They say that everything is bigger in Texas - and it seems that includes scholarships for college students. Texas scholarships supply a massive amount of financial aid for aspiring students each year.
Maximizing those scholarship opportunities can help you minimize your student loans and make it easier to attend college without having to worry about untenable student loan debt upon graduation. 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 local scholarships as well as a number of scholarships for those not from Texas, but attending college in the Lone Star State.
There are Texas scholarships for students living anywhere in the Lone Star State, as well as for those living in specific cities or counties. For example, the Mark Kilroy Foundation Scholarship program only gives out awards to students from Brazoria or Galveston County.
Some Texas scholarships may be considered merit scholarships and are given to students for general academic success, while others include more specific career or academic requirements. For example, the G.B. Mann Scholarship is given to a student who is majoring in civil engineering and is also from Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro or Rockwall County.
How to apply for Texas Scholarship
Requirements for Texas scholarships may vary depending on the provider. First, start by compiling all of the scholarships you’re eligible for and rank them by the due date. Make sure to focus on the 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). Many schools mandate that students submit the FAFSA before they can be considered for internal grants and scholarships.
Also, if you’re attending school in-state, you must submit the FAFSA to receive the TEXAS Grant, a state-based grant only given to local students attending a Texas school. The Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG), which provides up to $5,246 per year, also requires the FAFSA.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Scholarships
What are the best Texas scholarships?
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 that is less than $65,000. The school offers tuition assistance for students with a household income between $125,000 and $65,000.
Also, the state of Texas offers free tuition for one year for valedictorian students who attend an in-state school. This is only available for graduates of Texas high schools.
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. There are some scholarships that require you to be a Texas resident only, some that require you attend a Texas school and some will require both residence and attendance in Texas. Make sure you read through all the requirements and understand what the rules are.
Do I have to be from Texas to receive a Texas scholarship?
In many cases, you must be a current Texas resident to qualify for a Texas scholarship. Each scholarship may have their own residency definition, but it often means living in the state for at least one year.
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.
Also, 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.
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 a school in the Austin area or have attended high school in Austin.
Where can I find Texas scholarships?
Texas scholarships are available through online scholarship databases like Scholarships.com. 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. 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.
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 in order to qualify for all potential scholarships.
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. Applicants must live in the state [...] More
The Urban Scholarship Fund is for graduating high school seniors, new and/or returning college students attending any accredited nonprofit public or independent two or four-year college/university or technical school. ANNUAL awards are $700 for community college, junior college and technical college; $1,000 for public four-year college/university; and $2,000 for independent (private) four-year [...] More
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 [...] More
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 [...] More
Established in 1999, the Century Scholars Program is a partnership between Texas A&M University and 110 under-represented Texas high schools to enroll and retain top students from each school. This program provides both scholarship funds and access to a four-year learning community which strives to help students develop during their time in college. Each scholarship includes a one-time $1000 [...] More
You and your family can choose from many different types of financial aid. The Texas Legislature established the TEXAS (Towards EXcellence, Access and Success) Grant to make sure that well-prepared high school graduates with financial need could go to college. To be eligible for a TEXAS Grant award, a student must be classified by the institution as a Texas resident, be registered with Selective [...] More
Applying for financial aid requires a little work on your part. But the fact is, you won't receive assistance unless you ask for it. And asking for it means completing a few forms. There are three very important things to remember about applying for aid: you only have to complete one financial aid application (either the FAFSA or the TASFA to start the process; the financial aid office at the [...] More
The Rebekah Assembly of Texas Irma Gesche Scholarship is available for a Texas resident to attend any accredited two or four-year college/university. The scholarship is based on academic ability, community service, personal development, and financial need. Applicant must submit a completed application along with a high school transcript, a typed letter outlining expected goals to be reached as a [...] More
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 [...] More
The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries is made up of nearly 100 Junior Auxiliary Chapters throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The Junior Auxiliary was founded on the principles of helping children and making a difference in their lives; it provides women the opportunity to serve and be a vital part of their communities. The objectives of [...] More
Through the Architecture and Design Foundation, AD EX awards a variety of scholarships and travel/research fellowships to support high school and college architecture students, as well as young architects just beginning their careers. The McDermott Traveling Fellowship is awarded for traveling studies in architecture; to research, develop, and disseminate knowledge of the built environment. 4th, [...] More
The Jake Jones Memorial Scholarship is given to graduating high school seniors from the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to apply. They must exhibit integrity, ambition, good moral character and a strong desire to achieve a higher level of education. Students must demonstrate the ability to overcome obstacles caused by their [...] More
Each year, the Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education awards a variety of scholarships to high school and college/career students. Eligibility requirements are listed on each scholarship application. To be considered for a scholarship, the application and all supporting materials must be submitted by the stated deadline. The Arlington Foundation for Excellence in Education offers [...] More
Each Spring, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation awards scholarships to Houston area high school seniors for undergraduate study. The recipient may select any major at any four year college or university in the United States. Scholarship applications may be submitted during the student’s senior year in high school. Students may complete our scholarship forms online after September [...] More
The purpose of the Mary E. Bivins Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the Texas Panhandle by supporting the elderly, funding the education of Christian ministers, and addressing critical community needs. In every endeavor, the Bivins Foundation will strive to help each person achieve and maintain the highest standards possible in dignity, independence, self-worth and good health. [...] More
The Fort Worth Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc. is a Masonic Program and is an appendant body to the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Bodies, a Masonic fraternity. The Trustees for the Foundation manage a Charitable Trust, the corpus of which generates funds that are used by the Trustees to fund charitable endeavors such as, a Literacy Program, contributions to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for [...] More
Through The David C. Lizárraga Fellowship, TELACU recognizes graduate students who demonstrate the potential and commitment to advance TELACU's mission of building self-sufficient communities through economic empowerment. Applicants must be a first-generation college student, pursuing a master's degree in business administration or engineering (students pursuing other graduate degrees may also be [...] More
AWM Austin is proud to award a scholarship to a college sophomore or junior studying media or a related field at a university in the Austin area (within a 40-mile radius from Austin). Consideration will also be given to students attending other colleges who graduated from an Austin area high school and maintain an Austin area permanent address. The scholarship will be awarded in April to be used [...] More
Matsuo Bridge Company, Ltd. of Japan is one of Japan’s leading fabricators of steel for bridges, buildings and other structures. Matsuo Bridge boasts numerous signature projects throughout Japan, including the world’s longest suspension bridge. The purpose of their scholarship is to provide financial assistance to an individual interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering, welding [...] More
RMMI is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the promotion of western mining through education. The Institute is proud to claim members from throughout the United States and Canada. Membership is diverse and includes individuals from both surface and underground mines, equipment manufacturers, service/supply firms, utilities, law firms, government, universities and colleges, financial [...] More
RMMI is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the promotion of western mining through education. The Institute is proud to claim members from throughout the United States and Canada. Membership is diverse and includes individuals from both surface and underground mines, equipment manufacturers, service/supply firms, utilities, law firms, government, universities and colleges, financial [...] More
Tall Clubs International Foundation awards annual scholarships to deserving High School Seniors in North America (United States and Canada only). TCI Foundation receives scholarship nominations from Tall Club International’s local member clubs and members-at-large across North America. From this pool of nominations, the recipients are selected to receive a $1000 scholarship award from Tall Clubs [...] More
The qualifications for the DYB Scholarship are simple; actually, there is only one qualification - you must have at one time played in a Dixie Youth Baseball franchised league, prior to reaching age 13. There is no relationship between the award of a scholarship and athletic ability. The committee gives weight to such factors as financial need, scholastic record, and citizenship.
