Texas Wesleyan University to offer free tuition for students who receive full Pell Grants
Beginning in fall 2025, Texas Wesleyan University will offer free tuition to first-year, in-state students who qualify for a full Pell Grant, the university in Fort Worth announced this week.
To qualify for the free tuition, first-time college students from Texas must apply for admission to Texas Wesleyan and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they are eligible for a full Pell Grant. The university’s new program will cover any remaining tuition not covered by the grant.
Students will be able to renew their free tuition for up to four years if they maintain satisfactory academic standards and stay enrolled full-time, university officials said. Students also may be eligible for additional scholarships and financial aid that could help cover their other costs, such as books and room and board.
The university’s 2024-25 tuition is $17,304 per semester, or about $34,000 per year for undergraduate students enrolled in 12-16 hours of classes. The maximum annual amount of a Pell Grant in 2024-25 is $7,395. The university has about 2,600 students.
“This groundbreaking initiative, launched by University President Dr. Emily Messer, is designed to make Texas Wesleyan’s high-quality education more accessible to talented students across the state,” Texas Wesleyan said in a news release. “By eliminating tuition costs, the University aims to empower students to pursue their academic and career goals without financial burdens.”
Texas Wesleyan hopes to attract talented students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, officials said. Prospective students can visit the university’s website to learn more.
“This program is a game-changer for students in Texas who dream of a college education, especially at a small, private institution like Texas Wesleyan, that may face financial barriers,” Messer said in the release. “We believe in the power of education to transform lives. By eliminating tuition barriers for deserving Texas students, we’re opening doors to countless opportunities.”
This story was originally published December 11, 2024 at 4:47 PM.
