Designated Tuition Set Aside

UT Tyler Cashiers Office

The University of Texas at Tyler is required by law (Texas Education code, Sections 56.011 and 56.012) to set aside a percentage of designated tuition that students pay each semester towards financial assistance programs. 

To comply with Senate Bill 1304, passed by the 81st Texas Legislature, the university is also required to report to each student the amount of tuition paid by the student that must be set aside to provide financial assistance to qualified students. 

Each semester after the 20th class day, students are notified of the amount of their paid tuition that has been set aside for future need-based financial assistance programs for Texas residents.  These funds are awarded to students with need-based eligibility based on their completion of the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The set aside does not affect your financial aid awards, if any, nor does it guarantee that you will personally receive financial aid assistance.  Financial assistance eligibility is determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is everyone paying into the tuition set aside?

A portion of the tuition paid by resident students (those classified as citizens of the state of Texas) is, by a 2003 state law, "set aside" and dedicated to provide need-based financial aid to UT Tyler students. The tuition rates for non-residents are much higher than the rates paid by Texas-resident students, although they are not subject to the "set aside" law.

Is the same amount set aside from everyone's tuition?

The amount set aside from a particular student's tuition varies, based on the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled. The precise amounts for each student are determined by the law of 2003.

Am I being charged extra?

By state law, the university is required to put a portion of the tuition that state residents pay into a fund to support financial aid to students.  In order for the university to collect tuition under the 2003 law, some must be dedicated to this financial aid fund. The amount for each student is determined by detailed calculations based on specific credit hour enrollments.

How is the money used?  Can I use it?

These funds are awarded to students on the basis of need established by the UT Tyler Office of Financial Aid.  If you receive any aid from UT Tyler, you may already be a recipient of this funding.

What is tuition set aside?

Tuition set aside is a portion of the tuition paid by students "set aside" and dedicated to provide need-based financial aid to students through institutional grants, federal work-study and scholarships.

Why are funds "set aside"?

It is a state law.  Texas Education code sections 56.011 and 56.012.

Do I owe?

No. Students do not owe and will not see these funds. You have already paid the amount and monies will now be given to financial aid to build their pool of money to help support need-based financial aid programs for qualifying students.

When will I get money?

The set aside does not affect financial aid awards, if any, nor does it guarantee that you will personally receive financial aid assistance. To apply for these need-based funds, students must submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ) form.  Financial assistance eligibility is determined by the information provided on the form.