Needy Texas college-bound students caught in financial limbo

Once she graduates from Sunset High School in Oak Cliff, senior Griselda Mendez wants to study astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin. But not if it means taking out $18,000 a year in loans.

Holly Hacker: http://dallasne.ws/i6QzCP

Senate approves new TEXAS grant requirements, House postpones debate

High-performing high school students would get a first shot at the state's main financial aid program for poor students under a bill approved by the Senate Wednesday.

The bill by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education committee, would create a priority funding model for the TEXAS grant program. The grants are currently given out on a first-come-first-serve basis but the bill would give those who meet certain criteria, such as high grade point averages, top class ranking and having taken advanced curricula, first access.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/f6FU8D

Texas universities warn students of delay in financial aid information

AUSTIN — Texas’ largest universities have warned tens of thousands of students and parents that the amount of state aid they can expect — if any— will not be certain until midsummer, once state lawmakers reconcile a massive budget shortfall. University financial aid offices usually send packages in March that detail how much students will receive in aid for the upcoming school year. Because major cuts are proposed to financial aid, they will be forced to either wait or send partial notices that do not include a state aid figure.

Mulvaney: http://dallasne.ws/dTU54Y