman Pell & TX Grant eligible, Zero EFC Top 25% of graduating class Renewable up to 4 years Covers tuition/fees/room & board/book allowance	January 15 – Completion of FAFSA February 15 – Completion of Tarleton Scholarship App
Texas A&M University	Aggie Assurance Program 1st time Freshman or transfer student Family Income $60,000 or less; financial need as determined by FAFSA. Eligible for up to four years, not including summers. Must complete 12 credit hours each semester; maintain 2.5 GPA. **subject to funding availability	October 15 – Early Action & Engineering Majors Admission December 1 – Regular Admission/ Scholarship January 15 – Financial Aid Priority January 15 – Aggie Assurance Program
Texas A&M Commerce	President's Promise Program 1st time Freshman or transfer student Family Income $50,000 or less; financial need as determined by FAFSA Eligible for up to four years, not including summers. Must complete 15 credit hours each semester; maintain 2.5 GPA (Pride Program PLUS – 3.0 GPA and includes $100/yr book voucher)	January 15 – Financial Aid Priority May 15 - Admission
Texas A&M Corpus Christi	Institutional Islander Guarantee 1st time Freshman Pell Grant eligible Family Income $40,000 or less Scholarship application required Must complete 30 credit hour each year (@ TAMUCC); maintain 2.5 GPA Eligible for eight consecutive semesters, fall and spring	March 1 – Priority Admissions/Scholarship App March 1 – FAFSA completed
Texas A&M San Antonio	Jaguar Promise Top 10% and ECHS grads w/30 hours eligible Maintain 2.5 GPA (ECHS) or 3.0 (Top 10),Full-time Apply and submit FAFSA and general scholarship application	January 25 - Priority Scholarship
Texas A&M International	Dusty Promise Scholarship 1st time Freshman or undergraduate transfer student Family income of $30,000 or less Eligible for four years Must enroll in 15 credit hours each semester and maintain 2.5 GPA. Separate application must be completed 1/1-3/15; can be found on the TAMIU Financial Aid site under scholarships.	December 1 - Scholarships March 15 – Dusty Promise March 15 – Financial Aid Priority July 1 – Regular Admission
Texas State University	Bobcat Promise 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $35,000 or less Eligible for 8 semesters. Must complete at least 15 credit hours each semester; maintain 2.0 GPA.	December 15 – Scholarships January 15 – Bobcat Promise - Admissions/FAFSA complete
Texas Tech University	Red Raider Guarantee 1st time Freshman or transfer student Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $40,000 or less Eligible for eight semesters, not including summers. Must complete 12 credit hours each semester. **Subject to funding availability	November 1 – Priority Admission December 1 – Priority Scholarship January 15 – Red Raider Guarantee - Admissions & FAFSA complete
University of North Texas	Emerald Eagle Scholars 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $40,000 or less Must complete 15 credit hours each semester; maintain 2.5 GPA.	January 15 – Scholarship Priority / FAFSA complete for Emerald Eagle Scholars
University of Houston	Cougar Promise 1st time Freshman Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $50,000 or less Must complete 24 credit hours each year; maintain 2.5 GPA.	November 15 – Scholarship Priority January 15 – Cougar Promise – Admit/FAFSA June 30 – Regular Admission
UH Victoria	UHV C ommittment Scholarship $1,000 scholarship for UHV Jaguar Village housing. New Freshmen & Sophomores Eligible to receive federal, state, and/or university aid Must attend Victoria campus and complete 12 credit hours each semester	March 15 – Scholarship Priority July 15 – Regular Admission
UT Austin	Texas Advance Commitment 1st time Freshman or transfer student Demonstrated Financial Need – FAFSA/TASFA Family Income up to $65,000 – tuition covered Family Income $65K - $125K – tuition assistance as needed 2.0 GPA, eligible for up to four years	November 1 – Scholarship Priority January 15 – Texas Advance Commitment
UT Dallas	Comet Promise 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $25,000 or less Eligible for up to four years, not including summers. Must complete 30 credit hours each school year; maintain 2.5 GPA.	October 15 – Financial Aid Priority March 1 – Priority Admissions March 15 – Tuition Promise July 1 – Regular Admission
UT El Paso	PayDirt Promise 1st time Freshman Demonstrated financial need Family Income $40,000 or less Eligible for up to four years Must complete 24 credit hour each school year; maintain 2.0 GPA	January 15 – Admissions / FAFSA complete
UT Permian Basin	Falcon Free Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $45,000 or less Eligible for up to eight semesters of full-time undergraduate enrollment, excluding summer. Must enroll/complete at least 12 credit hours each semester.	March 1 – Top 5% Scholarship Nomination May 1 – Scholarship Deadline (Must be in Top 35% of class) July 15 – Regular Admission July 15 – Falcon Promise
UT Rio Grande Valley	Achieve Program 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Covers tuition/fees & $500 books per semester for students with family income $50,000 or less Eligible for up to eight semesters or until graduation, whichever occurs first. Must complete minimum of 15 credit hours per semester; maintain 2.5 GPA.	January 15 – Entering Freshman Scholarship January 15 – Achieve Program / Financial Aid Priority
UT San Antonio	UTSA Bold Promise 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Covers tuition/fees for students with Family Income $30,000 or less Eligible for up to four years, not including summers. Must complete 30 credit hours each school year; maintain 2.0 GPA.	December 1 – Scholarships March 1 – Priority Admission March 15 – UTSAccess Program / Financial Aid June 1 – Regular Admission *must have minimum score to be considered for individual review
UT Tyler	Patriot Promise Program 1st time Freshman only Federal Pell Grant eligible Covers tuition for students with family income of $25,000 or less Must complete 30 credit hours each year; maintain 2.0 GPA	March – Scholarship (Must confirm intention to attend) May 1 - Pathway to Success
West Texas A&M	Buff Promise Federal Pell Grant eligible Family Income $40,000 or less Eligible for up to eight semesters, not including summers. Must complete 30 credit hours per school year.	December 1 – Early Action Scholarships February 1 – Priority Scholarships March 1 – Priority Federal Financial Aid March 15 – Priority State Financial Aid April 15 – Buff Promise August 1 – Regular Admission

