Grants

To qualify for federal student aid and all other grants, students are required to:

1. Apply to TCC
2. Apply for Federal student aid
3. If your Student Aid Report is selected for verification we must have:
   • A signed copy of your 2010 Federal Tax Return (and your parents' return(s), if applicable)
   • Independent Institutional Verification Form (PDF opens in new window) - required for independent students
   • Dependent Institutional Verification Form (PDF opens in new window) - required for dependent students

Types of Grants

Federal Student Aid / Pell Grant - A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as pharmacy or dentistry. Award amounts range from $304 to $2,775 per semester.

• Pell Grant Lifetime Limit - A new federal law limits the amount a student may receive over his or her lifetime to the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600% or 12 full-time semesters. For more information regarding Pell Grant lifetime limits, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs), and priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG does not have to be paid back. Award amounts range from $200 to $800 per semester.

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) - a state program available for eligible students in credit classes to help meet financial need. Generally awarded to early applicants. Credit TPEG award amounts range from $200 to $1,300 per semester. Continuing Education TPEG funding is available to eligible CE students with demonstrated need who enroll in state-funded classes. CE TPEG awards can be used for tuition only and are generally $300 per quarter.

Toward Excellence Access and Success Grant (TEXAS) - for a recent Texas high school graduate who graduated under the Recommended or Advanced high school curriculum. The student must submit a copy of their high school transcript, demonstrate financial need and be enrolled for at least nine hours. Award amounts are approximately $700 per semester.

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) - available to Texas residents who demonstrate need. Students must be enrolled in at least six hours in their first 30 hours (or equivalent) of college credits. Award amounts are approximately $945* per semester.
*Award amount is subject to change by the Texas State Legislature and/or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

More About Grants

Supplemental Grants- The College's supplemental grant funding (all grants except federal Pell Grants) is limited and generally awarded to early applicants. TCC's basic financial aid awarding philosophy attempts to award grants in amounts sufficient to cover full-time tuition and book expenses, on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant funding is depleted. Applications are available in January, and students are encouraged to apply by May to increase their likelihood of receiving a grant(s). Once awarded, students may apply tuition charges to all grant programs.

Pell Grants- Pell Grants are considered an entitlement program. Therefore, students are required to have a fully processed FAFSA application by their last date of enrollment to receive this aid program.

Applying for grants early is always best, but not mandatory.

Note: TCC also participates in many of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB's) Exemptions, Waivers, Scholarships and other Aid programs. More information can be found on the THECB website.

Updated April 20, 2012