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Oct 14, 2008 6:52 pm US/Central
UTA Program Opens Up Free Tuition To More Students
UT Arlington's Maverick PromiseTo Grant Free Tuition To Students From Households Making $65,000 Or Less
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
In an effort to make higher education more accessible and affordable, the University of Texas at Arlington announced a program to grant free tuition to students from households with an income of $65,000 or less.
"The Maverick Promise is our new tuition promise to families and to students with incomes of less than $65,000, for first-time undergraduate students who are eligible for federal Pell Grant," explained UTA Financial Aid Director Karen Krause.
This is the second time in a year the Maverick Promise has changed. The current income threshold is $40,000, which is up from $25,000 earlier this year. The $65,000 cap begins with the Spring semester in January 2009.
University officials said the average tuition for students enrolled in 12 hours is $8,000 per year.
UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo said talks to increase the coverage of the program have been under review for sometime.
"It's an important step for a public university to make. We hope more students will be encouraged to pursue their dreams at UT Arlington because of the Maverick Promise," Spaniolo said in a release.
While some students are excited about the new grant program, some seniors at the university are disappointed that the "promise" wasn't made sooner.
"Yeah, like all the loans and everything… four years of tuition that I've had," explained UTA senior Alex Toscano. "It would have helped a lot."
In the statement released by the school, Donald Bobbitt, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said this could benefit more than just the students and their families.
"Society as a whole will benefit by graduating students who are prepared to help this country compete in today's global economy," Bobbitt said. "And given current economic conditions, increased financial aid is certainly needed."
The Maverick Promise is open to all undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time or six credit hours. Students must maintain academic requirements to renew the grant.
Students can qualify for up to $8,000 a year in free tuition, for up to five years. The deadline to apply is April 1st.
For more financial aid and application information, call the UT Arlington Financial Aid Office at (817) 272-3561, or visit www.uta.edu/fao.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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