Got the TEXAS Grant but they lowered the amount?? Is this normal??

[BartWillis]

I’m hoping someone here has been through this before because Financial Aid isn't answering their phones today.

I was super stoked last semester when I qualified for the TEXAS Grant (Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success). It literally made it possible for me to stay in school. I got my award letter for the Fall and it was a specific amount, enough to cover tuition with a little left over for books. I budgeted my whole semester around that number.

But I just checked my financial aid portal for the Spring semester, and the amount dropped by about $400. There’s no email explaining it, no notes, just... less money.

I haven't dropped below the credit hour requirement (still at 15), and my GPA is actually up a little from last year (sitting at a 3.2). Is this a glitch? Do they prorate it for returning students? Or is this some weird state budget thing happening in the background? I’m kind of freaking out because I already used my "book money" for the semester to pay a car repair bill, hoping the Spring amount would be the same. Has the state of Texas played anyone else like this?

 

[AnnaMarya]

I've had my TEXAS Grant fluctuate every single semester. One time it dropped $500 and I panicked. Went to financial aid and they explained that the grant is designed to cover tuition + fees, but if your tuition changes or you get other aid, they adjust it so you don't go over need .

The annoying part is they don't always explain it. Your award letter might have said something like "amount subject to change based on funding and eligibility" in tiny font. Check your portal for a note about "aid adjustments" or "recalculation."

Also, UTA's website says they reserve the right to reduce grants if you receive other aid . So if you got a scholarship you didn't have in fall, that could be it.