CHAPTER 56. STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
EDUCATION CODETITLE 3. HIGHER EDUCATIONSUBTITLE A. HIGHER EDUCATION IN GENERALCHAPTER 56. STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCESUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONSSec. 56.001. SHORT TITLE. This Chapter may be cited as the Student Financial Assistance Act of 1975.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.002. DECLARATION OF POLICY. The legislature, giving due consideration to the historical and continuing interest of the people of the State of Texas in encouraging deserving and qualified persons to realize their aspirations for education beyond high school finds and declares that postsecondary education for those who desire such an education and are properly qualified therefor is important to the welfare and security of this state and the nation and, consequently, is an important public purpose. The legislature finds and declares that the state can achieve its full economic and social potential only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his capabilities and only when financial barriers to his economic, social, and educational goals are removed. It is, therefore, the policy of the legislature and the purpose of this Chapter to establish financial assistance programs to enable qualified students to receive a postsecondary education.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.003. DEFINITIONS. In this Chapter:(1) "Institution of higher education" has the same meaning as is assigned to it by Section 61.003 of this code.(2) "Governing board" has the same meaning as is assigned to it by Section 61.003 of this code.(3) "Postsecondary educational institution" means any institution, public or private, which provides courses of instruction beyond that offered in secondary schools.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.004. FILING FEES IN SUITS TO COLLECT DELINQUENT STUDENT LOANS. Notwithstanding any other law, if an institution of higher education brings suit to collect or enforce the repayment of a delinquent student loan, the institution is required to pay in advance one-half of the applicable filing fee and other costs payable in advance to the clerk of the court. If the defaulting borrower prevails in the suit, the institution shall pay the remaining one-half of the filing fee and costs on the date of the final disposition of the suit. If the institution prevails in the suit:(1) the judgment shall include a finding that the defaulting borrower is liable to the institution for the full amount of the filing fee and costs; and(2) the institution shall pay the remaining one-half of the filing fee and costs not later than the seventh day after the date on which the defaulting borrower pays to the institution the full amount, including the amount of the filing fee and costs, for which the borrower is liable to the institution.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1266, Sec. 1.17, eff. June 20, 2003.
Sec. 56.006. EMPLOYEE TRAINED IN STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES. (a) Each institution of higher education shall ensure that one or more persons employed by the institution is trained:(1) in understanding state and federal student financial assistance programs available to military veterans or their family members, especially programs specifically applicable to military veterans or their family members; and(2) in assisting military veterans and eligible family members in understanding and obtaining the benefits available under those programs.(b) A person described by Subsection (a) must be available to assist persons as described by Subsection (a)(2) during regular business hours at the financial aid or other office to which the person is assigned.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 998, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER B. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDED FROM DESIGNATED TUITIONSec. 56.011. RESIDENT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANCE. (a) The governing board of each institution of higher education shall cause to be set aside not less than 20 percent of any amount of tuition charged to a resident undergraduate student under Section 54.0513 in excess of $46 per semester credit hour. The funds set aside under this section by an institution shall be used to provide financial assistance for resident undergraduate students enrolled in the institution.(b) To be eligible for assistance under this section, a student must establish financial need in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Priority shall be given to students who meet the coordinating board definition of financial need and whose cost for tuition and required fees is not met through other non-loan financial assistance programs.(c) The financial assistance provided under this section may include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, student loans, and student loan repayment assistance.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1321, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.012. RESIDENT GRADUATE STUDENT ASSISTANCE. (a) The governing board of each institution of higher education shall cause to be set aside not less than 15 percent of any amount of tuition charged to a resident student enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program under Section 54.0513 in excess of $46 per semester credit hour. The funds set aside under this section by an institution shall be used to provide financial assistance for resident students enrolled in graduate and professional degree programs at the institution.(b) To be eligible for assistance under this section, a student must establish financial need in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Priority shall be given to students who meet the coordinating board definition of financial need and whose cost for tuition and required fees is not met through other non-loan financial assistance programs.(c) The financial assistance provided under this section may include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, student loans, and student loan repayment assistance.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1321, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.013. INFORMATION REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDED FROM DESIGNATED TUITION. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall disseminate to each public or accredited private high school in this state information regarding the financial assistance available under this subchapter and shall include information designed to educate high school students and the parents of those students on available opportunities and required preparation with respect to institutions of higher education. The coordinating board shall recommend a method of delivery of the information to parents and students under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1321, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.014. NOTICE TO STUDENTS REGARDING TUITION SET ASIDE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. (a) An institution of higher education that is required by this subchapter to set aside a portion of a student's tuition payments to provide financial assistance for students enrolled in the institution shall provide to each student of the institution who pays tuition from which a portion is required to be set aside for that purpose a notice regarding the specific amount that is required to be set aside by the institution.(b) The institution shall provide the notice required by Subsection (a) to the student in a prominently printed statement that appears on or is included with:(1) the student's tuition bill or billing statement, if the institution provides the student with a printed bill or billing statement for the payment of the student's tuition; or(2) the student's tuition receipt, if the institution provides the student with a printed receipt evidencing the payment of the student's tuition.