Grants

A grant is a financial award that does not need to be repaid. In other words, it's free money! Grants are typically awarded based on your financial need, unlike scholarships, which are usually based on academic excellence.

Grants are available through federal, state, private, and university sources. Funds are limited, so apply early! You must submit the FAFSA and all other documents by April 1 to get maximum consideration for grant funding. Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office.

*2012-2013 Requirements:
  • Enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester.
*2013-2014 Requirements:
  • Enroll and maintain at least 9 credit hours (undergraduates), 7 credit hours (graduates) each semester of award through ORD.
Federal Pell Grant
Amount: $5,550 
The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. The Pell Grant is considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources may be added. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2012-2013 award year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013) is $5,550. The maximum award can change each award year and is dependent upon program funding. Actual award amounts are determined by EFC and enrollment status. 
Eligibility Requirements:
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Amount: $100 to $2,000 per year
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Schools are allocated a limited amount of funding. Just like the Pell Grant, FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Award amounts may be adjusted based on enrollment on the Official Reporting Day (ORD) on the 12th day of class.
Eligibility Requirements:
Graduate Tuition Grant
This UH program awards grants to graduate students with exceptional need who meet the priority deadline of April 1. For the 2013-2014 aid year, graduate tuition grant funding is limited.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Amount: up to $4,000 per year
Not currently accepting applications.
The new Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for graduate and undergraduate students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools that serve students from low-income families. Students may receive up to $16,000 for undergraduate study and up to $8,000 for graduate study. Part-time students are eligible, but the maximum grant will be reduced. 
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
This program, administered by the state of Texas, provides assistance to students with financial need who are seeking a first bachelor's degree, a graduate degree, or a or professional degree. Texas residents and nonresidents who meet the priority deadline of April 1 are eligible.
Towards Excellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant
Students who complete the Recommended High School Program or Distinguished Achievement Program in an accredited Texas high school and meet certain eligibility requirements are automatically considered for this state-sponsored program. The priority deadline for the TEXAS Grant is March 15, 2013.
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted in the prior academic year
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.50
  • Complete at least 24 semester credit hours per academic year
  • Enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester of award
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance
  • Eligibility ends when one of the following has been met:
    • 150 credit hours (90 credit hours if initially awarded based on an associate’s degree) have been paid for by the grant
    • 5 years or 10 semesters (3 years or 6 semesters if initially awarded based on an associate’s degree) have passed since the initial award
    • An undergraduate degree has been granted
Undergraduate Tuition Grant
This UH program awards grants to undergraduate students with exceptional need who meet the priority deadline of April 1. For the 2013-14 Aid Year, undergraduate tuition grant funding is limited.