Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): The SEOG grant is a need-based grant from the federal government that assists students with the most financial need and are pursuing their first undergraduate degree pay for college. Funds for this grant are limited, so the sooner a student files a FAFSA the higher their chances are to receive this grant. Per federal regulation institutions must fund 25% of the SEOG grant program, so HSU offers students who are eligible for SEOG an institutional grant.

Eligibility Requirements:

• File a FAFSA
• Have exceptional financial need
• Must be Pell eligible
• Undergraduates only
• Title IV full-time enrollment required
• Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Students with the most financial need will be given priority

*Limited funds available

Federal Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is a need-based grant from the federal government that assists students who display exceptional financial need and are pursuing their first undergraduate degree pay for their education. Students will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant by filing a FAFSA. If you are eligible, you will receive the full amount you qualify for based on your enrollment status and your expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. Pell eligible students taking summer courses may be entitled to receive Pell funds during the summer term depending on the number of hours they are enrolled and calculated EFC.

Eligibility requirements:

• File a FAFSA
• Have exceptional financial need
• Have a qualifying expected family contribution (EFC) as calculated by the FAFSA
• Award amounts subject to Title IV enrollment status. Full-time (12+hours), Three-Quarter-time (9-11 hours), Half-time (6-8 hours), Less than-half time (1-5 hours).
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Undergraduates only
• Eligibility is subject to Lifetime Eligibility Used percentage calculated by the Department of Education

*Lifetime eligibility for Pell grant funds is limited to six years, the equivalent to 12 full time semesters. Since the amount of a scheduled Pell Grant award, you can receive each award year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%. Students can use up to 150% of their Pell grant each year if they are enrolled in summer, fall, and spring courses. The Department of Education keeps track of your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) by adding together the percentages of your Federal Pell Grant scheduled awards that you received for each award year. Once your total reaches 600%, you have reached your Federal Pell Grant eligibility limit and will no longer be eligible to receive Pell grant funds. Students can view their Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) by logging into “My Aid” using your Federal Student Aid ID.

*Initial financial aid packages for new students are based on the previous year’s Federal Pell chart. Pell grant amounts and other need-based awards could be adjusted to correctly correspond to the Federal Pell chart for the current academic year once it is released by the Federal government.

Year-round Pell Grant Eligibility: Students enrolled in summer courses will receive a portion of their Federal Pell Grant during the summer term depending on the number of hours they are enrolled in and calculated EFC. If a student has not used 100% of their scheduled award, in the summer and fall, then they can utilize the remainder in the spring being enrolled less-than half-time.

Pell eligible students are entitled to receive up to 150% of their scheduled award during the award year. However, if a student receives Pell in the summer and fall terms, then they must be enrolled at least half-time in the spring to receive the additional Pell Grant funds in the spring term.

Pell Recalculation Date: HSU sets Pell Recalculation Dates for the Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. Pell Recalculation Dates (PRD) typically occur the day after the last date to add/register for classes in that term. In summer, PRD takes place after the last date to add/register for Summer 2 courses. If HSU participates in Acadeum courses during the term, then PRD will be the day after the last Acadeum class begins. On PRD Day, a student’s Pell is recalculated based on their enrollment status. If a student’s enrollment status changes within the term, their Pell Grant will be recalculated to reflect the correct hours they began attendance in. If a student has begun attendance in all their classes, then Pell will not be recalculated.

2023-2024 PRD Dates: Summer – August 7, 2023, Fall- November 11, 2023, & Spring – April 3, 2024

Federal Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship (CFHS): Under the CFHS, beginning with the 2018-2019 award year, A Pell-eligible student whose parent/guardian* died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer** is eligible to receive the maximum Pell grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship a student must:

• Be otherwise Pell-eligible
• Have a Pell-eligible EFC
• Be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death

In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, if the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.

All Title IV aid awarded to such eligible student must be based on an EFC of zero without regard to the student’s calculated EFC. Thus, the student is eligible for the maximum Pell grant for his or her enrollment status and cost of attendance. In addition, the student’s eligibility for Direct Loans and for Campus-Based program aid must be based on an EFC of zero.

*The definition of “parent/guardian” for purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship is broader than that used for purposes of the FAFSA.  For scholarship purposes, parent/guardian includes non-custodial parents, step-parents, and parents of independent students.  In all cases, the parent/guardian status at the time of death is the qualifying eligibility criterion.  This may be different from the current parent/guardian status.