(c) If for any semester or other academic term the institution does not provide the student with a printed tuition bill, tuition billing statement, or tuition receipt, the institution shall include the notice required by Subsection (a) for that semester or other term in a statement prominently displayed in an e-mail sent to the student. The notice may be included in any other e-mail sent to the student in connection with the student's tuition charges for that semester or other term.(d) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by rule shall prescribe minimum standards for the manner, form, and content of the notice required by this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1223, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER C. TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL GRANTSSec. 56.031. SHORT TITLE. The grant program authorized by this subsection shall be cited as the Texas Public Educational Grants Program and individual grants awarded pursuant to this program shall be cited as Texas Public Educational Grants.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.032. PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to provide a program to supply grants of money to students attending institutions of higher education in Texas whose educational costs are not met in whole or in part from other sources and to provide institutions of higher education with funds to supplement and add flexibility to existing financial aid programs.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.033. SOURCE OF PROGRAM FUNDING. (a) The governing board of each institution of higher education, including the Texas State Technical College System, shall cause to be set aside:(1) not less than 15 percent nor more than 20 percent out of each resident student's tuition charge under Section 54.051 as provided by the General Appropriations Act for the applicable academic year;(2) three percent out of each nonresident student's tuition charge under Section 54.051;(3) not less than six percent nor more than 20 percent out of each resident student's hourly tuition charge exclusive of out-of-district charges, and $1.50 out of each nonresident student's hourly tuition charge, for academic courses at a public community or junior college; and(4) not less than six percent nor more than 20 percent of hourly tuition charges exclusive of out-of-district charges for vocational-technical courses at a public community or junior college.(b) Of the funds set aside under this section by an institution, not less than 90 percent shall be used for Texas Public Educational Grants and not more than 10 percent shall be used for emergency loans under Subchapter D of this chapter.(c) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, funds set aside for Texas Public Educational Grants under this section from tuition paid by resident students may be used only for grants awarded to resident students, and funds set aside for those grants under this section from tuition paid by nonresident students may be used only for grants awarded to nonresident students and students who are citizens of countries other than the United States. After the end of the sixth class week of each semester, an institution may transfer any excess funds set aside from tuition paid by resident or nonresident students to the funds set aside for grants awarded to the other class of students. Priority for awarding grants from any excess funds set aside from tuition paid by resident students shall be given to resident students.(d) Interest earned from the funds set aside for Texas Public Educational Grants may be spent only for grants to students as provided by this subchapter.(e) To supplement money set aside under Subsection (a), the governing board of an institution of higher education may use money received by the institution from the fee for issuance of collegiate license plates under Section 504.615, Transportation Code, for awarding Texas Public Educational Grants. The board may use the money to award grants to both resident and nonresident students, except that the board shall give priority to grants for resident students. Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the board may not use the money for emergency loans under Subchapter D.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 12, eff. Aug. 26, 1985; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 805, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1084, Sec. 2.09, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 287, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 5, Sec. 6.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 336, Sec. 1, eff. May 26, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1070, Sec. 3, eff. June 20, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 56.034. GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDING GRANTS. (a) The governing boards of institutions of higher education shall establish guidelines to determine eligibility for awarding Texas Public Educational Grants subject to the limitations of this section.(b) Financial need shall be the only consideration in establishing guidelines to determine a student's eligibility for a grant except that returning students who are on scholastic probation or all students on disciplinary probation may be deemed ineligible at the governing board's discretion.(c) Guidelines adopted shall be submitted to the coordinating board, which is authorized to review and reject guidelines it determines to be contrary to the purposes of this section.(1) In reviewing guidelines, the coordinating board shall give consideration to differing needs of each institution and desirability of this program being used to aid students who may have demonstrable financial need but be ineligible for other aid programs.(2) If the coordinating board rejects guidelines adopted by a governing board, it shall provide a written explanation of such rejection and promulgate regulations allowing governing boards to appeal such rejection.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.035. TYPE OF GRANTS TO BE AWARDED. Texas Public Educational Grants shall not be awarded for any specific purpose other than meeting all or part of a student's demonstrated financial need.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 14, eff. Aug. 26, 1986.
Sec. 56.036. TRANSFER OF GRANT FUNDS FOR USE AS MATCHING FUNDS. Each institution of higher education is authorized to transfer any or all of the funds set aside for the Texas Public Educational Grant Program to the coordinating board to be used for matching federal or other grant funds for awarding to students attending that institution. Said scholarship fund transferred to the coordinating board and all matching funds may be expended by the coordinating board for awarding scholarships as provided herein and in the general appropriation acts of the legislature.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.037. PRIORITIES IN AWARDING MATCHING FUNDS. In awarding matching funds to be used in conjunction with Texas Public Educational Grants, the coordinating board shall give first priority to those institutions and students showing the highest amount of financial need.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.038. RESTRICTIONS AND RETURN OF TRANSFERRED FUNDS. The coordinating board may not use funds transferred to it pursuant to this subchapter from one institution to award grants to students of a different institution. Should matching funds be unavailable for an institution, all funds transferred from that institution to the coordinating board shall be returned to that institution.
