UTSA Bold Promise
UTSA is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education for anyone who wishes to pursue a degree. UTSA Bold Promise is a tuition promise program that aims to make college more accessible and affordable to graduating High School Texans from middle- and low-income families. Qualifying students will have their tuition and mandatory fees covered 100% for up to four academic years (eight consecutive fall/spring semesters) as long as students maintain eligibility.
How does it work?
Students do not have to apply separately for this program. Bold Promise is automatically awarded to qualified Texas residents who meet the program qualifications. Tuition and mandatory fees are covered by scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds.
** Students who meet all eligibility criteria will be covered by Bold Promise up to the available unmet financial need. For an explanation of unmet need please refer to our FAQs section**
Students will not see a fund called “Bold Promise” on their financial aid offer, but a combination of funding awarded that covers tuition and mandatory fees. Note: Bold Promise does not cover expenses and fees related to books, housing, parking or meal plan. However, students will have other aid offered to help with these expenses.
How do I qualify?
New first-time freshman fall applicants can qualify for the Bold Promise program if they meet the following qualifications:
Be a Texas Resident
Have a family income up to $70,000.*
Submit a FAFSA/TASFA by May 1†
Admitted to UTSA by April 15†
Rank in top 25% of high school class
Enroll full-time (12 credit hours or more) each semester
Note: Students in an online only program are ineligible for Bold Promise.
*Student must have financial need. Family income information will be determined from the FAFSA/TASFA. Student must have graduated high school within 16 months of initial enrollment as a first-time freshman. Students must meet the above criteria at the time of admission.
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to May 1. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Note: the State of Texas’ deadline is April 15 (which includes Texas Grant).
Continuing Eligibility
To continue to receive the Bold Promise, students must meet the following eligibility qualifications.
- Submit a FAFSA or TASFA by May 1† each year
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
- Complete a minimum of 24 hours in fall and spring semesters
- Remain in good academic standing
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to May 1. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bold Promise?
The Bold Promise is part of the UTSA’s effort to make college more affordable for our students. Incoming fall freshmen who qualify will have their tuition covered 100% for eight fall/spring semesters. The semesters must be taken consecutively within a 4-year time period (approx. $40,000 value across four years) and eligibility must be maintained. Tuition is covered by scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds.
How does Bold Promise Work?
For eligible students, UTSA will use sources such as scholarships, grants or tuition exemptions that come from the federal, state and institutional levels to cover tuition.
How long can a student participate in this program?
Students who qualify for the Bold Promise will have their tuition covered for a maximum of 8 fall and spring semesters, or 4 consecutive years of enrollment.
When did this program start?
This program began for first-time freshmen entering UTSA in the Fall of 2020.
Who is eligible?
Students who meet the following qualifications:
- Be a Texas Resident
- Submit a FAFSA/TASFA by April 15†
- Have a family income up to $70,000*
- Rank in top 25% of high school class (at time of admission)
- Admitted to UTSA by April 15†
- Enroll full-time (Complete 24 hours in the Fall/Spring semesters)
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to April 15. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
*Student must have financial need. Family income information will be determined from the FAFSA/TASFA. Student must have graduated high school within 16 months of initial enrollment as a first-time freshman. Students must meet the above criteria at the time of admission.
How do I apply?
Students are automatically considered if they are qualified Texas residents who meet the program qualifications.
**Please note that if a student is selected for verification and the family income changes after validating tax information, this could impact eligibility for the Bold Promise.
Does a student working on a second bachelor’s degree qualify?
The Bold Promise is for first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
Does Bold Promise apply to graduate/professional programs?
The Bold Promise is for first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
If I transfer to UTSA, will I be eligible for Bold Promise?
At this time, the Bold Promise is offered to first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
Does Bold Promise cover part-time enrollment?
To have tuition covered, students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours).
Are These Awards Renewable?
Yes. As they are renewable for up to 4 years in the fall and spring semesters for full-time, new freshmen students in order to support timely graduation. To renew eligibility, you must enroll full-time in fall and spring, submit a FAFSA or TASFA by April 15† each year, maintain a 2.5 UTSA GPA and successfully complete a minimum of 24 hours.
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to April 15. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Can Bold Promise be applied toward summer enrollment periods?
The Bold Promise covers tuition for fall and spring semesters only.
How can I get assistance with paying for my housing and meal plan expenses?
When you file your FAFSA you will have the opportunity to many forms of aid including potential for works-study and federal direct student loans.
Can Bold Promise be used for study-abroad programs?
Bold Promise is to be used to cover UTSA tuition and mandatory fees.
Can my Bold Promise status change?
Yes, changes caused by verification or errors on your SRAR grade submission may affect eligibility for Bold Promise and other financial aid awards. A final high school transcript is required to confirm final eligibility.
How much financial assistance will I receive with Bold Promise?
Yes. For eligible students with a family income of $70,000 or less, tuition and mandatory fees will be covered through scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds. A student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the US Department of Education, is included in the Bold Promise calculation and may impact the award amount. A student’s SAI has the ability to reduce Financial Need. For an explanation of Financial Need please refer to our FAQ’s under the question, ‘What is Financial Need?’.
What is financial need?
Financial Need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI). (Financial Need = COA – SAI).
What is unmet financial need?
Unmet Financial Need, sometimes referred to as a gap, is the difference between Financial Need and the student’s need-based financial aid awards.
(Unmet Financial Need = Financial Need – Financial Aid).