Understanding Texas State's Tuition Rebate Program

The Tuition Rebate Program at Texas State University serves as a financial incentive, motivating undergraduate students to strategically plan their academic journey. This program aims to reward students who demonstrate preparedness for university studies, proactive engagement with academic advising, early career planning, and efficient completion of their bachelor's degrees with minimal coursework beyond their degree plan. By reducing the number of courses students take, the program generates financial benefits for students, their families, and the state.

Funding and Application

Tuition rebates are funded through institutional local funds. The application process for the tuition rebate is conducted online, offering a convenient way for eligible students to apply. Detailed information about the Tuition Rebate Program can be found in the undergraduate catalog, which serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to understand the program's requirements and benefits.

Eligibility Review Process

The director of the college academic advising center plays a crucial role in the eligibility review process. They examine the student's academic record. If a student submits a Tuition Rebate Program - Hardship Justification form, the director reviews that as well. Based on this comprehensive review, the director makes a recommendation to the college dean regarding the student's eligibility for the Tuition Rebate Program.

The college dean, or a designated representative, then reviews the rebate application. If necessary, they also consider the Tuition Rebate Program - Hardship Justification form and the director's recommendation. This thorough evaluation allows the dean to make an informed decision to either approve or deny the rebate application.

Upon approval of the Tuition Rebate Program Application, the Student Business Services office takes over to verify the student's resident tuition status. They also calculate any outstanding indebtedness and determine the final rebate amount. This calculation is based on the approved application and, if applicable, the Tuition Rebate Program - Hardship Justification form.

Read also: Financial Aid at Texas State

Resolving Ineligibility Disputes

Students who are deemed ineligible for the Tuition Rebate Program have the right to file a written dispute with their college dean. The college dean, or their designee, is required to provide the student with written notice of the review's outcome within 30 business days of receiving the dispute. The college dean's decision represents the final determination regarding eligibility for the Tuition Rebate Program.

Disputing the Rebate Amount

Students who disagree with the calculated dollar amount of their rebate have a specific process to follow. The student must file a dispute regarding the rebate amount within 30 business days after the refund date for the rebate issued. If the rebate amount did not exceed outstanding obligations, the Student Business Services office must receive the dispute within 30 business days after the date of the Student Business Services office’s notice regarding the balance. The Student Business Services office will provide written notice to the student of the results of their review of the dispute within 30 business days after receipt. For disputes resulting in additional funds owed the student, the university will process payment in accordance with UPPS No.

Financial Obligations and Payment Options

Texas State expects students to fulfill their financial obligations within the specified timeframe. Tuition and fees must be paid in full before the semester begins or through an installment plan with an initial payment due before the semester starts. A 3.00% convenience fee, with a minimum of $3 per transaction, applies to credit/debit card payments (effective 05/2025). Approved tuition adjustments will be applied to the student account once received and processed. Students are responsible for making their installment payments by the due date. A delinquent charge of $65 will be assessed the first business day after the final payment due date of the semester.

Under Texas Education Code §54.007, students who fail to make full payment of tuition and fees, including any incidental fees, by the due date may be prohibited from registering for classes until full payment is made. If a check or EFT is returned unpaid for any reason other than the admitted error of the bank, the student must pay for the returned check with, cashier's check, money order or credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, Diners Club or American Express) immediately. A $30.00 service fee is assessed for each returned check. Until the check is paid, the student will be on "Cash Only" status. Stopping payment on a check for fees or allowing the check to be returned unpaid by the bank for any reason does not constitute official withdrawal.

Rebate Amount and Application to Outstanding Obligations

Under Texas Education Code §54.0065, qualified students will receive up to a $1,000 tuition rebate upon graduation from Texas State. However, tuition rebates will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding student loan, including an emergency loan, owed to or guaranteed by the state, including the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. If a student has multiple outstanding student loans, the institution will apply the rebate amount to the loans as directed by the student.

Students who request a Tuition Rebate, as authorized under the Tuition Rebate Program, in accordance with Texas Education Code 54.0065, for the first baccalaureate degree earned must have been a resident of Texas and entitled to pay resident tuition at all times while pursuing the degree, and will provide appropriate documentation when requested. The amount of the rebate will not exceed $1,000 and is limited to only those amounts paid for Education and General tuition (excluding financial aid). The university will first apply the rebate to all outstanding obligations to Texas State University and the State of Texas. Unless specified otherwise, the university will forward any rebate to the student's permanent address on file at the university. Texas State University is authorized to access educational and financial records at other institutions of higher education to determine eligibility for a Tuition Rebate.

Withdrawal and Refunds

Reducing semester credit hours to zero is considered a withdrawal. Students who withdraw officially from Texas State may receive a refund on the unused portion of the room and board payment. Room and board charges will continue until the student has officially moved from university housing and has received written clearance from the director of Housing and Residential Life. Any refund due will be applied to any unpaid financial obligation with Texas State. If the refund exceeds any unpaid balance, a refund will be processed within 30 days. Payments made by credit card are refunded back to the card.

*Please note: Summer semesters have several different terms within the semester, each with their own withdrawal refund deadlines. A withdrawal refund calendar is published to the TXST One Stop refund information page during each summer semester. IMPORTANT: Dropping credit hours or withdrawing from the semester may affect your financial aid award. Students receiving financial aid should contact the TXST One Stop before dropping or withdrawing. If you have dropped hours or withdrawn from the University, the term balance may not reflect the necessary adjustments.

Additional Fees

Where auditing of a course is permitted, all fees will be the same as if the course were taken for credit. Eligible senior citizens, 65 or older, may audit courses without payment of a fee if space is available. Fees for vehicle registration will be published each year in the Schedule of Classes and in the official rules and regulations. The online vehicle registration process can be accessed through the Parking Services portal at txstate.aimsparking.com or via Catsweb. Everyone must register online and in advance of bringing a vehicle to campus.

The Texas Legislature eliminated funding to higher education for courses that are attempted three or more times. An attempted course is defined as any course in which a grade is earned on the transcript, including repeated courses and courses dropped with a grade of "W". The amount of lab fees varies on a per course basis. Administration fees will be charged for Proctoring Exam Services for Texas State Students and Non-Texas State students who wish to take a course exam at the Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC) in San Marcos, or the Round Rock Campus Testing Center. The charge is $40.00 per test for exams two hours or less. The fee amount will vary with longer time limits. This fee also applies to students who wish take a course exam through the TEMC rather than at the times offered as part of distance education courses.

Read also: Business Services at Texas State

Room and Board

Information regarding room and board rates for a specific semester may be obtained at www.reslife.txstate.edu. Room and board is billed on a semester basis and may be paid in full at registration or in installments.

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