Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid and Office of Scholarships offers student financial aid in the form of grants, student employment opportunities, loans, and scholarships to help assist with your educational expenses while attending Tarleton State University. To determine a student's eligibility for financial aid, the student and parent (if the student is dependent) must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). The Office of Financial Aid will determine the types of college financial aid you’re eligible for based on your FAFSA or TASFA. 

To apply for financial aid, a student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is for US Citizens and eligible non-citizens. The 2025-2026 FAFSA had changes that delayed its opening until December 2024. To access the online FAFSA you must go to www.studentaid.gov.  A student and parent must first apply for their FSA ID.  The FSA ID is a unique federal identifier that allows you to complete the FAFSA, make FAFSA corrections, and access your federal financial aid history.  The FSA ID is also accessed through the www.studentaid.gov website. 

For the FAFSA to process successfully, consent must be provided by all required contributors (student, parent, parent spouse, and/or student spouse) on the FAFSA. This allows the Federal Tax Information (FTI) transferred from the IRS to be provided to higher education institutions, state higher-education agencies, and designated scholarship organizations. Consent is provided once for the academic year and cannot be revoked in that academic year. This consent is necessary even if the contributor does not have a Social Security Number (SSN), did not file taxes, or filed taxes in another country.

In some cases, you may be able to only file the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Certain categories of foreign-born and immigrant students in the State of Texas can meet state requirements for residency under Texas Education Code. This state law allows House Bill 1403 and Senate Bill 1528 students to pay the resident tuition rate while attending public institutions of higher education in Texas, and be classified as state residents for tuition purposes. As Texas residents, such students are eligible to apply for some student financial aid programs offered by the State of Texas. The TASFA is accessed on our Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid or by visiting www.myfuturetexas.com. 

Priority Dates

Priority for campus-based funding is given to students who meet certain income eligibility requirements and have submitted their FAFSA on or before March 15, 2025 for priority consideration.  The FAFSA typically becomes available to begin filing October 1 of each year. The 2025-2026 FAFSA was delayed in opening until December 2024.

Deadline

In order to ensure that your financial aid will be available by the week before fall semester classes, you must have submitted all required documents no later than June 1.  

Applicants are responsible for the timeliness and promptness of their applications.

Grants

Grants are awarded based on financial need and are funded by the federal government, State of Texas, and institutional funding. This form of financial aid does not require repayment. To be considered for a grant, complete the FAFSA or the TASFA. TASFA students are not eligible for federal grants.

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduates who have not already earned a bachelor's degree and demonstrate financial aid on their FAFSA. Pell Grant funds are disbursed based on number of hours enrolled as of the Pell Census date (or the 12th class day). All other sources of aid will be given in addition to the Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

These grants, ranging from $100 to $4,000 per year, are available to help needy undergraduates meet education expenses. Funding is limited.

The Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)

This grant was established by the Texas State Legislature to help needy undergraduate students. Under this program, students may receive grants ranging from $100 and up. Funding is limited.

Toward Excellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant Program

The TEXAS Grant Program was established in 1999 by the Texas Legislature to provide need-based financial assistance to resident Texas students who completed the Recommended or Distinguished high school program. Eligible students may receive an amount up to the cost of required tuition and fees each academic year of eligibility. Some restrictions apply.

To be eligible for the TEXAS grant, a student must be a Texas resident and graduate from a public or accredited private high school and must demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA or TASFA.  For 2025-2026, February 15, 2025 is the state priority deadline for identifying eligible students to be given priority in receiving awards through this state financial aid program. Detailed information is available on the Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

Tarleton Tuition Grant

These grants are available to undergraduate students who are Texas residents and demonstrate need based upon data provided on the FAFSA.  Priority is given to those students who file the FAFSA by the priority deadline. Funding is limited.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The 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 low income secondary or elementary school(s). To be considered for a TEACH grant, you must be formally admitted to one of the following TEACH Grant eligible programs of study at Tarleton State University:

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education or Bachelor of Science in Secondary Teacher Education
Graduate: Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
Eligibility requirements and the TEACH Grant Application are located on the Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

