TX HB5299

Establishes the Texas Promise Grant Program to help Texas residents pay tuition and mandatory fees at public junior colleges, technical institutes, and state colleges for associate degree or certificate programs

Eligible students must have graduated high school or received equivalency within the past three years, be enrolled at least half-time, and apply for all available financial aid; students who already hold a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree are ineligible

Grant amount covers the difference between tuition/mandatory fees and other gift aid received, with a minimum of $1,000 per semester; students may receive grants for up to 75 semester credit hours over a maximum of three years

Continuing students must complete at least 75% of attempted credit hours and maintain a 2.5 GPA after the first academic year; failing to meet requirements suspends eligibility for one semester before students can re-qualify

Students who complete their associate degree or certificate program receive a $1,000 incentive bonus; grants and bonuses begin no earlier than the 2026-2027 academic year, contingent on appropriations