STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Programs of Student Financial Aid

Financial aid at Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is categorized into two primary types: gift aid and self-help aid.

• Gift Aid: This includes grants and scholarships, which normally do not require repayment.

• Self-Help Aid: This encompasses programs that require either earning funds, such as workstudy opportunities, or repayment, such as student loans.

The sections below provide detailed information about the various types of financial aid available at DBU. For further details on federal financial aid programs, please visit Federal Student Aid Information regarding state financial aid programs is available at Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Grants

Grants are a form of gift aid, awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Students may receive grant funding as part of their financial aid package, subject to eligibility requirements and the availability of funds.

For detailed information regarding the grants outlined below, please visit the Grants page on the DBU website.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal aid program of entitlement basic to all other student financial aid. This grant is only awarded to students pursuing their first bachelor's degree. Pell Grants will be awarded based on a student's calculated Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by their FAFSA application, with the maximum Pell Grant amount awarded at $7,395, the exact amount a student receives will depend on their family income, family size, and enrollment intensity.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer, 2025) students and families saw a different measure of how their financial aid eligibility was calculated. The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in determining federal student aid eligibility. The SAI is calculated using one of three need analysis formulas:

• Maximum Pell Award

• Minimum Pell Award

• Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculated Award

Maximum and Minimum Pell Grant Eligibility
Eligibility for Maximum and Minimum Pell Grants is determined based on several factors, including:

• Federal tax filing requirements

• Family size and composition (e.g., single parent or non-single parent)

• Federal poverty guidelines

• State of residence

If a student qualifies for a Maximum Pell Grant, the SAI is not used to determine the grant amount.

SAI-Calculated Pell Grant

For students not qualifying for a Maximum Pell Grant, an SAI-calculated Pell Grant is determined by subtracting the student’s SAI from the annual published maximum Pell Grant amount and rounding to the nearest $5.

If the resulting SAI-calculated Pell Grant is less than the published minimum Pell Grant amount, the student is not eligible for an SAI-calculated Pell Grant. However, they may still qualify for a Minimum Pell Grant if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Key points about Pell Grant awarding in 2025-26:

• Maximum amount:

The maximum Pell Grant award for 2025-26 is expected to be $7,395.

• Determining eligibility:

A student's eligibility and award amount will be calculated based on their FAFSA application, which considers factors like family income, assets, and family size.

• Student Aid Index (SAI):

The SAI is a number generated by the FAFSA that determines how much financial need a student has, directly impacting their Pell Grant award.

• Enrollment status:

The amount a student receives can also be affected by enrollment intensity.

For additional information please refer to the 2025-26 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide. Application for the grant is automatic when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is designed to provide additional financial assistance to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility for the FSEOG is determined using the information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an FSEOG, you must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student and have not earned a bachelor’s degree.

• Be eligible to receive federal student aid.

• Submit a completed FAFSA.

• Demonstrate exceptional financial need, as determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI).

Awarding Priority
Priority is given to students who:

• Are recipients of a Federal Pell Grant.

• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of a negative “-1500 to 0."

After awarding students with the highest financial need, any remaining funds will be distributed to students with completed financial aid files on a first-come, first-served basis.

Award Amounts

The maximum and minimum FSEOG award amounts are determined annually by the Office of Financial Aid, in compliance with federal regulations.

Tuition Equalization Grant

The Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) is a state-funded program available to Texas residents enrolled in private universities within the state. Designed to help bridge the cost gap between public and private institutions, the TEG is available to eligible undergraduate and graduate students, subject to specific restrictions. This grant provides financial assistance to make private university education in Texas more affordable.

To be awarded the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), a student must:

• meet all requirements to receive federal aid as described previously.

• be a Texas resident;

• be registered with Selective Service or be exempt (see Selective Service Statement);

• demonstrate Financial Need as determined by the FAFSA;

• be enrolled at least 3/4 time;

• be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a degree plan leading to a first associate, baccalaureate, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree (excluding degree plans that are intended to lead to religious ministry*);

• maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP);

• not have earned a degree for which they are currently enrolled;

• not be a recipient of an athletic scholarship (i.e., the student is obliged to play an intercollegiate sport as a result of receiving the scholarship) during the semester(s) a TEG is awarded; and

• be required to pay more tuition than is required at a comparable public college or university and be charged no less than the tuition required of all similarly situated enrolled at the institution.

As an undergraduate student, you must complete 24 hours in a year (Fall, Spring, Summer). As a graduate student, you must complete 18 hours in a year (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Additionally, a student must meet all the Satisfactory Academic Policy guidelines set forth in our Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Students may be asked to complete the Texas Residency Determination Form to determine eligibility. Students will not be considered until the Texas Residency Determination Form is submitted and residency can be determined. Funds are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. Funds are disbursed during the fall and spring semesters. TEG hardship requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Aid for Non-Citizen Texas Residents

The State of Texas provides a financial aid application for students who are not United States citizens, but who are Texas residents. Students not eligible to apply for federal financial aid may still receive aid from the State of Texas by completing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)  at the “Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website”.  Additional information can be found at https://www.dbu.edu/financial-aid/aid-types/non-citizens.html.

