Spring Break
Texas offers financial aid program for state's private institutions
Nicole Jacobsen, Editor in Chief, njacobse@smu.edu
Issue date: 7/1/09 Section: News
When you break it down, the approximate cost of attending SMU can total anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000. Tuition alone accounts for $31,200, but add room and board, books, student fees, a meal plan and other necessary costs and the total price tag quickly adds up.
However, despite the recent economic recession, students continue to flock to the grassy Hilltop. Whether they are graduating from a high school in San Antonio or just across the street in Highland Park, more and more in-state students are seeking financial aid to attend SMU.
But with the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program now in effect, more and more students are taking advantage of another form of financial aid.
"I didn't know anything about it until after I applied for my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)," said senior George Enriquez. "The information was included in my financial aid package from SMU. I didn't really know how much it helped until I got involved with the lobbying part of it."
Enriquez was one of four students to travel to Austin to lobby for the Texas TEG Program. Along with advisor Fernando Salazar, the students interacted with state representatives and senators to personally thank them for their work in supporting the program.
"It was a great learning experience," Enriquez said. "It was nice to get in on all of the hustle and bustle that goes on at the Capitol. We got to thank a lot of people and show our appreciation for the Texas Equalization Grant. It's a win-win situation for all parties involved, both the students and the state."
The Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program's goal is "to provide grant aid to financially needy students to enable them to attend private, non-profit colleges or universities in Texas."
To be eligible for the Texas TEG Program, applicants must be Texas residents attending a private or non-profit college or university in the state of Texas, according to the College for All Texans Web site. Along with demonstrating financial need, students may not already be receiving athletic scholarships or be studying in a religious or theological program.
However, despite the recent economic recession, students continue to flock to the grassy Hilltop. Whether they are graduating from a high school in San Antonio or just across the street in Highland Park, more and more in-state students are seeking financial aid to attend SMU.
But with the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program now in effect, more and more students are taking advantage of another form of financial aid.
"I didn't know anything about it until after I applied for my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)," said senior George Enriquez. "The information was included in my financial aid package from SMU. I didn't really know how much it helped until I got involved with the lobbying part of it."
Enriquez was one of four students to travel to Austin to lobby for the Texas TEG Program. Along with advisor Fernando Salazar, the students interacted with state representatives and senators to personally thank them for their work in supporting the program.
"It was a great learning experience," Enriquez said. "It was nice to get in on all of the hustle and bustle that goes on at the Capitol. We got to thank a lot of people and show our appreciation for the Texas Equalization Grant. It's a win-win situation for all parties involved, both the students and the state."
The Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program's goal is "to provide grant aid to financially needy students to enable them to attend private, non-profit colleges or universities in Texas."
To be eligible for the Texas TEG Program, applicants must be Texas residents attending a private or non-profit college or university in the state of Texas, according to the College for All Texans Web site. Along with demonstrating financial need, students may not already be receiving athletic scholarships or be studying in a religious or theological program.
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