Having financial access to college does not guarantee success in college. To support our students, we provide ongoing guidance and assistance throughout their time in college. Students are awarded scholarships up to a maximum total of $15,000. Scholarship amount per semester varies based on GPA and credits, as well as whether the student starts at Collin College or a 4-year university. A typical [...] More
The National Association of Independent Automobile Dealers provides several scholarship opportunities for exceptional high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. Encouraging and supporting education opportunities for future industry leaders is integral to our vision of a robust, ethical and professional used vehicle market. NIADA currently offers 5 different [...] More
The Sid Richardson Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for college and graduate education and post-secondary vocational training for children and grandchildren of eligible retirees and employees of businesses previously owned and operated by Sid Richardson and designated successor companies and organizations. There are no limits to the number of eligible family members who may apply [...] More
Our Scholarship application consists of yes or no questions, short answer, an essay, and several document uploads. Before completing the application, please read below to ensure you are eligible and prepared. Please contact us via email if you have any questions about eligibility or the application process.
To be eligible for the Society of Professional Women in Petroluem Scholarship, [...] More
The Distinguished Young Bobcat Award was created to recognize a graduating high school senior in Texas who is accepted and attending Texas State University following their high school graduation. The award honors a track record of academic success, demonstrated campus-wide influence and above-average extracurricular involvement.
To be eligible the student must be classified as a senior at a [...] More
Stars Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually to academically talented and highly motivated students who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees. Stars Scholarship Fund recipients represent every level of higher education and all fields of study, as we award students of either genders, any ethnicity, religion, and background.
There's no such thing as small change. Even little moments of inspiration can spark major transformation. That’s what the Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest is all about: honoring Black Americans who have inspired change—big and small—in our lives. What Black American individual has inspired change in your life? Whether you’re inspired by a famous leader or your next door neighbor, we [...] More
The purpose of the Susan Howard Community Service Award is to honor and reward academically adept students from low income families in Texas or Great Britain who have demonstrated initiative and leadership skills through their dedication to benefiting their community. In memory of Susan Howard, Founder of the British American Foundation of Texas, this award honors young adults who have shown [...] More
To be eligible for the BAFTX Undergraduate Award, applicants must: be a resident of Texas; be enrolled in full time education within the Texas education system; plan to pursue a major in science, technology, engineering, math or business; come from a low income household; maintain a GPA of 3 or above (current college students) or 3.5 (current high school students applying for freshman year [...] More
The Kappa Zeta's Juanita Buchanan Undergraduate Academic Scholarship is to be awarded to a high school senior receiving dual college credit (at least a minimum of six hours) or an undergraduate matriculating at an accredited Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex college or university. Eligible applicants must be involved in community service and/or organized campus activities, have a 2.85 GPA and be a [...] More
The Kappa Zeta's Josie Washington Memorial Scholarship is to be awarded to high school seniors who are considered "Unsung Heroes": students who have overcome unusual circumstances, performed humanitarian services or heroic deeds in the community, school or through their public or religious affiliations. Eligible applicants must be Dallas-Fort Worth residents, and plan to attend college/university [...] More
One of the primary functions of the Society has been the continuous support of the educational endeavors of deserving students, through a scholarship fund created in 1977. Each year the Society awards scholarships to qualified undergraduate and graduate full-time students. Applicants are eligible for a scholarship if they are currently attending or have been accepted by a college or university in [...] More
The Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship Program is intended to assist and encourage high school seniors from the North Texas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio areas to pursue a degree at U.S. post-secondary institutions. Eligible applicants must: be a graduating high school senior; be a student planning to pursue full-time studies leading to a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university [...] More
The CBC Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship was established in 2000, in honor of the late Curtis Mayfield to ensure that African American or Black students pursuing a degree in the performing arts receive financial assistance. Performing arts include theater, drama, comedy, music, dance, opera, marching bands, etc.
