Scholarships and Financial Aid in Texas
Published December 21, 2023 · 3 Min Read
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Paying for postsecondary education is no simple feat. Despite having some of the lowest in-state public tuition rates in the country, state universities in Texas still charge more than $8,000 per year on average.
To make education more accessible, Texas has developed several financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, and tuition discount programs. As a result, nearly 70% of students receive financial aid in Texas.
On this page, we explore some of the best scholarships in Texas and what you need to apply.
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10 Scholarships in Texas
Here are some popular scholarships available to Texas students. You can also find scholarship programs at individual institutions.
Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
- Deadline: January 31
- Eligibility: Available to Texas residents enrolled in an in-state college pursuing a CPA license with at least 120 credits completed.
Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $20,000
- Deadline: February 15
- Eligibility: Available to state resident members of the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program in pursuit of a bachelor's or technical degree or certification.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $15,000
- Deadline: January 15
- Eligibility: Available to Texas college students with good academic standing and enrolled in a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program.
Texas Business and Professional Women's Foundation Scholarships
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per year
- Deadline: March 31
- Eligibility: Available to Texas women pursuing degrees in various disciplines, including healthcare, law, and business.
Texas Department of Transportation Conditional Grant Program
- Award Amount: Up to $8,000 per year
- Deadline: April 1
- Eligibility: Available to Texas residents with financial need and enrolled in an in-state four-year college in a civil engineering or an approved business program.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG)
- Award Amount: Up to $3,940 per semester
- Deadline: January 15
- Eligibility: Available to Texas residents with financial need and enrolled in a two-year public college with no more than 30 credits completed.
Texas Medical Association Diversity in Medicine Scholarship
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: May 31
- Eligibility: Available to underrepresented minorities pursuing a degree at a Texas medical school.
Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success Grant Program (TEXAS Grant)
- Award Amount: Up to $5,387 per semester
- Deadline: January 15
- Eligibility: Available to Texas residents with financial need and enrolled full-time in a public college bachelor's program.
Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)
- Award Amount: Up to $5,810 per year
- Deadline: January 15
- Eligibility: Available to Texas residents with financial need and enrolled full-time in an in-state nonprofit private college.
Texas Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Up to $6,600
- Deadline: June 30 and October 31
- Eligibility: Available to injured individuals or dependents of injured individuals supported by a Texas Mutual insurance policy.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Texas
To apply for financial aid in Texas, you should start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TAFSA). Which one you choose depends on your state residency and citizenship status.
You can then apply for federal, state, and school-specific scholarships and grants, many of which require you to first complete the FAFSA or TAFSA. The application requirements and guidelines vary by the award, but many run through state schools and organizations.
After completing the application, you'll be given automatic consideration for various state grants, such as the TEOG, TEG, and TEXAS Grant. You can also apply for tuition rebates and tuition waivers — programs that typically run through your college or university.
Texas Border-State Tuition Discounts
Many Texas schools participate in tuition programs that give out-of-state learners access to in-state tuition rates. The Bordering States Waiver, for example, offers in-state rates to students from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Most schools in counties that neighbor these states participate in this waiver program.
The Academic Common Market, a partnership of 15 states, offers in-state tuition rates at many schools to out-of-state students. This allows students from member states to access in-state rates at many Texas schools. Texas students get the same luxury when they study out of state.
Texas College Work-Study Program
Available at most of the state's public and private nonprofit colleges, the Texas College Work-Study Program gives students in need financial aid in the form of part-time work. With many positions available on or near campus, work-study programs offer students convenience and professional experience.
You must be enrolled at least part-time to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid in Texas
When is the Texas FAFSA deadline?
The deadline for FAFSA applications in Texas is March 15 every year. While you can apply after this date, you could miss out on various types of financial aid in Texas.
Can you attend college for free in Texas?
Yes, you may qualify for free tuition in Texas depending on your level of financial need, your location, and your school choice.
Programs like the Dallas County Promise and Texas Advance Commitment cover the tuition costs for Texas students in need. In fact, many Texas colleges offer financial aid programs that can cover most, if not all your educational costs.
What is the difference between FAFSA and TAFSA?
TAFSA is a free application for financial aid for students who do not qualify for FAFSA. This typically includes non-citizens and non-permanent residents. Completing this application will give applicants consideration for financial aid in Texas.
Is there an income limit for FAFSA in Texas?
Neither FAFSA nor TAFSA have income limits. While low-income students qualify for more financial aid in Texas, students from high-income families are still encouraged to apply. Many scholarships and grants require candidates to complete the FAFSA for consideration.
How do I get a full-ride scholarship in Texas?
There are many ways to earn a scholarship in Texas that covers your tuition costs. You can find robust financial aid packages for low-income students from certain counties or those attending certain schools. You can also earn scholarships based on academic merit and other achievements that pay for your schooling entirely.
Page last reviewed: December 11, 2023.
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