A grant is defined as an award of money that is given to the student with no repayment required. Below are descriptions of the various grants available at Tyler Junior College. All grants are funded to students enrolled in six or more hours unless specific grant rules apply.
Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
The Federal Pell Grant is designed to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students. It is considered the foundation of the financial aid award and may be combined with other forms of aid to help meet education costs. Pell Grant eligibility is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is calculated when the student files the FAFSA. The student’s estimated EFC will be reported on the FAFSA confirmation page immediately after the FAFSA is submitted. It will also be on the Student Aid Report the student receives about 3 days after submission of the FAFSA. Award amounts are set by the Department of Education. The grant prorates based on the number of hours attended.
Pell Grant awards are initially given based upon full-time enrollment (12 hours). If a student enrolls less than full-time, they will be paid accordingly:
- Less than half-time = 25% of the Pell amount awarded
- 6–8 hours = 50% of Pell amount awarded
- 9–11 hours = 75% of Pell amount awarded
The student is informed about the Federal Pell Award after completing the financial aid process. Students can view their financial aid offers in Apache Access.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This federal grant is targeted to qualified applicants who have an exceptional remaining financial need after being awarded the Federal Pell. At Tyler Junior College, awards may range from $100 to $1,500 annually.
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
This state grant is to assist students attending public institutions of higher education. To be eligible, a student must have remaining financial needs and an EFC between a specific range sent annually by the Financial Aid Office. Awards range from $100 to $4,500 annually.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
This state grant was created to assist students attending community colleges like TJC. Award amounts are set annually by the state.
After the first year, a student receives TEOG, the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements are more stringent than the TJC ones. Students receiving TEOG for the 2nd year, and any following years, must end the aid year with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and successfully complete 75% of the credits attempted for that aid year. In select situations, the state allows a hardship override for students who do not meet the TEOG guidelines. The TEOG Hardship Policy is available for review. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.