Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: October 1, 2024

Texas Scholarships

They say that everything is bigger in Texas - and that includes college scholarships. Texas scholarships offer a massive amount of financial aid for aspiring students each year.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Texas Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2024

The purpose of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single parents living in Arkansas who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income-earning potential. Guidelines for the manner in which the scholarship may be used are at the discretion of each scholarship provider. Dollar amounts for the

  • 2

  • National Rice Month Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2024

National Rice Month celebrates the harvest of U.S.-grown rice, a small but mighty grain that has been a staple in American diets for over 300 years. Nearly 85% of the rice consumed in the U.S. is grown on family farms across six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. This scholarship allows you to share the importance of rice through a creative and original

  • 3

  • Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship

  • Amount$54,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2024

The Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship is awarded to non-Ohio residents. Those considered are non-Ohio residents (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who are highly competitive as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank (if available), and ACT or SAT scores (if available). Applicants who meet the criteria and apply to the university by November 1 will automatically

  • 4

  • Indiana University Dean's Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2024

The Dean’s Scholarship is a four-year IU Academic Scholarship awarded to incoming first-year out-of-state students based on high academic performance. Recipients will be notified by the Office of Scholarships via email and then followed by a letter in the mail. Notifications will happen between mid-December and the first week of February. Award amounts will vary. Submit a complete application for

  • 5

  • University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships

  • Amount$112,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2024

The University of Alabama offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country for qualifying students. As a first-time freshman applicant, you must submit the following to be considered for admission to the university: an application for admission, and an official high school transcript. There is also an optional submission of official ACT or SAT test scores. To maximize

  • 6

  • University of Florida Out-of-State Tuition Waver

  • Amount$64,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2024

The UF Office of Admissions currently offers a very limited number of merit-based out-of-state scholarships designed to reduce the out-of-state tuition for high-achieving students at the following levels: Alumni Scholarship: Up to $8,000 per year (Fall/Spring, total $32,000 over 4 years); Sunshine Scholarship: Up to $16,000 per year (Fall/Spring, total $64,000 over 4 years); and Gator Nation

  • 7

  • University of South Carolina Alumni Scholars Award (Nonresidents)

  • Amount$120,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2024

The University of South Carolina Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers a generous array of scholarships for non- South Carolina resident freshmen. Only one Admissions Merit Award per individual is allowed for nonresidents, with the exception of the Provost Scholars Award, which can be added to any other award listed in this section. Numerous scholarships for non-resident freshmen are offered,

  • 8

  • Mark Kilroy Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2024

The Mark Kilroy Foundation (MKF) has awarded scholarships for decades. Our MKF Scholarship Program serves sixteen high schools in Brazoria and Galveston Counties and the Salvation Army (SA), Adult Rehabilition Center (ARC), Houston, Texas serving numerous Texas counties. MKF Scholarships provides Texas trade or technical school and college scholarships for eligible Santa Fe, Alvin, Angleton,

  • 9

  • Hagan Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2024

The Hagan Scholarship stands as a nationwide beacon, a need-based merit scholarship specifically designed for high-achieving rural students. This scholarship opportunity is intended for those who graduate from public high schools situated in over twenty eligible states, specifically in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents. Eligibility Criteria Must graduate from a

  • 10

  • University of Kentucky Bluegrass Spirit Awards

  • Amount$50,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2024

The University of Kentucky offers renewable academic, competitive and selective scholarship opportunities for incoming first-time freshmen. For the Bluegrass Spirit Awards, requirements will vary, but applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA, and if they took the ACT/SAT, a score of at least 25 or 1200. Applicants must be a nonresident of Kentucky. Other than the aforementioned criteria, there

  • 11

  • Texas A&M University - Century Scholars Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2024

To apply for the Texas A&M University - Century Scholars Program, you must be a graduate of a Century Scholar school. In addition to your academic achievement including achievement under difficult circumstances, your co-curricular involvement (campus and community activities, leadership roles, employment, etc.) is also considered. In order to provide scholarship opportunities to the greatest

  • 12

  • Take Care of Texas Video Contest

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineDecember 6, 2024

The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students create a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. Contest sponsor Waste Management of Texas, Inc. will award prizes to the creators of the best

  • 13

  • 5 Strong Scholarship Houston

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2024

5 Strong partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide promising student leaders with full-tuition scholarships and ongoing mentorship and support from matriculation to graduation. We start with detailed information sessions to figure out if 5 Strong is the right fit for you. For those who apply and are accepted, we build teams of 5 scholars and provide bimonthly

  • 14

  • Texas Legion State High School Oratorical Contest

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 20, 2024

The Oratorical Contest in Texas offers high school students a chance to compete for scholarships, with a grand prize of $20,500. The competition begins in October, allowing participants to showcase their oratory skills. The process involves local, district, division, and department-level contests, culminating in the Department Finals in February. Scholarship Details Grand prize: $20,500 in

  • 15

  • University of Minnesota National Scholarship

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 1, 2025

The University of Minnesota National Scholarship is for residents of any state, excluding Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Incoming freshmen are considered for these scholarships based on an overall assessment of the application for admission. Full consideration for academic scholarships is given to students who submit a complete application for freshman admission by either

  • 16

  • Clemson University Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship

  • Amount$157,992
  • DeadlineJanuary 3, 2025

Entering Clemson University first-year students who are non-residents of South Carolina are eligible for the Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship. Domestic out-of-state students with an exceptional high school academic record will be considered for a renewable merit award. Students who show financial need through their FAFSA application will be considered for renewable grant funds as well as merit

  • 17

  • ARRL Helen Laughlin AM Mode Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2025

The Helen Laughlin AM Mode Memorial Scholarship is an award with preference given to residents of Texas. If no qualified applicant is identified, preference will be given to residents of Arkansas. If no qualified applicant is identified, preference will be given to residents of the ARRL West Gulf (Texas, Oklahoma) or Delta (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee) Divisions. Preference is

  • 18

  • Built Ford Tough Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 11, 2025

Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships that are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals. FFA provides scholarships that support all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required

  • 19

  • UTA Terry Scholarship

  • Amount$117,024
  • DeadlineJanuary 12, 2025

The Terry Foundation Scholarship Program provides scholarships for Texas residents to support their goals of earning a college degree. The Terry Foundation supports students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. The University of Texas at Arlington has been a proud partner with the Terry Foundation since 2015. The Terry Scholarship program is for incoming freshman

  • 20

  • TEXAS Grant Program

  • Amount$10,774
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2025

The TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant offers valuable financial aid opportunities to ensure that financially needy, well-prepared high school graduates can pursue higher education. This grant is designed to support Texas residents who demonstrate financial need, making college more accessible. Scholarship Details TEXAS Grant established by the Texas Legislature Aims to

  • 21

  • Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR)

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. PPRR operates through 28 Regional Committees and an at-large committee that accepts applications from high school students who live outside the geographic

  • 22

  • Texas- UK Award

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The British American Foundation of Texas (BAFTX) has been assisting gifted and talented young people achieve their objectives since 2007. Our scholars from underprivileged backgrounds are able, with financial support from BAFTX, to complete their studies, start on their career paths and reach their potential. We are extremely proud of our scholars who graduate thanks to our donors and forge

  • 23

  • InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

InspirASIAN makes a difference in our community by supporting graduating high school seniors with their college education through our scholarship awards. InspirASIAN awards national scholarships to students residing in any state with a participating local InspirASIAN chapter. All students who apply will be considered for the national scholarships awards. Students who are not awarded national

  • 24

  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston Area Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's educational programs are a significant part of the Show's goals of benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. All recipients of Show scholarships must demonstrate academic potential, citizenship/leadership and financial need, and they must attend a Texas college or

  • 25

  • Sam Houston State University Smith-Hutson Scholarship

  • Amount$80,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2025

Choosing a university is not just an academic decision, it's personal; it is important to find the university that fits you. Sam Houston State University is a great institution and while there are many ways to learn why, the best way is to come visit campus and see Sam for yourself. For more than 140 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Sam Houston State

That’s good news for students who want to avoid or minimize how much they have to borrow in student loans. The average Texas borrower owes $32,717 in student loans.

And while that figure isn’t in the top half of all states, it’s still a considerable sum of money. That’s why students from the Lone Star State should try to apply for as many Texas scholarships as possible.

Maximizing scholarship opportunities can help you reduce your student loans and make it easier to attend college. Read below to learn how to qualify for a Texas scholarship, how they work and where to find them.

What is a Texas Scholarship?

There are many scholarship providers that focus on a specific region or state. And, as the second-most populous state in the country, Texas has a wide variety of scholarships for local students.

