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SHSU Raises Free Tuition Income Cap to $100K

Huntsville, TX – Sam Houston State University is dramatically expanding its “Bearkat Promise” program for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester, significantly broadening access to free tuition and mandatory fees for Texas residents. The move, effective immediately for prospective students, raises the household income threshold to nearly double its previous level.

Originally launched in 2021, the Bearkat Promise program initially covered Texas residents from families with an annual household income under $65,000. Under the new guidelines, SHSU will now extend this benefit to students from families earning under $100,000 a year.

This substantial increase is projected to benefit an additional 1,000 students, bringing the total number of students receiving free tuition and fees through the program to an estimated 2,500 across SHSU’s Huntsville campus. University officials anticipate this expansion will make a profound difference in college affordability for a broader segment of Texas families.

To qualify for the expanded Bearkat Promise, students must be Texas residents, entering SHSU as an incoming freshman or a transfer student, enrolled full-time, and pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to cover the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after federal, state, and other institutional aid has been applied.

SHSU President Alisa White underscored the university’s commitment to accessibility, stating, “This expansion directly addresses financial barriers, making a four-year degree more attainable for a greater number of Texans and reinforcing the university’s historic commitment to serving the state.”

The Bearkat Promise aligns with SHSU’s long-standing mission as a public institution dedicated to providing quality education and opportunity. The university, founded in 1879, has a rich history of serving first-generation students and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This program further solidifies its role in fostering educational attainment across the state.

University administrators note that the rising costs of higher education remain a significant concern for many families. Programs like the Bearkat Promise aim to alleviate this burden, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified students from pursuing a degree and contributing to Texas’s future workforce.

Prospective students interested in applying for the Fall 2024 semester and learning more about the Bearkat Promise program are encouraged to visit the Sam Houston State University financial aid website or contact the admissions office directly. The application process for fall enrollment is currently open, with financial aid deadlines approaching.

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