The Federal TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Program helps students who plan to teach in high-need fields at the secondary or elementary level.

If you choose to participate in this aid program, you must agree to do all of the following:

• Serve as a full time teacher for 4 years
• Teach a high-need field/subject
  • Bilingual education and English language acquisition
  • Foreign language
  • Mathematics
  • Reading specialist
  • Science
  • Special education
  • Any other field that has been identified as high-need by the federal government, a state government, or a local education agency, and that is included in the annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.
• Serve in a public or private elementary or secondary school
• Teach in a school that serves low-income students

If you fail to meet the requirements listed above, the Federal TEACH Grant funds you received will change into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. You will have to repay the entire loan with interest.  Interest is charged from the day the money originally paid out.  You may review more information about the requirements on the Federal Student Aid website.

To be eligible

• You must complete the FAFSA.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• You must be enrolled in a Federal TEACH Grant eligible degree program.
  • What degree programs are eligible?
• You must score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test (SAT, ACT, or GRE) or maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.25.
• You must complete a Federal TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve and TEACH Entrance Counseling.

Award eligibility varies based on Enrollment Status. For details, please visit the Award Proration information page.

If you think that you qualify for the Federal TEACH Grant, please send an email to Scholarships & Financial Aid from your TAMU email account and include your UIN (University Identification Number) so that we may review your eligibility.

For more information, please visit the Federal TEACH Grant FAQs.

The Texas Aggie Graduate Grant is a need-based award (need is determined by Scholarships & Financial Aid) for Texas residents attending the College Station campus. Beginning with the 2019-2020 award year, students enrolled full time may receive up to $2500 per semester and students enrolled at least half-time will receive a prorated amount not to exceed $1500 per semester. Maximum award per academic year is $5000.

Eligibility

• You must be a Texas resident.
• You must have completed and submitted a FAFSA or TASFA.
• You must be enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program at Texas A&M (G7 or G8 status) or a graduate certificate program at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time for the semesters you receive the grant (5 hours for Fall or Spring, 3 hours for a Summer session).
• Students are not eligible to receive this grant in the same semesters they receive tuition payments (university, federal, state, veterans’ benefit, corporate, or other tuition assistance).
• Students are not eligible to receive this grant in the same academic year they receive major scholarships/fellowships (totaling $10,000 or more for Masters, $15,000 or more for Doctoral).

Applying

The TAGG application is located on the forms page of this website. Please note that signed applications are now accepted via upload in the Howdy Portal .

Note: Students in professional programs (Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Public Health and School of Law) need not complete this application in order to be considered for Texas Aggie Graduate Grant funds.

The Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) is funded by the State of Texas. It is awarded based on the FAFSA/TASFA applications received. Funding is limited, so not all students who are eligible receive TPEG.

To be awarded TPEG:

• You must have financial need.
• You must be seeking your first bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

Award eligibility varies based on Enrollment Status. For details, please visit the Award Proration information page.

Helpful Links

College For All Texans
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)​
Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

The Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) is a program administered by the State of Texas to aid students with financial need, seeking a first bachelor's degree, graduate degree or professional degree. The International Texas Public Education Grant (ITPEG) is available to international students only. The ITPEG is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

Eligibility

• You must be classified as an international student as determined by the Office of the Registrar.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You must be enrolled full-time (see Enrollment Status). 

Applying

The International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) is open for the 2020-2021 school year. The priority date for the 2020-2021 ISFAA was June 17, 2020. You can find the ISFAA on the Forms page. The 2021-2022 school year application will be available in late January 2021.

The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You are responsible for any accruing interest during in-school and deferment periods. Interest accruing during those periods may be paid or capitalized as agreed by the borrower and lender.

Payment is automatically deferred until the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time. At the time the borrower is no longer enrolled half-time, a six month grace period begins prior to entering repayment. Interest on Direct Unsubsidized Loans continues to accrue during the grace period.

Eligibility

• Complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).
• Enrolled at least half-time at Texas A&M University.
  • View Enrollment Status definitions.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Not exceed annual or lifetime aggregate loan limits. See Direct Loan Limits below.

Award eligibility varies based on Enrollment Status. For details, please visit the Award Proration information page.