A Texas scholarship is a scholarship that is given to a student from Texas or attending school in Texas. Some scholarships require that students fulfill both criteria, while other scholarships only ask that students meet one of these two requirements.

Some Texas scholarships may be given to students for general academic success, while others include more specific career or academic requirements.

How to apply for Texas Scholarships

Requirements for Texas scholarships may vary depending on the provider. First, start by compiling all of the scholarships you’re eligible for and list them by their due date. Make sure to focus on scholarships you’re a good fit for.

To qualify for a school-based scholarship, you may have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required to receive federal student aid, including Pell Grants, work-study and, of course, federal student loans. The FAFSA must be completed every year that you want to remain eligible for financial aid.

Many schools mandate that students submit the FAFSA before they can be considered for internal grants and scholarships. Unless you’re not eligible to fill out the FAFSA, you should always submit it.

When you're applying to college, you have to be mindful of the financial aid deadlines. Each school has its own financial aid deadline. If you miss this deadline, then you won’t qualify for financial aid. Some schools have a priority financial aid deadline and a regular financial aid deadline. You’re more likely to qualify for more aid if you meet the priority deadline.

Each state also has a financial aid deadline that is used to determine state-based grants and awards. In Texas, the financial aid deadline is April 15th.

You should figure out what the earliest financial aid deadline is and submit your FAFSA by that date. That will ensure that you maximize your financial aid.

However, it also pays dividends to submit the FAFSA well before the deadline. Many students don't know that many awards are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. If possible, try to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available.

Where to find Texas scholarships

Texas scholarships are available through our online scholarship database at Scholarships.com. The scholarships are organized by type so you can find both standard academic awards or unusual awards. To make the process easier, you can create an account and get notifications when relevant scholarships become available.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board also has a list of scholarships for Texas students.

The school you attend may also be a good source for Texas scholarships. When applying to college, visit the financial aid website and figure out how to maximize your scholarship opportunities. Some schools may have a separate scholarship application that you must complete to qualify for all potential scholarships.

For example, the University of Texas offers the C.R. Smith Endowed Scholarship, which pays between $10,000 and $12,000 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study. This is a merit scholarship that is given to students with a prestigious academic track record.

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Scholarships

Texas scholarships can vary dramatically, and there’s a lot you should know about them before you apply. Here are the most common questions that students and parents might have.

What are the best Texas scholarships?

There are many generous scholarships available for Texas students. Most of the best Texas scholarships are given by specific universities to their students. For example, the University of Texas-Austin provides free tuition for students with a household income less than $65,000. The school also offers some tuition assistance for students with a household income between $65,000 and $125,000.

Also, the state of Texas offers free tuition for one year for valedictorians who attend an in-state school. This is only available for Texas high school graduates.

Do I have to attend school in Texas to be eligible for a Texas scholarship?

Scholarship providers can set their own eligibility requirements, and many do not mandate that students attend a Texas school to receive a Texas scholarship.

Some scholarships may require you to be both a Texas resident and also attend school in Texas. Make sure you read all the requirements and understand the rules.

Do I have to be from Texas to receive a Texas scholarship?

In most cases, you must be a current Texas resident to qualify for a Texas scholarship. Each scholarship may have its own residency definition, but it often means living in the state for at least one year.

On the other hand, the University of Houston Tier One Scholarship is available for both in-state and out-of-state students. Out-of-state students will receive a tuition waiver granting them in-state status at the University of Houston. This means that out-of-state students will pay the same rate as a Texas-based student.

Some scholarships may accept students who either attend school in Texas or who graduated from a Texas high school. For example, the Austin Alliance for Women in Media Scholarship requires that you either attend school in the Austin area or have attended high school in Austin.

This $5,000 scholarship can only be used toward an undergraduate degree. Eligible students must have an overall 3.2 GPA or a major-specific 3.0 GPA. You must have declared a major related to journalism or have college or professional experience in a media-related field.

Are there scholarships for students from specific Texas counties or cities?

Geographic scholarships can often have specific or general requirements. There are Texas scholarships for students living anywhere in the Lone Star State, as well as scholarships for those living in specific cities or counties.

For example, the Mark Kilroy Foundation Scholarship only gives out awards to students from select high schools in Brazoria or Galveston County. This scholarship is worth $4,000. Students must attend an accredited college or trade school in Texas to qualify for this scholarship.

Are there Texas scholarships for certain minority groups?

