Making Texas higher education more affordable

by Texas State Rep. Allen Vaught

I am a strong believer that higher education creates opportunities for individuals. The Spring Semester is upon us, and college-bound students should begin looking into how they will pay for college. This article will cover information that may help you find opportunities for financing a college education.

Grants and Loans

One of the first things you will need to do is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education. Do this as early as possible because it will determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid.

Additionally, many states and universities use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their specific grants. Forms are available at your high school counselor’s office or online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

The grants and loans offered at both the federal and state level that may be awarded based on financial need include:

* Federal Pell Grant

* Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

* Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

* Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

* Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

* TEXAS Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)

Register for Financial Aid

PROFILE is a financial aid application service offered by the College Board, a not-for-profit association. The application connects students to college financial opportunities through scholarships and endowed university scholarships. Many of the 560 member colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools use PROFILE to help award nonfederal student aid funds.

Searching for a Scholarship

Scholarships are also awarded and offered by various companies and businesses, organizations, religious groups, professional associations and more. Check with the following to see if there are any scholarships available:

1. Contact your employer or your parents’ employers to see if scholarships or tuition reimbursements are available.

2. Organizations affiliated with your place of worship or your religion. http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/religion.htm

3. Take note of scholarships provided by your high school’s PTA and local organizations such as the chamber of commerce, lion’s club, rotary club, women’s groups, exchange club and other groups you or your parents may belong to.

4. Ask the high school guidance counselor for regular updates on new scholarship opportunities.

5. Check with the financial aid office at the school you are applying to for general scholarship opportunities or scholarships by major, department, or branch of the college.

There are many online search engines dedicated to helping students find scholarships.

Fastweb identifies scholarship, employment, and internship opportunities that are customized to fit your unique needs. The site requires you to fill out a short survey that will then use your information to create a personal profile. Your profile will link you to opportunities that include criteria and eligibility for awards.

FinAid is a clearing house for financial aid. The website gives information that is helpful for first time and experienced financial aid hunters. The site contains information for parents, students and teachers.

University Specific Scholarships

Several local universities offer unique opportunities for students in need of financial aid. The University of Texas at Arlington offers the “Maverick Promise,” a program that provides grant assistance to cover in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate Texas residents. Students who apply are still eligible for additional funds through loans and the Federal Work Study program to cover additional educational expenses such as textbooks, and room and board.

The University of Texas at Dallas provides an incentive for students to earn a degree in a timely manner; any additional courses taken beyond 15 credit hours per semester are free to in-state students through the “Tuition Promise.” If you want to take advantage of these savings and start your college career at a community college, take advantage of the “Comet Connection” program. Use the University of Texas at Dallas transfer guide to select classes that will transfer and directly apply towards a bachelor’s degree.

Local School District Scholarships

School districts are working with colleges and businesses to help absorb some or all of the cost for tuition, books and housing. A partnership between the University of North Texas and Education is Freedom organization will help students pay for college. Dallas ISD students selected will have at least $28,000 in tuition and fees covered during their college careers. This scholarship is available only to Dallas ISD students.

The Richardson ISD annually presents the Matt Shubzda Scholarship to a graduating senior who best exemplifies overall excellence and has demonstrated active participation in extracurricular activities as well as strong leadership and academic skills. Matt Shubzda was a 1994 graduate of Naaman Forest High School of RISD and a Navy pilot. He was killed during a training mission off the coast of California in 2002. The family of Matt Shubzda established this scholarship in his memory. If you attend school in RISD, check with your guidance counselor about this scholarship.