Comet Promise
UT Dallas is committed to providing affordable education to students.
Comet Promise Overview
Beginning fall 2022, the UT Dallas Comet Promise expands the current Tuition Promise program by increasing the eligible family income threshold and including transfer students. Eligible students will have their tuition and fees covered through scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds with any remaining tuition costs covered by Comet Promise funding. The program’s expansion is made possible with funding assistance from an endowment created by the UT System. To be eligible for Comet Promise, students must:
- Be a Texas resident at the time of admission.
- Be admitted by March 15 to UT Dallas for the fall semester as a first-time college student or transfer student pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
- Have begun enrollment in the fall semester of the academic year, beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year.
- Submit a completed FAFSA or TASFA application with supporting documents to the Office of Financial Aid by March 15.
- Have a family income of $65,000 or less.
- Have demonstrated financial need as determined by information provided on the FAFSA or TASFA.
- Be enrolled full-time at UT Dallas.
- Please note: The March 15th deadline for FAFSA/TASFA submission is for the 2024–2025 aid year only.
— UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken
Financial challenges should never stand in the way of any Texan who wishes to earn a high-quality UT degree, and I’m grateful to the Board of Regents for this new and important investment in our students. UT Dallas graduates offer essential expertise to Texas’ strong and competitive economy, and we hope the Promise Plus program makes their educational path financially easier.
— UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson
The students who benefit from this support are among the best and brightest. They are our future leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. I am incredibly grateful for this support and what it means to our mission at the University.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Comet Promise program work?
For eligible students, UTD will use sources such as scholarships, grants and/or tuition exemptions that come from federal, state and institutional levels to cover tuition and mandatory fees. Tuition and mandatory fees will be covered up to demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA or TASFA. Only tuition and mandatory fees for fall and spring terms are covered; summer tuition and fees are not covered. Students will not necessarily see a fund called “Comet Promise” on their financial aid offer but will see a combination of funding awarded to cover tuition.
How do I apply?
Students are automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria. Please note that if a student is selected for verification and the family income changes after being verified, this could impact eligibility for Comet Promise.
Can I qualify if my family’s income is more than $65,000?
Students must meet the eligibility criteria during their entering year to be considered for the program.
Are these awards renewable?
Yes. To continue to receive Comet Promise students must:
- Continue to meet basic eligibility requirements.
- Complete at least 30 credit hours each academic year (fall, spring and summer semesters).
- Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Remain in good academic standing.
Eligible first-time college students may receive Comet Promise for eight (8) semesters or until they receive their first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
Eligible transfer students may receive Comet Promise for four (4) semesters or until they receive their first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
What if I am a current student?
Returning undergraduate students will be considered for the Comet Promise beginning in fall 2022. They must have begun enrollment in the fall semester of the academic year. Their prior terms will be considered against the eight (8) semesters for first-time college students and against the four (4) semesters for transfer students.
Example: A returning student who was admitted and attended in the fall of 2021 as a first-time college (freshman) student and who meets the other requirements will be considered for Comet Promise funding for six (6) semesters starting in the fall of 2022, since they have already attended two (2) semesters. Prior terms will not be funded.
Is Comet Promise available for the summer?
Only tuition and mandatory fees for the fall and spring terms are covered; summer tuition and mandatory fees are not covered. First-time college students and transfer students who begin in the summer and meet the eligibility criteria will be considered for Comet Promise beginning in the fall term.
Can Comet Promise be used for study abroad programs?
Comet Promise can only be used for UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees.
Can I qualify if I am working on a second bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree?
Comet Promise is only available for students working on their first bachelor’s degree.
What other options are there for financial aid?
Students who don’t qualify for Comet Promise may still have scholarship, grant, work-study and loan options to help pay for their educational expenses. Students should apply for financial aid by completing either a FAFSA or a TASFA and should contact their college or school regarding scholarship opportunities.
For More Information
Please contact the UT Dallas Office of Financial Aid at 972-883-2941 or the Office of Admission and Enrollment at 972-883-2270.