Scholarships for Texas Students
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Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
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- Nonprofits, companies, and state agencies provide grants and scholarships in Texas.
- Students can find scholarships for women in Texas.
- Scholarship committees pick students based on merit and/or financial need.
- Scholarships in Texas also go to students studying specific majors.
Student loan debt in Texas rose to over $113 billion in 2020, according to the Student Borrower Protection Center. Scholarships for Texas students can decrease the amount of money students borrow in private, federal, and/or state loans. Lessening the student loan burden especially helps students pay out-of-state tuition.
Loans come with interest and repayment rules, whereas many private organizations, state agencies, and Texas colleges offer scholarships and grants to high-achieving and high-need students that do not need to be paid back.
In this guide, you can explore different types of scholarships available for Texas students, review application requirements, and get tips on how to make your application stand out.
Jump to Section:
- General Scholarships
- University-Specific Scholarships
- Subject-Specific Scholarships
- Scholarships for Women
Scholarships for College Students in Texas
1. American Legion Auxiliary
Eligibility: Applicants must be Texas residents and direct descendants of veterans who served in World War I or any war or conflict after 1941.
Award Amount: $500
Deadline: March
2. Don't Mess With Texas Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have made a significant contribution to fighting litter in their community. Students must also plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college in Texas.
Award Amount: $2,000 or $5,000
Deadline: March
3. Irma Gesche Scholarship
Eligibility: Applicants must be Texas residents attending a two-year or four-year college. To qualify, students must submit high school transcripts, an essay, and three letters of recommendation. A committee then determines a winner based on their community service work, financial need, and academic record.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January
4. George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
Eligibility: The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation awards 70 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Harris, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller counties. Candidates receive funds based on their grades and financial need.
Award Amount: $20,000
Deadline: February
5. Kids' Chance of Texas Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship goes to students aged 16 to 25 who had a parent critically injured or killed because of a workplace accident. Full-time students at two-year and four-year colleges can apply and renew their scholarships for up to five academic years.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: May (fall semester) and October (spring semester)
6. Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship
Eligibility: The Women Communicators of Austin offer this scholarship to one student enrolled in a communications or media major at a Central Texas school. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and are required to submit an essay, letter of reference, college transcripts, and a link to their LinkedIn profile.
Award Amount: $3,500
Deadline: February
7. Rocco C. Caffarelli Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship benefits a male high school graduate who resides in Texas and intends to pursue a bachelor's degree. Requirements include good character, financial need, and a strong academic record. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to renew the scholarship.
Award Amount: $5,000 per year
Deadline: January
8. Hope Pierce Tartt Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to students who have resided in Harrison, Gregg, Marion, Panola, or Upshur counties for at least two years. Applicants must meet family income requirements, have a "C" grade average for all high school courses, and attend college full-time.
Award Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: Varies
9. Atlantic Housing Foundation
Eligibility: This foundation provides scholarships to Atlantic Housing residents pursuing degrees at colleges in Huntsville, Denton, or San Marcos. Qualified applicants must meet income requirements and complete 40 hours of community service.
Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per semester
Deadline: March and October
10. Greater Than Gatsby Annual Scholarship
Eligibility: These scholarships are awarded to two undergraduate or graduate students studying the visual arts. To show their creativity, applicants must submit three photos and a short essay.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May
University-Specific Scholarships for Students in Texas
1. Morty Rich Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship awards service-focused students for their dedication to Rice University and their community.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: March
2. Cullen Leadership Scholarship
Eligibility: Offered by the University of Houston, this scholarship is awarded to students who have shown outstanding leadership abilities. The Student Financial Support Committee considers all admitted students for this scholarship.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Continuous
3. Carr P. Collins Scholarship
Eligibility: Baylor University features this scholarship for service-minded first-year students. Awardees can renew this scholarship for up to three years. Applicants should be the top of their class, with at least a 1310 on the SAT or 28 on the ACT.
Award Amount: $6,150
Deadline: January
4. Cecil and Sandra M. Mayo Scholarship
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate males at Texas State University who actively work to improve their community. Applicants must attend college full time and have at least a 2.75 GPA.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March
5. Founders' Scholarship
Eligibility: The Texas Christian University offers this scholarship to students with GPAs between 3.72-3.85. Eligible recipients need at least a 30-32 ACT score or 1360-1410 SAT score.
Award Amount: $12,000 per year
Deadline: Continuous
6. Al Vincent Scholarship for Baseball
Eligibility: Created by former Lamar University baseball team members, this scholarship is awarded to students studying any major. Only full-time students who have a minimum 2.0 GPA can receive funds.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Continuous
7. Proven Achievers Scholarship
Eligibility: Transfer students at Texas Tech University can receive the Proven Achievers Scholarship. They need at least 60 transfer credits and a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Award Amount: $4,000 per year
Deadline: Continuous
Subject-Specific Scholarships for Students in Texas
1. C.J. Davidson Scholarship
Eligibility: The Texas Association Family, Career and Community Leaders of America provides 10 awards to students majoring in family and consumer science. Applicants must have current association membership.
Award Amount: Up to $18,000
Deadline: February
2. Shop Texas Electricity STEM Scholarship
Eligibility: Shop Texas Electricity offers two $1,000 awards to high school seniors preparing to enroll in two-year or four-year colleges majoring in a STEM field. Applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA.
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April
3. Texas Floral Endowment Scholarship
Eligibility: Texas students interested in a career in floriculture or horticulture can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must contact the Texas Floral Endowment by mail for more information and an application.
