University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
PA-8: Affordability and Access

1. Per the Texas Education Code, The University of Texas-Pan American designates 20% funding from tuition fees for low-income students. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and procedures to determine financial need is based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.56.htm#56.031

2. The 15 Hour Cash Back incentive program is designed to pay for that extra class needed to complete a degree in four years. This program became available Spring 2013. Students that meet the eligibility requirements can automatically receive up to $500 during each regular semester (fall or spring). There is no financial aid application or separate application required! This award is available for resident, non-resident and international students.

3. The Summer Boost program is designed to help students decrease time to graduation by encouraging summer enrollment. Students that meet the eligibility requirements can receive $500 for enrolling in 1 class and $1,000 for enrolling in 2 classes during the summer term(s).

4. The UTPAchieve provides $500 towards tuition, fees and book expenses covered for the regular academic year (fall and spring)

http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/finaid_home/doitin4#a-achieve

1. The New Academic Leaders Program is designed to provide new leaders, particularly department chairs, with the support they need to make a smooth transition into their new leadership roles. The program consists of an orientation, followed by four sessions on topics ranging from time management to leadership and budgeting.

2. To ensure the success of new faculty at UTPA, the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs has developed the New Faculty Support Program (NFSP) to help incoming faculty members adjust to their new environment, whether it is academia or getting to know the UTPA system and campus. As an integral component of the University’s strategic direction, the program will provide social and intellectual support, as well as resources needed to integrate new faculty into UTPA’s academic community. The NFSP empowers new faculty to meet the learning needs of UTPA students, as well as their research and service goals. The program offers a set of structured activities and experiences that will orient incoming faculty to the University and its culture. This includes a welcome reception, academic orientation, a series of training luncheons and workshops, and an end-of-the-year function.

3. UTPA ADVANCE Leadership Institute. As part of UTPA’s National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE grant Attracting and Nurturing Women Faculty at a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we have established the UTPA ADVANCE Leadership Institute to enhance faculty and leadership development opportunities at UT Pan American. While the goal of the NSF ADVANCE grant is to increase the representation and advancement of women faculty in STEM (science, technology, mathematics, and engineering) fields, we encourage the participation of faculty from all genders, colleges, and academic disciplines.

The Institute is held during the spring semester and it is composed of a kick-off luncheon, eight Friday afternoon sessions and a graduation luncheon.

Faculty who successfully complete the Leadership Institute by attending all sessions receive a $500 stipend and are presented with a certificate at the final reception. Moreover, the Leadership Institute participants are matched with a mentor to support their career and leadership development. The mentors can be internal or external to UTPA and may or may not be in academia. Finally, upon successful completion of the Leadership Institute, faculty will be eligible to apply for an administrative Faculty Fellow position for the following academic year, along with other possible professional development opportunities.

The University of Texas-Pan American GEAR UP Project.

The University of Texas Pan American GEAR UP Project serves 8,950 students in 28 middle schools in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Our motto is “Avanzando Juntos: GEARing UP for College- TOGETHER!” We firmly believe that true partnerships between public schools, parents, universities and our community will help our students achieve the ultimate mission of GEAR UP to graduate from high school and enter and succeed in college! The 8,950 students served by GEAR UP receive encouragement, awareness, preparation, rigor, and the skills required to get ready EARLY and ENTER and SUCCEED in COLLEGE!

Provide equal access to education and educational excellence through concerted partnership efforts.

Help ensure that all students have access to rigorous courses that prepare them for college.

Provide information early to students and parents about college options, required courses and financial aid.

Develop a solid academic foundation in the schools through relevant and challenging courses, well-prepared teachers and modern teaching tools.

Promote, as needed, reforms and improvements in the school curriculum as well as in the teaching and learning methods.

Promote strategies and activities for increased parental involvement.

Provide intensive, individualized and coordinated support to students including mentoring, counseling, and tutoring.

Provide on-going staff training and professional development opportunities to help teachers raise expectations for all students.

Establish strong partnerships that involve a long-term commitment and meaningful role for each partner in improving students' preparation for college.

Encourage local and state investments to sustain GEAR UP activities and services beyond the federal grant period.

