Javelina Opportunity Award

Q: How does this program work?
A: The Javelina Opportunity Award will cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students by first applying federal and state aid, such as Pell Grant and TEXAS Grant, scholarships, and other gift aid.  Any remaining tuition and mandatory fees not covered by the aforementioned programs, will be covered by this award.

Q: Who is eligible to receive this program?
A: Students who meet all of the following requirements:

• Are admitted as an undergraduate first-time in college or as a new undergraduate transfer student
• Are Texas residents 
• Are admitted to a degree-seeking program and working on their first bachelor’s degree
• Have a valid FAFSA or TASFA (if not eligible to complete a FASFA) on file 
• Have a total household income of less than $65,000
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
• Enroll for 15 semester credit hours or more during the spring and fall semesters at Texas A&M University-Kingsville  
• Are registered for selective service or be exempt from this requirement 
• Are not in default on an educational loan 

 
Q: How do I apply for this program?
A: Students must complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid) to be considered for this program.

Q: I am a first time college or transfer student for the upcoming Fall 2021 term. When should I expect to see the Javelina Opportunity Award (JOA) in my financial aid award package?
A: If meeting all criteria for the JOA, students can expect to see the award in their financial aid award package after bills have posted for the fall 2021 semester. This will usually occur in early August 2021. Any remaining tuition and mandatory fees not covered by federal and state aid, such as Pell Grant, TEXAS Grant, scholarships, and other gift aid, will be covered by this award.

 
Q: Can I redeem this offer for summer or intersessions?  
A: No, only 16-week academic semesters are eligible (fall and spring).
 
Q: Is this a loan?
A: No, this offer will consist of grants and scholarships. 
 
Q: What if I start out taking 15 semester credit hours and then drop a class?
A: Students must maintain a minimum enrollment of 15 semester credit hours past the 12th class day (census date) of each semester. Students who drop below 15 semester credit hours on or before census date, will be deemed ineligible and lose their award. Students who drop after census date will not lose their award for that semester.
 
Q: What if I only enroll for one semester?
A: You must be classified as a degree-seeking student. Transient students are not eligible for this program. 
 
Q: Am I eligible if I have been accepted to Texas A&M University-Kingsville in the past but didn’t register for classes?
A: You are eligible if you are classified as a first-time in college freshman or a new undergraduate transfer student working on your first bachelor’s degree.
 
Q: I will be attending for the first time in Spring 2021 but already applied, do I qualify?
A: Yes, you qualify if you meet the eligibility requirements.
 
Q: Will I have to pay my bill in full and then get a refund for my tuition and fees?
A: No, eligible students who have a complete and valid FAFSA/TASFA will have all tuition and mandatory fees covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid. Students with outstanding financial aid requirements will not be evaluated for eligibility until those requirements are satisfied.
 
Q: Can I use the money for housing, a meal plan, or books?
A: No, this program will only cover tuition and mandatory fees.
 
Q: Does this apply to graduate studies?
A: No, this program is for undergraduate first-time in college and undergraduate new transfer students working on their first bachelor’s degree.
 
Q: What happens if I withdraw from school before the end of the semester?
A: Students who withdraw after census date will not have any state or institutional financial aid adjustments; however, they will be subject to Return of Title IV calculations for any Federal Title IV Aid they are receiving.  Please see Terms and Conditions for returning financial aid funds.

Q: Will I still receive financial aid if I am a new, first-time in college student or a new transfer who otherwise doesn’t qualify for the JOA?
A: Yes, U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who meet Title IV Aid Eligibility Requirements are eligible for financial aid and encouraged to complete a FAFSA. All aid will be disbursed as long as students meet the respective program’s requirements.

Senate Bill 1528 students may submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) in order to be considered for state and institutional aid, including the Javelina Opportunity Award.

Q: Are there award conditions for student athletes?
A: No, student athletes only need to meet the Javelina Opportunity Award program eligibility criteria.
 
Q. I’m already a TAMUK student. Why doesn’t the Javelina Opportunity Award apply to me?
A: Any current student who meets the JOA eligibility requirements has access to the same funding resources as used to fund the JOA program. Funding resources available to current and returning students are not impacted by the JOA program.

Q: Are Program for System Admission (PSA) students eligible for the Javelina Opportunity Award?
A: Yes, PSA students who meet the Javelina Opportunity Award criteria are eligible.

Q: Does work-study count against the Javelina Opportunity Award?
A: No, work-study does not count against the Javelina Opportunity Award.