As higher education becomes increasingly expensive, Texas Southern University is working to ensure eligible students who need financial help can focus on getting good grades instead of money.
In a news release, TSU announced it is launching a new award program called the Tiger Promise. Eligible students will have their tuition covered as well as mandatory fees not met by federal/state aid or scholarships.
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To be eligible, TSU says applicants must be first-time freshmen or transfer students, with an adjusted gross income of (or below) $125,000. Freshmen are eligible for four years, or eight consecutive semesters (including summer and winter semesters.) Transfer students, meanwhile are eligible for two years (four consecutive semesters). Students have to have a 2.5 GPA and at least 30 credit hours each year to remain eligible.
Here’s a brief look at eligibility requirements:
- Be a resident of Texas.
- Be first-time freshmen or new transfer students.
- Meet family income requirements of $125,000 or less, as determined by Pell Grant eligibility.
- Submit a FAFSA or TASFA application by April 1, 2025, for the fall semester.
- Complete their admissions application by March 1, 2025, for fall enrollment or October 1, 2025 for spring enrollment.
Awards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and contingent on funds’ availability.
“The Tiger Promise underscores our commitment to the transformative power of education,” TSU President James W. Crawford III said in a statement. “By investing in our students through this promise, we foster opportunity for them, as we cultivate a skilled workforce poised to contribute to our state’s economic vitality.”
Don’t worry, current students, you can also get a piece of the Tiger Promise; TSU says current undergraduate students must meet the Continuing Student eligibility criteria, which includes maintaining a 2.5 GPA and being enrolled in 30 credit hours. And those who are readmitted to TSU may also be eligible.
“These are undergraduate degree-seeking students who previously attended TSU but have not enrolled for one year or three consecutive semesters (fall, summer, spring),” TSU explained in its news release. “Those seeking re-admission would need to submit the application for (re)admission by the admissions deadline to be considered for the Tiger Promise.”
What won’t TSU’s Tiger Promise cover? Late fees, late registration fees, excess credit hour fees, class repeat fees, drop fees, and any fees for auxiliary services, such as parking or citation fees.
“At TSU, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams without the burden of growing financial stress,” said Dr. Latisha Addison, Executive Director of Student Financial Success. “We understand finances are a determinant of where a student may attend college if they attend at all. We are pleased to be able to offer this promise. With the promise comes the student’s responsibility to stay on track to graduate in four years. We look forward to all the future Tigers this program will assist.”
For additional information, visit TSU’s website.