TAMIU Awards $20+ Million in Financial Aid, Sets Fair Tuesday
More than $4 billion in financial aid is awarded annually to Texas college students to help them pay for college, and now is the time to begin applying for assistance for the fall 2006 semester.
For its part, Texas A&M International University awarded over $20 million to students in 2005. It will host a city-wide Financial Aid Fair on Tuesday, March 7 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to further underscore that financial aid, including grants, work-study jobs, and loans to pay for college, all helps make college affordable for everyone.
"This past month of February was Financial Aid Awareness Month and we are continuing to build on this awareness with Tuesday's event. We're especially encouraging parents to come out and learn what assistance is possible," said Laura Elizondo, TAMIU director of Financial Aid.
Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Raymund A. Paredes, has been especially vocal about students exploring financial aid assistance. In a press comments earlier this month, he noted the earning potential of college graduates and relative ease with which students can apply for help.
"Over a lifetime, a college graduate earns about $1 million more on average than someone with only a high school diploma," he said, "...It's now much easier for students from lower-income Texas families to apply for financial aid, too."
He noted the long-term implications of students assisted by financial aid helping the State to close the gaps in education.
"Financial aid eases the way for more Texas students go to college, helping the state close the gaps in education," said Commissioner Paredes.
"Closing those gaps is vital for the state to maintain and enhance its workforce to attract and retain the businesses and industries that offer the best jobs, leading to higher incomes and a higher quality of life, " he added.
In addition to the 2006 Financial Aid Fair Tuesday at TAMIU, students can also contact the Office of Financial Aid at 326.2225, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 158 or e-mail financialaid@tamiu.edu.
Financial Aid office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:00 am thru 5:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Students and their parents can also call the Texas Financial Aid Information Center, accessible through a free telephone call to 1-888-311-8881, or visit www.collegefortexans.com
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu