University of Houston
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Through the Cougar Promise program, the University of Houston guarantees free tuition and waived mandatory fees to new in-state freshmen with family incomes at or below $45,000. The Cougar Promise is the University of Houston's promise to low-income families that college is accessible to their children and that financial aid will be available to them. The program provides tuition and fees during fall and spring semesters to qualifying students for up to four years as long as students continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA. http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/types-aid/incentives/cougar-promise/index.php

Faculty and staff are encouraged to report any student personal issues to the Division of Student Affairs, who can then partner with appropriate departments on campus to find solutions. Most recently, the division was notified of low-income student food insecurities from the Urban Experience Program staff and staff in Auxiliary Services worked with UEP on a new program to address the issue. Auxiliary Services donated more than 1,400 healthy snacks courtesy of their vending partner Canteen and 180 meal cards courtesy of their dining partner Aramark that students can use in any of UH's dining halls. The healthy snacks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can get a snack before they go to class or when they need a quick boost of energy before they take a test. To obtain a meal card, students will have to submit an application and undergo an interview with UEP to evaluate their economic situation. http://www.uh.edu/af/news/press-releases/pr-auxiliary-donates-uep.htm

The Challenger Program is a federally supported “Student Support Services” TRIO Project funded by the Department of Education which is designed to assist students with overcoming personal concerns, academic deficiencies, and financial difficulties that could impair their chances of succeeding in college. The goal is to help students to stay in college until they earn their baccalaureate degree by providing participants with tutoring, counseling, academic instruction, financial aid advisement, and social enrichment. http://www.las.uh.edu/cp/

As mentioned above, students with family incomes of less than $45,000 are eligible for a full waiver of tuition and fees. Students are also eligible for other college and university scholarships. The full list is available at: http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships/.

Targeted to any students interested in serving low-income students after graduation, the new Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $3,728 per year* in grants for graduate and undergraduate students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools that serve students from low-income families. http://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/types-aid/grants/teach-grant/

The Patricia A. Eichhorn Endowed Scholarship supports non-traditional students, returning students who are furthering their education. In recognition of her leadership in providing financial assistance to students in transition seeking a second chance to have a productive and rewarding career, her family established the scholarship through an endowed gift to the University of Houston. Students must enroll for a minimum of 6 hours and maintain a GPA for 2.5 or better to receive the second payment and preference if given to those that express financial need. http://www.uh.edu/class/ws/_docs/2014-scholarships/Student%20Scholarship%20Announcement%202014.pdf

The UH Children’s Learning Centers (CLC) provides a nationally accredited exemplary early childhood program that supports the student, staff, and faculty, while at the same time, encourages UH student success by offering opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement.