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Financial Aid Displacement

Financial Aid Displacement Advisory

A statue created by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provides a working definition of financial aid displacement and a list of common reasons why a student’s gift aid might be revised or reduced.

Learn More from THECB

View Statute

What is Financial Aid Displacement?

 Sometimes, students may receive more financial aid than what's allowed under federal, state, or institutional guidelines. When this happens, adjustments to aid must be made. Understanding how displacement works can help you plan and protect your funding. 

Key Terms to Know

Overaward
Occurs when your financial aid exceeds your calculated financial need or Cost of Attendance (COA). Schools are required to reduce aid to stay within limits. 

Cost of Attendance (COA)
The estimated yearly cost to attend UTPB - including tuition, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. 

Financial Need
Determined by subtracting your Student Aid Index (SAI) from the COA. The SAI remains the same across schools, but the COA may vary. 

Why Your Gift Aid Might Change

 Even after your aid package is awarded, certain changes in your status or new information can lead to adjustments. These updates are required to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. 

Gift aid may be reduced or revised if:

  • You receive additional private scholarships or grants, causing your total gift aid to exceed your financial need or cost of attendance. 
  • Your cost of attendance decreases - for example, by dropping classes, changing housing status, or withdrawing from UTPB. 
  • You fail to meet satisfactory academic progress or the merit-based criteria tied to your gift aid. 
  • Your enrollment status changes, making you ineligible for specific programs. 
  • You don't complete required forms or documentation by the posted deadlines. 
  • Your Student Aid Index (SAI) changes due to FAFSA corrections, verification, or other updates, which can affect aid eligibility. 

Priority Deadlines

Deadlines
Semester Deadline Why It Matters
Fall July 15 Helps prevent aid displacement due to late gift aid
Spring November 15 Earlier submission = smoother processing
Summer April 15 Plan early to maximize available funds

Tip: Send applications and scholarship checks early to avoid aid adjustments.

 

Financial Aid Displacement Policy

  •  You cannot receive more financial aid than your COA or financial need.
  • If aid exceeds limits, UTPB must adjust your aid.
  • Self-help aid (loans/work-study) is reduced first. 
  • Grants are only reduced if aid still exceeds limits after loan/work-study reduction.
  • Policies are subject to change without notice.

Need More Financial Help?

If you've had unexpected expenses, like medical bills or extra course materials, you can request a COA increase. Submit the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Form for the appropriate aid year (available in our forms library under "Miscellaneous"). We'll review your situation and determine if an adjustment can be made. *Expect delays during peak periods, processing may require 2-3 weeks.

Life Changed Since Filing the FAFSA?

 You may qualify for a special circumstance review if your financial situation has changed. Submit the Special Circumstance Form for the appropriate aid year (found under "Verification" in our forms library). We'll review your situation and determine if an adjustment can be made.  

*Expect delays during peak periods, processing may require 2-3 weeks.

 

Modifying Gift Aid or Scholarships

  • Contact your donor before they send your check to see if funds can be used for summer or future terms. 
  • If a scholarship check is already received, we can work with you to explore options. 
  • Donors must email requests to apply funds to a different term to: scholarships@utpb.edu.
  • Visit our Third Party Scholarships page to learn more.