Texarkana College participates in several need-based grant programs that provide funds that do not have to be repaid. Students who wish to apply for any grant or loan must submit a FAFSA or TASFA. Proceeds from grants and or loans are intended to provide assistance with tuition & fees, books & supplies, and living expenses.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is regulated by the federal government and is an important source of financial assistance for eligible students. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant award will vary with the number of financial aid eligible semester hours carried and the financial need demonstrated by the student. Students who have demonstrated eligibility and have completed any required verification with the Financial Aid Office may use Federal Pell Grant funds after enrolling. Any credit balance due to the student will be paid later in the semester in the form of a refund. If students are enrolled in courses that do not count toward their degree/certificate, those hours cannot be included in determining their financial aid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal SEOG is a federally funded program that provides additional grant funding for students receiving Federal Pell Grants. Students who have completed the application for financial aid by the priority deadlines and who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of zero or less will be given first consideration for these funds. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have an acceptable SAP status until all monies are exhausted.
Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
TPEG is a tuition set-aside grant funded by Texarkana College. Awards are made to students who have completed their application for financial aid. Funds collected during the academic year will be awarded subject to determination of financial need by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Students must have unmet need in their financial aid budget and make satisfactory academic progress to be awarded. This grant is also used for “tuition matching” for students receiving the Texas Equal Opportunity Grant (TEOG).
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board funds the TEOG Grant. Eligible students must have financial need and be enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional eligibility requirements.
For more information about any Texas grants, go to https://comptroller.texas.gov/state-programs.
Texas Funding – Eligibility Criteria and Hardship Policies
Special eligibility criteria apply to grants, scholarships, and loans established by the state of Texas and administered by Texarkana College. These state financial aid funds include TEOG, TPEG, the THECB Nursing Students Scholarship Program, the Texas First Scholarship Program, and all loan programs administered by the state of Texas.
In addition, hardship policies exist for the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) and the THECB Nursing Students Scholarship.
Texas State Funding Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for state financial aid funding, students must meet the following baseline criteria:
Selective Service Registration – In accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.095, male students must be registered with the Selective Service or fall under an allowable exemption category to qualify for state funding. Students born female are not required to register. Students may register, check their registration, or find more information at www.sss.gov.
No Felony or Controlled Substances Conviction – Students convicted of a felony, or convicted of an offense involving a controlled substance (Texas Controlled Substances Act, Chapter 481 Health and Safety Code, or the law of another jurisdiction involving a controlled subject), are not eligible for state funding.
Not Delinquent on Child Support – Per Texas Family Code, Title 5, Section 231.006, a student obligated to pay child support and more than 30 days delinquent is not eligible for a state-funded grant or loan.
Students must complete a questionnaire form related to these eligibility requirements in the TC Financial Aid Office to be considered for state funding. If a student fails to provide accurate information on these three criteria, they may lose eligibility for state funding and be required to reimburse the college with penalties imposed. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the TC Financial Aid Office immediately if their eligibility on these three points changes while enrolled.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant & THECB Nursing Students Scholarship Hardship Provisions Policy
State regulations require students to maintain eligibility while receiving the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) and the THECB Nursing Students Scholarship. A student who is ineligible for a continuing TEOG award based on ineligible status (19 TAC, Section 22.257) may be deemed eligible under the hardship provision (Section 22.259). A student who is ineligible for a continuing THECB Nursing Students Scholarship based on ineligible status (19 TAC Section 22.365) may be deemed eligible under the hardship provision (Section 22.366). It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their continued eligibility and to request an appeal form if applicable.
Reason for Loss of Eligibility
Reason for loss of eligibility may be a result of a student falling below the minimum allowed grade point average (GPA), completion rate, enrolled for less than half-time credit hours, enrolled in credit hours in excess of attempted hour limit, or enrolled beyond the time limit restrictions.
Hardship Appeal Process
All hardship provisions request must be submitted with documentation as it relates to the hardship conditions described in (19 TAC, Chapter 22, Subchapters M & R): “A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affected your academic performance; or an indication that you are the responsible party for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that your provision of care affected your academic performance; documentation of the birth of a child or placement of a child in your care for adoption or foster care, that may affect your academic performance; or you are enrolled for less than half-time because that is all the hours needed in order to complete your degree plan.”
To appeal the loss of eligibility for TEOG or the THECB Nursing Students Scholarship, complete the following steps:
• Request a “Hardship Provision Appeal” form from the Financial Aid Office
• Type/write a letter requesting and detailing the hardship circumstance
• Attach all supporting documentation
• Submit form, letter, and documentation to Financial Aid Office for review
Hardship Appeal Review and Notification
The Financial Aid Office will review the students Hardship Provisions Appeal once all documentation has been submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Review will take place within 1-5 business days from receipt of appeal. Once the appeal has been reviewed and a decision has been made of approval or denial, the student will be notified via email.