Added by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 2323, ch. 720, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975.
Sec. 56.039. FULL USE OF FUNDS. At the end of a fiscal year, if the total amount of unencumbered funds that have been set aside under this subchapter by an institution of higher education, together with the total amount of unencumbered funds transferred by that institution to the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System, exceeds 150 percent of the amount of funds set aside by that institution in that fiscal year, the institution shall transfer the excess amount to the coordinating board. The coordinating board shall use funds transferred under this section to award grants under Subchapter M.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 13, eff. Aug. 26, 1985. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 3, eff. June 19, 1999.
SUBCHAPTER D. EMERGENCY TUITION AND FEES LOANSSec. 56.051. EMERGENCY LOANS. Each institution of higher education may establish an emergency loan program under which students are loaned money to pay tuition, fees, and the costs of textbooks.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 15(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 805, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 56.052. ELIGIBILITY. (a) The governing board of each institution shall adopt rules establishing eligibility criteria. The rules must allow eligible students to obtain loans on the basis of the order of receipt of applications, except as provided by Subsection (b).(b) The governing board may adopt rules that allow the institution to select loan recipients from the eligible applicants according to financial need, regardless of when their applications are received, if money available for the program is insufficient to provide loans to each eligible applicant.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 15(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1985.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 56.053. TERMS. (a) The governing board of each institution shall adopt rules providing for the terms of the loan, subject to the following:(1) the loan must be repaid over a period not to exceed 90 days for a loan made for a regular semester or long summer session or over a proportionately shorter period for loans made for a six-week summer session;(2) the loan must be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement providing for one of the following:(A) interest on the loan at a rate of not more than five percent per year; or(B) an origination fee of not more than 1.25 percent of the amount of the loan; and(3) the loan amount per student may not exceed an amount equal to the tuition and mandatory fees for the courses in which the student is actually enrolling.(b) The loan program must provide for making loans to students whose tuition is paid on a basis other than semester credit hours, and must provide loan terms analogous to the terms for students paying tuition on the basis of semester credit hours.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 15(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1985. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 80, Sec. 3, eff. May 14, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 655, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 987, Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 56.054. SOURCE OF PROGRAM FUNDING. The loans shall be made from the funds set aside for that purpose under Section 56.033 of this code.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 15(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1985.
Sec. 56.055. DEFERRED REPAYMENT. (a) It is the goal of this state that no resident be denied the opportunity to receive an education in a public institution of higher education due to a lack of financial ability. Accordingly, on a finding that a resident would be deprived of an education due to a lack of financial ability, an institution shall defer repayment of emergency loans under this section. The deferral provided for by this section is not a property right of the borrower.(b) The deferred repayment must begin on the earlier of the following dates:(1) the first day of the ninth month after the last month in which the borrower was enrolled in a public institution of higher education; or(2) the fifth anniversary of the date on which the loan was executed.(c) Under rules adopted by the coordinating board, an institution may extend the time for repayment of undergraduate loans made to students who later enroll in a graduate or professional program at an institution of higher education. The coordinating board shall adopt guidelines for determinations of extreme financial hardship and other instances in which the public interest is served if a loan is forgiven. Each institution shall forgive loans in accordance with those guidelines.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 708, Sec. 15(a), eff. Aug. 26, 1985.
SUBCHAPTER E. TEXAS COLLEGE WORK-STUDY PROGRAMSec. 56.071. PROGRAM NAME. The student financial assistance program authorized by this subchapter shall be known as the Texas college work-study program.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.072. PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to provide eligible, financially needy students with jobs, funded in part by the State of Texas, to enable those students to attend eligible institutions of higher education, public or private, in Texas.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.073. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall administer the Texas college work-study program. The coordinating board shall work with eligible institutions and employers to provide eligible students with part-time jobs funded in part by the state.(b) State support for this program may not exceed the amount specified by appropriation.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.074. ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION. An eligible institution is:(1) an institution of higher education; or(2) a private or independent college, university, association, agency, institution, or facility that is located in this state which meets program standards and accreditation comparable to public institutions as determined by the board.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.075. ELIGIBLE STUDENT. (a) To be eligible for employment in the work-study program a person must:(1) be a Texas resident as defined by coordinating board rules;(2) be enrolled for at least one-half of a full course load and conform to an individual course of study in an eligible institution;(3) establish financial need in accordance with coordinating board procedures and rules; and(4) comply with other requirements adopted by the coordinating board under this subchapter.(b) A person is not eligible to participate in the work-study program if the person:(1) receives an athletic scholarship; or(2) is enrolled in a seminary or other program leading to ordination or licensure to preach for a religious sect or to be a member of a religious order.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.076. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYER. An eligible institution may enter into agreements with employers that participate in the work-study program. To be eligible to participate in the work-study program, an employer must:(1) provide part-time employment to an eligible student in nonpartisan and nonsectarian activities;(2) provide, insofar as is practicable, employment to an eligible student that is related to the student's academic interests;(3) use Texas college work-study program positions only to supplement and not to supplant positions normally filled by persons not eligible to participate in the work-study program;(4) provide from sources other than federal college work-study program funds a percentage of an employed student's wages that is equal to the percentage of a student's wages that the employer would be required to provide to the student in that academic year under the federal college work-study program; and(5) provide from sources other than federal college work-study funds 100 percent of other employee benefits for the employed student.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1230, Sec. 4, eff. June 18, 2005.