Design comprehensive projects supported by research on effective practices that include careful evaluations to enable continuous improvement and to guide project replication.

https://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/gearup_home

At UTPA Scholarships will be awarded for low income students based on merit, need, or a combination of the two. Scholarships have specific eligibility criteria such as GPA, major, entrance exam scores, etc. Scholarships are available from federal, state, institutional and private sources. Different types of scholarships are available for students.

http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/finaid_home/scholarships_home_new/scholarships/entering_freshmen

Las Platicas Academy is a monthly occurrence and an initiative by UTPA GEAR UP that helps to build and strengthen capacity in parent volunteers. The goal of the parental involvement initiative is to help educate parents and assist in the development of the education of our children and for them to spread the word to other parents and ultimately increase college-going rates in the Rio Grande Valley.

The University of Texas Pan American GEAR UP Project serves 8,950 students in 28 middle schools in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Our motto is “Avanzando Juntos: GEARing UP for College- TOGETHER!” We firmly believe that true partnerships between public schools, parents, universities and our community will help our students achieve the ultimate mission of GEAR UP to graduate from high school and enter and succeed in college! The 8,950 students served by GEAR UP receive encouragement, awareness, preparation, rigor, and the skills required to get ready EARLY and ENTER and SUCCEED in COLLEGE!

https://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/gearup_home/gu_p_tstmnl

The department of College Access and Support Programs at UTPA identify, reach out to, recruit, and select individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in post-secondary education. They provide services to assist individuals to achieve their educational goals.
The programs include:

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally-funded program designed to meet the special educational needs of migrant and seasonal farm workers in pursuing higher education. CAMP provides outreach, recruitment, academic, supportive and financial assistance to migrant and seasonal farm workers to help them successfully complete the first academic year of college and to continue in post secondary education. Additional services include academic advising, monthly stipend, tutoring, personal counseling, career development, life management skills development, and educational/cultural trips. The program serves 70 students each academic year.

Upward Bound is a federally funded academic enhancement program designed to assist first generation or low income high school students in developing their potential for success in a post-secondary institution through classroom instruction during the academic year and a six week summer component on the UTPA campus. The program serves 150 students each academic year from six target high schools.

Upward Bound Math and Science is a federally funded academic enhancement program designed to encourage first generation or low income high school students to pursue studies and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering through classroom instruction and research mentor ships under faculty and graduate students during a six week summer component on the UTPA campus, supplemented by advisement and college success skills sessions during the academic year. The program serves 50 students each academic year from three target high schools.

http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/casp_home/casp_programs

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In addition to scholarships, the Student Financial Services at UTPA offers temporary loans to help students in financial need.

The following loan programs are offered at UTPA:
• Federal Direct Stafford Loans
• Federal Direct PLUS Parent Loans
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Texas B-on-Time Loan
• Private Education Loans

http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/finaid_home

Grants:
• Federal PELL Grant
• TEXAS Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Graduate Tuition Assistance Grant
• Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
• TEACH Grant - Undergraduate
• TEACH Grant - Graduate
• UTPA Achieve
• Summer Boost Grant

* Summer Boost Grant: program is designed to help students decrease time to graduation by encouraging summer enrollment.

UTPA does not offer any scholarships specifically for part-time students.

Scholarships

Graduate Scholarships:
• UTPA “Excellence” and Departmental Scholarships
• Guerra Honors Program
• Departmental Scholarships
• Graduate Office Scholarships
• Angel Investor Staff Scholarship
• State Exemptions
• Private Scholarships
• Hazlewood Exemption
• Study Abroad Program Scholarships
• Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship

Entering freshmen Scholarships:
• University Scholars Priority
• Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars Program
• VAMOS/UTPA Endowed Scholarship Program
• UTPA “Excellence” and Departmental Scholarships
• Guerra Honors Program
• Valedictorian Scholarship
• Top 10% Scholarship
• Recruitment Scholarships
• Housing Scholarship
• State Exemptions
• Private Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarships
• Hazlewood Exemption
• Departmental Scholarships

