Texas A&M University
PA-7: Affordability and Access

We have a number of programs that seek to assist students from low SES, including, but not limited to: Kids to College, Aggie Summer Institute, Regent's Scholarship, College Bound Sunday, ISD and High School Scholarship, Community Connections Scholarship, and Aggie Assurance. These programs are designed to teach low SES students what college path is best for them, which types of financial aid are available to them, how to write applications for financial aid, and to provide financial incentives for low SES students.

There are a wide variety of programs which support several different under-represented groups. These programs are documented in our Diversity Initiatives Database, found at: http://diversity.tamu.edu/Campus-Resources/Campus-Diversity-Collections

There are several programs which seek to prepare students from low SES backgrounds for higher education, such as: Kids to College, MEDALS, and ExCEL. In these programs, we strive to assist students in finding the right college programs for their needs, as well as how to accomplish their goals with a college education. In addition, these programs help students in acquiring financial aid for their goals, teach the value of a college education, and motivate and support students as they transition into college.

We have several scholarships that target low-income students such as the Regent's Scholarship, Community Connections Scholarship, Century Scholars. These scholarships are designed to supplement and financially assist students during their four years in college. Each scholarship provides funding between $1000 and $5000 per year for students from low SES backgrounds.

Several colleges within the university offer outreach to recruit students from low SES backgrounds. The College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Science, and the College of Veterinary Medicine offer the ExpLORE, E12, and GK 12 programs respectively. These programs target low SES as well as underrepresented students in order to promote interest and enrollment for these groups.

The Continuing Student Academic Excellence Award application is available to students with at least one semester completed at Texas A&M. Awards range in value from $500 to $1,500 and are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students currently enrolled at Texas A&M. Some awards are limited to certain fields of study and to individuals who have attained a necessary academic classification, while others are unrestricted. Awards are made to outstanding students based on a combination of academic achievement, campus/community involvement, campus leadership roles, and, for some scholarships, financial need. In addition to scholarships offered through the Scholarships & Financial Aid office, many colleges, departments, the Corps of Cadets, and the Texas A&M Foundation use the Continuing Student Academic Excellence application for award consideration. Students are encouraged to complete the Continuing Student Scholarship Application, beginning in October via the scholarships website. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, prior to the academic year for which the student will be awarded. A student who is awarded a competitive university scholarship of at least $1,000 for the academic year or summer for which the student is enrolled and who is either a nonresident or a citizen of a country other than the United States of America may be entitled to pay the fees and charges required of Texas residents without regard to the length of time the student has resided in Texas. This scholarship must be awarded by a scholarship committee officially recognized by the Texas A&M University administration, and each waiver must be approved. For applicable recipients, selective service registration is required.

The Educational Release Time Program enables eligible employees who are registered as students to attend classes, with appropriate approval, during their regularly scheduled workday. This program provides employees with more flexibility to further their growth and advancement, enhance their involvement in the life of the University, and to further their education to become a more productive and knowledgeable workforce. Texas A&M University Staff and Faculty who are located in College Station and who are budgeted for at least 50% effort (including those with joint appointments) are exempt from paying: student center complex fee recreational sports fee health center fee All military personnel assigned to full-time Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) duty in the military science department at Texas A&M University, who enroll as students will be granted the same exemption as is granted to the full-time employees (System regulation 26.01.2.1). This exemption does not include civilian personnel in the ROTC. Staff and Faculty who choose to claim this exemption forego the privilege of using the services provided by these fees, and may not choose to pay for specific services at student rates.

http://studentlife.tamu.edu/agoss.adultnontradresources Campus Based Family Housing The Gardens apartments are designed with married students, students with dependent children, and students who are U.S. Military veterans in mind. Family Friendly Events in B/CS Searching for something fun to do with the whole family? Check out these family friendly upcoming events. Searching for Childcare Texas A&M University and the Bryan/College Station community have several options open to parents in need of childcare services. This page connects student parents with childcare options including parent’s night out, the Becky Gates Children’s Center, and community childcare listings

Adult and Non-Traditional Student Services Texas A&M is home to over 7,000 non-traditional students; our non-trads broaden the diversity of opinions and experiences both inside and outside the classroom. We define a non-traditional student as anyone: •over the age of 25 •married or partnered •having dependents •who served in a branch of the Armed Forces •who is financially independent •who works full-time •who is enrolled part-time The Office of Adult, Graduate and Off Campus Student Services provides support, resources, and programming for our non-traditional students. We also welcome our non-trads to campus by hosting a non-traditional student session at each Transfer New Student Conference. Please view our programs, publications and resources pages to find more information relevant to non-traditional students; if you have any additional questions, feel free to contact our office at 979-845-1741 Pinnacle National Honor Society is a national honor society that recognizes non-traditional students for their academic and co-curricular accomplishments. Texas A&M University has been a chartered institutional member since 1995. Adult, Graduate and Off Campus Student Services accepts applications and nominations for the spring class of Pinnacle each January. Non-Traditional Student Listserv The Non Traditional Student Listerv is a great way to connect with other non traditional students. AGOSS sends out bi-monthly e-newsletters with information for non traditional students and occasional e-mails about events for non traditional students. Subscribe to the listserv. Aggies With Kids Are you a parent and a student? Do you feel disconnected from other students because of your life experiences? The Aggies with Kids listserv provides an outlet to help student parents connect with others. You can post questions, share advice and visit with other parent students. Join today and get connected! Subscribe to the listserv. Non-Traditional Student Facebook Group We invite all non-traditional students to join the Texas A&M Non-Traditional Student Facebook group. This group is updated regularly by AGOSS to ensure that students know about upcoming events, programs and information relevant to non-traditional students. The group also allows non-traditional students to connect with one another and find other students with similar experiences. Join the group! Campus Based Family Housing The Gardens apartments are designed with married students, students with dependent children, and students who are U.S. Military veterans in mind. Family Friendly Events in B/CS Searching for something fun to do with the whole family? Check out these family friendly upcoming events. Searching for Childcare Texas A&M University and the Bryan/College Station community have several options open to parents in need of childcare services. This page connects student parents with childcare options including parent’s night out, the Becky Gates Children’s Center, and community childcare listings. Restaurant Discounts Looking for a cheap place to eat around town? This document lists some of the restaurants that offer military and student discounts.