Interest Rates

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal student loans by July 1 of each year. A new loan is awarded each academic year that you are eligible, and the interest rate will stay the same until your loan is repaid. Interest rates could be different each year for new loans. This means you could have more than one Unsubsidized loan but each one could have a different interest rate. 

Unsubsidized Direct Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 and before July 1, 2021

Interest Rate

4.30%

Origination Fees - On or after October 1, 2019

On or after October 1, 2019 - 1.059%
On or after October 1, 2020 - 1.057%

Other Important Direct Loan Information

Want more information on interest rates? Visit the Department of Education’s Interest Rates and Fees webpage.

For more information on Federal student loans, visit the Department of Education’s Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan webpage.
 
Do you have questions about repaying your student loans? Visit our Money Education Center for information on your student loan repayment options. Please see the Direct Loan Limits and Direct Loan Counseling information below.

For information visit, repaying your student loans.

Annual and lifetime (total debt) limits for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. The amounts include the outstanding principal balance on the loan(s) and not interest or other charges incurred.
 

Scroll Table Left and Right

Graduate/Professional Students
Unsubsidized Loan	$20,500/Academic Year
Maximum Total Debt*	$138,500** ($65,500 may be subsidized)
School of Public Health Graduate Students
Unsubsidized Loan	$33,000/Academic Year
Maximum Total Debt*	$224,000** ($65,500 may be subsidized)

*All “Maximum Total Debt” amounts (lifetime limits) include both DIRECT and FFELP subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
**The graduate total debt limit includes subsidized and unsubsidized student loans received during undergraduate study.

For information visit, repaying your student loans.

Each student receiving a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Direct Loan for the first time at Texas A&M must complete Loan Entrance Counseling.

Entrance Counseling

Please visit the Howdy Portal. Then click the My Finances tab and enter the Financial Aid Portal. Select the current academic year, there will be a link for Entrance Counseling under the Status tab. Follow the instructions for loan counseling.

Online counseling may require the use of specific browsers and/or browser settings. If you encounter difficulties completing a counseling session, please notify Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Exit Counseling

Upon withdrawing, graduating, dropping below half-time, or simply not returning, you will be sent information on any of the following that apply to you:

• Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Online counseling can be completed on the Federal Student Aid website.

For information visit, repaying your student loans.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan is an affordable, low interest loan for graduate and professional students. You can borrow up to the total cost of attendance (minus any other financial aid awarded). If you are denied the Graduate PLUS loan due to an adverse credit history, you will not be eligible for any additional Unsubsidized Direct Loan.

Eligibility

• You must be a graduate or professional student.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • View Enrollment Status definitions.
• You must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• You must complete Graduate PLUS entrance counseling on the Federal Student Aid website.

Award eligibility varies based on Enrollment Status. For details, please visit the Award Proration information page.

Texas A&M University highly recommends you apply for the maximum annual amount available to you through the Direct Loan program before applying for the Graduate PLUS Loan.

Interest Rates

Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 and before July 1, 2021

Graduate Plus Loans Interest Rate for 2020-2021**

Interest Rate Formula

T* plus 4.6%

Interest Rate

5.30%

Origination Fees - On or after October 1, 2020

4.228%

*T equals the 10 year T-Bill rate
**Fixed over life of loan

Repayment

Repayment is deferred until the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment status.

How to Apply

The 2020-2021 Graduate PLUS loan application is currently available on the Federal Student Aid website.
 

Graduate PLUS loans are based on credit, therefore in order to apply:

• Login to the Federal Student Aid website.
• Sign in using your FSA ID.
• Click on "Apply for a Plus Loan".
• Select Direct PLUS Loan Request for Graduate/Professional Student Borrowers.
• Follow through all steps of the application and submit.
• You will receive an instant credit decision after submitting the application.

If approved:

• Complete Graduate/Professional Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and the PLUS MPN for Graduate/Professional Students at this same website.
• Texas A&M University will receive your approved application and award the Graduate PLUS Loan.

• You have the option of appealing the denial on the Federal Student Aid website and will be provided with information on the appeal process during the application process.
• You also have the option of including an endorser on the loan, which is like a co-signer.
• If your loan is later approved, Texas A&M University will receive your approved application and award the Graduate PLUS Loan.

For information visit, repaying your student loans.