Student Employment

In addition to earning extra cash that can assist in funding ones education, an on-campus job has the potential of impacting your grades in a positive way. Studies show that students who become actively involved on campus tend to be better at managing their time and responsibilities. Dallas Baptist University’s Financial Aid Office supports these findings and encourages students to pursue part-time employment opportunities. Learn more at https://www.dbu.edu/financial-aid/aidtypes/work-study.html

Federal Work Study Program

The Federal Work Study (FCWS) program is a need-based form of aid, funded by the federal government and the University. FCWS provides a variety of on-campus employment opportunities for students, ranging from assisting with research, general office work, to community action projects. Students work an average of 16-20 hours per week during the semester but may work up to 25 hours a week while working on campus. All funds earned through the Federal Work Study Program are received by the student through a regular bi-weekly paycheck. Students are not awarded an additional award on their student account. The presence of a financial aid award is to show a student’s eligibility only. DBU provides employment services to students through the Career Services Office located on the first floor of the Dean Learning Center.

State Work Study Program

The Texas Work Study Program (TWS) is funded by the State of Texas. It allows Texas State residents to work with employers during the academic year. These opportunities provide an excellent way for students to gain valuable experience in their fields of study, network, and earn money to help pay for college. All funds earned through the Texas Work Study Program are received by the student through a regular bi-weekly paycheck. Students are not awarded an additional award on their student account. The presence of a financial aid award is to show a student’s eligibility. Eligibility for TWS is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available for students attending DBU. Additional scholarship information and instructions on applying may be found on the Scholarships page of the DBU website. Scholarships have specific eligibility requirements. For example:

• some are merit-based,

• some are based on financial need,

• some are based on academic performance,

• while others are based on special talents (athletics, music, etc.), and

• some are offered from various university departments and/or endowments.

New students should contact the Office of Admissions for complete and current information on scholarships for new students. Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the scholarship amounts awarded during the academic year in which you started at DBU. Students who began attendance in previous academic years, please view your entering year's academic catalog for renewal amounts.

Christian Service Scholarship

The Christian Service Scholarship is valued at $4,000 per academic year for qualifying students and may be used for tuition only. Students who receive the Christian Service Scholarship demonstrate Christian character and are involved in their church, school, and community.

Eligibility for the Christian Service Scholarship is determined by the information provided on the student's application for admission. See the undergraduate scholarships page for more information.

Continuing students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for current information on continuing student scholarships or see the DBU website for more information on scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students at DBU.

Maintaining Your Scholarship

Most scholarships at DBU require not only specific eligibility requirements but have established renewal criteria to maintain them. For additional information on maintaining your scholarships, please visit the DBU Scholarships page.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are equally eligible for DBU scholarships for which they qualify. Students with disabilities should also contact their local Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) or the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) office to determine if they are eligible for services and/or financial assistance. The primary goal of these agencies is to help people become employed. Services that may be provided include: help with tuition expenses, books and supplies, tutoring expenses, technology aids, and other area related to one’s education and disabilities.

Note:  Other scholarships may also become available from time to time. Please check with your college department or the Financial Aid Office for any specific scholarships that may be available.

Learn more about available services with DBU Accommodation Services.

Student Loans

The University participates in several loan programs that offer help to students who need additional f inancial assistance. The purpose of all loan programs is to assist students unable to obtain sufficient support from other sources. Student loans must be repaid. Therefore, students are highly advised to borrow only what they need to cover direct educational expenses. For additional Student Loan information please visit the Loans page on the DBU website.

To qualify for assistance under federal direct loan programs, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year.

Students who receive federal loans are required to complete online entrance counseling and electronically sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to secure their loan(s). Students must also complete federally required exit counseling upon their graduation or withdrawal from the University. Exit counseling is required by federal regulation and should be completed if enrolled:

• less than half-time,

• or within 30 days of graduation or,

• upon withdrawal from the University.

Students awarded loans must go online to https://studentaid.gov/exit-counseling/ to complete the process.

Year in college loan eligibility 

Loan Disbursements 

Loan funds are normally disbursed to student accounts twice per loan period. If the student's loan period consists of the fall and spring semesters, one disbursement will be made in the fall and one in the spring. Each equal disbursement is applied to the student's account after the add/drop period ends for that semester. 

Note: Undergraduate students who are completing their degrees and will be attending only a portion of the academic year (e.g., they are graduating) will have their loan amount prorated based on federal regulations and based on the number of hours enrolled during the semester. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information and for planning purposes. 

Federal Loan Programs for Students and Their Parents 

DBU participates in federal loan programs to help students pay for college, filling financial gaps and providing essential funds to cover educational expenses. It's important to fully understand the application process, disbursement, and repayment requirements associated with student loans, to ensure that you make responsible, effective decisions about funding your education. To learn more about federal loan programs, click the links below: 

Undergraduate and Graduate Loans 

Parent Plus and Grad Plus Loans 

Loan Repayment Plans 

Deferment and Forbearance 

Default and Delinquency 

Types of Loan Forgiveness 

For additional information about loans, please see the Loans page on the DBU website. 

Alternative Educational Loans 

DBU highly advises students to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal loans before securing higher-interest private loans. 

Federal student loans are almost always a better first choice than private student loans, but they have borrowing limits and qualification requirements. When federal loans aren't enough, private/alternative student loans can cover tuition, room and board, fees and other costs of higher education once you've reached your federal limit. Private student loans can be useful for: 

• Borrowers who don’t qualify for federal aid, including international students 

• Borrowers who have reached their federal student loan limits 

• Borrowers who may find flexibility of variable interest rates 

• Borrowers with great credit scores 

DBU does not maintain a preferred lender list or have agreements with any outside lenders, but utilizes ElmSelect, to provide an unbiased search for alternative student loans. For more information, visit www.elmselect.com.  For additional information about loans, please see the Loans page on the DBU website.