Award Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: March
4. Society of Exploration Geophysicists Scholarships
Eligibility: The Society of Exploration Geophysicists offers numerous merit-based scholarships to students earning degrees in geophysics or geoscience-related fields. Recipients around the world receive an average award of $4,300. High school students, undergraduates, and graduate students can apply. Applicants must have "above average grades."
Award Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline: March
Scholarships for Women in Texas
1. Sylvia Jane Heck Scholarship
Eligibility: Offered through the Texas Business and Professional Women's Foundation, this scholarship goes to a working woman 25 years or older. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree or vocational program and residents of Bexar County, Texas.
Award Amount: Up to $1,200 a year
Deadline: Continuous
2. Alliance For Women in Media Scholarship
Eligibility: The Alliance for Women in Media provides one scholarship to a woman majoring in media, TV, film, advertising, or a related field. Austin-area high school graduates and college students can apply. Candidates must have a 3.25 GPA.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March
3. Hermine Tobolowsky Scholarship
Eligibility: The Hermine Tobolowsky Scholarship started in 1995 to help women studying law, political science, women's history, and public service. To apply, students need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Award Amount: $3,000 per year
Deadline: Continuous
4. Minnie L. Maffett Scholarship
Eligibility: The Minnie L. Maffett Scholarship helps women pursuing medical or nursing degrees. Acceptable majors include nursing, kinesiology, respiratory therapy, and community health education. Applicants need at least 3.0 GPA.
Award Amount: $5,000 per year
Deadline: Continuous
Resources to Help Texas Students Find Scholarships
The first stop to find college scholarships in Texas should be an academic counselor. High school students can get help from their college counselor, while current college students can visit the financial aid office.
Outside resources —nonprofits and community foundations —also offer a large amount of scholarship aid to students. These organizations can be a great resource for locating multiple scholarship funds you can apply for.
- Communities Foundation of Texas: This foundation, founded in 1953, works with families, companies, and individuals to establish scholarship funds. Students can access a universal application portal to apply for numerous scholarships. Awards range from $500-$20,000.
- East Texas Communities Foundation: Founded in 1989, this foundation manages scholarship funds that award students $500-$5,000. Scholarships may stipulate a preference for students from specific Texas counties or high schools.
- North Texas Community Foundation: This foundation, which donated $31 million to local nonprofits in 2020, offers numerous scholarships. Awards often go to graduates of specific high schools or students studying certain majors.
- Texas Comptroller: The website for the Texas Comptroller of Public Affairs, the state's accountant and tax collector, maintains a list of scholarships for Texas students, grants, and work-study programs.
- The Greater Texas Foundation: The Greater Texas Foundation, created in 1981, helps underserved and low-income students access college. The nonprofit also has provided more than $10 million in scholarships since 2012 through its Scholars Program.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
What do you need to apply for scholarships? Specifications for scholarships vary, but generally every award asks for similar materials. Common application materials include resumes, personal essays, and college or high school transcripts. Often applicants must show proof of a minimum GPA or standardized test score.
- Stand Out: Make your application stand out from the slush pile by writing an essay that captures your unique story, accomplishments, and financial needs.
- Don't Delay Letters of Recommendation: Scholarships typically require 1-3 reference letters. References typically come from employers or teachers. Be sure to let your references know early that you would like a letter of recommendation.
- Record Application Deadlines: Keep a calendar that lists your scholarship deadlines. Students applying for multiple scholarships can easily miss deadlines —which means losing potential money. Committees rarely accept late submissions.
- Read Instructions: Make sure to meet all criteria for the scholarship. Then follow the directions. Include all requested materials and make sure to send it to the correct address or through the right website.
- Get Help: Contact your school's writing center or have a trusted friend or instructor read your essay and application. Be sure to proofread your work to avoid errors that could disqualify your application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Texas
Does Texas offer financial aid?
Yes. Every student in the state can apply for federal loans, but typically only Texas residents can receive state-funded grants and loans for college.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board provides money through the College Access Loan Program to students who need supplemental aid to pay for school. Qualified borrowers can apply for loans up to their total tuition cost, minus any other financial aid they receive.
After completing a FAFSA, Texas residents can also access more state-run grants such as the Texas Grant that awards up $5,195 per semester or the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant that offers $1,711-$3,238 per semester. Texas grants require that students show financial need and meet eligibility and academic requirements.
Students attending private college can use the Tuition Equalization Grant for up to $3,497 a year.
How do I get a full scholarship in Texas?
Full scholarships in Texas often go to students at the top of their class who have demonstrated leadership skills and contributed significantly to bettering their community and school.
Students who want to pursue a full-ride to college should start thinking about college early. Not only should students aim for the highest grades in all their classes, but they should also become involved in community service and extracurricular activities. High school students can take advanced placement courses and exams to test out of college courses and earn credits early.
How do I get free college money in Texas?
Unlike private and government loans, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. Scholarships offer funds for tuition, fees, housing, and other college expenses without any strings attached. Sometimes scholarship funds pay individuals directly, and other times payments go directly to the school registrar office.
Grants, while they do not need to be repaid, at times come with stipulations that require students to meet long-term work obligations.
The state offers numerous opportunities for free college money. Texas scholarships programs such as the Alamo PROMISE offer free tuition for high school seniors planning to go to community colleges. College counselors or academic advisors often have more information about how students can receive strings-free funds for tuition.
Does Texas offer scholarships?
Yes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which oversees higher education in Texas, offers the Good Neighbor Scholarship Program to help students born outside of the United States to attend Texas public colleges and universities.
The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program offers up to $10,000 to students who meet academic requirements and commit to four years in the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, United States Coast Guard, or United States Merchant Marines.