Sec. 56.077. ADOPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RULES. (a) The coordinating board may adopt reasonable rules, consistent with the purposes and policies of this subchapter, to enforce the requirements, conditions, and limitations expressed by this subchapter.(b) The coordinating board shall adopt rules necessary to ensure compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI (Pub. L. No. 88-352), concerning nondiscrimination in admissions or employment.(c) The coordinating board shall distribute to each eligible institution copies of all rules adopted under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.078. FUNDING. Funding to cover the state's contribution toward the funding of the work-study program under this subchapter is payable from funds appropriated for that purpose.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1151, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Sec. 56.079. WORK-STUDY STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) In this section:(1) "Coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.(2) "Eligible institution" means:(A) an institution of higher education; or(B) a private or independent institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003(15), other than a private or independent institution of higher education offering only professional or graduate degrees.(3) "Participating entity" means an eligible institution, a school district, or a nonprofit organization that has filed a memorandum of understanding with the coordinating board under this section to participate in the work-study student mentorship program established under this section.(b) In accordance with this section and coordinating board rules, the coordinating board shall administer a work-study student mentorship program under which students who are enrolled at participating eligible institutions and who meet the eligibility requirements for employment in the Texas college work-study program under Section 56.075 may be employed by participating entities under the Texas college work-study program to:(1) mentor students at participating eligible institutions or high school students in participating school districts; or(2) counsel high school students at GO Centers or similar high school-based recruiting centers designed to improve student access to higher education.(c) To participate in the work-study student mentorship program, an eligible institution and one or more school districts or nonprofit organizations interested in jointly participating in the program shall file with the coordinating board a joint memorandum of understanding detailing the roles and responsibilities of the participating entities.(d) The coordinating board, in consultation with eligible institutions, school districts, and nonprofit organizations that express interest in participating in the work-study student mentorship program, shall develop a standard contract establishing the roles and responsibilities of participating entities to be used as a model for a memorandum of understanding entered into by participating entities under Subsection (c).(e) The coordinating board:(1) shall establish criteria to ensure that the participating eligible institution's contribution toward the wages and benefits of a student employed as a mentor under the work-study student mentorship program is matched by funds provided by the participating entity benefiting from the services of the employed student in an amount that is at least equal to the amount of the participating eligible institution's contribution;(2) may accept appropriate in-kind contributions from participating nonprofit organizations to satisfy the matching funds requirement of this subsection; and(3) may waive the matching funds requirement of this subsection for a participating entity that meets criteria established by the coordinating board for a waiver.(f) The coordinating board shall partner with participating nonprofit organizations to establish additional GO Centers or similar high school-based recruiting centers designed to improve student access to higher education in this state.(g) The coordinating board shall ensure that each student employed under the work-study student mentorship program:(1) receives appropriate training and supervision; and(2) is paid at least at the minimum wage required by law.(h) The coordinating board may accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for the purposes of this section.(i) An eligible institution participating in the work-study student mentorship program under this section may require students who are on academic probation at the institution to be matched with a student mentor employed under the program.(j) Not later than November 1 of each year, each eligible institution participating in the work-study student mentorship program shall submit to the coordinating board a report regarding the progress resulting from the institution's participation in the program. The report must include:(1) the number of students of the institution employed as mentors under the program in the preceding academic year;(2) the number of students of the institution receiving mentoring under the program in the preceding academic year;(3) the number of high school students receiving mentoring or counseling from students of the institution under the program in the preceding academic year;(4) information relating to the costs of the program; and(5) if available, information in the form prescribed by the coordinating board regarding the following indicators of the academic progress of the students of the institution employed as mentors under the program, students of the institution receiving mentoring under the program, and the high school students receiving mentoring or counseling from students of the institution under the program:(A) changes in grade point averages;(B) changes in graduation rates;(C) changes in the percentage of high school students who enroll in higher education; and(D) effects on higher education readiness and preparation.(k) Each eligible institution participating in the work-study student mentorship program under this section shall set aside a portion of the institution's Texas college work-study program funds to pay for the state's contribution toward the costs of the program.(l) Notwithstanding Section 56.076, a participating entity that employs a student mentor under the work-study student mentorship program shall provide from sources other than federal college work-study funds:(1) not less than 10 percent of the employed student's wages; and(2) 100 percent of other employee benefits for the employed student.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1230, Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 804, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 56.080. ONLINE LIST OF WORK-STUDY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. Each institution of higher education shall:(1) establish and maintain an online list of work-study employment opportunities, sorted by department as appropriate, available to students on the institution's campus; and(2) ensure that the list is easily accessible to the public through a clearly identifiable link that appears in a prominent place on the financial aid page of the institution's Internet website.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 467, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 681, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
