DENTON (UNT), Texas -- The initial enrollment period for the University of North Texas' new Eagle Express Tuition Plan ended with more than 4,600 eligible students signing up for the innovative, money-saving plan.

The plan proved a popular option with freshmen: Half of UNT's new freshman class selected Eagle Express over the traditional tuition plan.

The new plan locks in students' total academic costs for four years and offers them an opportunity to save up to $3,000 in their last 15 academic hours for graduating in four years. Plus, students who graduate on time may qualify for the state's $1,000 tuition rebate, providing students an opportunity to save up to $4,000.

"Our opt-in numbers for the launch of the Eagle Express Tuition Plan are better than we could have imagined. Half of our incoming freshmen have committed to graduating in four years on the Eagle Express. I believe this will be the most popular optional tuition plan in the state of Texas," UNT President Neal Smatresk says. "It proves that we've created a winning combination for our students -- graduate on time and save money -- and created a strong pathway to graduation."

The Eagle Express Tuition Plan is available to all new freshmen and transfer students starting this semester, Fall 2014. Current students had a one-time opportunity to opt-in to the plan, but are not allowed to join the plan after this semester.

The deadline for incoming freshmen, transfer students and current students to enroll during the initial enrollment period was Aug. 14, although some students are still in the process of registering and will still choose a plan. Fall classes begin Aug. 25. All enrollment numbers are subject to change through the 12th day of class.

To be eligible to participate in the plan, students must meet Texas residency requirements and be seeking a bachelor's degree. Students who do not meet the Texas residency requirements are automatically enrolled in the traditional tuition plan.