**The definition of “public safety officer” for purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship is:

• An individual serving a public agency in an official capacity, with or without compensation, as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or chaplain;
• An employee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) who is performing official duties of the agency, if those official duties—
  • are related to a major disaster or emergency that has been, or is later declared to exist with respect to the area under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; and
  • are determined by FEMA to be hazardous duties;
• An employee of a state, local, or tribal emergency management or civil defense agency who is performing official duties in cooperation with FEMA, if those official duties—
  • are related to a major disaster or emergency that has been, or is later declared to exist with respect to the area under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; and
  • are determined by the agency to be hazardous duties;
• A member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew who, as authorized or licensed by law and by the applicable agency or entity, is engaging in rescue activity or in the provision of emergency medical services; or
• A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with state or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned, special event.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG): The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a federal grant to assist students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree whose parent or guardian died because of military service in either Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 and who were under the age of 24 or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of their parent’s/guardian’s death. Students will be considered for the IASG by filing a FAFSA. If you are eligible, you will receive the amount you are eligible for based on your enrollment status. IASG recipients taking summer courses will be able to receive IASG funds during the summer terms.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Not be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant based on your EFC but meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant requirements
• Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of serving in military forces performed in either Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11
• Be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death
• File a FAFSA
• Be pursuing your first undergraduate degree
• Undergraduates only
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Eligibility is subject to Lifetime Eligibility Used percentage calculated by the Department of Education

*The FAO will evaluate students for IASG on the 8^th class day of the fall and spring terms and on PRD during the summer term.

*IASG award amounts are subject to the Budget Control Act of 2011 (the sequester law) https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2021-05-17/fy-22-sequester-required-changes-title-iv-student-aid-programs-ea-id-general-21-31

*Lifetime eligibility for the IASG grant funds is limited to six years, the equivalent to 12 full time semesters. Since the amount of a scheduled IASG award, you can receive each award year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%. Students can use up to 150% of their IASG each year if are enrolled in summer, fall and spring courses. The Department of Education keeps track of your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) by adding together the percentages of your IASG scheduled awards that you received for each award year. Once your total reaches 600%, you have reached your IASG eligibility limit and will no longer be eligible to receive IASG funds.

Year-round IASG Eligibility: Students enrolled in summer courses will receive a portion of their IASG during the summer term depending on the number of hours they are enrolled in and calculated EFC. IASG eligible students are entitled to receive up to 150% of their scheduled award in during the award year. If a student receives IASG in the summer and fall terms, then they must be enrolled at least half-time to receive additional IASG funds in the Spring semester. Year-round IASG eligibility is subject to IASG LEU percentage.

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG): The TEG is a need-based grant funded by the State of Texas that assists Texas residents who display financial need and are pursuing their first undergraduate degree pay for their education. Eligibility is determined by information reported on the FAFSA or TASFA as well as information reported on the Texas Residency Form https://www.hsutx.edu/tuition-aid/financial-aid-checklist/statement-of-texas-residency/

Eligibility Requirements:

• File a FAFSA or TASFA
• Full-time enrollment required, unless you are in your graduating semester
• Have financial need
• Be classified as a Texas Resident
• Be registered for the Selective Service, or be exempt
• Be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a degree plan leading to a 1st associate, baccalaureate, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree (excluding degree plans intended to lead to religious ministry)
• Not majoring or minoring in theology or religious degree program and not receiving a ministry grant or theology scholarship.*Some exceptions for religion minors not resulting in a career in ministry
• Have an EFC equal to or below the TEG EFC Cap (determined each award year)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• At the end of the 1st academic year, meet the institutional SAP policy for renewal
• At the end of the 2nd academic year or later, students must complete 24 hours (18 graduate hours) and a 75% completion rate in the previous academic year with a cumulative 2.5 GPA for renewal. Courses a student earned the grade F cannot count towards completed hours total but is counted in their completion percentage per State Guidelines (19 TAC, SECTION 22.25)
• Undergraduate eligibility is limited to 5 years from the 1st semester awarded TEG at HSU or another institution if the student is enrolled in a degree or certificate program of four years or less (19 TAC, SECTION 22.26). No maximum time limit for graduate students.
• Students obligated to pay child support and are more than 30 days delinquent are not eligible for any State Aid
• A Texas Residency Affirmation form must be filed to receive funds from any Texas financial aid program. This is a one-time, state-mandated regulation

*Limited funds available

*Undergraduate students will be given priority for TEG funds. If TEG funds remain after awarding TEG to all eligible undergraduates, then eligible graduate students will be considered for the funds based on the criteria above.