Tarleton Promise Grant

The Tarleton Promise Program will cover the remaining bill after a qualifying student's scholarships and grants are applied to their account.  The Promise Grant will pay for tuition and required fees (including parking), Tarleton meal plan, and book allowance.  Tarleton Promise Grant requirements are located on the Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

Children of Fallen Heroes and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant Maximum Pell Grant Eligibility

Starting with the 2024-2025 award year schools will no longer award Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) or special grants for Children of Fallen Heroes. Rather than receiving one of these awards, the student will receive a maximum Pell Grant award. The federal government has established a lifetime limit of no more than 12 semesters (or its equivalent) for eligible students. On the 2025-2026 FAFSA, there is a question regarding any parent who may have lost their life either while on duty in the military after September 11, 2001, or while performing duties as a public safety officer. If checked yes, you will be asked for documentation to confirm that you are eligible for consideration of this award.

Eligibility:

  • The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while (a) serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer and
  • Less than 33 years old as of January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2025-2026 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2025, to be eligible)

Student Employment Opportunities

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study and Texas College Work-Study are supported by the federal and Texas governments, and provide students with an opportunity to help cover educational expenses through part-time employment. Work-Study positions are available on-campus at numerous departments as well as off-campus at selected non-profit employers. Off-campus positions are community service-based employment positions that are part of the Community Service Work-Study Program. Students must show financial need (must complete the FAFSA or TASFA)  to be eligible for work-study. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis with priority awarding given to students currently/previously employed under the college work-study programs. All wages are on an hourly basis, and work schedules are arranged around class schedules. 

Intern 2 Learn Program

Intern 2 Learn is an innovative, on-campus student employment program for undergraduates. The program is designed to provide relevant work experience and qualify as a R.E.A.L. (Real World Experience Applied to Learning) internship for participating students. The best part is that the program benefits both students and employing departments! Interns work in positions related to their academic curriculum and are eligible to promote to higher levels of responsibility and pay as their experience and knowledge levels grow. Employing departments enjoy the opportunity to mentor and coach student interns so that they function as additional staff.

Intern 2 Learn Program Provides:
  • Opportunities to work on-campus where supervisors understand academic schedules and demands
  • R.E.A.L. participation; adding to your learning experience at Tarleton State University
  • Resume building experience to give you a head start on your chosen career
Graduate Assistantship

Assistantships for graduate students are available in most academic departments that offer a master's program as well as other university support areas. Most assistantships require teaching, laboratory instruction or research. As assistantships are awarded by each department, applications should be directed to the head of the department in which the applicant studies.

How You're Paid

Students employed on Work-Study and Intern 2 Learn are paid via biweekly paychecks. Graduate assistants are paid monthly. 

Loan Programs

Federal Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Loans are student loans that must be repaid and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If eligible for a subsidized loan, the government will pay (subsidize) the interest on the loan while the student is in school and for the first six months after leaving school (grace period).  However, for subsidized loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2012, and before July 1, 2014,  the student is responsible for the interest that accrues while the loan is in the grace period. For an unsubsidized loan, the student is responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

First time student loan borrowers must complete the Entrance Loan Counseling and the electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) before TSU can release the first disbursement of their Federal Direct student loan. Both entrance loan counseling and the MPN are completed at www.studentaid.gov. 

Annual Undergraduate loan limits may not exceed $5,500 (of which no more than $3,500 may be subsidized) for freshmen; $6,500 (of which no more than $4,500 may be subsidized) for sophomores; and $7,500 (of which no more than $5,500 may be subsidized) for juniors and seniors. Annual Graduate student loan limits are limited to $20,500 in unsubsidized loans. In addition, students must be enrolled in at least 6 semester hours to qualify.

The aggregate federal loan limit for dependent undergraduates is $31,000 (of which no more than $23,000 may be subsidized). The federal loan limit for independent undergraduates is $57,500 (of which no more than $23,000 may be subsidized). The federal loan limit for graduate students is $138,500 and includes all federal loans borrowed as an undergraduate student.

Students begin repaying Federal Direct Student loans six months after they drop below half-time enrollment or graduate from college.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Parent PLUS)

Parent Loans are made by the Department of Education to eligible parents to assist in meeting education costs. Parents must be US Citizens or eligible non-citizens and receive credit approval. Parents, on behalf of their dependents, may borrow the annual loan limit of the cost of education, less other financial aid.  Fees charged to the PLUS borrower are deducted form the loan proceeds when the money is sent to the student’s school. Parents may apply at www.studentaid.gov. 

