Tuition Set-Aside Information
Senate Bill 1304, passed by the 81st Texas Legislature, directs institutions of higher education to provide notices to students (Texas Education Code, Section 56.014) who pay designated tuition of the amount of the tuition that is set aside for financial assistance. Therefore, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is required by law (Texas Education Code Sections 56.011 and 56.012) to set aside a percentage of designated tuition for financial assistance programs.
The set aside does not affect financial aid awards, nor does it guarantee that you will personally receive financial assistance. Financial assistance eligibility is determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- What is tuition set-aside?
Tuition set aside is a portion of the designated tuition paid by resident students (those classified as citizens of the State of Texas), “set aside” and dedicated to providing need-based financial aid to students thru institutional grants, federal work-study, and scholarships.
- Why are these funds being set aside?
The university is required by law to set aside a portion of designated tuition charged to a resident student. See Texas Education Code Sections 56.011 and 56.012.
- How much of my tuition is set aside?
Fifteen percent (15%) of resident designated tuition defined as tuition in excess of $46 per credit hour. Due to this and the University’s flat-rate tuition structure, a student’s designated tuition amount, to which the 15% applies, can vary by number of semester credit hours taken. See Texas Education Code Sections 56.012.
- Do I owe or am I being charged extra?
No, by state law, the University is required to put a portion of the designated tuition that state residents pay into a fund to support need-based financial aid programs for qualifying students. No additional amount is assessed to compensate for this set-aside.
- Will I receive this money or how does it affect my financial aid?
No, tuition set aside does not affect your aid nor does it guarantee that you will personally receive financial aid assistance. To apply for these need-based funds, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Aid will be determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on your FAFSA, and aid eligibility as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
- What if I don’t want my money to be used in this way?
Unfortunately, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center does not have the ability to change the requirements of the state law. You may direct further questions and concerns to the Texas Legislature.