Scholarship Resources

NISD Scholarship Links

We encourage students to visit MajorClarity, College Board, and our new Scholarship Spreadsheet. The spreadsheet includes links to College Board and you can find MajorClarity in your Student Portal.

Scholarship Spreadsheet Direct Link: tinyurl.com/NISDScholarships

Also, don't forget about the College Board Big Future Scholarships and Study.Com Student Scholarships.

Additional Scholarship Information

If you discover a link below is not working, please let us know.

NOTICE: BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS

Scams often surface whenever a process seems complicated or confusing. Students and parents too frequently become targets for scholarship companies that guarantee scholarships or help in applying for federal financial aid. These three articles provide accurate and reliable information about the financial aid process:

"Can You Spot a Scholarship Scam?"
"Where the Scholarships Are"
"How to Apply for a Scholarship"

Start here to search for Scholarships:

1. www.tuitionfundingsources.com (is a NEW and GREAT resource through Wells Fargo)

Additional Web Sites for Scholarship Information

Note: These pages will open in a new window. NISD staff are not responsible for the content on these Web sites.

FastWEB- Search service for financial aid and scholarships
Schoolsoup - Search service for financial aid and scholarships
Scholarships.com
FinAid!
College Board - Scholarship Search
CollegeNet

Sallie Mae Scholarship Search

Specific Scholarships and Resources

Here are some specific scholarships to target.

Dell Scholars Program

Colleges with Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

National Merit Scholarship Programs PSAT/NMSQT Scholarship Qualifying Test

Military Scholarships

Higher education funds available to ROTC students and current military dependents.

