Baylor Receives Increase in Teg Funds

WACO, Texas-Baylor University will benefit from an approximate 50 percent increase this year in funds allocated to it by the Texas Legislature through the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program, according to William J. Dube III, dean for admissions, academic scholarships and financial aid.
Baylor's share of TEG funds will total more than $4.5 million, Dube said, compared to last year's allocation of slightly more than $3 million. About 2,400 Baylor students received financial aid in the form of TEG awards last year, and that figure may rise to more than 2,500 students this year, he said.
The TEG award for many students will increase this year based on eligibility and increased funding, Dube said, resulting in an increase in Baylor's average grant per recipient compared to previous years. "Texas Tuition Equalization Grant funds have become a very vital part of our student financial aid packages," Dube said.
The TEG program was established in 1971 to provide students from low- to moderate-income families the choice of attending independent colleges and universities in Texas, if those institutions best suit the students' needs. The program also helps limit expenditure of state funds for expanding facilities and employing additional faculty at state universities by making public use of existing facilities and faculties at independent institutions.
"The state actually saves money when a student chooses an independent institution," Dube said. "At the present level of funding, each student who receives a TEG costs the state less than one-third of the cost of subsidizing a student at a state college."
To qualify for a TEG, a student must be a Texas resident; be enrolled at least half-time as a student in an approved independent institution in Texas; be required to pay more tuition than is required at a state-supported college or university; demonstrate financial need; not be a recipient of any form of athletic scholarship; and not be enrolled in a theological or religion degree program.
Local public officials were instrumental in helping to obtain the 50 percent increase in TEG funding, according to Karen Benson, director of governmental relations. She cited the work of Senator David Sibley, R-Waco, and Representatives Kip Averitt and Barbara Rusling, both R-Waco, as key to the successful effort to increase funding for the program.
"Their diligent work on this effort contributed significantly to the single largest increase in the history of this program," Benson said. "The Baylor community owes a debt of gratitude to these public officials for their tireless work, which not only benefited the students at Baylor University, but all needy Texas students wishing to attend any independent institution in the state."