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How to Obtain Financial Aid through the State of Texas

Are you hoping to attend college soon but are not sure how you will pay for the tuition plus all of the other costs that come with attaining a higher education?

If so, make sure to check out these loan programs, all of which are supported by the State of Texas.

College Access Loans

Through the College Access Loan (CAL) program, Texas residents who are unable to meet the cost of attending college are able to access alternative education loans.

As part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program and administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, College Access Loans may be used to cover part or all of a student's Expected Family Contribution, which can be determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

When determining the amount of the College Access Loan, the amount of federal aid for which a student is eligible to receive must be deducted from the cost of attendance.

Health Education Loans

Also part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program, Health Education Loans (HELP) program provides loans to Texas students enrolled in certain health-related programs of study, including medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, public health, nursing and allied health.

To be eligible for a Health Education Loan, students must be a permanent U.S. resident; be enrolled at least half-time in a qualified programs of study; meet satisfactory academic progress requirements set forth by their institution; and have good credit standing or provide a cosigner who has good credit standing.

Variable Rate College Access Loans

Providing low-interest alternative education loans to Texas students and their families, the Variable Rate College Access Loan (VCAL) can be used to cover part or all of a student's Expected Family Contribution.

To be eligible for a Variable Rate College Access Loan, students must be eligible to pay in-state tuition; be enrolled at least half-time at a Texas public or private nonprofit college or university; meet satisfactory academic progress set forth by their institution; be enrolled in a program of study leading to a certificate, associate's, bachelor's or professional degree; and provide a cosigner who has a good credit standing.

While the interest rates for Variable Rate College Access Loans are variable, they will not exceed 4 percentage points above the rate at which the loan was originated. These loans do come with a 3 percent origination fee.

Texas B-On-Time Loans

The Texas B-On-Time Loan provides Texas students attending Texas colleges or universities with no-interest education loans. Additionally, the Texas B-On-Time Loans are forgiven entirely if a student meets specific goals.

A Texas B-On-Time Loan can be forgiven if a student receives an undergraduate degree or certificate from an eligible institution and graduates with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 within:

  • Four calendar years after the student's initial enrollment date OR
  • Five calendar years after the student's initial enrollment date for certain degrees that have been deemed to require more than four years to complete OR
  • Two calendar years after the student's initial enrollment date at a public or private two-year institution.

To be eligible to receive a Texas B-On-Time Loan, students must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree or certificate programs at an eligible institution; and be eligible to pay in-state tuition.

Students also must have graduated in the 2002-03 academic year or later from a high school that is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense or under the recommended high school program from a public or accredited private high school in Texas. Those who do not meet this qualification could still be eligible for the loan if they earned an associate's degree from an eligible institution by May 1, 2005 or later.