Financial Aid for Military Careers

Texas Military and Veterans College Opportunities

Hazlewood Exemption for Veterans and Dependents

Grant Resources

Grants and FAFSA

At most colleges and universities, the only application needed annually to be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, eligibility for a grant program does not guarantee you will receive an award. Applicants are considered based on the date of their application while considering the FAFSA- determined Expected Family Contributions (EFC). The earliest applicants with a completed award file have the best opportunity to be considered for available grant funding. FAFSA is currently being updated, so the date that applications will be available has not been set. We expect that seniors will be able to complete the FAFSA beginning sometime in December of their senior year. As you continue your educational pursuits, we would encourage you to apply early every year and make sure you complete any requests made for additional information so your awards can be finalized. The Texas FAFSA deadline is March 15.

Please remember that completing FAFSA, TASFA, or an Opt-Out Form are State graduation requirments. Visit the CCMR Graduation Requirements page to access further instructions and the proper forms.

FAFSA Resources TASFA Resources

FAFSA FAQs

For purposes of applying for federal aid, view the difference between a dependent student and an independent student?

U.S. Government Resources
Official government websites designed for students and families.
Income-Based Repayment Plan for Federal Loans
IBR Info (More information about Income-Based Repayment)
StudentLoans.gov

Grants
Federal Education Grant Program
Federal Pell Grant
Texas Grant Program

Additional Resources:
Expertise.com (Student Loan Debt and understanding your options)
The Simple Dollar (Student Loan Consolidation)

Military Benefits to Help Pay for College

Children of Texas Veterans, disabled veterans, and veterans who transferred some of their Post 9/11 GI Benefits may be eligible to have tuition, housing, and books covered. To learn more visit the following sites:

Study.com - Information to help Students who are dependents of military veterans take advantage of the scholarships available.

Hazlewood Act - Texas Veterans

Chapter 35 - Surviors and Disabled Veteran Benefits

Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits - Transferred GI Benefits

College Application Fee Waivers

Application Fee Waivers

WHO ACCEPTS FEE WAIVERS?

Most two-year colleges are free to apply to, so no fee waiver is needed. Many four-year colleges will accept the ACT, College Board, and/or NACAC fee waiver for students who meet the criteria (more information on that below). For these colleges, many will list fee waiver as a payment option on the admissions application. Check with your school counselor to see if the college(s) you plan to apply to charge a fee and, if so, whether they accept fee waivers from eligible students.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Typically, fee waivers are available to students for whom the college application fees would create a financial burden or hardship. Students who were eligible for fee waivers to college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT, are usually also eligible for college application fee waivers.

Types of Waivers

WHAT FEE WAIVERS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are three types of fee waivers typically accepted by colleges and universities, but it is important to note that not all colleges and universities will accept fee waivers. Students or school counselors should confirm with the admissions office at specific institutions to ensure fee waivers are accepted.

ACT FEE WAIVER ACT provides a fee waiver application in their ACT User Handbook for Educators publication, link below. Students who are eligible for a fee waiver to the ACT college entrance exam are also eligible for a college application fee waiver. School counselors need only print out the number of fee waivers needed and signoff on student eligibility. Students must also sign the Request for Waiver form.
COLLEGE BOARD FEE WAIVER states that students who have received a College Board fee waiver for the SAT or the SAT subject tests may also be eligible for up to four college application fee waivers. Students should receive their college application fee waivers at the beginning of their senior year through their SAT accounts. College Board fee waivers will no longer require school counselor approval. More information on the College Board fee waiver can be found here. The College Board also provides additional information including a link to which colleges accept the College Board application fee waiver here: www.sat.org/fee-waivers
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING (NACAC) FEE WAIVER may be downloaded from NACAC’s website, provided below. Students must complete their portion of the fee waiver request and a school counselor or TRIO representative must verify that a student is eligible to use the form (a list of eligibility requirements are provided on the NACAC website and on the fee waiver request – students must meet only one of the requirements to be eligible). NACAC recommends that students receive no more than four fee waivers for the college application process. Additional information on the NACAC fee waiver can be found on their website.