Student Financial Aid Programs
PROGRAMS OF STUDENT FINANCIAL AID
Financial aid is divided into two categories - gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid includes grants and scholarships which generally do not have to be repaid. Self-help aid includes programs that have to be earned such as work-study or programs that have to be repaid such as loans.
The following gives additional information about some of the different types of aid available at DBU. Additional information about federal programs can be found at www.studentaid.gov . Additional information on state programs can be found at www.collegeforalltexans.com.
Grants
For full information on the Grants listed below, please visit the Grants page on the DBU website.
Grants are gift aid that is normally awarded based on financial need. A student's financial aid package may include grant money whenever eligibility and funding levels permit.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a federal aid program of entitlement basic to all other student financial aid. This grant is only awarded to students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. New for the 2024-25 school year, (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer, 2025) students and families will see a different measure of how their financial aid eligibility is calculated. The Student Aid Index (SAI) has replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula and is based on one of three need analysis formulas:
Maximum Pell Award,
Student Aid Index Calculated Award, and
a Minimum Pell Award.
Maximum and Minimum Pell Grant eligibility are determined based on tax filing requirements, family size and composition (i.e., single parent or non-single parent), Federal poverty guidelines, and state of residence. If a student qualifies for a Maximum Pell Grant, the SAI is not used to determine the amount of that grant.
An SAI-calculated Pell Grant is determined by subtracting the student’s calculated SAI from the annual published maximum Pell Grant amount, then rounding to the nearest $5. If the SAI-calculated Pell Grant is less than the published minimum Pell Grant amount, the student is ineligible for an SAI-calculated Pell Grant. However, the student may still be eligible for Min Pell if they meet the minimum Pell Grant eligibility requirements.
For additional information please refer to the 2024-25 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide and Volume 7 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook. Application for the grant is automatic when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The FSEOG was designed to provide additional financial support to high-need students. DBU will use the information included in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility.
Below are the requirements you need to meet to qualify for an FSEOG:
Be enrolled as an undergraduate student and not have earned a Bachelor’s degree
Be eligible to receive federal student aid
Submit a FAFSA
Demonstrate exceptional financial need, based on your Student Aid Index (SAI)
Priority for awarding is given to students who were awarded a Pell Grant and those with a Student Aid Index of "0, or less”. Any funds remaining after awarding the highest need students will be awarded to students with completed files on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. The maximum and minimum annual FSEOG awards are set each year by the Office of Financial Aid in accordance with federal regulations.
Tuition Equalization Grant
The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state of Texas grant program for Texas residents attending a private university in the state of Texas. The TEG is provided to both undergraduate and graduate level students (with some restrictions) and is meant to help offset some of the difference in cost for students attending private universities in Texas.
To be awarded the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), a student must:
Must meet all requirements to receive federal aid as described previously.
Be a legal Texas resident. If a dependent student, parents must be legal Texas residents;
Be enrolled in at least three-quarter time in a semester to receive the grant for that semester;
Not be the recipient of an athletic scholarship;
Not be pursuing a career in church-related ministry or receiving a ministerial scholarship;
Be enrolled in an eligible major. (Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information).
Effective Family Contribution (SAI/EFC) may not exceed an amount established annually by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT).
Be pursuing a first bachelor's degree, first master's degree, or first doctoral degree.
As an undergraduate student, you must complete 24 hours in a year (Fall, Spring, Summer). As a graduate student, you must complete 18 hours in a year (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Additionally, a student must meet all the Satisfactory Academic Policy guidelines set forth in our Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Students may be asked to complete the Texas Residency Determination Form to determine eligibility. Students will not be considered until the Texas Residency Determination Form is submitted and residency can be determined. Funds are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. Funds are disbursed during the fall and spring semesters. TEG hardship requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Aid for Non-Citizen Texas Residents
The State of Texas provides a financial aid application for students who are not United States citizens, but who are Texas residents. Students not eligible to apply for federal financial aid may still receive aid from the State of Texas by completing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)  at the “College for All Texans website”.  Additional information can be found at https://www.dbu.edu/financial-aid/aid-types/non-citizens.html.
Student Employment
In addition to earning extra cash that can assist in funding ones education, an on-campus job has the potential of impacting your grades in a positive way. Studies show that students who become actively involved on campus tend to be better at managing their time and responsibilities. Dallas Baptist University’s Financial Aid Office supports these findings and encourages students to pursue part-time employment opportunities. Learn more at https://www.dbu.edu/financial-aid/aid-types/work-study.html
Federal Work Study Program
The Federal Work Study (FCWS) program is funded by the federal government and the University. FCWS provides a variety of on-campus employment opportunities for students, ranging from assisting with research to general office work, to community action projects. Students work an average of 10-12 hours per week during the semester, but may work up to 25 hours a week while working on campus. All funds earned through the Federal Work Study Program are received by the student through their regular bi-weekly paycheck. Students are not awarded an additional award on their student account. The presence of a financial aid award is to show a student’s eligibility. Eligibility for FWS is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
State Work Study Program
The Texas Work Study Program (TWS) is funded by the State of Texas. It allows Texas State residents to work with employers during the academic year. These opportunities provide an excellent way for students to gain valuable experience in their fields of study, network, and earn money to help pay for college. All funds earned through the Texas Work Study Program are received by the student through their regular bi-weekly paycheck. Students are not awarded an additional award on their student account. The presence of a financial aid award is to show a student’s eligibility. Eligibility for TWS is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Scholarships 2024-25
A number of scholarships are available for students attending DBU. Additional scholarship information and instructions on applying may be found on the Scholarships page of the DBU website.