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who is preparing [...] More
The Pickard Scholarship Fund was established at The Dallas Foundation in 2004 to assist African-American male students in Dallas County. Dr. Pickard was an optometrist and founder of the Pickard Eye Clinic. Called “Magnum” by his patients, he believed that if you do something nice for someone and they do something nice for someone else, you can affect the lives of many people. This scholarship [...] More
To be eligible for the Mitchell/Tufts Scholarship, applicants must: be an active member or active in the life of a Presbyterian church in the Presbyterian Church in North Central Texas; be accepted for enrollment or are currently enrolled in a two- or four-year undergraduate program in an accredited college, university, vocational school, or trade school; demonstrate financial need; and have work [...] More
The CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship is for full time African-American or Black students pursuing a degree in visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts.
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who is [...] More
This opportunity awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated full-time African-American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees in a variety of fields. Candidate Requirements: Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; Permanent residence or attend academic institution in a CBC Members district; Preparing to pursue or currently pursuing [...] More
Students must be in a school in Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. WGA's panel of art experts will select one finalist from each state and territory. State Winners will receive $200 and compete for overall First [...] More
In collaboration with member organizations, benefactors, professional groups, colleges, universities and dedicated individuals, the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) provides sizable, renewable scholarships. The program is open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students. Eligible applicants must be Hispanic/Latino, have a 2.5 GPA (or a 3.0 for Renewable [...] More
The BRAF Cheryl D. Conkling Memorial Scholarship is only open to students who live and/or attend school in Windsor, Colorado; Conroe, Texas; Wilkinson County, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; or West Feliciana Parish in Louisiana. Students must be a high school senior enrolling in an accredited college or university in the fall when the scholarship is awarded. Preference may be given to [...] More
Student teachers enrolled in a Latin certification program in Texas are encouraged to apply for the TCA Gareth Morgan Student Teacher Scholarship. Applicants must be student teaching in Latin and must be maintaining a 3.00 GPA in Latin or classics, with a 2.85 GPA overall. The monies received will be used during the semester the recipient is student teaching. To apply, please complete the [...] More
The Macy's Emergency Scholarship Fund is a joint partnership between LNESC & Macy’s to provide financial resources to deserving students facing economic hardship and immediate monetary need that, if not met, could result in an inability to complete classes or a degree program. Emergency financial need resulting from the following will qualify students for funding such as change in family [...] More
The Education and Training Vouchers for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care in Texas provides financial assistance to help current and former foster youth ages 16-21 to begin, continue or complete post-secondary education and training programs. Youth participating in the education and training voucher program on their 21st birthday can remain eligible until age 23 as long as they are enrolled and [...] More
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 [...] More
The Community Foundation of West Texas scholarships are endowed funds within the Foundation. The application process will vary depending on whether recipients are chosen by a Foundation committee or by an external scholarship committee – please note the contact information included with each scholarship fund description. In all cases, scholarship payments are made directly to the educational [...] More
Applying for financial aid requires a little work on your part. But the fact is, you won't receive assistance unless you ask for it. And asking for it means completing a few forms. There are three very important things to remember about applying for aid: you only have to complete one financial aid application (either the FAFSA or the TASFA to start the process; the financial aid office at the [...] More
NACME is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering. NACME Scholarships make a significant impact on the lives of deserving students who ultimately become valued participants in the engineering and computer science workforce. NACME is responsible for over $5 million in scholarships awarded annually to underrepresented [...] More
The CPS Energy Student Assistance for Education (SAFE) Program is designed to promote higher education for professional careers in public utilities by providing personal development through mentoring and a hands-on learning experiences through paid summer employment at the completion of the student's junior and senior year. Our SAFE internship program is open to highly-successful, incoming high [...] More
The Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is a special incentive that the Army offers to highly qualified applicants entering the Army. Under the LRP, the Army will repay part of a Soldier's qualifying student loans. Only specified Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) qualify for the LRP. The Army will repay 15 percent of the outstanding principal balance, less taxes of the Soldier's student loans [...] More