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: Includes grants and scholarships that generally do not have to be repaid.
Self-Help Aid: Includes financial assistance that requires students to either earn funds through employment, such as Federal Work-Study, or repay borrowed funds, such as student loans.

The sections that follow describe the financial aid programs available at DBU. For additional information about 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 awarded to eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree and who meet federal eligibility requirements. Eligibility and award amounts are determined annually under federal law using information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other applicable eligibility criteria.

Beginning with the 2024–2025 award year, the Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as the measure of a student's ability to contribute toward educational expenses for federal student aid purposes.

Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined using one of the following statutory calculation methods:

Maximum Pell Award - Maximum Pell eligibility is based on statutory criteria including adjusted gross income (or equivalent), family size, marital status, and poverty thresholds. Many of these students are assigned an SAI of –1,500, the lowest possible SAI.
Minimum Pell Award - Students whose family income falls within the statutory minimum Pell income thresholds may qualify for a partial Pell Grant, even if they would not otherwise qualify based solely on their calculated SAI.
Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculated Award - Students who do not qualify under the Maximum or Minimum Pell Grant eligibility pathways are awarded a Pell Grant based on their calculated SAI, generally by subtracting the SAI from the maximum Pell Grant award, subject to applicable federal eligibility requirements.

Maximum and Minimum Pell Grant Eligibility
Eligibility for a Federal Maximum or Minimum Pell Grant is determined under federal statutory criteria and may include consideration of the following:

Information reported on the FAFSA, including federal income and tax information, when applicable
The student's Student Aid Index (SAI), when applicable
Family size and marital status
Federal poverty guidelines and statutory income thresholds
Enrollment intensity
Cost of Attendance
Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)

Students who qualify for a Maximum Pell Grant receive the maximum Pell Grant award based on federal eligibility criteria. In these cases, the student's SAI is not used to determine the grant amount.

SAI-Calculated Pell Grant

For students who do not qualify for either a Maximum Pell Grant or a Minimum Pell Grant, the Federal Pell Grant is generally calculated using the SAI-Calculated formula - subtracting the student's Student Aid Index (SAI) from the annual maximum Pell Grant award established by federal law. The resulting award is rounded to the nearest $5 and remains subject to applicable federal eligibility requirements, including enrollment intensity, Cost of Attendance, and Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

If the calculated Pell Grant amount is less than the federally established minimum Pell Grant award, the student is not eligible for an SAI-calculated Pell Grant. However, the student may still qualify for a Minimum Pell Grant if the applicable federal eligibility criteria are met.

Key points about Pell Grant awarding in 2026-27:

Determining eligibility: Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined under federal law using information reported on the FAFSA, the Student Aid Index (SAI), applicable Maximum or Minimum Pell Grant eligibility criteria, Cost of Attendance (COA), enrollment intensity, and other federal eligibility requirements.

Award amounts: The maximum Pell Grant award is capped at $7,395 or with the officially published amount, and the minimum award is set at $740. The maximum and minimum Federal Pell Grant award amounts are established annually by federal law and published by the U.S. Department of Education.

SAI Threshold Limit: Students whose Student Aid Index (SAI) is equal to or greater than twice the maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the applicable award year (currently $14,790) are not eligible for an SAI-calculated Pell Grant. This limitation does not apply to students who qualify under the Special Rule for certain dependents of deceased service members or public safety officers.
Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant award for the award year will be ineligible. The threshold is $14,790. Note, this limit does not apply to students who qualify for a Pell Grant under the Special Rule (dependents of certain deceased servicemembers and Public Safety Officers).
Cost of Attendance Rule: Students whose total institutional, state, or private non-federal scholarships already equal or exceed their full Cost of Attendance (COA) will not be eligible for a Pell Grant on top of that aid.

Enrollment Intensity: The amount a student receives can also be affected by enrollment intensity. Pell Grant enrollment intensity is the percentage of full-time enrollment (usually 12 credits) a student is taking, which determines the portion of their maximum Pell Grant award they receive; full-time students (12+ credits) get 100%, while part-time students get a prorated amount (e.g., 9 credits is 75%, 6 credits is 50%, 3 credits is 25%), calculated by dividing their enrolled hours by 12 and rounding to the nearest whole percent, directly impacting their grant's dollar amount.

Students are automatically considered for a Federal Pell Grant when they submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). and meet all applicable federal eligibility requirements. For additional information please refer to the  2026-27 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide.

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. Specific award amounts and rules are determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and university policy.

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;
demonstrate financial need;
be registered with Selective Service (if male) or be exempt (see Selective Service Statement);
demonstrate Financial Need as determined by the FAFSA;
be enrolled at least 3/4 time at an eligible private institution;
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) for TEG;
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”. 

Student Employment

In addition to earning extra cash that can assist in funding one's 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  DBU Financial Aid webpages. 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 a student begins attendance at DBU. Students who began attendance in previous academic years, please view your entering year's academic catalog for renewal amounts.

Academic Scholarships	Amount per year
Patriot Award	$8,000 per year
Patriot Honor Award	$9,000 per year
Dean's Award	$10,000 per year
Dean's Honor Award	$12,000 per year
Presidential Scholar Award	$14,000 per year

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 Christian Service Scholarship page for more information.

Continuing students (undergraduate and graduate) should contact the Office of Financial Aid for current information on continuing student scholarships or see the DBU Financial Aid 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 Financial Aid home webpage.

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 additional options to students who need additional financial 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 DBU Financial Aid website, and click on the appropriate student type.

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

Year in college loan eligibility

Year in College	Credit Hours	Max Loan Amount (Sub/Unsub)
Year One (Freshman)	0 to 29 credit hours	$5,500 ($3,500 max subsidized)
Year Two (Sophomore)	30 to 59 credit hours	$6,500 ($4,500 max subsidized)
Year Three (Junior)	60 to 89 credit hours	$7,500 ($5,500 max subsidized)
Year Four (Senior)	Over 90 credit hours	$7,500 ($5,500 max subsidized)
Graduate/Professional		$20,500 (Unsubsidized) Loan amounts are determined by the University.

Note: Federal student loan programs are governed by federal law and are subject to change. The provisions below summarize significant federal changes effective July 1, 2026. Students should consult the DBU Office of Financial Aid or StudentAid.gov for the most current program requirements.

Less-than-Full-Time Loan Adjustments: Borrowers who first receive a Federal Direct Loan on or after July 1, 2026, and who are enrolled less than full-time will have their annual Direct Loan eligibility adjusted based on enrollment intensity in accordance with federal law. Students must remain enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to receive Federal Direct Loans.
Graduate PLUS Loans: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program is no longer available to borrowers who first receive a Federal Direct Loan on or after July 1, 2026, except as permitted under applicable (Legacy Provision) rules established by federal law. Students who qualify under the Legacy Provision may continue to borrow under prior federal rules.
Graduate Borrowing Limits: Effective July 1, 2026, federal law establishes revised annual and aggregate borrowing limits for graduate and professional students who are subject to the new federal loan provisions. Students should consult the Office of Financial Aid or visit the DBU Direct Loans webpage for current federal borrowing limits.
Parent PLUS Loans: Parent PLUS Loans are subject to a $20,000 annual borrowing limit per dependent student and a $65,000 aggregate borrowing limit per student across all parent borrowers.
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): Federal repayment plan availability is determined by federal law and is subject to change. Borrowers receiving Federal Direct Loans on or after July 1, 2026, may become subject to repayment options established under the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) and other federally authorized repayment programs.

Loan Disbursements

Loan funds are normally disbursed to student accounts twice per award year. 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.

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 to find FSA Loan information:

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 pages for undergraduate and graduate students 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 good 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 pages for undergraduate and graduate students on the DBU website.