University Funding Options

This list gives you a helpful overview of available funding options, but there may be even more opportunities out there. We encourage you to explore other resources and do some research to find the best funding options for your unique situation.

Scholarships

• Complete your profile in Scholarship Universe to explore Texas Tech and external scholarship opportunities that match your qualifications.
• Search for private scholarships through local businesses, community organizations, foundations, employers, and professional associations.
• Review Texas Tech Scholarships for merit-based, and competitive scholarship opportunities through Presidential Merit and Transfer Merit. Submit subsequent transcripts and test scores through April 1 to be considered for an eligible upgrade. Important: Your Test Optional selection is final once an admission decision has been issued. If you apply as Test Optional, you cannot later switch to having test scores considered, even if submitting scores could qualify you for a higher merit scholarship.
• Explore additional scholarship databases, such as Fastweb and BigFuture. Never pay a fee to apply for a legitimate scholarship, and be cautious of scholarship scams.

Federal & State Aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)each academic year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and may also be used to assess eligibility for state and institutional aid.
• Submit your FAFSA by the applicable priority deadlines. Texas Tech encourages students to submit it by January 15 to maximize consideration for need-based grant funding. Some programs have additional deadlines and eligibility requirements.
• Depending on your eligibility, you may be considered for federal grants, such as the Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), as well as state and institutional funding, such as the TEXAS Grant, Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), and Red Raider Guarantee. These programs have different eligibility criteria, enrollment requirements, and funding limitations. Some require additional documentation or specific deadlines.
• Review available federal student loan options, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, if offered. Loans must be accepted and may require additional steps before funds can be disbursed.
• Parents of eligible dependent undergraduate students may explore the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan. Eligibility, borrowing limits, and application requirements depend on federal regulations.

Private Education Loans

• Research private education loan options and compare lenders carefully.
• Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, borrower benefits, and whether the interest rate is fixed or variable.
• Consider whether a creditworthy cosigner may help you qualify or receive a lower interest rate. Understand that cosigners are legally responsible for repayment.
• Explore Texas-sponsored education loan programs through Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Student Loans, including the College Access Loan (CAL) and FORWARD currently available.
• Before borrowing, compare private loans with any federal loan options for which you qualify. Private loans may have different borrower protections and repayment options.

Student Business Services Payment Plans

• Review payment options through Student Business Services.
• Explore available tuition installment plans and review enrollment requirements, fees, payment amounts, and due dates.
• Keep track of your student account balance and payment deadlines. Do not assume pending financial aid or a loan application will automatically prevent late fees or other billing consequences.

Work Options

• Search for on-campus and off-campus jobs employment through the Texas Tech Career Center and Texas Tech Student Employment.
• If eligible, apply for work-study jobs, starting on August 1.
• Consider part-time employment, tutoring, internships, or other flexible work opportunities that fit your academic schedule.

Savings & Alternative Resources

• If you or your family have a 529 college savings plan, contact the plan administrator and Student Business Services for instructions on submitting funds and allowing time for processing.
• If applicable, explore education benefits for students who have experienced foster care and adoption through My Texas Future and review the eligibility requirements for available tuition and fee exemptions.
• Review potential tuition waivers and exemptions to determine whether you qualify.
• Consider personal savings or family contributions as part of your overall college budget.
• Visit Red to Black for free financial education, budgeting assistance, and guidance on managing money while in college.
• Explore eligible military and veteran education benefits through the Military & Veterans Programs office.