Transfer Student scholarships:
• UTPA “Excellence” and Departmental Scholarships
• Guerra Honors Program
• Community College Scholarships
• Housing Scholarship
• Angel Investor Staff Scholarship
• Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Transfer Scholarship
• Top 10% Scholarship Program
• Recruitment Scholarships
• State Exemptions
• Private Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarships
• Hazlewood Exemption
• UTPA Valley Heroes Memorial Scholarship
• Departmental Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships:
• UTPA “Excellence” and Departmental Scholarships
• Guerra Honors Program
• Departmental Scholarships
• Angel Investor Staff Scholarship
• State Exemptions
• Private Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarships
• Hazlewood Exemption
• UTPA Valley Heroes Memorial Scholarship
• Study Abroad Program Scholarships
• Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship

Outside Agency Scholarships:
• Scholarship America
• Go Study Abroad Scholarships
• Sallie Mae Fund Scholarship Search
• International Scholarship Search
• Century Linkquote
• USBundles.com The Future of Google
• Artistic Excellence in Print Design & Marketing Scholarship
• MesotheliomaHelp.org
• AT&T Internet and Education Scholarship
• Buildum's Build U. Scholarship
• HotelsCheap.org
• Verizonspecials Infographic Scholarship
• Cottage Inn Scholarship
• Medical Scholarship for Veterans
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
• JJ Hennessey Honorary Epilepsy Scholarship
• Lawntrepreneur Scholarship
• Common Form Finance or Accounting Scholarship
• S.T.A.R.S Scholarship
• Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship
• Texas Energy Council
• Finance or Accounting Scholarship
• American Pole and Timber Scholarship
• 2015 Fitness Scholarship
• The Texas Lyceum Leadership Award
• OMP Scholarship Directory
• Goedekers Appliances Annual Book Scholarship
• Goedekers Appliances Annual Public Service Scholarship
• Ashley Stevenson Memorial Scholarship
• Attorney Marketing Network
• Charles J. Argento & Associates
• Dwyer, Williams, Potter Attorneys, LLP
• Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP
• Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP
• Delfino, Green & Green
• Delfino, Green & Green
• Howard Craig Kornberg
• Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP
• Ramey Law PC
• William S Kroger
• John Friedman
• Marks Law Group, LLC
• Land Whitmarsh, LLP
• Lotze Mosley LLP
• Haggai Law Firm
• Diet Spotlight
• Lighting 55
• Discover Student Loan Scholarship Sweepstake
• Land Whitmarsh LLP
• Lotze Mosley LLP
• Ramey Law PC
• William S. Kroger
• South Texas Federal Credit Union Scholarship
• Headset Plus
• Stay Safe on the Internet
• 2015 Goodwin & Scieszka Innovation Scholarship
• CountyOffice.org
• SLAC Scholarship
• BBG Communications
• Got a Spine Scholarship
• Odenza Vacations
• SP Scholarship
• Avomeen Science Student
• Texas Scholarship of Academic Excellence
• Ruhmann Lae Firm
• Attorney Marketing Network
• Carpenter, Zuckerman & Rowley, LLP
• Charles J. Argento &Associates
• Delfino, Green & Green
• Delfino, Green & Green
• Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys, LLP
• Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP
• Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP
• Haggai Law Firm
• Howard Craig Kornberg
• Jon Friedman

