J. C. Kellam, Suite 240
601 University Dr.
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: 512.245.2315
Fax: 512.245.7920
FA Answer Bank: http://txstate.custhelp.com

Title IV School Code: 003615

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Texas State > Enrollment Management and Marketing > Financial Aid and Scholarships > About Us > Contact Us > News

News

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Date: 2009-10-30

Recently, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) temporarily modified the Hope credit for tax years 2009 and 2010. These modifications expanded the program and also renamed it to “the American Opportunity Tax Credit.” The new credit can be claimed for qualified tuition, fees, and related expenses paid for the first four years of post-secondary education (the Hope credit only applied to the first two years of college.) The definition of related expenses has been expanded to include books, supplies, and equipment needed for a course of study, whether or not those supplies are purchased from the educational institution attended.

The changes increased the tax credit from a maximum of $1,800 to $2,500 and now up to 40% of the credit is refundable. This means that tax-filers may receive up to $1,000 back by using the credit. Before, the credit was simply a dollar for dollar reduction applied to any amount of taxes owed, so if someone didn’t owe any taxes, the credit really didn’t benefit them.

The recent changes also make more people eligible to claim the credit by increasing the Adjusting Gross Income (AGI) cut off on the program. Previously, a tax filer’s AGI had to be less than $58,000 ($116,000 for joint filers) to claim the credit. The ARRA changes make tax filers with an AGI up to $80,000 ($160,000 for joint filers) eligible to claim the credit. Filers with an AGI over $90,000 ($180,000 for joint filers) cannot claim the credit, but people who fall into the $80,001-$90,000 ($160,001-179,999 for joint filers) can receive a reduced credit.

More information on the American Opportunity Tax Credit can be found at: www.irs.gov/recovery

2009 Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) for 2009-2010

Date: 2009-04-24

The 2009 Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) application was available, but the deadline has passed. Learn more by clicking here.

Financial Aid Bobcat Day Presentation

Date: 2009-04-18

Pell Maximum to Increase for 2009-2010

Date: 2009-03-17

On March 10, 2009, the U.S. Senate passed the $410 billion omnibus spending bill. Of particular interest to Texas State students is $17.3 billion for Pell Grants. As a result, the maximum Pell for 2009-2010 will be $5,350 as compared to $4,731 in 2008-2009. The maximum Pell amount is for full-time students who have an expected family contribution of zero. In order to apply for a Pell Grant, students may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The omnibus spending bill will also provide funding to several other need-base programs, most notably the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the Perkins Loan. This infusion of dollars means that the funding level will remain current at the FY2008 level. This measure translates to no cuts in the programs.

Because Texas State has participated in the Federal Direct Loan Program since the inception of the program, Texas State Bobcats need not worry about their student loans. It is business as usual at Texas State. In order to determine eligibility for need based loans, students may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

2009 South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) for 2009-2010

Date: 2009-03-02

The South Texas Academic Rising Scholars (STARS) scholarship application was available, but the deadline has passed. Learn more by clicking here.

1098-T Form Available for 2008

Date: 2009-01-30

Your 1098-T form is now available at www.1098-T.com. Also, you can visit the Texas State University Student Business Services' 1098-T FAQ.

Attention Student Loan Borrowers!

Date: 2008-11-01

On May 7th, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008. As a result, some student borrowers may be eligible for an additional $2,000 unsubsidized loan. If you are interested in pursuing this potential, additional loan, contact our office at 512-245-2315.

TEACH Grant for 2008-2009

Date: 2008-10-15

The TEACH Grant program will be implemented during spring 2009 for only those students working on their first master's degree. FAS will contact eligible students in the spring. For more details, click here.

Positive Impacts Spurred by Parents Association

Date: 2007-06-30

Yes, it is true that over 5,000 Bobcats will be positively impacted during the 2007 New Student Orientation (NSO) sessions as a result of generous funding provided by the Texas State Parents Association. The award of $500 was presented to Financial Aid and Scholarships and is being used to provide refreshments to new Bobcats and their parents who visit Financial Aid and Scholarships during Summer 2007 NSO.

“It is so great that this University plans so well on these long days for visiting students and parents.” --Freshman Bobcat

Information about 1098-T Form (Tuition Payments Statement)

Date: 2007-01-30

Form 1098-T (Tuition Payments Statement) is the information issued for the purpose of determining a student's eligibility for the Hope and Lifetime Learning education tax credits. To determine whether you are eligible for a 1098-T form, please visit the following website: 1098-T.com.

TEXAS Grant Funding and Renewal Deadline (2007-2008)

Date: 2007-01-21

Possible Award Changes

Please be aware that TEXAS Grant and any matching TPEG/TEXAS Grant awards may be revised or revoked in the event of state funding reductions.

Renewal Deadline

Students interested in renewing their TEXAS Grant award are encouraged to do so by filing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than April 1 prior to the upcoming academic year. Students who have an incomplete file as of October 1 will NOT be eligible to renew their TEXAS Grant.

Texas State named among America's Best Value Colleges

Date: 2006-03-28

Texas State University-San Marcos has been named by the Princeton Review as one of America's Best Value Colleges for 2007. The list ranks the top 150 public and private institutions nation-wide, placing Texas State in elite company. Texas State joins just three other Texas universities on the list: Rice University in Houston, Texas A&M University in College Station and the University of Texas in Austin.