Texas is home to a wide variety of races and nationalities. If you are part of a specific minority group, then you may find scholarships that are perfect for you.

For example, the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium Scholarship Program is available to Hispanic or Latino students who plan to be full-time college students. You must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and live in Texas to qualify. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen.

The scholarship program offers multiple types of scholarships, many of which can be renewed for more than one year. Students attending two- and four-year schools are eligible, as well as those in graduate or PhD programs.

Women may also find special scholarships exclusively for them, especially if they’re studying a field that has been historically dominated by men.

For example, the British American Foundation of Texas provides a Women in STEM Award for female students from Texas who are also attending school there. They must also have come from a low-income family and have either a 3.0 GPA if you’re a current college student or a 3.5 GPA if you’re a current high school student. The scholarship is worth $5,000.

Are there specific Texas scholarships for certain majors or degrees?

Many scholarships, including Texas scholarships, only require that you be attending college to be eligible. However, others only award funds to students who are pursuing a particular major or receiving a certain degree.

For example, the G.B. Mann Scholarship is given to a student who is majoring in civil engineering. You must also be from Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro or Rockwall County in Texas. Only students receiving their bachelor's degrees qualify for this scholarship.

Can I get a Texas scholarship if I’m an international student?

International students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to being eligible for scholarships. Most of the time, financial aid is only given to students who are U.S. citizens or at the very least reside in the U.S.

There may be some rare exceptions. For example, the Good Neighbor Scholarship Program offers 12 months of free tuition at a Texas school to students from a country in the Western Hemisphere, excluding the U.S. or Cuba.

To be eligible, you must plan to return to your home country after receiving your degree. This scholarship is available at select Texas colleges and universities, including both two- and four-year schools.

If you still want more financial aid, you should look for opportunities within your home country. They may have scholarships available for students who are studying abroad.

Are Texas scholarships available for community college students?

Community college students often make the mistake of thinking that they're not eligible for scholarships the way that other undergraduate students are. Fortunately, many awards are available for both two- and four-year students.

For example, the Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship is given to a student to promote the litter prevention campaign, “Don’t mess with Texas.”

You must be a current Texas high school student who will attend an accredited school, either a two- or four-year school, in the U.S. Two winners will be chosen and each one will receive $5,000.

Do you have to attend a public school in Texas to get a Texas scholarship?

Many Texas scholarships are available to students who are attending any kind of school, public or private, in the state, as long as it's accredited.

However, some special awards are only given to students attending a public institution. For example, the TEXAS Grant is a state-based grant only given to local students attending a public Texas school.

To qualify for this grant, you must have demonstrated financial need. You must also be attending school on a 3/4 basis or more. You cannot have received a bachelor’s degree before. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA.

If you want to attend a private college or university in Texas, you may find that there are some awards specifically for students like you. For example, the Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG) provides up to $5,810 per year for students attending a private Texas college.

You must have demonstrated financial need and attend school on a 3/4 basis or more. This grant, like other scholarships, also requires that students complete the FAFSA.

Are there Texas scholarships for older students?

Many Texas scholarships are given to students directly coming out of high school. But we all know that not everyone has a straight path to college.

The Women with Promise award is given to female students from North Texas who are either restarting or just beginning their college degree.

The scholarship amount ranges between $250 and $5,000. The number of awards varies from year to year. You must have demonstrated financial need to qualify. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible, as long as they attend an accredited school. Only those who are eligible to submit the FAFSA can apply for this scholarship.

What is the typical GPA requirement for a Texas scholarship?

As a basic rule of thumb, most scholarships require that students have a 3.0 GPA. However, the exact requirement depends on the particular scholarship.

For example, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Annual College Scholarship does not have a specific GPA requirement to be eligible. However, if you are selected, you must maintain a 2.5 GPA in college. You must also take at least 12 credit hours per semester.

If your high school GPA is less than a 3.0, you can still find scholarships that you’re eligible for. Also, once you get to college, your high school GPA usually won’t matter when it comes to applying for scholarships. If your college GPA is a 3.0 or higher, you’ll likely find lots of awards you’re eligible for.

Are there Texas scholarships for those in the military?

The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) is awarded to students who want to join one of the following service branches:

To qualify for the scholarship, you need to meet two of the following four requirements:

When you enroll in a Texas school, you must also join the ROTC program and complete four years of ROTC training. You must then serve in the military for a certain period of time, which will depend on the individual branch.