Eligibility Requirements
Your eligibility for financial aid is determined by a number of factors. In some cases, if you meet certain eligibility requirements but not others, it could make you ineligible. First, you must apply for admission to UTRGV and complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your eligibility for federal financial aid will be determined once you have shown that the following criteria have been satisfied:
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Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. FAFSA data is checked against Department of Homeland Security records to verify eligible status.
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Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number.
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Applicants generally must be enrolled or intend to enroll on at least a half-time basis.
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Applicants must show financial need for most programs. This is established when the financial strength of the student and family is determined to be lower than the cost of attendance.
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Applicants must not be in default on an educational loan or owe a refund to any financial aid program.
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If an applicant is a male between 18 and 26 years old and is not a current member of the armed forces, he must be registered with Selective Service.
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Applicants must be regular students in eligible programs enrolled for the declared purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate. Students enrolled for the purpose of personal enhancement or skill enhancement are not eligible for most federal and state financial aid programs. Also, transient students or in conditional status are not eligible to receive financial aid.
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If a student is admitted into an eligible program and takes remedial coursework within the program, he/she can be considered a regular student, even if he/she is taking all remedial courses before taking any regular courses. However, a student can receive aid for no more than 30 remedial credit hours.
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Applicants must have demonstrated the ability to benefit from the education they are about to receive. This requirement is met by providing official evidence to the UTRGV Admissions Office of obtaining a high school diploma or GED or completing secondary school in a homeschool setting.
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Applicant must be making satisfactory academic progress toward the completion of a program of study. Both undergraduates and graduates have distinct Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria by which this requirement is measured. Please review the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy section for more information on this criteria at UTRGV.
For eligibility requirements for state and institutional aid, refer to the different types of aid programs (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans). Most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for financial aid from the Institution on a limited basis. International students may qualify for some institutional and/or private scholarships.
Foreign citizens who have graduated from a Texas High School should refer to information on Senate Bill 1528. Students meeting SB 1528 criteria may qualify for state financial aid programs, such as the Texas Grant and TPEG grant.