Excellence Scholarships (www.utpa.edu/excellence):
• AAUW Endowed Scholarship*
• Angel Investor-Arts &
• Humanities Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Business
• Administration Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Education Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Health & Human
• Services Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Science &
• Engineering Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Science &
• Math Scholarship
• Angel Investor-Social & Behavior
• Sciences Scholarship
• Antonio H. Nevárez Scholarship*
• AT&T Presidential Scholarship*
• AT&T Scholarship*
• B.L. Garza Scholarship*
• Bill E. Reeves Scholarship*
• Buell Endowed Scholarship*
• C. Looney Scholarship*
• C.M. Romine Scholarship*
• Canas Cantu Memorial Scholarship*
• Carlos Garza Finance Scholarship*
• Carol Rausch International Study
• Abroad Scholarship*
• Casa Linda Homes Scholarship*
• Celia H. Martin Scholarship*
• Cheryl Cambridge Scholarship*
• Cipriano R. Munoz Scholarship*
• Cochran Scholarship*
• Crissman Endowed Scholarship*
• Crissman Endowed Scholarship
• University Scholars
• Crissman ROTC Endowed Scholarship*
• D. Yturria and S. Butler Scholarship
• Daniel Alvirez Scholarship*
• Davidson Endowed Scholarship*
• Davidson Fund Alumni Scholarship*
• Dolores Canales y Nazaria
• Pena Scholarship*
• Donna High School Class of
• 1972 Scholarships
• Dougherty Scholarship*
• Downie President Scholarship*
• Dr. Arnulfo S. Martinez
• Memorial Scholarship*
• Dr. Blandina Cárdenas
• Excellence Foundation*
• Dr. E. De Schonewise Scholarship*
• Dr. Jose R. Hinojosa
• Public Administration* Eddie Lucio Scholarship*
• Edinburg Rotary Scholarship*
• Elliot Werber Scholarship*
• Emma Martinez Scholarship Fund*
• Estella Lane Trevino Scholarship*
• Farm Credit Bank of Texas Scholarship
• Fay Maria Leach Scholarship*
• Ford EEOC Scholarship*
• Friends of the McAllen
• Library Scholarship*
• General Motors EEOC Scholarship*
• George Foundation Scholarship*
• Gordon Foerster Scholarship
• Hamer Enterprise Computer
• Science Scholarship*
• Harry and Katherine L.
• Wheeler Scholarship*
• Hearst Fund Scholarship*
• Hester Spears Parker Seger
• Nursing Scholarship
• Hester Spears Parker Seger
• Pre-Med Scholarship
• Hester Spears Parker Seger University
• Scholars Scholarship
• Hilda Cantu Garza Scholarship
• Homer J. Morris Alumni Scholarship*
• Horacio Pena Scholarship*
• International Women's Board
• Grad Scholar*
• J.J. Crump Scholarship*
• J.W. Richards Scholarship*
• James R. Shawn Sr. Scholarship*
• Jim Brooks Memorial Scholarship*
• Joanna B. Halford Scholarship*
• Joe and Sylvia Ramirez Scholarship*
• John and Alma Rudy Van
• Ramshorst Scholarship*
• Jones Academic Scholarship*
• Josefina (Josie) Garcia
• Memorial Scholarship*
• Kenedy Memorial Scholarship
• Kika de la Garza Scholarship*
• La Verne G. Jackson Scholarship*
• Lacks Valley Scholarship*
• Lauryn G. White Business Scholarship*
• Leadership Mission
• Endowed Scholarship*
• Leonides & Genoveva
• Gonzalez Scholarship*
• Louis C Draper Endowed Scholarship*
• M.J. & B.R. Stewart Scholarship*
• Margaret G. Jordan Scholarship*
• Margaret G. Jordan Scholarship*
• Margaret L. Draper Endownment
• Fund- Education*
• Margaret L. Draper Endownment
• Fund- Engineering*
• Margaret L. Draper Endownment
• Fund- General*
• Margaret Looney Scholarships
• in Education*
• Maria Adame Memorial Scholarship*
• Maria Teresa de la Garza
• Adame Scholarship
• Martinez Endowed Scholarship* Dr. Juan Gonzalez National
• Strength and Conditioning
• Examination Scholarship*
• Dr. Lydia Aguilera
• Pharmacist Scholarship*
• Dr. Miguel Paredes
• Research Scholarship*
• Dr. Yolanda Vela-Leo
• Memorial Scholarship*
• Mary E. and Don Mahler
• Memorial Fund*
• Maurine Filey Rockhill Scholarship
• McAllen Medical Nursing Scholarship
• Mercado Ajero Health Care
• Endowed Scholarship
• Naomi LaVerna Cross
• Endowed Scholarship*
• Ned T. Jackson Scholarship*
• NHPO Scholarship*
• Nobel Laureate S.
• Chandraeskhar Graduate*
• PG Camarillo Scholarship*
• Polaroid Fund Scholarship*
• Pooled Endowment Scholarship*
• R.J. Reynolds Scholarship*
• Ramirez Endowed Scholarship*
• Raul Longoria Scholarship*
• Rios Pharmaceuticals Scholarship*
• Rising Scholarship*
• Robert Reeve Math and
• Science Scholarship*
• Rockwell Fund Scholarship*
• Rodolfo “Rudy” Silva Jr. Scholarship*
• Ruby B. Wilson Scholarship*
• Ruby B. Wilson Scholarship*
• Rudy Franco Scholarship*
• S. Steunebrink Scholarship*
• Seldon Leavell Scholarship*
• Senator Kay Bailey
• Hutchison Scholarship*
• Shary Shivers Foundation Scholarship*
• Stockton Fund Scholarship*
• T. Edward and Anna
• Mercer Scholarship*
• T. Edward Mercer Scholarship*
• Team McAllen Cycling Scholarship*
• Texaco Scholarship*
• Texas Gas Service Scholarship
• The Bertha S. Cantu Scholarship
• Townsend-Rogers Scholarship*
• Trevino Memorial Scholarship
• Trull Scholarship*
• UTPA Alumni Association
• Graduate Scholarship
• UTPA Alumni Association
• Undergraduate Scholarship
• UTPA Alumni Austing Chapter
• Honoring Dr. Cardenas
• UTPA Electrical Engineering
• Alumni Scholarship
• UTPA Houston Alumni
• Chapter Scholarship*
• UTPA Student Scholarship*
• V.F. Neuhaus Scholarship*
• Verizon Engineering Scholarship
• Victor E. Rivera Scholarship*
• W.G. “Dub” Bailey Printing Scholarship
• Wal-Mart Scholarship*
• Xerox Scholars Scholarship
• Yturria Scholarship*
• *These are endowed scholarships