Graduate PLUS Loan

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (Grad PLUS) is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Graduate students may borrow up to the full cost of attendance less other financial aid you are receiving. The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based and requires credit approval. Direct Graduate PLUS loans are not based on need, however require filing of FAFSA. Graduate students may apply at www.studentaid.gov. 

Private Loans

Private Loans are provided by lending institutions and are not in any way related to the loan programs offered by the Federal Department of Education. Private loans offer a funding alternative for students and parents. While using a private lender is an option, it is in the students' best interest to apply for Federal, State, and Institutional Aid before considering this option. The benefits of applying for Federal Direct student loans over a Private/Alternative loan include lower interest rates and greater repayment options. Many Tarleton State University students use www.ELMselect.com to search for a private student loan lender.

Short-Term Loans

Short-Term loan funds at Tarleton State University were established to provide assistance to students who are experiencing temporary financial difficulty in connection with educationally related expenses. These loans must be repaid with interest and/or service charge within the prescribed repayment period.  It is not the intent of this program to supplement or to replace long-term aid or assistance offered by the Office of Financial Aid.  Short Term loans are available while school is in session and applicants must meet the requirements to be considered.  Loan applications are online through myGateway.

Book Loans

Book loan funds at Tarleton State University were established to provide assistance to students who are experiencing temporary financial difficulty in purchasing their books.  These loans must be repaid with interest and/or service charge within the prescribed repayment period.  Book loans are available while school is in session and applicants must meet the requirements to be considered.  Loan applications are online through myGateway.

Late Payments on Loans

When a student does not make payment on any outstanding loan by the due date, his/her records will be blocked immediately.

Cost of Attendance

Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of typical expenses associated with attendance at Tarleton State University for one academic year (fall and spring semester). Areas evaluated within the cost of attendance include:

Direct Costs

  • Tuition and Fees
    Tuition and fees will vary based on the hours that a student is enrolled in at Tarleton State University for an academic year. Cost of Attendance takes into account an estimated range for an average full-time student course load of 12 hours for undergraduates and 9 hours for graduate students. Total costs of tuition and fees for a year will vary by degree program, course types (ie: labs or courses with additional fees), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and whether a student is on a guaranteed or variable tuition plan.
  • Housing and Food
    Housing and food requirements will vary, as students have different on-campus dining and housing options to choose from. Cost of Attendance includes an estimate of housing and meals while attending Tarleton State University. Our estimate includes rent, food, utilities, and incidentals (snacks and household supplies).

Indirect Costs

  • Books and Supplies
    The Cost of Attendance includes an estimate of the average cost for books, required course materials, computer-related expenses (excluding purchase of a computer), and educational supplies.
  • Transportation
    Transportation expenses are estimated within the Cost of Attendance to include an average number of trips a student will take in an academic year. Actual transportation cost will vary with student travel requirements, total mileage and mode of transportation.
  • Personal Expenses and Miscellaneous
    Entertainment and personal purchases are also included in the Cost of Attendance as well. These costs vary from person to person, based on lifestyle and preferences.

FAFSA Verification

If you have submitted your FAFSA and received a notification that you were selected for federal verification, you are not alone! About 1/3 of all FAFSA applications are selected for this process. Tarleton State's Office of Financial Aid is here to guide you! If you have been selected for verification, you must complete verification before you can receive any aid. All financial aid documents for verification or to determine student aid eligibility are submitted via https://tarleton.studentforms.com. Your financial aid eligibility could change because of corrections made during verification. If your eligibility changes, your financial aid awards will be adjusted, and you will receive a revised award letter or notification via email. More information is located on the Tarleton Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

What if I Don't Finish my Verification?

Your financial aid will not apply to your billing account until verification is complete, so please respond immediately to any requests from our department. Should you fail to submit all required documentation, financial aid will not be awarded and/or disbursed.