Scholarships have specific eligibility requirements. For example:
some are merit-based,
some are based on financial need,
some are based on academic performance,
while others are based on special talents (athletics, music, etc.),
some are offered from university departments and/or endowments.
New students should contact the Office of Admissions for complete and current information on scholarships for new students. Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the scholarship amounts awarded during the academic year in which you started at DBU. Students who began attendance in previous academic years, please view your entering year's academic catalog for renewal amounts.
Academic Scholarships | Amount per year |
Patriot Award | $8,000 per year |
Patriot Honor Award | $9,000 per year |
Dean's Award | $10,000 per year |
Dean's Honor Award | $12,000 per year |
Presidential Scholar Award | $14,000 per year |
Continuing students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for current information on continuing student scholarships.
See the DBU website for more information on scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students at DBU.
Maintaining Your Scholarship
Most scholarships at DBU require not only specific eligibility requirements but have established renewal criteria to maintain them. For additional information on maintaining your scholarships, please visit the DBU Scholarships page.
Disabled Students
Students with disabilities should contact their local Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) or the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) office to determine if they are eligible for services and/or financial assistance. The primary goal of these agencies is to help people become employed. Services that may be provided include: help with tuition expenses, books and supplies, tutoring expenses, technology aids, and other area related to one’s education and disabilities.
Note: Other scholarships may also become available from time to time. Please check with your college department or the Financial Aid Office for any specific scholarships that may be available.
Learn more about available services with DBU Accommodation Services.
STUDENT LOANS
For additional Student Loan information please visit the Loans page on the DBU website.
The University participates in several loan programs that offer help to students who need additional financial assistance. The purpose of all loan programs is to assist students unable to obtain sufficient support from other sources. Student loans must be repaid. Therefore, students are highly advised to borrow only what they need to cover direct educational expenses.
To qualify for assistance under federal direct loan programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year.
Students who receive federal loans are required to complete online entrance counseling and electronically sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to secure their loan(s). Students must also complete federally required exit counseling upon their graduation or withdrawal from the University. Exit counseling is required by federal regulation and should be completed if enrolled:
less than half-time,
or within 30 days of graduation or,
upon withdrawal from the University.
Students awarded loans must go online to https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/ to complete the process.
Year in college loan eligibility
Year in College | Credit Hours | Max Loan Amount (Sub/Unsub) |
Year One (Freshman) | 0 to 29 credit hours | $5,500 ($3,500 max subsidized) |
Year Two (Sophomore) | 30 to 59 credit hours | $6,500 ($4,500 max subsidized) |
Year Three (Junior) | 60 to 89 credit hours | $7,500 ($5,500 max subsidized) |
Year Four (Senior) | Over 90 credit hours | $7,500 ($5,500 max subsidized) |
Graduate/Professional |
| $20,500 (Unsubsidized) |
Loan Disbursements
Loan funds are normally disbursed to student accounts twice per loan period. If the student's loan period consists of the fall and spring semesters, one disbursement will be made in the fall and one in the spring. Each equal disbursement is applied to the student's account after the add/drop period ends for that semester.
Note: Undergraduate students who are completing their degrees and will be attending only a portion of the academic year (e.g., they are graduating) will have their loan amount prorated based on federal regulations and based on the number of hours enrolled during the semester. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information and for planning purposes.
Federal Loan Programs for Students and Their Parents
DBU participates in federal loan programs to help students pay for college, filling financial gaps and providing essential funds to cover educational expenses. It's important to fully understand the application process, disbursement, and repayment requirements associated with student loans, to ensure that you make responsible, effective decisions about funding your education. To learn more about federal loan programs, click the links below:
Undergraduate and Graduate Loans
Parent Plus and Grad Plus Loans
For additional information about loans, please see the Loans page on the DBU website.
Alternative Educational Loans
DBU highly advises students to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal loans before securing higher-interest private loans.
Federal student loans are almost always a better first choice than private student loans, but they have borrowing limits and qualification requirements. When federal loans aren't enough, private/alternative student loans can cover tuition, room and board, fees and other costs of higher education once you've reached your federal limit. Private student loans can be useful for:
Borrowers who don’t qualify for federal aid, including international students
Borrowers who have reached their federal student loan limits
Borrowers who may find flexibility of variable interest rates
Borrowers with great credit scores
DBU does not maintain a preferred lender list or have agreements with any outside lenders, but utilizes ElmSelect, to provide an unbiased search for alternative student loans. For more information, visit www.elmselect.com.