*Eligible students receiving full-tuition scholarships are eligible to receive the normal annual TEG award amount but not the exceptional need amount if their TEG award does not exceed their financial need, tuition differential, or annual maximum award. Eligibility for this is also subject to the amount of TEG funds available that year.

*Eligible undergraduate students in an online program are eligible for the TEG award based on their EFC. However, their TEG award is subject to be adjusted to not exceed their semester tuition differential calculation.

*Students enrolled 3/4 time are eligible for TEG in fall and/or spring if all other eligibility criteria is met AND funds are available.

*Students graduating in December may be eligible for the full year amount of TEG based on their EFC if all eligibility requirements are met and the award amount does NOT exceed the lesser of their tuition differential, financial need, annual maximum award amount, or cost of attendance budget. Eligibility for this is also subject to the amount of TEG funds available that year.

*TEG cannot be applied to the summer term

TEG Hardship Policy: In the event of a hardship, the Financial Aid Office may allow an otherwise ineligible person to receive a TEG for the following reasons. *Please note, conditions must be met to qualify a particular hardship provision. (TAC, Title 19, Section 22.27).

NOTE: If a student has been granted a TEG Hardship Appeal in the fall semester and their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, they will not be eligible for TEG in the spring, unless they can document the hardship prevented their academic success.

1. If a student is enrolled less than full-time (12+ credit hours).
   • Conditions:
     • a student’s need to complete fewer than the required minimum number of hours in a given term in order to complete a degree.
2. If the student fails to meet the TEG SAP requirements. TEG SAP policy states a student must complete 24 undergraduate credit hours (18 graduate hours) and have a 75% completion rate in the previous academic year with a cumulative 2.5 GPA for TEG renewal. (TAC, Title 19, Section 22.25)
   • Conditions:
     • a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance, or
     • an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her academic performance
     • a student only attended one semester in the previous academic year
     • any other just cause to not complete 24 undergraduate credit hours with a 75% completion rate in the previous academic year (death in the family, loss of employment, mental health, etc.)
3. If the student has taken more time to complete their degree or certificate than specified in TAC, Title 19, Section 22.26.
   • Conditions:
     • a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student’s academic performance, or
     • an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student’s provision of care may affect his or her academic performance

The HSU Financial Aid Office will monitor if a student is eligible to receive TEG while being enrolled in less than 9 hours in their graduating semester and determine the amount to fit within institutional, federal, and state financial aid policies.

A student experiencing a hardship can request a TEG Hardship Appeal. Please complete a TEG Hardship Appeal Form explaining your hardship condition. Depending on the hardship, supporting documentation may be requested by the Financial Aid Office. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a student will be eligible for TEG. The deadline to submit TEG Hardship Appeals each award year will be the day before Spring term ends.

Simmons Exchange Grant: The Simmons Exchange Grant is unique to Hardin-Simmons University and is funded by various sources. The Lord has blessed HSU with donations from many alumni, parents, friends, and foundations who generously give to HSU each year. These gifts plus grant programs make up what we call the Simmons Exchange Grant, which lowers the tuition cost of an HSU education. Students who receive additional endowed scholarships and/or other grants will see their Simmons Exchange Grant decrease as it is replaced with specific grants, like TEG & SEOG, or the names of generous donors who gave sacrificially to help lower your tuition cost. Initial financial aid packages for new students are based on the previous year’s Federal Pell chart. Students could see their Federal Pell Grant amounts and their Simmons Exchange Grant be adjusted to correctly correspond to the Federal Pell chart for the current academic year once it is released by the Federal government.

Eligibility Requirements:

• File a FAFSA or TASFA, amount is determined by the student’s financial need
• Have financial need
• Full-time enrollment required
• Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Applicable to students paying block tuition only
• Undergraduate students only

*Exchanging the Simmons Exchange Grant with TEG, SEOG, additional Pell, and/or any endowed scholarship only changes the name of the award.