Starting life at a new school with new people and new faces can feel overwhelming, but Moontower is here to help the transition by providing SMART Housing. Through SMART Housing, we are here to help students who receive need-based financial aid, pay for school via student loans, or work while going through school to pay for living expenses independently.
SMART Housing FAQs
Moontower participates in the City of Austin SMART Housing Program, which is designed to provide housing options at affordable rates for qualifying residents. Students who receive need-based financial aid, pay for school through student loans, or work while going through school to pay for living expenses independently may qualify to live in one of our SMART Housing units.
Residents may qualify for SMART housing if they meet the low-to-moderate income requirements laid out by the city of Austin, TX. Depending on your personal circumstances, income may be calculated based on need-based financial aid, income, or a combination of the two. See current income limits used by the City of Austin affordable housing programs here.
You will need proof from a W2, 1040, a letter from an employer, or three pay stubs. If you are unsure whether you qualify for SMART Housing, send a screenshot of your UT direct cash page or proof of income to a member of our team for help!
Applicants may be required to provide documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, financial aid award information, or other income-verification documents to confirm eligibility.
Students at Moontower should know that the program applies only to designated SMART Housing bed spaces and floor plans. SMART Housing is only offered in The Ehlinger 4×4 floor plan. Availability is limited. All eligible applicants must complete the standard leasing process and provide any required documentation (UT cash page/financial aid summary) to verify that they meet the program’s qualification requirements.
SMART Housing rates are typically sent out in July by the city of Austin. Moontower has a limited number of units dedicated to SMART Housing, but these fill up rather quickly, so we recommend signing a housing contract earlier to help ensure you can save your place.
The SMART housing rates will depend on your income and the current income limit set by the city of Austin.
Since Moontower offers individual SMART Housing contracts, we can typically mix someone with SMART Housing and someone without SMART Housing in one unit, so you don’t have to worry about not living with your friend or roommate!