Many sources of student financial aid exist to help cover the cost of attending UTA. All interested students should apply for assistance each year, as eligibility can vary from one year to the next. Financial aid is generally limited to U.S. citizens or those in this country on other than temporary visas. Financial aid recipients must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, be enrolled at least half time at UTA (6 hours for undergraduate students and 5 hours for graduate students) be working toward a degree or certification, and maintain the satisfactory academic progress requirements of the University.
Students wishing to apply for need based financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible prior to enrollment at UTA (See deadline information). The FAFSA can be obtained electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The total amount of financial aid awarded from all programs combined cannot exceed the cost of attendance as calculated by the University. The total amount of financial aid available through need based programs is limited to the cost of attendance minus the expected family contribution calculated through the FAFSA.
Veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for financial assistance through the Veteran's Administration. Information concerning veteran's benefits is available through the UTA Department of Veteran's Affairs, which is located in Davis Hall, Room 252. Receipt of veteran's benefits including the type of benefits and the amount will be considered when calculating a student's eligibility for other types of financial aid.
Back to top
Grants are funds that normally do not require repayment, and are awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Due to limited funds, most grant funds are no longer available to students who complete financial aid applications after the published deadlines. It is important to submit all requested documents to the Office of Financial Aid by the published priority deadline to be considered for grant funds. To receive maximum grant funding, you must enroll as a full time student (12 undergraduate hours). However, a limited number of prorated grants are available to students enrolling for 6 - 11 semester hours. Students participating in the Academic Partnership programs are only eligible for funding through the Federal Pell Grant and TEXAS Grant programs pending available funding.
UT Arlington reserves to right to reduce the amount of grant funds awarded to students who receive other scholarship assistance, grant assistance or specific tuition waivers that are designated to cover tuition and fees.
Federal Pell Grants -- The largest of the federal grant awards, this program provides grants to undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria. Each undergraduate applicant for financial aid is required to apply for this grant before other aid may be awarded; however, receipt of other aid is not restricted to students who are Pell Grant eligible. Application is made by completing the FAFSA. The actual amount of the grant is based on a federally mandated formula approved by the United States Congress. Annual awards for 2012-2013 range from $550 to $5,550. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one college or university during the same academic term.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants -- These grants are available to assist undergraduate students with financial need who would be unable to enter or remain in college due to their lack of financial resources. Annual awards range from $400 to $3000.
Texas Public Education Grants -- These grants are available to both graduate and undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Annual awards range from $400 to $3,000.
TEXAS Grants -- These grants are available to students who meet both specific academic criteria as well as demonstrated financial need based on available funding. Eligible students must be Texas residents, graduate from a public or accredited private high school in Texas no earlier than Fall 1998 or receive an Associates Degree in May 2001 or later, must complete the recommended high school curriculum or its equivalent, and not be convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance. For a complete list of TEXAS Grant criteria, go to www.collegefortexans.com. Full time awards cover up to the cost of tuition and fees. New students who wish to be reviewed for TEXAS Grant eligibility may complete the TEXAS Grant Interest Form.
Mav Grant -- These grants are available to both graduate and undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who are bona fide Texas residents. Annual awards range from $200 - $3,000.
Federal TEACH Grant -- These grants are available to students who plan to teach in designated shortage teaching areas at low income Title I schools. Students may receive up to $4,000 per year, but the grant reverts to an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan if the teaching obligation is not met. Click TEACH Grant Fact Sheet for additional information.
State Scholarships, Waivers, and Exemptions -- The state of Texas provides additional funds for students in specific situations. Click here for more information.
