Tuition Advantage Grant (TAG) Program

What is the DMC Tuition Advantage Grant (TAG) Program?

The TAG Program provides funds for tuition and fees for qualifying DMC students who are Texas residents, whose family adjusted gross income is $125,000 per year or less and who meet other criteria. Generally, qualifying students must be enrolled in DMC in the upcoming fall or spring semesters for at least 9 credit-hours (9 hrs. minimum, 12 hrs. maximum) or in selected Continuing Education programs (see eligibility criteria below). These grant funds do not have to be repaid.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the program work?

TAG funds will cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students by applying federal and state aid, such as Pell grants and Texas Education Opportunity grants, scholarships and other gift aid. After federal and state financial aid is applied, the student’s remaining balance will be covered by the TAG Program.

Who is eligible to participate?

Qualifying students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Texas resident. 
• Enrolled/admitted to a degree-seeking program or approved Continuing Education program.
• Have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA – if not eligible to complete a FAFSA) on file.
• Pell/state grant eligible.
• Have a total household income of less than $125,000 per year.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Enrolled for 9 credit-hours or more during the upcoming fall and spring semesters at DMC. Continuing Education students do not have a minimum enrollment requirement.
• Are not in default on an educational loan.
• Do not currently hold a bachelor’s degree.

What fees are not covered by the program?

The program does not include course fees, ancillary costs or textbooks. Fees that are not included are: Laboratory, Music Fees, Dual Credit and 3-Peat Fee.

How do I apply for the TAG Program?

Students taking credit-hour courses must complete the FAFSA or TASFA to be considered for this program. Continuing Education students are not eligible for TAG and must complete the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) application.

Once you submit the required application/documentation, you will be automatically considered for the DMC Tuition Advantage Grant Program.

When should I expect to see TAG funds in my financial aid award package?

Please check your WebDMC account for the latest information on your financial aid. Students who meet all criteria for the program can expect to see the award in their financial aid award package after bills have posted for the fall or spring semester. This will usually occur in early August or early January. Any remaining tuition and mandatory fees not covered by federal and state aid, such as Pell Grant, Texas Opportunities Grant, scholarships and other gift aid will be covered by this award.

If I’m a new student applying for TAG funds, do I need to have an admission application on file with DMC?

Yes, all new students must submit their Apply Texas admissions application (www.goapplytexas.org), as well as the FAFSA/TASFA by the provided deadline. Continuing Education students must complete the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) application and Continuing Education registration packets.

If I have a financial aid suspension, can I qualify for the program?

In order to qualify for the TAG Program, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress. This means you must have at least a 2.0 grade point average and a 67 percent completion rate to be eligible and/or continue receiving funding through the program. If a financial aid appeal is granted, you may be reconsidered for this program.

Are TAG funds renewable?

Yes, grants are renewable for up to four consecutive semesters in long terms (fall and spring), as long as you continue to meet SAP requirements and the FAFSA/TASFA is submitted yearly by the deadline. Continuing Education funding is awarded only once.

Are transfer students eligible for the program?

Yes.

If I’m currently enrolled at DMC, am I eligible for the program?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility and renewal requirements.

What is Unmet Financial Need?

Unmet Financial Need is based on the cost of attendance minus the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA. (Example: Cost of attendance: $19K – EFC $0 = Unmet need $19K)

Are dual credit and/or dual enrollment Continuing Education students eligible for the program?

No, the program does not cover high school dual credit or high school dual enrollment Continuing Education students. Non-dual enrollment Continuing Education students must complete the TPEG application for financial aid available at www.delmar.edu/ce.

We encourage dual credit students to explore other aid opportunities by completing a DMC Foundation Scholarship application (www.delmar.edu/scholarships).

If I start attending DMC in Spring, will I be eligible for this program?

Yes, as long as you submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline. You can be considered for your first two consecutive terms whether that be fall and spring or spring and fall.

If I have a bachelor’s degree, do I qualify for the TAG program?

No. Only students who do not have a bachelor's degree are eligible for this program.

Am I eligible for TAG funds if I’m enrolled in DMC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?

Yes, students enrolled in the Del Mar College BSN program may be eligible for the TAG Program. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, you are not eligible for this program.

Can I redeem TAG funds to pay for summer or intersession classes?  

No, only long-term semesters are eligible (fall and spring). However, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and/or TASFA application to see if they’re eligible for federal or state funds. Students can visit the Del Mar College Foundation for additional scholarship opportunities: https://www.delmar.edu/foundation . Continuing Education funding is available during ongoing registration periods and may be awarded only once.

Is this a loan?

No, this program consists of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. 

What if I start taking 9 semester credit-hours and then drop a class?

Students must maintain a minimum enrollment of 9 semester credit-hours past the 12th class day (census date) of each semester. Students who drop below 9 semester credit-hours on or before the census date will be deemed ineligible and lose their award. Students who drop after the census date will not lose their award for that semester. Those who drop classes may owe money back to the College. See the DMC refund policy.

What happens if I withdraw from DMC before the end of the semester?

Students who withdraw after the census date will not have any state or institutional financial aid adjustments; however, they will be subject to Return of Title IV calculations for any Federal Title IV Aid they are receiving (for example, Pell grants or student loans).

Do I have to pay for my classes in advance and then wait for this program to reimburse me for my tuition and fees?

No, eligible students who have a complete and valid FAFSA/TASFA will have all tuition and mandatory fees covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid. Students with outstanding financial aid requirements will not be evaluated for eligibility until those requirements are satisfied.

What if I only enroll for one semester?

You must be classified as a degree-seeking student to qualify for this program. Transient students are not eligible. 

Am I eligible if I’ve been accepted to DMC in the past but didn’t register for classes?

You’re eligible if you’re classified as a first-time-in-college freshman, a new undergraduate transfer student or a Continuing Education student working on your degree or certificate.

Can I use funds from this program to set up my payment plan or for books?

No, this program will only cover tuition and mandatory fees.

If I don’t qualify for the TAG Program, can I still receive financial aid if I’m a new, first-time-in-college student, a new transfer student or a Continuing Education student?

Yes, U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who meet Title IV Aid Eligibility Requirements are eligible for financial aid and encouraged to complete a FAFSA. All aid will be disbursed as long as students meet the respective program’s requirements.

I’m already a DMC student and plan to enroll in the upcoming fall or spring semesters. Do I qualify for the TAG program?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements specified above.

Does work-study make me ineligible for TAG Program?

No, you can still qualify for the TAG Program if you are a work-study student.

Additional questions?

DMC’s Financial Aid Services office is available to assist you with any further questions about the TAG Program. You can reach us at financialaid@delmar.edu or 361-698-1293.