Blue and Gold Guarantee Remains 2012-13 Option for Many ASU Applicants

ASU President Joseph C. Rallo said high school students who are considering college but fear they cannot afford a college education should take a look at Angelo State because of the Blue and Gold Guarantee, which is open to Texas residents who are entering college as first-time freshmen and meet the program’s criteria.

“Historically, Angelo State has opened the doors to higher education for thousands of students through a strong package of financial aid and scholarships,” Rallo said. “The Blue and Gold Guarantee provides another option for prospective students whose financial circumstance might otherwise limit their ability to attend college.”

During the 2010-11 academic year, for instance, ASU awarded students more than $22.6 million in grants and scholarships from federal, state, private and institutional funds. Unlike loan programs, the grants and scholarships do not require repayment by the students.

To be eligible for the program, students must be bona fide Texas residents entering the university as first-time freshmen and coming from households with a combined adjusted gross income of $40,000 or less. Students must be eligible for the federally funded Pell Grant Program to apply.

All gift aid sources of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, exemptions and waivers, will apply and be included in the Blue and Gold Guarantee program. Additionally, participants are required to enroll in a minimum of 15 semester credit hours each semester. The program does not cover room, board, books or miscellaneous charges.

To maintain the financial support over the course of eight consecutive long semesters, individuals accepted into the program must meet published financial aid criteria and show satisfactory academic progress over the course of their undergraduate career.

Any normal advanced placement or dual credit that counts toward the ASU degree, as well as community college courses taken in the summer between high school graduation and ASU enrollment, will not affect eligibility as first-time freshmen. Incoming transfer students, however, are not eligible for the program. There is no age limit on participation, provided the student is a first-time freshman.

Individuals seeking additional information should contact the ASU Financial Aid Office at 325-942-2246.