Student Financial Aid and Scholarships :: University of North Texas
Emerald Eagle Scholars Program
Beginning Fall 2007, this new student success program allows talented undergraduate students from families with adjusted gross incomes below $40,000 to earn bachelor’s degrees without the cost of tuition and fees getting in the way.
Emerald Eagle Scholar FAQs
- When is the deadline to apply for the Emerald Eagles program?
April 15, 2008 is the deadline to submit your completed admissions and FAFSA applications to UNT. Returning Emerald Eagle Scholars must submit their completed FAFSA applications by April 15, 2008 and have met all academic and engagement requirements the previous year.
- How much am I eligible to receive?
Emerald Eagle Scholars will receive tuition and mandatory fees for the average cost of 15 credit hours per semester. - Are there academic requirements to remain eligible?
Yes. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and complete 15 hours each long semester. - What happens if I fall below the 2.5 GPA in the fall semester?
If you don't meet the GPA requirements in the fall semester, you have the spring semester to raise it above the minimum 2.5 GPA. However, during the spring term you must sign complete the Academic Success Program offered by the Learning Center, in addition to raising your GPAto 2.5 by the end of the semester. - What happens if I fail to get a 2.5 GPA by the end of spring semester?
If you didn't meet GPA requirements by the end of Spring semester, you have an opportunity to raise your GPA by taking summer classes at UNT. (Please note that no outside GPAs transfer to UNT.) - What happens if I don't complete 30 hours by the end of spring semester?
Summer financial aid is limited, but you may take summer classes in order to catch up on your hours. If you take summer classes at another institution, confirm with your academic advisor that the classes will transfer to UNT and apply toward your degree plan. -
Example: If you leave UNT at the end of the spring term with a 2.3 and you take 6 hours at another school during the summer, when you come back in the fall, you may have earned 6 hours but your GPA will still be 2.3.
**You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and 30 hours completed by the beginning of Fall 2008, no exceptions
- What happens if I don't have all 30 hours before the beginning of Fall semester?
If you do not have a minimum 30 hours earned, and a 2.5 minimum GPA by the beginning of Fall 2008, you will lose eligibility for the Emerald Eagle Scholars program. - What if I miss the financial aid and admission deadlines for this program?
Students submitting admissions or FAFSA applications after April 15, 2008, will be awarded financial assistance based on available funding. However, these students should not expect to participate in the Emerald Eagle Scholars program. - Is there a separate application to become an Emerald Eagle Scholar?
No. Once the student files the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will identify all eligible students and confirm that the admission deadline was also met. Then the student will receive a confirmation letter from UNT. The student will sign and return the form enclosed with the letter indicating that they accept the terms and conditions of the Emerald Eagle Scholars program. - Do I qualify for the program if I graduated from high school prior to May 2008?
No. Only Spring 2008 high school graduates qualify for the program. - Does the program cover part-time enrollment?
No. Students must be enrolled in 15 hours. - Are there fees the program will not pay for?
Yes, but only a few. For example, the program will not cover late fees, punitive fees, or certain specialized course fees. - Am I guaranteed funding for tuition and fees for the total eight semesters?
Yes, as long as the family adjusted gross income is $40,000 or less for the tax year required on the FAFSA application each year and all other program requirements are met. If you do not meet all requirements, you may still be eligible for financial aid even though you will not be considered for the Emerald Eagle Scholars program. - What kind of job will I have on campus?
You may be offered the opportunity to participate in the federal or state work-study program, or UNT may assist you in securing another on-campus job. - How will I find a job on campus?
Visit the student employment web site for open positions after you have received your financial aid award letter. Contact Career Services at 940-565-2105 for more information about student employment opportunities at UNT. - What happens if I can't find a job or I am unable to work during the academic year?
All Emerald Eagles are expected to have on-campus jobs. Your first step is to visit the Career Center and conduct an online search for job openings. If you are unable to secure a job, you must complete the alternative plan offered by the Career Center while you continue searching for employment. - How do athletic scholarships affect the program?