How to Request an Increase

To increase your current Graduate PLUS loan, you will need to follow these steps:

• Login to the Federal Student Aid website.
• Sign in using FSA ID
• Click on “Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan”
• Select Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate Students
• Select award year
• Start application
• Under reason for direct plus loan request select “new” for a brand new PLUS loan amount OR select “change” to add to preexisting PLUS loan
• Choose loan period
• Submit request

Once submitted, the request will be processed within 1-3 business days.

Please note, your credit check from your original Graduate PLUS loan is valid for 180 days. If you submit an increase request within this period, your credit will NOT be pulled again. However, if this period has passed and you submit a new Graduate PLUS application or increase request, your credit will automatically be pulled again.

Interest Rate

The Department of Education announces the interest rates for federal PLUS loans by July 1 of each year. Interest rates could be different each year for any new loans. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan.

Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 and before July 1, 2021

View more information about Alternative Loans

The Short-term Loan Program is funded by the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students, the Texas A&M University Class of 1926, University departments, as well as colleges and friends of Texas A&M University.

Short-term loan funds were established to provide assistance to students who experience temporary financial difficulty in connection with educational or educationally related expenses other than tuition and required fees.

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled at least half-time.
  • Graduate Students – 5 hours for fall and spring; 3 hours for summer
• Graduate students must have at a least a 3.0

Interest Rate & Processing

• 8%* simple interest per annum.
• A $10 processing charge is assessed on each loan. This charge will be added to the amount of the loan requested.

* If the loan is not paid by the due date, additional late charges of 0.5% per month will accrue on the unpaid principal balance until paid in full.

Right to Cancel

As a result of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) of 2009, Scholarships & Financial Aid must allow a three full business days Right to Cancel period after the signed promissory note is submitted before funds can be released to your student account. This will create a delay in your ability to receive Short-term loan funds. This requirement became effective February 14, 2010.

Please plan accordingly, knowing that Short-term Loan funds cannot be released for three business days after you have submitted a signed promissory note.

Repayment

These loans must be repaid with interest within a prescribed repayment period ranging from one to twelve months.

If the loan is not paid in full by the due date, both transcripts and registration will be blocked until the account is paid in full. Past due loans are subject to collection fees, attorney fees, higher interest rates, as well as negative credit reports to national credit bureaus.

Information on where to repay your loan will be included on your promissory note.

If you have direct deposit (ACH) set up before applying for a Short-term loan it will take 3-5 business days from the end of the Right to Cancel period for your money to be deposited to your bank account. You may authorize direct deposit of financial aid refunds through the Howdy Portal at howdy.tamu.edu, click on the My Finances tab. You may contact Student Business Services via telephone at 979-847-3337 for questions about your short-term loan repayment.

Applying

The application for Short-term loans is available online at sfaid.tamu.edu/stlapp.

Note: Once approved for a loan students will be instructed via email to sign a promissory note before funds can be released. Instructions will be sent to the student’s official Texas A&M University email address. Students who are eligible will be directed to DocuSign for identity authentication, to electronically sign the promissory note, and to obtain a disclosure notice with additional information on the loan the student has been approved to receive. Students who are not eligible to authenticate using an electronic signature will be sent instructions on completing the promissory note with a wet signature.

For more information, view Short-term Loans FAQs and Short-term Loans Acceptable Expenses.
For information visit, repaying your student loans.

The Emergency Tuition and Fees Loan (ETFL) is available to help you pay your Texas A&M University tuition and required fees. This loan will be applied directly to your tuition and fee account after the Master Promissory Note has been signed and submitted to Scholarships & Financial Aid. If you have signed a Master Promissory Note for an Emergency Tuition and Fees loan from a prior semester, you do not have to sign another promissory note.

An email will be sent to you after the loan has been approved and will provide instructions on how to sign a promissory note.

Depending upon timing, your financial aid refund may be applied toward your ETFL, but this is not always the case. It is your responsibility to use any refunds issued to you to repay an outstanding ETFL and to ensure your outstanding ETFL balance is at zero by the loan due date.

Eligibility

• You must be enrolled in at least 1 hour at Texas A&M University.
• You must have an active Texas A&M University student account.
• You must be clear of all financial blocks with Texas A&M University.
• You must meet minimum GPA requirements.
  • Graduate Students – 3.0 minimum GPA

Interest Rate & Processing

• 5% simple interest rate
• A $10 processing fee is assessed on each loan. This charge will be added to the amount of the loan you are approved to receive.

