Thread by @TexasTribune

Breaking: Beginning this fall, the neediest freshmen at @utaustin will get a boost of $20,000 in financial aid to cover their long list of college living expenses — thanks to a $100 million gift from @DellFdn. #txhighered bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 2/ All incoming freshmen who qualify for the Pell Grant, a federally funded need-based grant, will benefit from the gift in some way. bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 3/ But only the Pell recipients with the most serious financial need will receive the $20,000 — a calculation that will be based on “expected family contributions” of less than $1,000. bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 4/ Every incoming @utaustin freshman for the next ten years who qualifies for the Pell Grant will have access to “personalized services” including a new laptop, tutoring, career and internship planning and financial aid coaching. bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 5/ The announcement follows the university’s recent effort to expand free tuition to more low-income students.

The Dell Foundation, learning of UT’s effort, was inspired to further contribute to Longhorns with financial hardships. bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 6/ University expenses can be major deterrents to graduation rates.

At @utaustin, the graduation rate for low-income students is 73%, but the university and @DellFdn are trying to push that rate to 90%. bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 7/ Pell Grant recipient Alyssa Garza, an aspiring aerospace engineer from Mission, won’t be eligible for the new program as a sophomore.

But she told us an extra $20,000 for life expenses “would have helped substantially.” bit.ly/2RLQ2EI

@UTAustin @DellFdn 8/8 Higher education experts said the Dell gift targeting low-income students may mark a turning point in how colleges approach financial aid assistance.

Read more here: bit.ly/2RLQ2EI