How to Win Scholarships and Grants – State of Texas

There are a variety of scholarships and grants offered by the State of Texas. These state financial aid programs are administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Below, we offer a list of these awards with relevant links. 

Before submitting any scholarship application, it’s important to understand all eligibility requirements. The terms and conditions of college scholarships can vary greatly. However, for most state-funded financial aid programs, students must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. However, it’s also used by states to determine your eligibility for prizes based on financial need.

Whether you’re a soon-to-be high school graduate or you’re currently attending college, know that the right scholarship is out there for you. The cost of college or university can be significant, but financial assistance can certainly make higher education more affordable. If you’re a Texas resident, the grants and scholarships below are a great place to start. So, let’s get to the prizes. 

Texas Scholarship Programs

Good Neighbor Scholarship Program (GNSP)

The Good Neighbor Program offers scholarships to students from other nations within the Western Hemisphere. To be eligible, students must be native-born citizens of an eligible country. Students must also intend to return to the eligible country upon completion of their program of study. Additionally, applicants must be selected by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for exemption. Other eligibility requirements exist.

This award is limited only to Texas public colleges and universities, who have chosen to participate in the program. The award exempts the eligible student from payment of tuition for 12 months, beginning with the fall term or semester.

License Plate Insignia Scholarship (LPI)

The License Plate Insignia Scholarship is student aid that is offered through proceeds from license plate sales. 

To receive this scholarship, students must be residents of Texas and be enrolled at an eligible public or private, non-profit college or university in Texas. 

Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program

The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program is designed to encourage students to join the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, 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.  

To be eligible, students must meet two of the following four criteria: (i) graduate in the Distinguished Achievement Program; (ii) have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; (iii) receive a college readiness score on SAT of 1070 or ACT of 23; (iv) be ranked in the top one-third of senior class. Additional eligibility requirements exist. 

The amount of this award varies. 

Top 10% Rule – Recently Changed Texas Scholarship

The Top 10% Rule Scholarship recently changed. Students who graduate in the top 6% of their class at public or private Texas high school may receive tuition credit at the University of Texas at Austin (administered by UT Austin financial aid office). 

Award amount varies annually. 

Texas Grant Programs

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG)

The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program provides aid to students enrolled in public two-year community colleges, public technical colleges or public state colleges in Texas.There are various eligibility requirements for this grant.

Eligible Texas students can receive from $3,414 to $7,958. 

Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)

The Texas Public Education Grant offers aid to college students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants do not have to be residents of Texas, but must attend a Texas college or university. This prize is administered by each institution’s financial aid office. 

Award amounts for the TPEG vary annually. However, grant amounts cannot exceed a student’s financial need as determined by the FAFSA. 

Texas Tuition and/or Fee Exemptions – Financial Aid for College Students

The Texas Tuition and/or Fee Exemption is a financial assistance program for students attending college or university in Texas. The program has a long list of criteria that may qualify students for aid. Some examples include, the blind/deaf student tuition exemption program, children of disabled or deceased firefighters and peace officers, children of military. 

Toward Excellence, Access & Success Texas Grant Program

The Toward Excellence, Access & Success Texas Grant Program provides aid to students with financial need. To be eligible, students must attend a Texas public university or health-related institution and meet other criteria. 

An eligible student can receive up to $5,379 per semester. 

Texas Equalization Grant

The Texas Equalization Grant is offered to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a Texas private college. It offers funding to meet the difference between private and public tuition amounts. To be eligible students must be enrolled in a minimum 3/4 load and currently in a degree program. 

The value of this program ranges from $3,497 to $5,246. 

Find More College Scholarships and Grants for Students in Texas 

Whether you’re a graduating high school senior or current college or university student, it’s important to know that there are many more scholarships and grants available beyond the list above. In fact, there are likely hundreds or thousands of private scholarships that you may qualify for. To help connect you with these opportunities, you can use our free scholarship finder.

Also, if you’re on the hunt for scholarships and grants, it makes sense to speak with your school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office. Both of these resources can connect you with school-specific or local scholarships that often have less competition.

Ultimately, winning scholarships for college can help you graduate debt-free. However, beyond helping you pay for the cost of a college education, a record of scholarship wins can also help open new doors for your career. Scholarships communicate excellence and showcase your drive to succeed. So, apply early and apply often!

College and University scholarships for high school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students.

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