Departmental Scholarships by college:
• Arts and Humanities
• Bob Rollins Journalism Scholarship*
• Carl Grantz English Scholarship*
• Charles V. Maugrean and Maude
• Scoville Scholarship*
• Edinburg Musical Culture Club*
• H.H. Scott Scholarship*
• Harry Quin Journalism Scholarship*
• Jack R. & Mary Lee Stanley Scholarship*
• James and Alice Hawley
• Theatre Scholarship*
• John D. Anderson Memorial
• Music Scholarship*
• John Hudsonpillar
• Memorial Scholarship*
• Marian F. Monta
• Communication Scholarship*
• Otis Bell Scholarship
• Ruth Dean and Homer J. Morris*
• Ruth Owings Blalock Scholarship*
• Sally Tucker Thompson
• Communication Scholarship*
• Stanley and Anne R. Addington
• Scholarship in Music*
• Susan Smith Television Scholarship*
• Texas State Bank Scholarship*
• The Roberto Pulido Scholarship*
• The Valente Rodriguez Scholarship
• in Communication*
• Thomason Art Scholarship
• Tom and Elaine Anderson Memorial
• Music Scholarship*
• Wilcox Art Scholarship
• Wilcox Music Scholarship
• Yvonne L. Anderson Theatre
• Scholarship*

The Child Development Center at UTPA is dedicated to supporting our students in reaching their fullest potential by providing comprehensive services through focus work with children, families and community partnerships.
http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/childcare_home/childcare_about

Programs for Veterans:
UTPA has various types of programs that can provide financial assistance for service members and eligible dependents. Below it has been showed specific programs listed that will direct you to respective links. If at any time, any questions or concerns, we recommended visit our Veterans Service Center or Student Financial Services Office.

UTPA offers the following programs for veterans:
Federal Education Assistance Programs :
• The Veterans Services Center at UTPA is dedicated to certifying federal benefits, providing counseling services and providing quality assistance for veterans.

State Military Exemptions:
• Exemptions allow special groups of Texas residents or nonresidents to enroll and pay a reduced amount of tuition and fees.

State Military Waivers :
• Waivers allow special groups of nonresidents to enroll and pay a reduced nonresident tuition rate.

UTPA Valley Heroes Memorial Scholarship:
• To honor the fallen Valley Heroes who served our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Free in Afghanistan, UTPA has established the UTPA Valley Heroes Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to selected veteran students who have honorably served our country in active duty.

Work Study
UTPA offers the following work-study programs:
Federal Work-Study Program - The Federal Work-Study Program allows students to work on-campus with a specific department or off-campus with a community service partner.
Texas College Work-Study Program - The Texas College Work-Study Program allows Texas Residents to work on-campus with a specific department.

Loans
Loans are a form of self-help aid that requires repayment. It is money that the student borrows to assist in funding their education and the student must agree to repay, usually with interest. Loans are available from various sources including federal, state and private sources.