Enroll for Spring 2022 and receive $1,700 on us.
The average cost of tuition & fees (in-district) for 12 credit hours at STC is $1,662. But with this $1,700 award, the semester can be on us.
Tell us if you want the $1,700 sent to you or if you want it to go directly to pay for your tuition & fees.
Simply register for classes and then complete this 3-minute application:
If you applied before, you don't need to apply again. We will use your previous application as long as you register for next semester.
The application is currently closed. Contact us with any questions: 956-872-8375.
Steps for New Students:
- Enroll & Register for Spring 2022 classes (no minimum hours required).
- Submit your Free Semester application.
Steps for Current Students
- Register for Spring 2022 classes (no minimum hours required).
- If you already received Free Semester funds, you do not need to apply again.
Details & Eligibility:
- Total Spring 2022 Semester Aid Package: $1,700.
- Awarded first-come, first-serve until funds are depleted.
- Students only need to submit the application once.
- Students who qualify will receive an initial $850 by the 1st class day and then a second amount of $850 after the 12th day of class.
- Students can apply this to tuition and fees or receive a check directly.
- Current dual credit students (high school) are not eligible.
- Students are responsible for all tuition/fees not covered by this award.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can dual credit students receive the $1700?
Unfortunately, dual credit students are not eligible to receive the funds at this time, however most dual credit students are not charged tuition and fees.
- Is the $1700 a loan?
No, this is not a loan and does not require repayment.
- Is there a deadline or cutoff date to get the $1700?
No, but funds are available on a first-come first-served basis until they run out.
- Do I need to take 12 hours in order to receive the $1700?
No, you will receive $1700 regardless of the number of hours you take.
- What if I drop some classes and do not take 12 hours? Do I get less?
No, you will receive $1700 regardless of the number of hours you take.
- How can I apply for the $1700?
Register for classes and then apply: https://stc.media/heerfII.
- I already submitted an application for a Free Semester. Do I need to re-apply?
No, we will use your previous application as long as you register for the next semester.
- Do I need to submit a FAFSA to get the $1700?
No, but we recommend you submit a FAFSA to see if you qualify for additional aid. You can earn the $1700 on top of any other aid you receive.
- I receive the full amount for federal financial aid, do I need to apply for the $1700?
No, if you receive the full Federal Pell award, the additional $1700 will be automatically given to you.
- When will I receive the $1700?
The money will be distributed in 2 payments. $850 will be distributed right before the first day of class and the additional $850 will be distributed after the 12 day of class.
- Do I need to repay the $1700?
No.
- Can I have the $1700 sent directly to me?
Yes, just let us know if you would like this option on your application.
- Can I have the $1700 pay off my tuition and fees?
Yes, just let us know if you would like this option on your application and we will automatically apply the $1700 to your bill.
- Is the $1700 the same as PowerUp, HEERF, or CARES Act?
The $1700 is from the CRRSAA Higher Education Relief Fund (HEERF II) from the U.S. Department of Education. The link to more information on HEERF II is available here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/crrsaa.html The $1,700 are also coming from the ARP American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) form the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information can be found here ARP: American Rescue Plan (HEERF III) (ed.gov).
- Can DACA recipients, DREAMers, and undocumented students receive the $1700?
Yes.
- Are international students eligible for the $1700?
Yes.
- What if I need to pay out-of-district or non-resident tuition rates? Will the $1700 cover the cost?
The Free Semester is based on 12 hours of in-district tuition. The $1700 will be able to help pay a substantial portion of the out-of-district and non-resident tuition cost for 12 hours but not all.
- Are online students eligible for the $1700?
Yes.
- Are there any strings attached or anything I need to do?
No, just simply register for the next semester and apply for the funds.
- What happens if I withdraw from my classes?
If you withdraw prior to the 1st class day, you will not receive any funds. If you withdraw before the 12th class day, you will only receive half ($850). If you withdraw after the 12th class day, you will keep the $1700; however, withdrawal from classes may impact your academic progress and future eligibility for financial aid.
- If I receive some or all of the funds and withdraw from my classes, do I get to keep the funds?
Yes. If you withdraw after receiving either $850 or the full $1700, you do not need to pay the amount you received back.
- If I receive the money, does this affect my financial aid?
No.
- If I have questions, can I call or chat with someone?
Sure! You can call 1-855-GoToSTC or chat with a staff or even schedule an appointment at this link: https://studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/schedule-appointment.html
