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As a graduate of the University of Texas and someone who lived in various parts of Texas for three years, there’s a soft spot in my heart for the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, when I was a student, I didn’t pay much attention to scholarships or residency, and as a result, I probably missed out on a lot of free money. To save those of you who are still living in Texas the hassle, we’ve included Texas in our scholarship series. You may not be eligible for all of the following scholarships, but there’s a good chance you’re eligible for at least one. It certainly doesn’t hurt to apply.
Scholarships for all Texas residents:
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: ASAP after January 1, 2019
Residents who can demonstrate financial need (with an estimated family contribution of $5,609 or less for nine months) and who attend public two-year institutions in Texas at least half-time may be eligible for this grant. It is renewable for up to four years or until the completion of an associate’s degree. To maintain eligibility for the grant in subsequent semesters, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and pass at least 75% of their credit hours. To apply, you need only to submit the FAFSA; grant funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you submit your FAFSA, the better. If you have questions, contact the financial aid office at your school.
Texas Public Education Grant Program
Award Amount: Varies
This program provides awards to students who can demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students must be attending a public college or university in Texas, but they need not be residents. The program is open to residents, non-residents, and international students. The award may match the amount of a student’s financial need, but funds and availability of funds vary by institution. Contact the financial aid office at your school for more information.
Tuition Equalization Grant Program
Award Amount: Varies
Minimum GPA Required: 2.5
This program provides funding to Texas residents who are attending private, nonprofit institutions in their home state. Students must be able to demonstrate financial need to qualify; simply fill out the FAFSA and contact the financial aid office at your school for more information. Students must be pursuing their first degree at each level (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) to qualify; subsequent degrees at the same level will not be funded by this grant program. Furthermore, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and three-quarters enrollment. If tuition is equal to or less than what is charged by public institutions, students are no longer eligible.
Scholarships for Texas residents in certain regions:
The Amarillo Area Foundation maintains a list of scholarships that are available to students who live in one of 26 counties in northern Texas. Instead of listing them all here, we advise all students who live in one of the following counties to visit the Amarillo Area Foundation website and search for scholarships available in their county: Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, or Wheeler.
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Application Deadline: February 28, 2019
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Students who attended or are attending a Houston-area high school or college and who identify as members of the LGBT+ community may be eligible for this scholarship. It rewards LGBT+ students for academic meric, community involvement, and participation in extracurricular activities. Demonstrated financial need may also play a role. Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old at the time their application is submitted. A completed application includes this form; your transcripts; a 500-word essay describing your life, goals, and accomplishments; your résumé; and two letters of recommendation. Finalists must complete an in-person interview. This award is renewable for up to four years provided students maintain a 2.75 GPA, full-time enrollment, and submit their transcripts each year.
Society of Professional Women in Petroleum Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: February 4, 2019
Essay: Yes
Senior females who attend Houston-area high schools and plan to attend an institution in Texas following graduation are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which could cover the full amount of tuition and fees. Students do not have to be entering petroleum engineering or geology to be eligible to apply. All are required, however, to submit their résumé, transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a 500-word essay. Finalists will be required to participate in an in-person interview.
Scholarships for Texas residents with particular interests:
Kenneth H. Ashworth Fellowship Program
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: February 20, 2019
If you are a Texas resident and a graduate student, you’re well on your way to qualifying for this scholarship. Students must also be attending an in-state, nonprofit college or university and studying public affairs, public service, or public administration. Additionally, students must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Nominations must be submitted by the dean of the college, so if you’re eligible and interested, reach out to your dean to determine whether a nomination has already been made, or if one is available for you.
Tom and Judith Comstock Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 31, 2019
High school seniors who are residents of either Texas or Oklahoma are eligible to apply for this $2,000 scholarship. Students must have an interest in the radio and hold an active amateur radio license. This interest does not have to carry over to their chosen college major, however. Students simply need to be admitted to a two- or four-year institution, fill out an online application, and submit their high school transcripts to apply.
Prince, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 15, 2019
Minimum GPA Required: 2.75
Letter of Recommendation: Yes
Essay: Yes
Texas residents who are interested in food, hospitality, or the service industry should consider applying for this scholarship. High school seniors who are planning to enroll in a food service, culinary, or hospitality program and students who are currently enrolled in such a program full time are eligible to apply. Students must fill out this application, and submit two letters of recommendation, their transcripts, and a 500-word essay response.
Scholarships for Texas residents interested in the military:
State Tuition Assistance Program
Award Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: January 1, 2019 or February 3, 2019
If you are an active drilling member of the Texas National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, or the Texas State Guard and you are attending an institution in Texas in pursuit of your first certification or undergraduate or graduate degree, you may be eligible for additional funding. The amount of tuition assistance for which you may qualify depends on the number of credit hours in which you are currently enrolled. Unlike most scholarship programs, this program provides funding after you have successfully completed your coursework, at the end of the semester. If eligible, you will receive a refund from your school or funds can be applied toward the next semester’s classes.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program
Award Amount: Up to $4,000
Minimum GPA Required: 3.0
Students who are interested in joining the military and serving as an officer in any capacity (Texas National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas State Guard, the United States Merchant Marines, or any of the main active duty branches) should pay attention to this scholarship program. You must be a high achieving high school student in the top third of your class and have earned at least 1070 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT. Furthermore, you must enroll in an ROTC program upon admittance to college, complete all ROTC requirements, and accept a commission to become an officer in the U.S. military upon graduation. Before you can apply, you must be nominated by a senator or congressperson, the lieutenant governor, or the governor; you can reach out on their websites. If selected and eligible, you will be directed to complete an application.
This list could not possibly contain all of the scholarships that are available to students who are from Texas and who currently live in Texas, but it does give you a starting point. If you’re eligible for any of these programs, apply! If you’re not, do a scholarship search of your own. Scholarship money is free money, and free money reduces the cost of your college education. Good luck!