SUBCHAPTER F. DOCTORAL INCENTIVE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAMSec. 56.091. ESTABLISHMENT; ADMINISTRATION. (a) The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall establish and administer the doctoral incentive loan repayment program as provided by this subchapter and shall adopt rules as necessary to administer the program.(b) The purpose of the doctoral incentive loan repayment program is to provide education loan repayment assistance to individuals from groups that are underrepresented among the faculty and administration of public and independent institutions of higher education in this state to increase the number of individuals from those underrepresented groups among the faculty and administration of public and independent institutions of higher education in this state.(c) For purposes of this subchapter, an individual is from a group that is underrepresented among the faculty and administration of public and independent institutions of higher education in this state if:(1) the individual was from a low socioeconomic background while pursuing the individual's undergraduate education; or(2) when the individual graduated from high school the individual resided in an area from which a disproportionately low number of high school graduates enrolled in postsecondary educational institutions.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.092. ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for loan repayment assistance under the doctoral incentive loan repayment program, an individual must:(1) be employed as a full-time faculty or administration member in a public or independent institution of higher education in this state for at least one year;(2) be a Texas resident;(3) be from a group that is underrepresented among the faculty and administration of public and independent institutions of higher education in this state;(4) have qualified for student financial aid based on financial need while enrolled in a graduate-level degree program; and(5) comply with any other requirements adopted by the coordinating board for the effective administration of the program.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.093. ELIGIBLE LOANS. The coordinating board may provide repayment assistance under the doctoral incentive loan repayment program for the repayment of any education loan received by an eligible individual through any lender.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.094. LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE. (a) The coordinating board may provide assistance in the repayment of an eligible loan to an eligible individual in the amounts and under the terms the coordinating board considers appropriate to further the purposes of the doctoral incentive loan repayment program and the best interests of this state.(b) An individual may receive loan repayment assistance under the doctoral incentive loan repayment program in a total amount not to exceed $100,000.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.095. FUNDING; LIMITATION ON FUNDING. (a) The doctoral incentive loan repayment program may be funded only from a source provided by this section. The total amount of loan repayment assistance paid under the program may not exceed the amount of money available for the program under this section.(b) Each institution of higher education shall set aside a portion of the tuition collected from each student enrolled in a doctoral degree program, other than a law or health professional degree program, equal to $2 for each semester credit hour for which the student is enrolled. The amount set aside shall be transferred to the comptroller to be maintained in the state treasury for the sole purpose of repayment of student loans of individuals employed as faculty and administrators at institutions of higher education in this state as provided by this subchapter. The money may be used only to provide loan repayment under this subchapter and to cover the costs of administering this subchapter.(c) The coordinating board may solicit and accept gifts and grants from any public or private source for the purposes of the doctoral incentive loan repayment program.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 820, Sec. 47, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER H. STUDENT LOAN REVENUE BOND PROGRAMSec. 56.121. PURPOSE. The purpose of this subchapter is to provide loans to qualified students to enable those students to attend institutions of higher education.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.122. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.(2) "Fund" means the student loan revenue bond fund.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.123. CREATION. (a) A special fund to be known as the student loan revenue bond fund is created in the state treasury.(b) The fund consists of proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds and gifts or grants made to the board for purposes of the fund.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.124. ADMINISTRATION. (a) The board shall administer this subchapter.(b) The board shall adopt and distribute to each institution of higher education rules to administer this subchapter.(c) The board may accept a gift or grant from a public or private source for the purpose of this subchapter.(d) The board shall create accounts in the fund that will facilitate the administration of the fund and the program of making loans from the fund under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.125. LOANS FROM FUND. (a) The board shall make a loan from the fund to a student who qualifies for a loan under Subchapter C, Chapter 52, of this code.(b) Loans from the fund are governed by Subchapter C, Chapter 52, of this code as if made under that subchapter, except to the extent of conflict with this subchapter.(c) The board may charge and collect a loan origination fee from a student who receives a loan from the fund. The board may use the fee to pay operating expenses for making loans under this section.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.126. REVENUE BONDS. (a) The board may by resolution authorize the issuance of revenue bonds to operate the program of making loans from the fund under this subchapter. The board may issue the bonds in the form, with the characteristics, and bearing the designations provided in the resolution.(b) The board may pledge all or part of the revenue derived from the operation of the program of making loans from the fund to secure the bonds.(c) The board must issue the bonds in the manner provided by Chapter 1201, Government Code.(d) The bonds are special obligations of the board payable only from designated income and receipts of the board, including principal and interest payments on loans from the fund, income from the accounts created in the fund, and receipts and other revenues pledged to the retirement of the bonds.(e) The bonds do not constitute indebtedness of the state.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 8.221, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 56.127. REFUNDING BONDS. The board may by resolution authorize the issuance of refunding bonds. The board may issue refunding bonds in the manner and for the purposes provided by law.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.128. AMOUNT OF BONDS. The total amount of revenue and refunding bonds issued by the board in a state fiscal year may not exceed $75 million.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.129. INTEREST RATE. The revenue bonds or refunding bonds must bear interest at a rate not to exceed the rate provided by Chapter 1204, Government Code.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 8.222, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 56.130. MATURITY. Bonds issued under this subchapter may mature serially or otherwise not later than the 40th year after the date of their issuance.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.131. EXECUTION OF BONDS. The commissioner of higher education shall execute bonds issued under this subchapter in the name of the board.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.132. APPROVAL AND REGISTRATION OF BONDS. (a) The attorney general shall examine bonds issued under this subchapter and the records relating to the bonds' issuance.(b) If the attorney general finds that the bonds have been issued in accordance with law, the attorney general shall approve the bonds, and the comptroller of public accounts shall register the bonds.(c) Following approval and registration, the bonds are incontestable and are binding obligations according to their terms.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.133. REPLACEMENT OF BOND. The board may provide for the replacement of a bond issued under this subchapter that is mutilated, lost, or destroyed.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.134. PROCEEDS. (a) The board shall deposit the proceeds from the sale of the bonds issued under this subchapter in the fund.(b) The board may use the proceeds from the sale of the bonds to pay the costs of issuing, marketing, or distributing the bonds.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
