Texas Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Texas Scholarships & Grants

Texas offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Texas more affordable.

The TEXAS Grant is central for need-based aid; many public universities offer competitive merit.

What Is the Top 10% Scholarship Program in Texas?

The Top 10% Scholarship Program in Texas was originally created to recognize and reward students who graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. Its goal was to encourage top-performing Texas students to stay in-state for college. Although state funding for the program has been discontinued, the spirit of the initiative lives on through university-level awards and automatic merit-based scholarships.

Many Texas universities continue to reward top-ranking students with significant financial aid packages. For example, the Texas A&M Century Scholars Program provides funding for high-achieving students from partner high schools, while the UT Dallas Academic Excellence Scholarships automatically recognize outstanding academic performance. Other institutions, including Texas Tech and the University of Houston, offer guaranteed scholarships for students meeting GPA and test score thresholds, effectively replacing the former statewide Top 10% initiative with campus-specific incentives.

How Can You Get a Full-Ride Scholarship in Texas?

Securing a full-ride scholarship in Texas typically requires a combination of academic excellence, leadership experience, and strong community or extracurricular involvement. Some of the most prestigious programs in the state offer comprehensive funding that covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, and even stipends for study abroad or research opportunities.

Among the best-known options are the Terry Foundation Scholarship, awarded to exceptional students at Texas public universities who demonstrate leadership and financial need; the Forty Acres Scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin, which provides a full ride plus enrichment experiences and mentorship; and the McDermott Scholars Program at the University of Texas at Dallas, which supports scholars through a combination of merit-based funding, travel grants, and cultural programming. These highly competitive awards often require essays, interviews, and extensive records of academic and personal achievement.

Who Qualifies for Grants in Texas?

Grants in Texas are typically awarded based on financial need rather than academic merit, and they do not need to be repaid. To qualify, students must meet Texas residency requirements, demonstrate financial need, and enroll in an eligible public or private college or university. The most widely used state grant programs include:

• TEXAS Grant (Towards EXcellence, Access, and Success): Provides substantial need-based funding for students enrolled in eligible four-year universities who have completed a strong high school curriculum.
• Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG): Supports financially needy students attending public two-year colleges or technical institutions.
• Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG): Awarded by individual colleges and universities to help students with demonstrated need, including non-citizens and international students in some cases.

Students must complete the FAFSA or, for undocumented students, the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to determine eligibility for most of these programs.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Texas?

Yes, several Texas institutions offer full-ride scholarships to attract and reward the state’s most accomplished students. In addition to the Terry, Forty Acres, and McDermott programs, others include the President’s Gold Scholarship at Texas Tech University, the Regents Scholarship at Texas A&M University, and the President’s Endowed Scholarship at Baylor University. These awards generally cover the full cost of attendance—including tuition, fees, room, board, and sometimes book allowances or enrichment stipends.

Because these awards are competitive, applicants should maintain a rigorous academic record, participate in leadership or service activities, and submit all scholarship materials before priority deadlines. Many universities automatically consider applicants for institutional scholarships during the admissions process, while others require separate applications or nomination.

What Scholarships Are Available in Texas for Adults?

Texas supports adult learners through several flexible scholarship and grant programs designed to help working adults return to school or complete unfinished degrees. The Texas Reconnect Grant helps adults pursue certifications or degrees in high-demand fields at community and technical colleges, while the Finish@UT Scholarship assists students completing online degrees through the University of Texas System.

Adults entering or re-entering the workforce may also qualify for the Texas Workforce Development Grant, which provides funding for workforce-aligned training programs. Many local community foundations, chambers of commerce, and employers also offer scholarships to nontraditional students who are balancing education, career, and family commitments.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Texas?

College students in Texas can access a wide range of state-funded, institutional, and private scholarships. The TEXAS Grant remains the state’s flagship need-based program for undergraduates pursuing degrees at public universities. Meanwhile, the Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) provides additional support for financially challenged students enrolled in community colleges or universities.

Beyond state programs, many institutions offer their own awards. Texas A&M University provides scholarships such as the Academic Achievement Award and Century Scholars Program, while the University of Texas at Austin offers merit-based and departmental awards. Private organizations like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo distribute millions of dollars in scholarships annually to Texas residents pursuing agricultural, technical, or academic studies.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Texas?

High school seniors in Texas have access to a diverse selection of local, state, and national scholarships. Major programs include the Dell Scholars Program, which provides funding and mentoring to low-income, high-achieving students, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, a national award recognizing leadership and community service. In addition, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship program awards substantial scholarships to graduating seniors from across the state, often supporting agricultural or technical fields.

Many Texas universities also offer automatic merit-based scholarships for high school seniors who meet GPA and standardized test score requirements. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs without requiring a separate application, making them a valuable option for students applying to in-state schools.

Are There Scholarships in Texas for Hispanic Students?

Yes. Texas has a large Hispanic student population, and many organizations actively support Hispanic and Latino learners through dedicated scholarship programs. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) provides renewable awards for academic achievement and leadership. The Adelante Fund Scholarship supports students attending partner institutions with a focus on community engagement and professional development, while the Latinos in Tech Scholarship helps Hispanic students pursuing STEM and technology degrees.

Additionally, local Hispanic chambers of commerce, cultural associations, and nonprofit organizations throughout Texas sponsor scholarships for students in specific regions or majors. Hispanic students are encouraged to explore both national databases and local community foundations to find awards tailored to their background and goals.

Texas offers one of the most comprehensive networks of scholarships and grants in the country, providing opportunities for high school seniors, college students, and adult learners alike. From need-based programs like the TEXAS Grant to prestigious full-ride awards such as the Terry and Forty Acres Scholarships, students at every stage can find meaningful financial support. By completing the FAFSA or TASFA early, maintaining strong academics, and exploring both statewide and institutional funding, Texas students can make higher education far more affordable and accessible.