In accordance with NCAA Bylaws, current and prospective student-athletes will be awarded financial aid on an individual basis. Athletes not receiving scholarships are eligible to be Emerald Eagle Scholars if they meet program requirements. - How do other UNT scholarships or externally awarded scholarships affect the Emerald Eagle tuition and fees guarantee?
Scholarships will be included in the calculation of your Emerald Eagle Scholar award. Our goal is be sure that your tuition and fees are covered. - Are residence hall costs included in the Emerald Eagle tuition and fees guarantee?
No, housing is not included. Your other financial aid and scholarships may help cover these costs, if needed. - If I qualify as an Emerald Eagle in Fall 2008 as an incoming freshman, what do I do to qualify for the remaining semesters?
The Financial Aid Office will identify all eligible recipients. Eligible recipients must complete the FAFSA by April 15 of each year and meet all other program guidelines as stated in the agreement you sign to participate in the program. - Do courses taken in high school or CLEP courses affect my eligibility?
No. Credits taken as a non-regular college student will not count against the “first time student” designation. - If I transfer in to University of North Texas in the Fall 2008, am I eligible?
At this time transfers are not eligible. However, transfers are eligible for a variety of other financial aid and scholarships. - What if I withdraw for a semester?
This program is an agreement between the university and student to stay focused, stay enrolled and stay on track to timely degree completion. A student who withdraws for a semester would not be on track and would not be eligible to continue receiving tuition and mandatory fees paid as described in the program. - Is the program available to independent students?
No. The program is currently available to only dependent first time entering freshmen. - Can the program be used in summer enrollment periods?
No. Currently the program only applies to enrollment during fall and spring semesters. - Is a student who enters the university as a new freshman in Spring 2009 eligible?
No. Currently the program is available only to new freshmen entering in the Fall 2008. - If I am an entering freshman in Summer 2008, am I still eligible for Fall 2008?
Yes. Summer 2008 entering freshman will be considered the same as Fall 2008 entering freshman. The FAFSA and all required documentation must still be completed by April 15, 2008. However, note that tuition and mandatory fees will not be paid for until the fall semester. - Will students who enter in Fall 2008, but complete their FAFSA after the April 15, 2008 deadline automatically be eligible for the 2009-2010 academic year?
Applicants will not be automatically eligible in their second year. Each student will be evaluated individually based on their specific situation AND the availability of funds. - What happens if my family income exceeds $40,000 on a subsequent year's FAFSA or I lose Pell grant eligibility?
If a student qualifies in their initial year but the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) goes above $40,000 in a subsequent year, students will not qualify in that academic year. If the AGI reduces to $40,000 or less in an academic year following the increase AGI year, the student automatically re-qualifies so long as other program requirements are met. Remember, however, if a student becomes ineligible for the Emerald Eagle Scholars financial assistance, UNT still remains dedicated to helping pay for college through other financial aid and scholarship programs for which the student may qualify. - If I am not a Texas resident but am eligible to pay resident tuition rates, will I qualify for the program?
No. Qualifying students must be Texas residents.
- What does “commit to active engagement on our campus” mean?
We know that student success at any university is very often linked to whether students actively engage in their learning. Sometimes that means being involved in the Honors Program, sometimes it means purposefully studying the traits students possess that can lead them to success. We know several ways students can achieve this engagement and will work with you to find the best path for you.
Other scholarships available:
- UNT Meritorious Scholarship for National Merit Finalists
- University Sponsored
- Department Sponsored
- <Scholarships for Graduate Students
- <Scholarships for Transfer Students
- <Scholarships for International Students
- Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships
- UNT Systems Center at Dallas
- Outside Agency (External Scholarships)
- Scholarships Library
- Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS)
Though we do not expect to change the guidelines of the program, the details of the program are subject to change depending upon State of Texas legislation, funding availability, federal regulations and other factors that are deemed necessary by the University of North Texas.