Sec. 56.135. LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY. The board may not further issue bonds under this subchapter after the date on which a constitutional amendment relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds by the board for the purposes of student loans is approved by the voters.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 330, Sec. 1, eff. June 5, 1991.
SUBCHAPTER I. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONAL GRANT PROGRAMSec. 56.141. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Department" means the Texas Department of Transportation.(2) "Institution" means an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003 of this code, but does not include a medical or dental unit or other agency of higher education.(3) "Eligible degree" means a baccalaureate degree from an institution in a field of study that satisfies the department's minimum education requirement for an eligible profession.(4) "Eligible profession" means the profession of engineering or another profession as defined by department rule for which the department determines there is a need in the department's workforce.(5) "Profession" means a state classified position for which the minimum requirements include a baccalaureate degree.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.121 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 22(26), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 985, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 14.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.142. ESTABLISHMENT; ADMINISTRATION. (a) The department shall establish and administer a conditional grant program under this subchapter to provide financial assistance to eligible students who agree to work for the department in an eligible profession for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree.(b) The department shall adopt and distribute to the governing board of each institution copies of all rules adopted under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.122 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 985, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 14.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.143. ELIGIBLE STUDENT. (a) To be eligible for a conditional grant under this subchapter, a student must:(1) complete and file with the department, on forms prescribed by the department, a conditional grant application and a declaration of intent to become a member of an eligible profession and work for the department for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree;(2) enroll in an institution;(3) be a Texas resident, as defined by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule;(4) be economically disadvantaged, as defined by department rule; and(5) have complied with any other requirements adopted by the department under this subchapter.(b) In determining who should receive a grant under this program, the department:(1) shall give highest priority to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need; and(2) may consider whether the applicant would be the first generation of the applicant's family to attend or graduate from an undergraduate program or from a graduate or professional program.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.123 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 985, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 14.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Sec. 56.144. AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF CONDITIONAL GRANTS. (a) The department by rule shall prescribe criteria for the selection of applicants for grants under this subchapter. The criteria must include consideration of a student's secondary school scholastic record.(b) Each semester the department shall distribute a conditional grant to each student selected under the criteria adopted under Subsection (a) on receipt of an enrollment report from the institution enrolling the student and certification from the institution of the amount of tuition and fees for the student.(c) The amount of a conditional grant is the sum of:(1) the certified amount of tuition and fees for the student; and(2) a stipend for each whole calendar month in the semester in an amount determined by the department based on financial need.(d) The total amount of all conditional grants distributed by the department may not exceed the amount appropriated for the grant program under this subchapter.(e) The department shall proportionately reduce the amount of each unpaid conditional grant if the amount appropriated for the conditional grants is less than the estimated amount of all unpaid conditional grants.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.124 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 56.145. REPAYMENT OF CONDITIONAL GRANT. (a) The department by rule may establish conditions under which a student who has received a conditional grant may be required to repay all or part of the grant because the student has withdrawn from or dropped out of the student's institution or has otherwise failed to maintain eligibility for the grant.(b) A student who does not become a member of an eligible profession and work for the department for the two academic years immediately following the date of the student's receipt of an eligible degree must repay all conditional grants received by the student.(c) The department shall establish a schedule for installment repayment under this section.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.125 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 56.147. FUNDING. (a) The department may accept gifts and grants from any public or private source for the conditional grant program under this subchapter and may also use for that purpose available money credited to the state highway fund.(b) The department shall issue not less than $400,000 annually in conditional grants under this subchapter from money available to fund the conditional grant program.(c) The department may provide outreach programs to recruit students into the conditional grant program.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 551, Sec. 29, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from Education Code Sec. 56.127 by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 8.01(9), eff. Nov. 12, 1991. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 151, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 22(28), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 985, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 14.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER J. MINORITY DOCTORAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMSec. 56.161. