2016-2017 LSCPA Catalog | Seite 36

Lamar State College Port Arthur 2016-2017 Catalog Revised 9-13-16 enrolling full-time as of September 2005 in an undergraduate degree or certificate program; and not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance. Students may apply for the TEXAS Grant Program through the LSCPA Financial Aid Office. The award amount is based on a minimum of 12 semester credit hours taken by the student and the type of institution the student attends. In general, it is an amount equal to the student’s tuition and required fees. Students who continue in college and meet the program’s academic standards can receive awards for up to 150 semester credit hours or for six years, whichever occurs first. In the first year of college, the academic standards are set by the institution. In subsequent years, the requirements are completion of at least 75 percent of the hours taken in the prior semester plus an overall grade point average in college of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program provides grants to financially needy students enrolled in Texas public two-year colleges. To compete for the grant, a student must be a Texas resident; show financial need; if applying for the first-time award, have a family contribution of no more than $2,000; register for the Selective Service or be exempt from this requirement; be enrolled at least 1/2 time (six semester credit hours) in an associate degree or certificate program at a two-year college in Texas; have not been granted an associate or a baccalaureate degree; and have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance. Students who continue in college and who meet program academic standards can receive awards for up to 75 semester credit hours, for four years, or until they receive an associate degree, whichever comes first. In the first year of college, the academic standards are set by the institution. The academic requirements for continuing in the program are completion of at least 75 percent of the hours taken in the prior academic year, plus and overall college grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. A student does not have to be a recent graduate but must have less than 30 attempted hours. Valedictorians Valedictorians from accredited Texas high schools are entitled to an exemption from payment of tuition for the two regular semesters immediately after graduation. Fees are not exempt. During registration, valedictorians should report to the Financial Aid Office for fee adjustments. Valedictorians of all Texas high schools are certified by principals to the Texas Education Agency. The College receives the list for reference. Scholarships Scholarships awards cover a portion of a student’s expenses. Scholarships are of two types – those administered solely by the College, including the selection of recipients, and those administered by the College at the request of donors who select the recipients themselves. The College’s scholarship program is financed solely by public donations. Some scholarships are based on a student’s financial need while others are based on academic excellence. Scholarship applications from high school students are due on April 1st. The deadline for other students is June 15th. Students are encouraged to apply before the application deadline. For more information or to apply, contact an admissions advisor. Half of the scholarship normally is disbursed for the Fall Semester, and the remaining half for the Spring Semester, unless otherwise stated. The College awards approximately 300 scholarships annually. Among these are scholarships made available by the following individuals and organizations. Top 10% Scholarship Program The 80th Texas legislature created the Top 10 Percent Scholarship Program to encourage students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class to attend a Texas public institution of higher education. Initial eligibility requirements: 1. Must be a Texas resident. 2. Demonstrate financial need (determined by college or university financial aid office). 3. Complete a FAFSA or TASFA (if applicable) and file by the deadline date. 4. Complete Recommended or distinguished Achievement High School curriculum. 5. Rank in the Top 10 percent (as of his/her 7th semester or 6th if the college uses that semester for admissions). Page 35 of 135