125 Guarantee awards have been processed for May 2025. If eligible, awards can be viewed in Texan Bill Pay. For questions about the award or if it was not received, email registrar@tarleton.edu.
Introducing the 125 Guarantee Program
Tarleton State University students seeking a bachelor’s degree will now have the opportunity to earn a 125 Guarantee award of $1,000 upon graduation. To qualify, students must complete all degree requirements within four years from their first day of college enrollment at Tarleton State or another college or university. Immediate enrollment after high school isn’t required.
Designed with affordability in mind, the program is being introduced as part of the university’s 125 Years of Excellence celebration.
Eligibility Requirements
To earn a 125 Guarantee award, students must be seeking their first bachelor’s degree and meet all of the following satisfactory progress requirements:
- Complete 30 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 12 months.
- Complete 60 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 24 months.
- Complete 90 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 36 months.
- Complete all requirements for the bachelor’s degree within 48 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m a current student?
Current undergraduate students may be eligible. The eligibility of individual students is being evaluated and communication will be sent to all current students.
What if I’m a transfer student?
The 125 Guarantee still applies. Tarleton State will calculate your eligibility from your first semester of enrollment at your previous college(s) or university.
How do I stay on track to earn the 125 Guarantee?
- To remain on track for the 125 Guarantee, eligible students must meet the following requirements during their college career:
- Complete 30 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 12 months.
- Complete 60 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 24 months.
- Complete 90 hours of degree-applicable college credit after 36 months.
- Complete all requirements for the bachelor’s degree within 48 months.
- Development level courses do not count as degree-applicable credits.
- The 12-month period includes fall, spring, and summer courses. Students may complete the degree requirements in the summer term immediately after the 48-month period ends.
- If a program requires a minimum grade for a course to apply to the degree, students must meet that requirement; otherwise, the hours will not count toward the 125 Guarantee.
How do I sign up?
If you are a first-time college student or a transfer who meets the appropriate progress toward degree, you will be automatically enrolled in the program.
How do I check my progress?
How and when do I receive the money after I graduate?
At the point a bachelor’s degree-seeking student has their degree conferred and Tarleton State has verified that the student has met all requirements for award eligibility, the student will be awarded $1,000. Verification and processing could take up to two months to receive funds, which will be distributed through direct deposit or check. If a student owes a balance to the university, the award is applied to their balance.
What if I sit out for a semester, am I still eligible to continue with the 125 Guarantee?
Yes. As long as the eligibility criteria are met, and the student meets the 30/60/90 over each 12-month checkpoint.
What if I graduate early because of my dual credits?
As long as the eligibility criteria are met by accumulating applicable credits at the 30/60/90 checkpoints every 12 months, you will be awarded the $1,000.
Can I get money each semester along the way?
No. This is a one-time payment that will be paid out when your degree has been conferred and all requirements have been verified.
If I get off track early in my college career, but catch up to still graduate within the 48-month time frame, am I still eligible?
As long as the eligibility criteria are met, and the student meets the 30/60/90 over each 12-month checkpoint.
What happens if I change my major? Will that affect my eligibility?
Changing majors can increase the number of hours a student must complete to earn a degree. However, as long as the eligibility requirements are met, you will remain eligible for the guarantee.
Does part-time enrollment count?
Yes. As long as the eligibility criteria are met, and the student meets the 30/60/90 over each 12-month checkpoint.
Is this award stackable with other scholarships or financial aid?
Post-enrollment or graduation awards, such as the 125 Guarantee award, are considered financial assistance. This means they may affect your overall financial aid package. Specifically, if you are eligible for this award, it could reduce your student loan debt by the amount of the award. Therefore, while this award may be combined with other scholarships or financial aid, the total aid you receive may be adjusted accordingly.
Is there an appeal process for the 125 Guarantee?
Yes. If you’re on track to complete your bachelor’s degree within 48 months, you may still be eligible for the 125 Guarantee even if you didn’t meet the 30/60/90 credit hour milestones exactly along the way. An appeal process is available during your final semester to assess your individual circumstances. You may be eligible to appeal if:
- You changed your major or program and your previously attempted coursework now applies toward the 30/60/90 milestone requirements.
- You had a delay in submitting transcripts that include academic credit needed for the 30/60/90 milestones.
To submit an appeal, please email registrar@tarleton.edu.