Q: Is there a separate application for Falcon Free?
A: No. Students who complete the FAFSA or TASFA are automatically reviewed for Falcon Free eligibility. There is no separate application required.
For Fall 2025 enrollment, students must complete the 2025–2026 FAFSA or TASFA.
Q: What is the deadline for Falcon Free consideration?
A: Students must complete all required steps by June 1 to be considered. Funding is limited and awarded until available funds are exhausted.
Q: How do I know if I received Falcon Free?
A: If your financial aid award package includes at least $10,000 in grants and scholarships, you have likely received Falcon Free funding. Eligible awards may include federal, state, institutional, and merit-based aid.
Q: Who is eligible for Falcon Free?
A: Falcon Free is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree who meet all eligibility requirements. First-time freshmen, transfer students, and continuing students may all qualify.
Q: Can I qualify if I already have an associate degree?
A: Yes. Students earning their first bachelor’s degree may still qualify. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, certificate program, or dual credit program are not eligible.
Q: Do out-of-state or international students qualify?
A: No. Falcon Free is available only to Texas residents who meet all program requirements.
Q: What if my residency status is incorrect?
A: Students who believe their residency classification is incorrect should review residency requirements and contact the Office of the Registrar at 432-552-2635 for assistance with the reclassification process.
Q: What if my family income has changed since filing FAFSA?
A: If your family’s financial situation has changed significantly since filing FAFSA, you may be eligible to submit a Special Circumstance Request for review. Visit the Financial Aid Forms Library and locate the Special Circumstance form under Verification.
Questions? Email verification@utpb.edu
Q: What costs does Falcon Free cover?
A: Falcon Free helps cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students enrolled in up to 15 credit hours per semester during the Fall and Spring terms.
Q: Does Falcon Free cover housing, books, or meal plans?
A: No. Falcon Free covers tuition and mandatory fees only. Additional costs such as housing, meal plans, books, supplies, and course-related fees are not included.
Q: Is Falcon Free available during summer?
A: No. Falcon Free funding is awarded annually and applies only to Fall and Spring semesters. Summer funding is not available through Falcon Free.
Q: What if I receive enough grants and scholarships to cover tuition already?
A: Falcon Free works in combination with federal, state, and institutional aid. If your existing grants and scholarships already cover tuition and mandatory fees, no additional Falcon Free grant will be awarded.
Q: What happens if I drop below full-time enrollment?
A: Students must remain enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. If you drop below full-time enrollment after funds have been disbursed, your Falcon Free award may be canceled and you may be responsible for repaying funds.
Q: What happens if I do not meet renewal requirements?
A: To continue receiving Falcon Free funding, students must meet all renewal requirements each academic year, including GPA and credit hour requirements. Students may need to improve eligibility during summer coursework or submit an appeal for review.
Approval is not guaranteed.
Q: What happens if I need more than eight semesters to graduate?
A: Students who need additional semesters may submit an appeal through Financial Aid. Supporting documentation, such as a degree plan, may be required. Students will be notified by email after review.
Q: Can I qualify for Falcon Free later if I do not receive it my first year?
A: Yes. Falcon Free eligibility is reviewed annually. Students who newly meet eligibility requirements may be considered if funding is available after continuing students are awarded.
Q: Is Falcon Free renewable?
A: Yes. Falcon Free may be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters (summer excluded) as long as students continue meeting eligibility and academic requirements.
Q: What are the renewal requirements?
A: To maintain Falcon Free eligibility, students must:
- Continue meeting initial eligibility requirements
- Complete at least 24 credit hours each academic year
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Maintain full-time enrollment