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:(1) "Academic administrator" means a person employed by an institution as a supervisor in an educational department of the institution in a position that is not classified under the state position classification plan.(2) "Board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.(3) "Faculty member" has the meaning assigned by Section 51.101 of this code.(4) "Institution" means an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003 of this code, or a private college or university that is located in this state and is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, as defined by Section 61.003 of this code.(5) "Minority" means a group that is significantly underrepresented in an academic discipline, as determined by board rule.(6) "Program" means the minority doctoral incentive program established under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.162. ESTABLISHMENT; ADMINISTRATION. (a) The board shall establish and administer the minority doctoral incentive program to:(1) provide loans to minority students who pursue doctorates or pursue master's degrees and commit to pursue a doctorate; and(2) increase minority representation among the faculty and administration of institutions.(b) The board shall adopt and distribute to the governing board of each institution copies of all rules adopted under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.163. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for a loan under this subchapter, a person must:(1) be accepted for admission to an institution as a full-time graduate student in a doctoral program approved by the board or be accepted for admission to an institution as a full-time graduate student in a master's program approved by the board and demonstrate a commitment to pursue a doctoral program approved by the board;(2) be sponsored by a faculty member of the program in which the person is enrolled;(3) be nominated by the institution in which the person is enrolled based on academic achievement, career interest, and other factors the institution considers relevant;(4) not have defaulted on another student loan; and(5) have complied with any other requirements adopted by the board under this subchapter.(b) The board shall adopt eligibility requirements under Subsection (a)(5) of this section to ensure that Texas residents, as defined by board rule, are first given the opportunity to receive loans under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.164. TUITION CHARGED CERTAIN NONRESIDENT LOAN RECIPIENTS. If a loan recipient is a resident of another state that has a program that is similar to the program under this subchapter and the loan recipient enrolls at an institution of higher education, as defined by Section 61.003 of this code, the institution may charge the loan recipient only the tuition required for resident students under Subchapter B, Chapter 54, of this code.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.165. LOAN DISBURSEMENT. (a) If an eligible student applies for a loan from a lending institution, the board shall provide the institution a conditional guaranty of the loan, in accordance with Section 56.170 of this code, on the board's receipt of:(1) the student's application to the board for a conditional guaranty;(2) a verification of the student's enrollment from the institution enrolling the student;(3) a certification from the institution enrolling the student of the amount of tuition and fees for the student; and(4) a certification from the lending institution that the terms of the loan conform with the requirements of Section 56.166 of this code, including requirements adopted by the board under that section, and that the lending institution agrees to suspend interest on the student's loan as provided by Sections 56.168 and 56.169 of this code.(b) If an eligible student applies for a loan from the board, the board shall provide a loan in an amount determined by the board to the student on the board's receipt of:(1) the student's application to the board for a loan;(2) a verification of the student's enrollment from the institution enrolling the student; and(3) a certification from the institution enrolling the student of the amount of tuition and fees for the student.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.166. TERMS OF LOAN. (a) A loan must be evidenced by a promissory note that provides for the repayment of the loan with interest and for the charging of necessary collection costs.(b) Except as provided by Sections 56.168 and 56.169 of this code, a loan must be repayable, at the option of the board, in equal monthly installments over a period beginning with the first day of the seventh month after the date on which the recipient ceases to be enrolled in a graduate program at an institution.(c) A loan must bear simple interest at a rate determined by the board.(d) A loan provided under this subchapter may not exceed $14,000 each year for a maximum of four years.(e) The board shall determine the other terms of a loan.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.167. MENTORS. The institution at which a student who receives a loan is enrolled shall provide the student with a mentor who is a faculty member at the institution to assist the student in pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.168. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP. (a) A loan recipient is eligible for suspension of the recipient's loan if the recipient enters a postdoctoral fellowship not later than the first day of the seventh month after the date on which the recipient ceases to be enrolled in a doctoral program at an institution.(b) The board shall suspend the accrual of interest and the repayment of principal and interest on an eligible recipient's loan until a date determined by board rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.169. LOAN SUSPENSION AND FORGIVENESS. (a) A loan recipient is eligible for suspension and forgiveness of the recipient's loan if, after the recipient obtains a doctorate, the recipient is employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.(b) In accordance with Subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section, the board shall suspend the accrual of interest and forgive the repayment of a loan made to an eligible recipient.(c) The board shall suspend the accrual of interest and the repayment of principal and interest on an eligible recipient's loan until the recipient is not employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.(d) The board shall forgive the repayment of 20 percent of the unpaid principal balance and all accrued interest of an eligible recipient's loan for each academic year of service by the recipient as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution.(e) A loan to an eligible recipient is repayable under the terms of Section 56.166 of this code beginning with the first day of the seventh month after the date on which the recipient discontinues full-time study and is not employed as a full-time faculty member or academic administrator at an institution and must be repaid in full not later than the 10th anniversary of the date on which the loan becomes repayable.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.170. CONDITIONAL GUARANTY. A conditional guaranty of a loan under Section 56.165(a) of this code must provide that the board shall repay the lending institution to which the guaranty is executed the amount of the loan that the board would be required to forgive under Section 56.169 of this code if the loan had been made by the board.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
Sec. 56.171. FUNDING. (a) The board may accept gifts and grants from a public or private source for the program.(b) Gifts, grants, and other funds appropriated by the legislature may be used for the program.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 75, Sec. 1, eff. May 4, 1993.
