Tuition Set Aside for Financial Assistance Notification
Institutions of higher learning within the State of Texas are required to notify students paying designated tuition of the amount of tuition set aside for financial assistance. By law, UTSA is required to set aside at least 15 percent of tuition charged to a resident undergraduate or graduate student that exceeds $46 per semester credit hour.
Accordingly, each semester UTSA will provide an email to every student who has paid designated tuition. The notice will indicate the amount of their tuition that is required to be set aside and used for need-based financial aid to UTSA students. No action is required from the student, as this is an informational notice only.
- Notifications are sent to students each semester they are enrolled via email after the census date for the 16-week term for Fall and Spring and after census date for the final summer term.
- The set aside does not affect financial aid offers, nor does it guarantee that you will personally receive financial assistance. Financial aid eligibility is determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tuition set-aside?
Tuition set aside is a portion of the designated tuition paid by resident students (those classified as citizens of the State of Texas), “set aside” and dedicated to provide need-based financial aid to students.
Why are these funds being set aside?
UTSA is required by law to set aside a portion of designated tuition charged to a resident student. See Texas Education Code Sections 56.011 and 56.012.
How much of my tuition is set aside?
Fifteen percent (15%) of resident designated tuition defined as tuition in excess of $46 per credit hour, statutory tuition, and fees. Due to this and UTSA’s flat rate tuition structure, a student’s designated tuition amount, to which the 15% applies, can vary by school and number of semester credit hours taken. See Texas Education Code Sections 54.0513.
Am I being charged extra?
No, by state law, UTSA is required to put a portion of the designated tuition that state residents pay into a fund to support financial aid to students. No additional amount is assessed to compensate for this set aside.
How is this money used? Will I benefit from it?
Financial aid provided by funds set aside includes grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. To be eligible for assistance, a student must establish financial need in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In order to be considered for need based aid, the student apply for financial aid.
Will this impact my financial aid?
No, tuition set aside does not affect your aid, nor does it guarantee that you will receive financial aid. Aid will be determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on your FAFSA or TASFA.
What if I don’t want my money to be used this way?
Unfortunately, UTSA does not have the ability to change the requirements of the state law. You may direct further questions and concerns to the Texas Legislature.
How do I apply for financial aid?
To apply for these need-based funds, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Financial aid eligibility is determined by the information provided on the form.