Repayment

Repayment terms are contingent upon the semester in which the loan is requested. All payments will be due on the 15th day of the month.

• Fall/Spring loans are due approximately 90 days after the loan is applied to your student billing account.
• Summer loans are due approximately 30 days after the loan is applied to your student billing account.

If the loan is not paid in full by the due date, both transcripts and registration will be blocked until the account balance is paid in full. You may contact Student Business Services via telephone at 979-847-3337 for questions about your Emergency Tuition and Fee Loan repayment.

Applying

Apply online at sfaid.tamu.edu/stlapp.

Note: Once approved for a loan students will be instructed via email to sign a promissory note before funds can be released. Instructions will be sent to the student’s official Texas A&M University email address. Students who are eligible will be directed to DocuSign for identity authentication, to electronically sign your promissory note, and to obtain a disclosure notice with additional information on the loan you have been approved to receive. Students who are not eligible to authenticate using an electronic signature will be sent instructions on completing the promissory note with a wet signature.

For more information, please visit Emergency Tuition & Fees Loan FAQs.
For information visit, repaying your student loans.

Graduate students may be hired as teaching, research or non-teaching assistants and work an average of twenty hours per week. The Student Employment Office posts assistantship opportunities via Jobs for Aggies.

If you are a graduate student interested in acquiring an assistantship, you should contact your graduate advisor for help. Teaching and research graduate assistants are paid monthly. Non-teaching graduate assistants are paid bi-weekly for hours worked. You should contact your hiring departments regarding fringe benefits.

Assistantships are not counted as a resource to your financial aid packet.

Many different fellowships are available through departments, colleges, and the Office of Graduate Studies. Ordinarily, graduate students holding fellowships are not required to perform any services. Many competitive fellowships of $1,000 or greater per academic year also allow students to pay tuition at the in-state rate. Fellowships packages vary from $1,000 to over $30,000 and some do include funds for insurance and tuition and fees.

Scholarships & Financial Aid’s role for fellowships is to ensure that they are counted as a resource towards a student’s financial aid packet since they contribute to educational expenses. Fellowships can be lump sum (One Payment) or monthly (which are monthly payments) in a semester. Departments or Colleges are permitted to determine which way a fellowship is to be paid. Scholarships & Financial Aid establishes fellowship payment dates annually according to the academic calendar. These dates cannot be changed due to how funds are to be disbursed in Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Fellowships must be awarded to a student’s account before July 1 for the following academic year. This will allow Scholarships & Financial Aid time to review each student’s account to ensure the fellowship will not have an impact on other aid. If an award is posted after July 1, then it could affect a student’s financial aid package, and Scholarships & Financial Aid may have to reduce or cancel aid, such as loans and grants.

Fellowships are usually a stipend provided to a student to assist with living and educationally related expenses. Scholarships are lump sum payments and are an award provided to a student based on his/her performance on a scholarship application or financial need.

For more information on a fellowship you can visit ogs.tamu.edu.

College Station students:

The Student Employment Office is designed to help students pursue their educational goals by providing employment resources and professional development opportunities. Additionally, the Student Employment Office provides the human resources function for students and employers of students at Texas A&M University. College Station students can visit jobsforaggies.tamu.edu for more information.

Galveston students:

The Human Resource Office assists Galveston students with employment opportunities. 

 

Note: Only current seniors or students who have graduated from TAMU who have applied for financial aid at TAMU for the current academic year are eligible to request GRE Fee Reduction.

The exact amount of the reduction is determined by Educational Testing Services (ETS), the administrators of the GRE. It is generally 50 percent of the full test fee, but may vary depending on the tests you take. To begin the process you must have your SAR and complete the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form.

How do I get a copy of my SAR?

Once your FAFSA form or FAFSA correction has been processed, you can get a copy of your SAR by:

• logging in to studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa using your FSA ID and selecting the “View or Print your Student Aid Report (SAR)" option near the middle of the “My FAFSA" page; or
• contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing 1-800-730-8913) and requesting a copy be sent to you via U.S. mail (allow 10–14 days for delivery).