What is the TJC Promise? The TJC Promise allows every eligible high school freshman within the TJC tax district to earn up to two years of a college education at TJC.
What will the TJC Promise pay for? Promise students can utilize the program’s benefits at TJC after graduating high school. The TJC Promise covers tuition and fees for two years toward completing a degree or credential at TJC. TJC Promise funds are a final resource applied after grants and TJC scholarships that can guarantee no out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees at the College. Promise students must attend TJC the fall semester after graduating from high school. Out-of-district charges, as well as charges related to books or living on campus, are not covered by the Promise.
Which high schools are eligible for the TJC Promise? The following school districts are eligible for the TJC Promise: Chapel Hill, Grand Saline, Lindale, Mineola, Tyler, Van, and Winona. The following private schools are also eligible for the TJC Promise: All Saints Episcopal School, Bishop TK Gorman, The Brook Hill School, Christian Heritage School, Cumberland Academy High School, Good Shepherd School, Grace Community School, King’s Academy Christian School, and Tyler Classical Academy.
How do students sign up for the TJC Promise? Students at participating TJC Promise high schools sign up for the program and complete the pledge form during the first semester of their freshman year. Online pledge forms must be submitted by Dec. 1 of freshman year.
What are the eligibility requirements to receive the TJC Promise? Students must meet requirements throughout high school to remain eligible for the TJC Promise. These requirements include academic achievement, community service work, limited unexcused absences, etc. A complete list of requirements may be found on the student’s signed pledge form or online at www.tjc.edu/tjcpromise.
What happens if a student does not meet one or more eligibility requirements during high school? Eligibility will be verified after each academic year. If a student is not meeting all scholarship requirements, he/she is no longer eligible for the TJC Promise.
How long must a student be enrolled at a participating high school to be eligible for the TJC Promise? The student must be enrolled at a participating high school for at least two full academic years and must graduate from a participating high school to remain eligible for the TJC Promise.
What if a student transfers to a school that is not a participating high school? The student must complete two full academic years at a participating high school and graduate from a participating high school in order to remain eligible for the TJC Promise. If he/she transfers to a school that is not a participating high school, he/she is no longer eligible for the TJC Promise.
What if a student transfers from one participating high school to another participating high school? As long as the student continues to meet all scholarship requirements, he/she will remain eligible for the TJC Promise if he/she transfers from one participating high school to another participating high school.
Are early graduates eligible for the TJC Promise? Yes. Early graduates are eligible for the TJC Promise as long as they meet all other requirements.
When can a student begin using the TJC Promise? A student must enroll at TJC and begin using the TJC Promise the fall semester immediately following his/her high school graduation.
When will the scholarship funds be available? Scholarship funds will be applied to the student’s TJC account prior to the start of the student’s first semester of traditional enrollment at TJC.
What charges are included in tuition and fees? Tuition and fees refer to the cost associated with enrolling in credit courses at TJC. The amount of the student’s tuition and fees will depend on the courses he/she enrolls in. A breakdown of all possible tuition and fee charges may be found online at www.tjc.edu/tuition.
Is there a limit to the number of courses a student can enroll in each semester? No. A student may enroll in any number of classes as long as his/her enrollment is at least full-time (12 hours) each semester.
Can the TJC Promise pay for textbooks or room and board? No. The TJC Promise may only be used to pay for the cost of tuition and fees.
Are summer school classes covered by the TJC Promise? After completing their first fall semester at TJC under the Promise, students are eligible to have a limited set of special term classes covered. This includes one winter-term class, one May-term class, and up to two classes during the summer. It is highly recommended that students who are interested in attending a special term visit with a TJC Promise success coach beforehand.
Can the TJC Promise be used for technical degrees and certificates? Yes. The TJC Promise may be used for degree or certificate-seeking programs. However, it may not be used to pay for the cost of continuing education courses.
Can the TJC Promise transfer to another school or university? No. The TJC Promise may only be used at TJC.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA? Yes. All eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than April 1 during their senior year and follow all other financial aid and awarding process requirements at TJC. Students will be required to repeat this process prior to beginning subsequent fall semesters at TJC.
Are non-citizens eligible for the TJC Promise? Because the student must complete the FAFSA, he/she must be a US citizen or “eligible non-citizen” at completion. Please note: Parents are not required to be US citizens or “eligible non-citizens” for their student to complete the FAFSA. Students who are not US citizens or “eligible non-citizens” are encouraged to participate in the Promise Program during high school and then pursue other scholarship opportunities at TJC if they are not US citizens or “eligible non-citizens” at the time of entry to TJC.
Do I have to apply for other TJC scholarships? Yes. Eligible students must complete the TJC general scholarship application by April 1 during their senior year. Students will be considered for institutional scholarships based on information submitted on the general scholarship application. Students are required to accept any institutional scholarships offered.
How will financial aid awards and other scholarships work with the TJC Promise? Any federal, state or institutional awards or scholarships granted to the student will be applied to tuition and fees first. The TJC Promise will be the final resource applied and will guarantee no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred by the student for tuition and fees at TJC. Please note: It is not a requirement to receive federal, state or other institutional awards to receive the TJC Promise.
How will outside agency scholarships work with the TJC Promise? Any awards granted to the student by an outside agency, i.e. local booster clubs, rotary clubs, etc. will not be applied to the student’s tuition and fees unless required by the awarding organization (in which case such award will be applied to tuition and fees before the TJC Promise). The student may utilize outside agency awards to fund other educational expenses such as books, transportation, etc. while attending TJC.
What if a student is awarded the Presidential Honors Scholarship? If a student is awarded the Presidential Honors Scholarship, all of the student’s tuition and fees will be covered. The TJC Promise will not be needed because the Presidential Honors Scholarship will cover the student’s tuition and fees.
Is the TJC Promise program need-based? No. The TJC Promise is not a need-based award. However, all students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than April 1 during their senior year and follow all other financial aid and awarding process requirements at TJC. Students must repeat this process before beginning subsequent fall semesters at TJC.
What if a student has had an interruption in their enrollment due to a medical reason or other extenuating circumstance? Extenuating circumstances such as medical interferences will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If a student believes his/her eligibility for the TJC Promise was affected by an extenuating circumstance, he/she should notify their high school counselor immediately.