SUBCHAPTER K. EARLY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMSec. 56.201. PROGRAM NAME. The student financial assistance program authorized by this subchapter is known as the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
Sec. 56.2011. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "coordinating board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2005.Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1266, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
Sec. 56.202. PURPOSE. (a) The Early High School Graduation Scholarship program is created to increase efficiency in the Foundation School Program and to provide assistance for tuition or tuition and mandatory fees, as provided by Section 56.204, to an eligible person to enable that person to attend a public or private institution of higher education in this state.(b) A portion of the savings to the Foundation School Program that occur as a result of the program is dedicated to state credits for tuition or tuition and mandatory fees, as applicable, provided to an eligible person under the program.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1317, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 21, eff. September 1, 2005.Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1266, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 2005.
Sec. 56.203. ELIGIBLE PERSON. (a) To be eligible for an award through the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program, a person must:(1) have graduated from a public high school in this state:(A) in not more than 41 consecutive months and successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025, if the person graduated on or after September 1, 2005;(B) in not more than 46 consecutive months, with at least 30 hours of college credit, and successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025, if the person graduated on or after September 1, 2005; or(C) in not more than 36 consecutive months after successfully completing the requirements for a high school diploma, if the person graduated before September 1, 2005, regardless of whether the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025;(2) have attended one or more public high schools in this state for the majority of time the person attended high school; and(3) be a citizen of the United States or otherwise lawfully authorized to be present in the United States.(b) The eligibility for the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program of a person described by Subsection (a)(1)(A) or (B) ends on the sixth anniversary of the date that the person first becomes eligible to participate in the program, unless the person is provided additional time to participate in the program under Subsection (c).(c) The coordinating board shall adopt rules to provide a person described by Subsection (a)(1)(A) or (B) who is otherwise eligible to participate in the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program additional time to use a state credit for tuition and mandatory fees under the program. The rules must require a person seeking an extension under this subsection to show hardship or other good cause that prevents the person from enrolling in or continuing enrollment in an eligible institution during the period provided by Subsection (b). For purposes of this subsection, hardship or other good cause includes a severe illness or other debilitating condition, responsibility for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person, or active duty or other service in the United States armed forces.(d) A person who does not satisfy the curriculum requirements for the recommended or advanced high school program as required to establish eligibility under Subsection (a)(1)(A) or (B) is considered to have satisfied those requirements if the high school from which the person graduated indicates on the person's transcript that the person was unable to complete the appropriate curriculum within the time prescribed by that subsection solely because of a reason beyond the person's control, such as lack of enrollment capacity or a shortage of qualified teachers.(e) The coordinating board shall adopt rules for determining whether a person attended public high school in this state as required by Subsection (a)(2).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995; Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 365, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1317, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Reenacted and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1181, Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2005.Reenacted and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1266, Sec. 3, eff. June 18, 2005.Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1225, Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.
Sec. 56.204. ENTITLEMENT. (a) An eligible person under the Early High School Graduation Scholarship program is entitled to a state credit to apply toward tuition or tuition and mandatory fees, as applicable, at a public or private institution of higher education in this state in the following amounts:(1) $2,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in 36 consecutive months or less and an additional $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person graduated with at least 15 hours of college credit;(2) $500 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in more than 36 consecutive months but not more than 41 consecutive months and an additional $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person graduated with at least 30 hours of college credit;(3) $1,000 to apply toward tuition and mandatory fees if the person successfully completed the recommended or advanced high school program established under Section 28.025 and graduated from high school on or after September 1, 2005, in more than 41 consecutive months but not more than 45 consecutive months with at least 30 hours of college credit; or(4) $1,000 to apply only toward tuition if the person graduated before September 1, 2005, after successfully completing the requirements for a high school diploma in not more than 36 consecutive months.(b) The use of a credit at a private institution is contingent on a private institution's agreement to match the state credit.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 19, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 620, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1317, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amen