2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

How, When and Where To Receive Financial Aid
Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work Study, is disbursed at the beginning of each enrollment period.
If the aid package is for a regular nine-month period, one-half is disbursed at the beginning of each semester.
University policy requires that all aid must be used first to pay general registration and maintenance fees, room
and board or other institutional expenses. Financial aid is credited to the student‘s account first, and after direct
costs such as tuition, fees, room and board are met, any excess aid is disbursed by the Cashier‘s Office.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Federal Pell Grants
This is the basic grant available to qualifying undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelors or
professional degree. Funding comes from the federal government. All degree-seeking undergraduate students
may apply by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The annual maximum award is up to
$5,350 per academic year.
Academic Competitiveness Grant
These grants are awarded to fulltime undergraduate students who receive Pell Grants and are U.S. citizens.
Recipients must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. The award is up to $750 for the
first academic year and up to $1300 for the second academic year.
National SMART Grant
These grants of up to $4000 are available to fulltime undergraduates who are enrolled in the third or fourth
academic year who receive Pell Grants and are U.S. citizens. Students must be pursuing a major in physical, life,
computer sciences, technology, mathematics, or a critical need foreign language and have at least a 3.0
cumulative GPA.
Tuition Equalization Grants (TEG) or Other State Grants
These grants are available to students who are Texas residents, full-time undergraduate students, and who
demonstrate need. The annual maximum varies. Recipients of athletic scholarships or SERV aid are not eligible
for the TEG. Nursing students who were awarded the TEG before 9-01-05 must enroll for a minimum of six
hours per semester. Non-Texas residents should apply for a grant in the state of their residency. Recipients
should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Texas Grant Program
This award is available only to previous Texas Grant recipients. Limited funds are available and students must
enroll in a minimum of seven hours per semester. Recipients must achieve an overall GPA of 2.5 by the end of
the spring semester and complete at least 75% of the hours attempted. Recipients must submit the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP)
This grant is available to students who are Texas residents, full-time undergraduate students, and who
demonstrate need. The annual maximum varies. The eligibility requirements are the same as the TEG. Recipients
must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Federal SEOG grants are intended to supplement other aid received. These grants are federally funded. Funds are
awarded to a limited number of undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Recipients
must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grants may range up to $800 per semester depending
upon availability of funds.
Supplemental Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (SLEAP)
This grant is available, depending upon availability of funds, to qualifying undergraduate students who are Texas
residents. Nonresidents of Texas should contact their state for information concerning grant funding.
LOANS
Stafford Subsidized Loans for Students
The Stafford Subsidized Loan program provides a low interest loan to students who are attending HBU at least
half-time in a degree or certification program and who demonstrate need. If you are eligible for a Stafford
Subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest on the loan while you are enrolled in school at least
2010-2011 HBU Catalog www.hbu.edu/catalog Page 35