Hawk Promise
A Promise for Every Path.
Eligible Texas freshmen and transfer students from families with incomes up to $100,000 could have tuition and mandatory fees covered through Hawk Promise.
Whether you're starting college for the first time or transferring to complete your bachelor's degree, UHCL is committed to helping more Texas students move forward without financial barriers standing in the way.
No separate Hawk Promise application is required.
Find Your Path
Hawk Promise is available to qualifying students entering UHCL as first-time freshmen or transfer students. Eligibility requirements differ based on how you're entering UHCL.
Starting College
You may qualify for Hawk Promise as a first-time freshman if you:
- Are admitted to UHCL for the fall semester
- Are a Texas resident for tuition purposes
- Graduate from a Texas high school with an eligible diploma
- Enroll at UHCL within 16 months of high school graduation
- Be a dependent member of a family with adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $100,000
- Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant
- Meet applicable financial aid requirements
- Enroll full time
- Complete the FAFSA and submit all required financial aid documentation by the January 15 deadline
Transferring to UHCL
You may qualify for Hawk Promise as a transfer student if you:
- Are admitted to UHCL for the fall semester
- Have earned an associate degree
- Are a Texas resident for tuition purposes
- Be a dependent member of a family with adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $100,000
- Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant
- Meet applicable financial aid requirements
- Enroll full time
- Complete the FAFSA and submit all required financial aid documentation by the January 15 deadline
Approximately 70% of UHCL undergraduate students are transfers, making transfer access and success an important part of the UHCL experience.
Important Dates
Fall 2027 Application Cycle
January 15, 2027 — Deadline
Complete the FAFSA and submit all required financial aid documentation by the January 15 deadline. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to allow time to address any additional documentation that may be required.
Hawk Promise is available to qualifying students entering UHCL during the fall enrollment cycle.
Getting Started is Simple
- Apply to UHCL: Submit your application for admission.
- Complete the FAFSA: File your FAFSA and include the University of Houston-Clear Lake using school code 011711.
- We'll Determine Eligibility: There is no separate Hawk Promise application. Eligibility is reviewed through the admissions and financial aid process.
Apply to UHCLComplete the FAFSA
Keeping Your Hawk Promise
Hawk Promise may be renewed for students who continue to meet program requirements.
Renewal Criteria
- Submit FAFSA each year by January 15. FAFSA is available October 1. Please consider submitting the FAFSA and all documentation as early as possible to meet the January 15 deadline.
- Received Hawk Promise in first-year (both Fall and Spring terms) at UHCL.
- A Texas resident for tuition purposes.
- A dependent member of a household whose parents' adjusted gross income does not exceed $100,000.
- Eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant and must submit all financial aid forms with supporting documents by January 15th of each year.
- Enrolled as a full-time student (at least 12 hours per semester and successfully complete at least 12 hours each fall and spring term) at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
For eligible students, Hawk Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees through a combination of grants and institutional aid.
Hawk Promise does not guarantee coverage of other expenses associated with attending college, such as housing, meals, books, transportation, or personal expenses.
UHCL will determine your eligibility through the admissions and financial aid process. Qualifying students will receive Hawk Promise information with their financial aid offer.
Students must have a completed FAFSA on file with UHCL and submit all required financial aid forms and supporting documentation by January 15 to be considered for Hawk Promise. Students who do not complete these requirements by the January 15 deadline will not be eligible for consideration for Hawk Promise.
To continue receiving Hawk Promise after the first year, students must meet all renewal criteria, including having a parent’s adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. If family income exceeds this limit, the student may lose Hawk Promise eligibility. However, this does not necessarily mean the student will lose all financial aid — only that aid is no longer guaranteed through Hawk Promise.
No, the Hawk Promise does not apply to the Summer term.
Hawk Promise is one of several ways UHCL helps students make college more affordable. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and explore other grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities that may be available.
Questions About Hawk Promise?
The UHCL Financial Aid team can help answer questions about Hawk Promise, eligibility and other financial aid opportunities.
Phone: 281-283-2480 | Email: uhcl_fao@uhcl.edu
UHCL School Code: 011711