Academic Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Federal and state regulations require all students to make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward completion of degree, certificate or licensure requirements to receive student financial aid.  All terms of attempted enrollment, including transfer hours, are considered in determining satisfactory academic progress regardless of whether aid was awarded for the term.  Failure to meet satisfactory progress standards results in ineligibility for all types of federal, state, and university aid administered by the Office of Financial Aid at Tarleton State University.

Evaluation Period

Monitoring satisfactory academic progress begins with the first credit attempted and is done at the end of fall and spring semesters.

Qualitative Standard:  Grade Point Average (GPA)

Attempted credits include all courses on student records after the 12th class day, including withdrawals, incompletes, repeats, noncredit and remedial courses.  TSU’s satisfactory progress policy requires that students achieve the following cumulative grade point averages:         

                     Undergraduate Students:  2.0               Graduate Students:  3.0
Quantitative Standard (Pace):  Completion Percentage (Deficit Hours)

Financial aid standards require students to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 67% of their total cumulative attempted credits.  This percentage includes all institutional and transfer credit hours, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.  Hours successfully completed include those with grades of A, B, C, D, P and S.  Grades of F, I, K, Q, W, WF, U, NG  and grad exclusions are not considered to be adequate grades for completion.  The calculation used to determine the completion rate:

Total Hours Successfully Completed
             Total Hours Attempted                   =    Completion Rate

Quantitative Standard:  Maximum Hours Attempted (Excessive Hours)

Students are expected to complete their degree pursuits within a maximum timeframe, including transfer hours earned as well as institutional attempted credits.  Credits attempted to complete a degree and receive financial aid cannot exceed 150% of the credits required to complete the degree program.  Credit hours are cumulative; thus, students obtaining more than the maximum hours (e.g., change in major) may reach this maximum timeframe before completing their course of study and may need to appeal the timeframe eligibility.  Excessive hours will depend on your specific degree program and credit hour requirements for completion. The majority of students may not receive financial assistance beyond the following:

                     Undergraduate Students:      180 Hours                

                     Graduate Students:                   54 Hours                    

                     Doctoral:                                    108 Hours

Failure to Meet Standards

If at the end of each semester, a student fails to meet any of the above Satisfactory Academic Standard(s), he/she will be placed on financial aid suspension for each standard not being met.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals

Financial aid suspension status may be appealed to the Office of Financial Aid.  Appeals are made on the basis of extraordinary or mitigating circumstances (including but not limited to major illness, death in the family, serious accident, etc.) or the successful completion of additional coursework.  The appeal must state why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress by the end of the following semester.  Each case is reviewed individually.  The Office of Financial Aid informs the student in writing of its decision, provided adequate documentation was submitted by the student. ​Each appeal is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If the appeal is approved, financial aid eligibility will be reinstated for a probationary semester.  Written notification (financial aid contract) will include the standards the student is expected to meet in order to retain financial aid eligibility at the end of the semester. 

If at the end of a probationary semester, the student meets TSU’s probationary term requirements but has not met TSU’s cumulative standards, TSU will permit the student to retain financial aid eligibility under a “continued probation” status.  Probation status continues to be monitored each semester until the student meets TSU’s cumulative standards for completion percentage and grade point average (GPA), at which time the student will be returned to “good standing”.

If a student on “continued probation” status fails to meet TSU’s cumulative standard(s) or the standards required for the probationary semester, TSU will suspend the student from financial aid eligibility.

If an appeal is denied, written notification will state the reason(s) for the denial and the process of appealing the denial.

Notification

Students who fail to meet the minimum standards will be notified by email (Tarleton.edu email) when they are placed on probation or suspension.  It is possible for students to be placed on financial aid suspension for failure to meet more than one type of Satisfactory Academic Progress standard.  Students who have not received financial aid in the past are immediately subject to standards when they apply for financial aid.

Re-Establishing Eligibility After Financial Aid Suspension

Students whose financial aid eligibility has been suspended may regain eligibility only through TSU’s appeal process or when they meet the institution’s satisfactory academic progress quantitative and qualitative standards.  If Incomplete (I) hours are a factor in failure to maintain satisfactory progress, subsequent successful completion of these hours may be used to re-establish eligibility for aid.  Paying for classes out of pocket or sitting out a period of time in and of itself is not sufficient to re-establish a student’s financial aid eligibility. 

