Catalog 2010-2011 - South Texas College

of the Texas Family Code.3. Exemptions for Students over Age 21Some students meeting the above eligibilityrequirements may qualify for the tuition waiverif they enroll after age 21, using the earlier ofthe two following dates:4 The third anniversary of the date of dischargefrom foster or other residential care.4 The third anniversary of the date of highschool graduation or completion of anequivalency of a high school diploma (GED).For example, a student would be exemptfrom the payment of tuition and fees if he orshe received a GED at age 19 and enrolledat age 22.4. Exemption Based on Adoption AssistanceAgreementAnother way a student is exempt from paymentof tuition and fees is if the student was:a) Adopted; andb) The subject of a signed adoption assistanceagreement between Protective and RegulatoryServices and the adoptive parents underSubchapter D, Chapter 162, of the Texas FamilyCode.What do I need if I am eligible for Foster CareStudent Tuition Waiver?The Letter: The district coordinator or the districtdesignee is responsible for researching a youth’seligibility for a tuition waiver. If a youth is eligibleand will be entering a state supported college ortechnical institute (as defined by Texas EducationCode 54.001 and 54.002), the coordinator ordistrict designee provides a tuition waiver letterto the youth to take to the registrar’s office of thecollege or institution.Eligibility is determined by the Texas Departmentof Family and Protective Services. A copy of thetuition waiver letter must be submitted to thefinancial aid office in order to utilize the exemption.If a copy is not submitted to the financial aid office,aid will not be awarded.How much money can I get?The Foster Care Students Tuition Waiver /Exemption covers tuition and fees only. Oncethe financial aid office has received a tuitionwaiver, funds will be posted provided the studentis registered.How will I be paid?A student can receive financial aid simultaneouslywith the Foster Care Student Tuition Waiver. In thiscase students will be eligible for refunds. If in theevent that the student withdraws from his semester,the Foster Care Students Tuition Waiver will coverthe adjusted amounts for tuition and fees. Thestudent is not eligible for a refund.Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) ExemptionWhat is TANF?The purpose of this exemption is to help childrenwhose parents received TANF get a start in college.The eligibility requirements are:4 Must be a Texas residentMust have graduated from public high schoolin Texas.684 Must have been a dependent child whoseparents received financial assistance throughthe TANF program for at least six months of theyear the child's high school graduation.4 Must be less than 22 years of age at the timeof enrollment in college.4 Must enroll in college within 24 months of highschool graduation.How do I apply?The student must provide proof from the Healthand Human Services Commission of receivingTANF benefits to the Financial Aid Office.How much can I get?The exemption covers tuition and fees for the firstacademic year in which the student enrolls at aTexas public institution of higher education. Nofunds may be used to pay for continuing educationclasses.Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan(formerly Texas Tomorrow Fund)The Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan is a programthat allows Texas families to lock in the cost oftomorrow’s college tuition and fees required asa condition of enrollment. For more information,contact the Texas tomorrow Fund/TexasGuaranteed Tuition Plan at 1-800-445-GRAD orcheck with the Financial Aid office. If funds areavailable the TGTP covers only the followingcharges:4Tuition4Registration Fee4Information Technology Fee4Learning Support FeeNote: Students are responsible to pay any otherfees not covered by TGTP.OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMSScholarshipsEach year, a number of individuals, organizationsand companies provide scholarships that areavailable to students attending STC. The amountand criteria for these awards will vary. Thesescholarships are advertised when available, andeligible students may apply at that time. Informationis available from the Financial Aid office and fromthe Program Chairperson.Top 10% Scholarship ProgramWhat is the Top 10% Scholarship ProgramThe 80th Texas legislature created the Top 10%Scholarship to encourage students who graduatein the top 10 percent of their high school classto attend a Texas public institution of highereducation.How do I qualify?To qualifying for the Top 10 % Scholarship studentsmust submit the Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, 2009 and havefinancial need. Other requirements include:4 Be a Texas Resident4 Demonstrate financial need ( to be determinedby the college Financial Aid office)4 Complete a 2009-2010 FAFSA and file byApril 1, 2009