Back to top
| Loan Types | Eligibilities | Annual Awards | Comments |
|---|
| Federal Perkins Loan | Awards are available to full time graduate and undergraduate students with established financial need. Awards are made on a funds available basis. | $3,000 annual maximum for first time undergraduates; and up to $4,000 for continuning undergraduates; $8,000 annual maximum for graduates | Long-term loan: repayment and accrual of interest begins 9 months after student ceases to be enrolled at least ½ time. 5% interest rate; 10 year repayment |
| Federal Direct Loan (subsidized) | Awards are available to undergraduate students enrolled at least ½ time with established financial need. | Varies depending on need and enrollment status. Maximum: - Freshmen-$3,500;
- Sophomores-$4,500;
- Jr/Sr-$5,500;
| Long-term loan: repayment and accrual of interest begins 6 months after student ceases to be enrolled at least ½ time. Interest rate for loans disbursed after July 1, 2012 - 6.8%.
|
| Federal Direct Loan (unsubsidized) | Awards are available to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at least ½ time regardless of financial need. Maximum eligible amounts include awards for the same period through the Subsidized Loan program. | *Dependent student maximums as of July 1, 2008: - Freshmen-$5,500;
- Sophomores-$6,500;
- Jr/Sr-$7,500;
*Independent student maximums: - Freshmen-$9,500;
- Soph. - $10,500;
- Jr/Sr-$12,500;
- Grad-$20,500 up to cost of attendance
| Long-term loan: repayment begins 6 months after student ceases to be enrolled at least ½ time. Interest rate as of July 1, 2012 - 6.8%; interest accrues upon receipt of loan funds |
| Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan) | Funds are available to parents of dependent students that are enrolled at least ½ time regardless of financial need. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. | Up to the cost of attendance minus other aid received by the student | Credit-worthy, long-term loan; repayment begins within 60 days of loan disbursement; Interest rate as of July 1, 2012 - 7.9%; interest accrues upon receipt of loan; 3% origination fee |
| College Access Loan (CAL) | Awards are available to graduate and undergraduate Texas residents enrolled at least ½ time regardless of need. Awards are made on a funds available basis. | Up to the cost of attendance minus other aid received by the student | Long-term loan; repayment begins 6 months after student ceases to be enrolled at least ½ time; 5.25% simple interest rate; loan requires credit worthy cosigner; 3% or 5% origination fee based on credit score |
| Texas B-On-Time Loan | Awards are available to undergraduate students who graduated from high school no earlier than May, 2003 and who completed the appropriate high school curriculum. | Up to $7,100 based on cost of attendance minus other aid received by the student. Funding is limited to previous recipients. | Long-term loan that may be forgiven under certain circumstances. If repayment is required, the interest rate is 0%. Details may be found at www.hhloans.com. |
*your dependency status as determined through the FAFSA.
Origination fees of up to the amount indicated may be charged and will be deducted from the loan proceeds at the time of disbursement.
Private alternative loans are also available through a variety of lenders. These loans have variable interest rates and repayments terms, and they typically require a credit check for the borrower. A credit-worthy co-signer may also be required. Because of the current climate in the credit market, you may see a tightening of the credit requirements for private loans. You should apply as early as possible for these loans in order to receive a response from your lender in time for funds to arrive at UT Arlington prior to the payment due date. For additional information, go to the "Loan Process" on this web site.
Work Programs
National studies indicate that college students who work part-time benefit from the experience in several ways. Employment supplements income and provides a learning environment for leadership and time management skills. Students who work part-time are also more likely to remain in school than non-working students. UTA offers several work programs to assist students with part-time employment opportunities.
Back to top
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is based on financial need and enables both graduate and undergraduate students to defray a portion of their educational expenses with part-time work earnings. This "self-help" program is strongly emphasized at UTA due to the documented benefits outlined above and the reduced reliance on student loans. FWS jobs are available both on and off campus. To apply for FWS you will need to complete and submit the FAFSA. If your financial aid award includes an offer of FWS, you may work up to 19 hours a week to earn up to the full amount of your FWS award. You will be paid twice monthly for the actual hours worked. The award amount indicated on the Award Letter is a maximum eligibility to earn, and FWS awards do not credit to your student account. Receiving a FWS award is not a guaranty of employment. The majority of available FWS positions are located on campus, but off-campus positions are available with a number of area non-profit organizations. You may view available on campus student positions as SNAP Job (On-Campus Student Employment).
Student Employment is not based on financial need, and allows students to work in both on and off campus employment. The Career Center provides job postings for available off campus positions. The Office of Human Resources utilizes an On Campus Student Employment System to post all on campus student jobs. You may view available on campus student positions at SNAP Job (On-Campus Student Employment).
Back to top