“It’s really taken a weight off my shoulders.” Falcon Free is helping UTPB students focus on their future, not tuition.
It’s no secret that higher education can be difficult to afford. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, that challenge can be even more common. Many Falcons are non-traditional students balancing full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities.
Recognizing this reality, UTPB introduced Falcon Free to make a college degree more accessible. For Nathaly Gonzales, that support has made all the difference.
“We’re actually closing on our house in two weeks, and I really don’t think we would have been able to do that if I had to still pay for school,” Nathaly said.
A transfer student from Texas State, Nathaly, came to UTPB after marrying her husband, a Permian Basin native. She was looking for a place where she could continue her education while building a life in the region.
At first, Falcon Free felt out of reach.
“I saw Falcon Free all over the website, but coming from a big university where they do offer scholarships, I mean, it’s very competitive,” Nathaly said. “So, I kind of thought, like, this is way too good to be true.”
After two semesters, she learned otherwise. A staff member reached out to let her know she was the perfect candidate.
“It’s really taken a weight off my shoulders,” she said. “I think that it allows me to focus more in school, try out more classes during the semesters that I would normally not do because I would be restricted financially.”
Without the burden of tuition, Nathaly is also thinking differently about her future.
“I think I’m off to a great start,” Nathaly said. “I can worry about my career choices and maybe not have the pressure of needing to get a great job after school. I can just get jobs for experience or to build my resume without having that pressure on me.”
Falcon Free covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Texas residents with a family income of $100,000 or less. The program reflects UTPB’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening the regional workforce.
“Although we know that a college degree remains an excellent path to economic prosperity, people have to be able to access and afford college first,” Becky Spurlock, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said. “UTPB’s Falcon Free program aims to make a college degree a reality for students by providing the necessary financial support to make those dreams come true. We work to keep our costs as low as we can while providing financial aid and scholarships that make it possible, changing the lives of our students and serving the Permian Basin. We are grateful to the UT System for providing the financial support to fund this program.”
For Nathaly, that support means more than just saving money. It means building a future without the weight of student debt. Learn more about Falcon Free and see if you qualify.
Recognizing this reality, UTPB introduced Falcon Free to make a college degree more accessible. For Nathaly Gonzales, that support has made all the difference.
“We’re actually closing on our house in two weeks, and I really don’t think we would have been able to do that if I had to still pay for school,” Nathaly said.
A transfer student from Texas State, Nathaly, came to UTPB after marrying her husband, a Permian Basin native. She was looking for a place where she could continue her education while building a life in the region.
At first, Falcon Free felt out of reach.
“I saw Falcon Free all over the website, but coming from a big university where they do offer scholarships, I mean, it’s very competitive,” Nathaly said. “So, I kind of thought, like, this is way too good to be true.”
After two semesters, she learned otherwise. A staff member reached out to let her know she was the perfect candidate.
“It’s really taken a weight off my shoulders,” she said. “I think that it allows me to focus more in school, try out more classes during the semesters that I would normally not do because I would be restricted financially.”
Without the burden of tuition, Nathaly is also thinking differently about her future.
“I think I’m off to a great start,” Nathaly said. “I can worry about my career choices and maybe not have the pressure of needing to get a great job after school. I can just get jobs for experience or to build my resume without having that pressure on me.”
Falcon Free covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Texas residents with a family income of $100,000 or less. The program reflects UTPB’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening the regional workforce.
“Although we know that a college degree remains an excellent path to economic prosperity, people have to be able to access and afford college first,” Becky Spurlock, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said. “UTPB’s Falcon Free program aims to make a college degree a reality for students by providing the necessary financial support to make those dreams come true. We work to keep our costs as low as we can while providing financial aid and scholarships that make it possible, changing the lives of our students and serving the Permian Basin. We are grateful to the UT System for providing the financial support to fund this program.”
For Nathaly, that support means more than just saving money. It means building a future without the weight of student debt. Learn more about Falcon Free and see if you qualify.
