Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: May 16, 2025

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

  • Media Alliance of Houston Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 23, 2025

The Houston Chapter of Media Alliance of Houston will award scholarships to college juniors or seniors who have at least one full-time semester left of college. The scholarships will be awarded to students attending a Texas public or private university that offers radio, television, film, public relations, advertising/communications or broadcasting as the major emphasis of study and/or students

  • 2

  • Hill County Master Gardener Scholarship in Horticultural Studies

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 31, 2025

The Hill Country Master Gardeners Association (HCMG), a non-profit organization dedicated to volunteer education and community service, is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships in horticultural science for the upcoming academic year. Our aim is to provide financial support to deserving undergraduate or graduate students at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tarleton State or Stephen F. Austin

  • 3

  • Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$1,600
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2025

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

  • 4

  • National Ocean Scholar Program

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 2, 2025

As part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) program’s continuing effort to recognize individual achievement, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership offers the National Ocean Scholarship Program. This scholarship program is to provide tuition assistance for NOSB students who have an interest in pursuing an ocean or a marine related topic area in their post-high school education. Applicants

  • 5

  • Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineJune 4, 2025

Submit your Duck Tape promwear for a chance to win up to $15,000! Create and wear your original promwear using Duck® Brand Duct Tape and/or Duck® Brand Crafting Tape. Remember to take a high resolution pic of the big moment! See official rules for details. Eligibility Criteria Open to high school students or those in a home school association (at the high-school level) during the current

  • 6

  • G.B. Mann Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 6, 2025

The G.B. Mann Scholarship is awarded to current high school senior students who attend school in the Dallas Branch region (Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall Counties) and who will be attending an institution of higher learning in the upcoming fall semester in pursuit of a degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or Environmental Engineering. Besides

  • 7

  • Hope Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 6, 2025

Bank of Hope takes great pride in supporting education in the communities where we operate and have distributed millions in scholarships to date through the Hope Scholarship Foundation. Scholarship Details Financial aid for tuition, school materials, books, and necessary expenses Supporting students pursuing education at 4-year or 2-year institutions Empowering students with

  • 8

  • Spark For the Future Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2025

The Spark for the Future Scholarship supports local Houston-area students pursuing higher education in welding and related metal-working specializations. This scholarship is open to students attending vocational programs, accreditation programs, and two- or four-year undergraduate institutions. Scholarship Details Award amount: $1,000 Tuition and fees only, paid directly to the

  • 9

  • TELACU College Success Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2025

The College Success Program is funded by TELACU and the generous contributions of our partners—corporations, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and individuals—who have joined us over the past 35 years in advancing educational opportunities for our community. Because TELACU believes that the future leaders of our community must be engaged in meaningful careers that will change

  • 10

  • Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$8,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

For the opportunity to win an $8,000 scholarship, submit a video or written essay about an individual you know personally (who lives in your community) who has inspired you and helped you build the confidence you need to achieve your goals. For each Quarterly Contest, the topic of your Written Essay or Video Essay (your “Essay Topic”) must be an individual you know personally, who lives in your

  • 11

  • Hearts for Community Service

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

The Hearts for Community Service Scholarship awards $5,000 annually to student residents from specific Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. markets who volunteer in their communities. The scholarship supports students enrolled in post-secondary institutions and encourages continued community service and educational advancement. Applications open from June 1st to June 30th, with winners announced in

  • 12

  • SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 1, 2025

Annually, SEAFWA’s Law Enforcement Chief’s Scholarships are awarded to students who advocate for wildlife conservation. There are three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each available to deserving students. This award is intended for students with a passion for the outdoors and an interest in the management and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The scholarship will assist students

  • 13

  • Excellence in Character Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineJuly 19, 2025

To be eligible for the Excellence in Character Scholarship, applicants must: be graduating seniors with a strong record of service in the community in non-school sponsored activities and participation in extracurricular school activities; have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a total family annual income under $50,000; plan to attend a 2 or 4 year college or technical school; and not be the child of a

  • 14

  • WREDI to Launch Behavioral Health Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

NBHP created the Behavioral Health Scholarship to provide financial assistance and support for incoming freshmen who are committed to pursuing a degree in Behavioral Health. NBHP feels it is important to address the critical workforce shortage in the behavioral health sector by supporting the education and training of future professionals in the field. Eligibility Must be a freshman at an

  • 15

  • National Federation of the Blind Scholarship - Texas

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Texas offers scholarships to the best and brightest blind students in the state. The scholarships are awarded during our annual convention. Attendance, at our expense, is mandatory for all finalists. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and community service. The National Federation of the Blind of Texas is dedicated to

  • 16

  • Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineAugust 30, 2025

The purpose of the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program is to encourage students to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine, or to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States. Each year the governor and the lieutenant

  • 17

  • National Rice Month Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2025

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

  • 18

  • Ohio State University National Buckeye Scholarship

  • Amount$54,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

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

  • 19

  • University of Florida Out-of-State Tuition Waver

  • Amount$64,000
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

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

  • 20

  • University of South Carolina Alumni Scholars Award (Nonresidents)

  • Amount$120,000
  • DeadlineNovember 15, 2025

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,

  • 21

  • University of Kentucky Bluegrass Spirit Awards

  • Amount$50,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

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

  • 22

  • 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The 5 Strong program partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide promising student leaders with full-tuition scholarships and ongoing mentorship from matriculation to graduation. The program begins with information sessions to determine if 5 Strong is the right fit for each student. Accepted applicants are placed into teams of five scholars and participate in

  • 23

  • Hagan Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

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

  • 24

  • Tommy Tranchin Award

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The Tommy Tranchin Award was established at The Dallas Foundation to support students with physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities who have shown promise or passion in a chosen field of interest. Tommy’s family wants to recognize his creativity and adventurous spirit by helping other young people with disabilities develop their own talents and explore new opportunities. Please note that

  • 25

  • Texas A&M University - Century Scholars Program

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

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

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.