Here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to the application, eligibility, and deadlines for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program at the University of North Texas.

Application

Do I have to fill out an application?

No. You will be identified through your completed FAFSA application and your UNT admissions' application; therefore, you must submit your completed FAFSA application by March 15. You must also submit your UNT admissions' file (this includes UNT admissions' application and SAT/ACT scores) by March 15. Please keep in mind that space is limited, and we award on a first come, first-served basis, so please return your Commitment Agreement as soon as possible. If need be, we will begin a waitlist once the cohort is full.

Eligibility

If I am an independent student, am I eligible for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

Yes, you may be eligible for the program as long as you are considered to be a new entering freshman in the fall immediately following your January - August high school graduation and you meet all other eligibility requirements. (Transfer students are not eligible.)

Is there an age limit for Emerald Eagle Scholars?

No, there isn't an age limit. You must be a new/first - time freshman in the fall immediately following your January - August high school graduation.

Can I petition for a Dependency Override to be considered for Emerald Eagle Scholars?
Yes, if your dependency status changes, you may be considered for the program. You must have met all eligibility requirements including filing your initial FAFSA before the March 15 deadline.
I'm a non-Texas resident who is eligible to pay in-state tuition. Am I eligible for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

No. Only Texas residents are eligible for the program at this time. Even if you do not meet an Emerald Eagle Scholars Program requirement, you may still be considered for grants, college work study and loans. In addition, you can seek assistance from the same support services (the Learning Center, TRIO, Student Money Management Center, etc.) that are available to Emerald Eagle Scholars.

Will I be eligible for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program if I begin my coursework at UNT the summer immediately after my high school graduation?

Yes; however, benefits of the program will not begin until the fall semester/term.

Will I be eligible for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program if I begin my coursework at UNT the spring after my high school graduation?

No. Currently, the program is available to only new/first-time freshmen beginning their studies in the fall semester/term. You must be a new/first-time freshman in the fall immediately following your January - August high school graduation. Even if you do not meet an Emerald Eagle Scholars Program requirement, you may still be considered for grants, college work study and loans. In addition, you will be able to seek assistance from the same support services (the Learning Center, TRIO, Student Money Management Center, etc.) that are available to Emerald Eagle Scho

What is the income cutoff for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

To be eligible your initial year, you must be a member of a family whose total family income does not exceed $65,000.

If my parents are divorced and one household income is less than $65,000, should I use that parent's information on my FAFSA to be considered for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

The FAFSA states: If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the past 12 months or during the most recent year that you actually received support from a parent. If this parent is remarried as of today, answer the questions about that parent and your step-parent.

How does dual credit affect my eligibility for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

If you will be coming to UNT with dual credit, you may be considered for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program as long as you are considered to be a new entering first year student in the fall immediately following your January - August high school graduation and you meet all other eligibility requirements. (Transfer students are not eligible.)

How do College-Level Examination program (CLEP) hours affect my eligibility for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program?

If you have earned CLEP hours, you may be considered for the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program as long as you are considered to be a new student in the fall immediately following your January - August high school graduation (Transfer students are not eligible).

Will I be eligible to receive the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program award if I do not register for at least 12 credit hours during a fall or spring semester?

Emerald Eagle Scholars must request permission to enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours during a fall or spring semester by contacting the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program office. Your EESP award will not distribute until you have received permission from the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program office to enroll in fewer than 12 credit hours.

Will I be eligible to receive the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program award if I have not earned at least a 2.5 UNT cumulative GPA by the end of the school year?

This depends upon your status at the end of the academic year (end of the summer).  There are three different status categories you could be in.  They are as follows:

Good Standing:  At the end of the academic year, if you have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours with at least a 2.5 UNT cumulative GPA, you will be in good standing with the EESP.

Probation:  At the end of the academic year, if you have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours with a UNT cumulative GPA between a 2.0 - 2.49, you will be placed on a one-year, one-time only probation period.   You will be funded the EESP award during this probation period.

Removal:  At the end of the academic year, if you have not successfully completed at least 24 credit hours and/or you do not have at least a 2.0 UNT cumulative GPA, you will be removed from the EESP.  You do have the right to appeal this decision.

 

Deadlines 

What if I missed the financial aid and admission deadlines?

If you submitted your FAFSA and/or your admissions after March 15, you will not be considered for the Emerald Eagle Scholar Program.