Course Program of Study (CPoS)

This requirement will be effective beginning Fall 2025.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) regulations require that a student must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program to receive federal financial aid (grants, loans, work-study). Funds will only be disbursed for the courses needed to fulfill the program of study requirements.

Effective Fall 2025, students enrolling in courses that are not required to complete their officially declared major and/or required minor could see their financial aid prorated and/or cancelled as required by the Department of Education. Course Program of Study (CPoS) is the process that is run to identify courses within a student’s program of study. This technology will compare the courses a student registers for each term with the degree requirements listed on their DegreeWorks degree audit. Courses that do not apply towards a student’s officially declared program of study will be ineligible for federal financial aid. CPoS was designed, and has been found, to help students finish their degree program faster by focusing on the completion of coursework tied directly to their program of study. Timely degree completion also reduces student costs, including debt a student may choose to take on to graduate.

More information about CPoS can be found on the Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid.

Repeated Courses

Students who repeat a course may receive financial assistance more than once for enrollment in the same course.  When a course is repeated, each enrollment is included in calculating the percentage of successfully completed hours and the total number of attempted hours is used to determine length of eligibility.  For example, a student enrolls in a three hour course, fails it and the following semester re-enrolls in the same course and earns a C.  That student would have enrolled in in six hours, but successfully completed only three hours.  Repeating a course more than once results in removal of only one previous grade from the GPA calculation. 

Federal regulations also stipulate the way enrollment status is determined for students who are repeating coursework in which they previously received a letter grade of D- or higher.  An institution may pay a student one time for retaking previously-passed coursework.  To determine a student’s enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), the school may not include more than one repetition of a previously passed course. 

Example:  Two years ago, Sam enrolled in a 3-hour Applied Mathematics course and received a grade of D-.  Sam took the same course again last year and received a grade of C-.  His major requires that he pass the class with a C or better, so Sam decides to take the course again this semester.  Sam is enrolled in 9 hours of other coursework plus the Applied Math class, for a total of 12 hours.  The 3 hours of that class are not included in determining Sam’s enrollment status for the current semester because it is the second time he is repeating a class in which he previously received a “passing” grade.  Sam would be paid financial aid as a part-time student because he is enrolled in 12 hours minus the 3 hours of the course he’s repeating for the second time, which do not count.  For financial aid purposes, Sam is enrolled in 9 eligible hours.

Withdrawing or Dropping Classes

If you withdraw from all classes, either officially or unofficially, on or before completing  the term and you have received Title IV federal funds in the form of a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Federal Direct loans, or a Federal PLUS loan, the federal government requires that we review your eligibility for those funds. We are required to apply a federally mandated formula to determine how much of the federal funding was “earned” up to the time of withdrawal. This review and recalculation is called a “Return of Title IV Aid”.

The Title IV funds that were disbursed in excess of the earned amount must be returned to the federal government by the university and/or you. The amount to be returned to the federal government will be calculated from the date you officially withdrew from classes or, in the case of an unofficial withdrawal, the last date you were involved in an academically related activity.

If funding has to be returned, you will be notified via email.

Unofficial Withdrawal Policy


Tarleton State University must determine whether a return of Title IV Financial aid is required when a student fails to attend or ceases to attend a class and does not withdraw. Tarleton faculty will monitor all student enrollment and report to the Office of the Registrar the following grades for students who unofficially withdraw from courses:

  • F0 grade indicates a student who never attended a class
  • FX grade indicates a student attended but stopped attending at some point in the semester and a date will be assigned as the last date of attendance for that class

At the end of each semester (fall/spring/summer) the Office of Financial Aid will review all financial aid students who have any combination of the above F0 or FX Grades and determine if the financial aid requires an adjustment. If an adjustment is required, the aid will be recalculated and the student will be notified immediately. Any reduction of financial aid will be reflected on the student’s bill with the Office of Business Services.

If a student has a combination of all F0, FX, Q, and W grades, the student is considered a withdrawal and is subject to the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation.

If we are required to reduce your financial aid, we must allocate funds in the following order:

  • Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
  • Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
  • Federal Graduate Plus (Student) Loans
  • Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Other federal loan or grant assistance
  • Other state or institutional financial aid program

Official Census Date

The financial aid census date is the 12th day of the enrollment period. This means that if you are receiving Federal Pell Grant and you drop a class before the census date (12th day of the enrollment period) your Federal Pell Grant may be reduced. If you add a class following the census date, your Pell Grant will not be increased. 

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid is applied (disbursed) to student bills approximately 10 days before the first day of classes each term. Tarleton State University’s Office of Financial Aid will check your enrollment status prior to disbursement of any financial aid funds. Tarleton will adjust aid based on enrollment status (hours enrolled).

Financial Aid Overawards

Federal regulations require colleges to consider all educational financial assistance to be calculated in determining student eligibility. If it is determined an over award has occurred and needs to be resolved, it may result in funds being returned to an aid program and the student owing the University money.

Financial assistance includes:

  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Scholarships
  • Waivers, fellowships & assistantships
  • Work-Study
  • Specific Veteran educational benefits
  • Athletic Aid
  • Programs used to cover postsecondary educational expenses

An overaward will be caused when a student receives more aid than their:

  • Financial Need
  • Enrollment eligibility
  • Cost of Attendance

You will be notified to your tarleton.edu email if we have to adjust any financial aid due to an overaward that causes a balance due.

Financial Aid Consortium

Tarleton State University participates in the Financial Aid Consortium program, which coordinates credit hours between partner institutions to financially assist students. Students may only receive financial aid from one institution during a term. Undergraduate students interested must be enrolled at Tarleton State University with a minimum of 3 hours for the fall, spring, or summer semester. Students must fill out a consortium agreement each semester they participate in the program and return the completed consortium agreement to the Tarleton’s Office of Financial Aid prior to the 12th class day for processing.

  • Courses taken at the community college (host institution) are verified by the Registrar’s Office for transferability and use towards a degree plan.
  • Students are encouraged to verify the transferability of their courses to Tarleton prior to submitting the consortium agreement. TCCNS Developmental and audited courses are not eligible for the financial aid consortium.
  • Courses approved for the consortium agreement will be added to the students’ Tarleton registration, increasing the number of hours they are registered for in a given semester.
  • Tuition and fees will be charged separately for the courses taken at the respective community college (host institution).
  • Make satisfactory academic progress as specified by the Tarleton State University Satisfactory Progress policy.

Financial Aid Consortium partners, forms, and instructions can be found on the Office of Financial Aid website at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

Special and Unusual Circumstance Appeals

The FAFSA and TASFA uses prior-prior-year tax data to determine the Student Aid Index (SAI); however, we recognize that a family’s financial situation can change within a two-year period. The Higher Education Act gives financial aid administrators the ability to update FAFSA to reflect the student and family’s current situation, which can alter the SAI. The SAI is calculated by the information provided by FAFSA or TASFA. The SAI is emailed directly to students that complete FAFSA. Additionally, the SAI can be viewed on the FAFSA Submission Summary. You may also contact the financial aid office to discuss your SAI.

The following circumstances are acceptable for Special Circumstance Appeals:

  • Loss or reduction of income (e.g., job termination, pay reduction, parental/spousal death, and child support reduction/loss)
  • Divorce or separation
  • Non-recurring income
  • High medical and/or dental expenses paid out of pocket
  • Impacted by a natural disaster

If you indicated “yes” to the question in the Student Unusual Circumstance portion of FAFSA, you are considered “provisionally independent”. This designation means that you are not required to provide parental information on your FAFSA; however, the institution is required to review your circumstance to make a formal determination on your dependency status through an Unusual Circumstance Appeal. In this situation, the financial aid office will contact you to complete the appeal.

Unusual circumstances include (but are not limited to):

  • Human trafficking
  • Legally granted refugee or asylum status
  • Parental abandonment or estrangement
  • Student or parental incarceration

However, unusual circumstances do not include the following:

  • Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
  • Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification
  • Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
  • Student demonstrates total self-sufficiency

Additionally, if your circumstances change and meet one of the criteria above, you may contact a financial aid counselor at 254-968-9070 or FINAID@tarleton.edu to discuss if you are eligible for this appeal.

More information about Special and Unusual Circumstance Appeals count be found at www.tarleton.edu/finaid. 

