Earning a higher education credential from an accredited institution is a crucial milestone. It’s the gateway to career opportunities, a feeling of well-deserved pride, and personal and professional fulfillment. The University of Texas Permian Basin, the federal government, private lenders, and many other organizations offer various types of payment assistance so you can pursue higher education and enjoy all these benefits.

Let’s take a look at what the financial commitment of earning an educational credential online from UT Permian Basin is like and review some of the financial aid and scholarship options that may be available to you.

Save Money by Paying Less

UT Permian Basin’s tuition and fee structure is among the most affordable you’ll find in higher education, due in part to the fact that we don’t charge online students out-of-state tuition rates. (In some cases, out-of-state rates can more than double the amount a student pays for their education.) Online students benefit from other savings as well, as they don’t need to pay for the parking permits, gas, tolls, and other expenses related to commuting to campus. You’re already saving money just by choosing online learning!

Look to Uncle Sam

All Americans share a common interest in helping cultivate educated and productive members of society. For this reason, the federal government offers various student loans to eligible individuals for qualifying programs. Some of these, such as Direct Subsidized Loans, are awarded due to financial need, while others, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans, don’t require demonstration of financial need.

For undergraduate students, federal loans generally range between $5,500 and $12,500 per year. This could potentially cover 100% of a qualified student’s annual cost for some bachelor’s degrees. Graduate students may borrow as much as $20,500 each year for their education. The total tuition for UT Permian Basin’s graduate programs starts at about $10,000, and many programs range from approximately $13,000 to $16,000. Considering that some online graduate programs last one year, a federal loan may cover all or most of the tuition costs for qualified students. In addition to these loans, Direct PLUS Loans help graduate students, professional students, and parents of dependent undergraduates cover related expenses that financial aid does not.

If you’re interested in applying for federal student aid, you should first apply to a UT Permian Basin online program. Once you’ve been accepted and have registered for classes in that program, visit this website to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When filling out a FAFSA, be sure to use the UT Permian Basin school code, 009930.

Apply for a Grant

Various federal, state, and private agencies offer grants to students with demonstrable financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid. Notable examples include Federal Pell Grants and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, but many others are available, and students are encouraged to do their own research.

Take Out a Private Loan

Individuals apply for private loans through banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to help them cover the cost of a new home, a new car, and even their college education. Private loans must be repaid.

Get a Scholarship

Scholarships are awarded based on need, academic achievement, or other criteria and do not have to be repaid.r the cost of a new home, a new car, and even their college education. Private loans must be repaid.

Pay in Installments

UT Permian Basin enables you to split your total tuition cost into four separate payments, with the first due at enrollment and the rest during subsequent months. Get more details on our payment plans here.

Take Advantage of Your Employer’s Education Benefits

Many employers will help cover a portion of the cost of educational programs that are relevant to their industry. Speak with your company’s human resources department to see if such benefits might be available.

Use Your Veteran and Military Benefits

UT Permian Basin proudly participates in several VA education programs, including:

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
  • Montgomery GI Bill® Selective Reserve (Chapter 1606)
  • Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)
  • Hazlewood Act (Texas Veterans)

For more information about your eligibility for these programs, please contact Military and Veteran Student Services at veterans@utpb.edu.

Reach Out to Us

We’ve touched on several ways to ease your financial responsibility for online UT Permian Basin programs. The above list is not exhaustive, however, and there are other options available. Some students qualify for several types of financial aid, and the combined funds cover most or all of their annual education expenses, though this varies by individual. We’d be happy to help you sort through these options and determine which will work best for you. Reach out to our financial aid office for assistance at any time.

See how affordable our online degree and certificate programs can be with financial aid!