The expanded Promise Plus program is poised to increase students’ access to higher education in Texas.
University of Texas System regents approved a plan to give free tuition to students from families earning less than $100,000 in adjusted gross income. Starting next fall, eligible students include undergraduates who attend UT Arlington or UT Dallas, among other system universties.Many of the high schoolers Christina Etri helps are the first in their families to go to college. They often struggle navigating financial aid terms and applications.
The average federal student loan debt balance is $37,853, according to the U.S. department of education. Meanwhile, college leaders are trying to win back families at a time when onlyTexas colleges have financial aid programs aimed at making a degree more affordable for students, focusing on those who come from low-income families. Many of them include free tuition for students of certain economic backgrounds.
“Obviously, it has no trouble attracting students,” Texas A&M spokesman Laylan Copelin said in a statement. “And most of our regional campuses are growing, particularly Tarleton State andLocal college leaders said UT System’s move shouldn’t be seen as competition because the need for affordable education is so great.“We should all be excited for any initiatives that provide more opportunities to students,” Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon said.
Those who work with college-bound students say covering tuition and fees will make a difference for students who can then focus their resources — such as Pell grants and private scholarships — on covering housing and living expenses.in undergraduate tuition depending how many courses they take. Those who live with their families are able to save around $14,000 in housing and food costs.UT System officials boast they have the lowest average student debt across Texas four-year universities.
“For students who receive funding for their education, it can mean all the difference in completing that credential,” said Ingrid London, UTD’s Assistant Provost.In Arlington, nearly half of all undergraduates — 49% — had tuition and fees fully covered, UTA President Jennifer Cowley said in a statement.
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