Tuition and Student Fee Exemptions and Waivers

A student may qualify for legislative exemption from the payment of tuition and certain fees and charges according to the following conditions. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for procedures for determining eligibility prior to the registration process.

Claims for exemption from any charges and/or fees must be supported by evidence sufficient to enable the Office of Financial Aid to verify the student’s exempt status and determine the duration of the exemption or waiver and the fees and charges to which it is applicable. Supporting document(s) must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid before a student registers.

Listed below are exemption and waiver programs available to Texas residents. You may visit My TX Future (https://www.mytexasfuture.com) to view specific Exemption and Waiver information.

Please note: When visiting My TX Future you may see additional exemptions and waivers that may not be available at this time at Tarleton State University. If you have questions about Tarleton State University Tuition and Fee Exemptions and Waivers, you may contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@tarleton.edu or (254) 968-9070.

Tarleton State University Tuition and Fee Exemptions and Waivers

Adoption Students Formerly in Foster Care or Other Residential Care
Children of Disabled Firefighters/Law Enforcement Officers
Children of Nurse Faculty
Children of POWs and MIAs
Deaf/Blind
Dependents of Deceased Public Servants
Disabled Peace Officers and Firefighters
Educational Aide Exemption
Ex-Prisoners of War
Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science Courses
Foster Care/Texas Department of Family Protective Services
Good Neighbor Program
Hazlewood Dependents, Spouse, and Veteran
Highest Ranking High School Graduate
Peace Officers Exemption
Nursing Preceptors and their Children
Senior Citizen 65+ for 6 hours free tuition
Teaching and Research Assistants

Scholarships

The Tarleton State University Office of Scholarships is committed to providing assistance to students in pursuit of their education. Scholarships are awarded for academic ability and achievement, demonstrated leadership, ability to perform (music, band, etc.), extracurricular activities, financial need, and other criteria as defined by specific scholarship programs. Scholarship consideration for current Tarleton students has full-time status as a criterion unless otherwise defined by specific scholarship programs. More than 600 endowed, local, and departmental scholarships are available to students attending Tarleton State University. Some scholarships are awarded in specific academic areas, such as science, humanities, agriculture, and business.

Scholarship information and application forms may be obtained from the Office of Scholarships at www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/. The Office can also be contacted by phone at (254) 968-9922.

Any student receiving institutional scholarships valued at $10,000 or more is generally not eligible for other institutional scholarships.

The Presidential Honors Program offers exceptional opportunities for outstanding students. Presidential Honors Scholars are given priority in such areas as pre-registration and housing assignments. They also enroll in two interdisciplinary Honors Seminars, participate in the Honors Degree Program, have the opportunity to travel to a professional meeting in their major field of study, and receive annual scholarships of $7,000 or $8,000. For more information, contact Dr. Eileen Faulkenberry, Dean of the Honors College, Box T-0545, Stephenville, TX 76402; (254) 968-1926.

Veteran Services

Veterans’ Assistance

The Office of Veteran Services serves students eligible for educational benefits from the Veteran’s Administration. Records are maintained and reports made to the Veteran’s Administration on behalf of veterans, dependents, and active-duty service members enrolled at the University. The institution does not prohibit attendance or impose penalties while waiting on VA Payments, per 38 U.S.C. § 3679(e)(1)A&B.

Hazlewood Act

The Office of Veteran Services processes the Hazlewood Act benefit. The initial and continuation forms are available online at www.tarleton.edu/veterans. Complete information must be submitted to the Office of Veteran Services on or before the last day of the semester for which the benefit is being requested.

Federal and Texas State benefits are found at www.tarleton.edu/veterans. The Office of Veteran Services can be reached by phone at 254-968-1805 or by email at veterans@tarleton.edu. 

Texas Workforce Commission

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and required fees to students who are physically or otherwise challenged, provided the vocational objective selected by the unusually challenged person has been approved by an appropriate representative of the Commission. Through this state agency, other rehabilitation services are available to assist these students in becoming employable. Application for this type of assistance should be made to the nearest Rehabilitation Office. Address inquiries to: Commissioner, Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Jefferson Bldg., 1600 W. 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78731.