"The best inheritance is a college education. A degree cannot be lost or taken away."
- a wise parent
Money matters
Is a college education worth the expense?
Research shows that a college graduate will earn about $1 million more than a high school graduate over their adult working lives. Although college is not free, it's an excellent investment in the future. As our economy becomes more dependent on technology, many jobs are requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Getting a degree at a public university saves money. In addition, UNT has been named to America's 100 Best College Buys® for 10 consecutive years. For details, visit www.unt.edu/pais/howtochoose.
I want my child to have the benefit of attending a comprehensive university like UNT, but I'm not sure I can afford it. Is help available?
It may be a relief to know that many parents feel exactly the same way. UNT offers need-based financial aid such as federal and state grants, loans and work-study jobs, plus scholarships and loans that are not based on demonstrated need. The majority of UNT students attend college with some financial aid, and many have jobs on or off campus while they are enrolled. We recommend that you apply as early as possible, since funds are limited. For more details view the financial aid overview, scholarships overview or call (877) 881-1014 or (940) 565-2302.
When and how should my son apply for financial aid?
If he plans to enroll at UNT for the first time in the fall, the best time to apply for financial aid is in January or February of that calendar year - for example, January 2007 to enroll in Fall 2007. That sounds very early, but the process takes a while and his chances are better the earlier he applies. The fastest, most efficient way to apply for financial aid is to complete the online version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Paper copies are also available. For details, visit the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships web site.
What does it cost to attend UNT?
The estimated 2006-07 costs for an undergraduate student enrolled in 15 semester credit hours for the fall and spring semester are:
- Tuition and fees: $6,112
- (out-of-state students: $14,362)
- Residence hall room and board: $5,625
- Books and supplies: $1,030
[Rates are subject to change.] Beginning Fall 2007, UNT plans to implement flat-rate tuition for students who take 12 or more credit hours per semester. Flat-rate tuition means the more hours a student takes, the less each hour costs. Visit the tuition and fees web site for the most current information.
How much will textbooks cost?
We estimate that books and supplies will cost $1,030 per year, but this varies by major. For example, physics textbooks can be more expensive than philosophy textbooks, and an art student's supplies will cost more than those of an English major. Many students save money by purchasing used textbooks and selling them back at the end of the semester. You can reserve textbooks for the coming semester at the UNT Bookstore .
Should I fill out the financial aid forms for my child?
To avoid problems and frustration, we recommend that your child lead the application process. You will certainly need to assist, but we've found that students should be involved from the beginning because they are responsible for understanding and monitoring their financial aid once they receive it. Because the financial aid process continues throughout the college years, it makes sense for students to be involved from the start.
Will financial aid transfer from another college to UNT?
Financial aid cannot be transferred between schools. Students need to contact their current financial aid office and lender to have any pending aid canceled and then have their FAFSA information sent to UNT. Awards will be determined by UNT based on our institutional criteria. For details, go to the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships web site or call their office at (940) 565-2302 or (877) 881-1014.
How can my child qualify for the state of Texas' $1,000 tuition rebate?
The state offers the $1,000 tuition rebate as an incentive for students to complete their bachelor's degree without taking extra courses. Texas allows the rebate for students who have always been eligible for in-state tuition and who graduate with no more than 3 hours attempted over the minimum number of hours required for their degree. Attempted hours include transfer credits, course credit earned exclusively by examination in excess of 9 semester credit hours, courses dropped after the official census date, for-credit developmental courses, optional internship and cooperative education courses, and repeated courses. If enrolled for the first time, your child must graduate within four calendar years for a four-year degree or within five calendar years for a five-year degree. Students should apply for this rebate during the semester they are receiving their first bachelor's degree.
Are immunizations required?
Except for students in the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, specific immunizations are not required. However, UNT recommends that students have polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis A and B vaccines. UNT also recommends that students seek a chest X-ray if they have a positive tuberculosis skin test. In addition, UNT endorses the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that freshmen residing in residence halls be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. Most vaccines are available at the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Can my child apply for housing before being accepted for admission?
Yes. In fact, we recommend it. Because of the demand for residence hall space, students must apply for admission before applying for housing. However, they do not have to wait until they are accepted to UNT to apply for housing, which is a separate application process from admission. Since residence halls have been filled to capacity for the past few years, students are encouraged to submit their housing deposit early. UNT plans to open two new residence halls in 2007. For details, visit the Housing and Residence Life web site.