Texas scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Texas runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Show service scholarships (1) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Dell Scholars Program
$20,000 flexible scholarship + laptop, book credits, emergency funds, teletherapyMichael & Susan Dell Foundation
Open now · due January 12, 2027$20,000 flexible scholarship + laptop, book credits, emergency funds, teletherapy
- What it takes: FAFSA + transcript
- For high school seniors
- Needs a 2.4+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: not stated on the official page
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Texas Leadership Scholars Program
full tuition and fees for four years plus a housing & food stipend (average on-campus cost at the university)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Open now · due February 16, 2027Full-ride scholarship (tuition and fees for four years plus a housing & food stipend) for high-achieving, high-need Texas high school seniors at participating public universities.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + recommendation + essay
- For high school seniors
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
TEXAS Grant (Toward EXcellence, Access, & Success)
up to $5,399 per semester (2026-27 max; up to $16,197/yr with summer); target $2,500 per semesterTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeNeed-based grant for Texas residents at Texas public universities: up to $5,399 per semester in 2026-27 (target $2,500/semester).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA), or Texas-resident noncitizen via TASFA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
up to $2,134/semester (community colleges), $3,896/semester (technical institutes), $1,840/semester (state colleges) in 2026-27Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeNeed-based grant for Texas residents at public community colleges, state colleges and technical institutes: up to $2,134-$3,896 per semester in 2026-27.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA), or Texas-resident noncitizen via TASFA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Texas First Scholarship
$10,798 (graduate 2+ semesters early) or $5,399 (less than 2 semesters early), 2026-27Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeState credit of $10,798 (two or more semesters early) or $5,399 (less than two semesters early) for students who graduate high school early with a Texas First Diploma (2026-27).
- What it takes: transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
up to $4,270 per year; up to $6,405 per year for undergraduates with exceptional need (2026-27)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeNeed-based grant for Texas residents at Texas private nonprofit colleges: up to $4,270/yr, or $6,405/yr with exceptional need (2026-27).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (FAFSA), or Texas-resident noncitizen via TASFA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Highest Ranking High School Graduate Exemption
tuition (not fees) for two semesters of the first yearTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition for the first year (two semesters) at a Texas public college for the valedictorian of each accredited Texas high school -- optional for colleges.
- What it takes: school nomination + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Nursing Students Scholarship
up to $5,399/semester (public universities), $3,896 (technical institutes), $2,134 (community colleges), $1,840 (state colleges), $3,203 (private/independent) in 2026-27Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeNeed-based scholarship for Texas-resident professional and vocational nursing students; per-semester max ranges $1,840-$5,399 by school type (2026-27).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, grad students
- For nursing students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
One-Year Tuition Exemption for Certain TANF Students
tuition and fees for the first academic yearTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees for the first year of college for Texas public high school graduates whose families received TANF for 6+ months of senior year.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For high school seniors, students starting college
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Senior Citizen (65+) Free Tuition for Up to 6 Credit Hours
tuition (not fees) for up to 6 credit hours per semesterTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeTexas public colleges may let students 65 and older take up to six credit hours per semester tuition-free when space is available.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
varies by institution; cannot exceed financial needTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeNeed-based grant every Texas public college and university awards from tuition set-asides; amount set by each school.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Accounting Students Scholarship (Texas State Board of Public Accountancy)
up to $6,000 lifetimeTexas State Board of Public Accountancy
Check datesUp to $6,000 lifetime for Texas-resident accounting majors with 15+ upper-level accounting hours who plan to become Texas CPAs.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students
- For accounting students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Bilingual Education Program (tuition assistance for future bilingual/ESL/Spanish teachers)
tuition assistance; amount set by the participating university (no statewide amount published)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Check datesTuition-assistance grant for students in teacher-education programs for bilingual education, ESL or Spanish at participating Texas public universities.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For education, bilingual education, ESL students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
State Tuition Assistance (Texas Military Department)
tuition and mandatory fees for up to 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring), up to 10 semesters/5 yearsTexas Military Department
Open now · due November 15, 2026Tuition and mandatory fees for up to 12 credit hours per semester for drilling members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard.
- Who it's for: Actively drilling member in good standing of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard or Texas State Guard (incl. AGR); E-1 to E-9, W-1 to W-3, O-1 to O-5
- What it takes: state application + membership + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Clinical Preceptors and Their Children
$500 off tuition per qualifying term (or actual tuition if less)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any time$500 off tuition per term for Texas registered nurses serving as clinical preceptors for nursing students, and for their children.
- Who it's for: Texas registered nurse serving as a clinical preceptor under a written agreement with an undergraduate nursing program, or that nurse's child
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Combat Exemption for Children of Military Service Members
tuition (not fees) for each term the parent is deployed in combat, up to 150 credit hoursTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition at Texas public colleges for dependent children of U.S. service members during any term the parent is deployed on combat duty.
- Who it's for: Dependent child (incl. step/adopted) of a U.S. armed forces member deployed on combat duty outside the U.S.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Education Benefits for Certain Survivors of Public Servants Killed in the Line of Duty
tuition, fees, textbooks, and campus food & housing (or monthly equivalent) until a bachelor's degree or 200 credit hoursTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition, fees, textbooks, and on-campus room and board (or an equivalent stipend) until a bachelor's degree or 200 hours, for spouses and children of Texas public servants killed in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Surviving spouse or child (under 25 at time of death) of a Texas public servant listed in Gov't Code 615.003 killed in the line of duty on/after Sept 1, 2000
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Children of Disabled or Deceased Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers
all tuition, dues, fees and charges (excluding deposits, room, board, clothing) for up to 120 undergraduate credit hoursTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeAll dues, fees and charges waived for the first 120 undergraduate credit hours for children of Texas firefighters, peace officers, game wardens or TDCJ custodial officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Child of a Texas paid/volunteer firefighter, peace officer, game warden or TDCJ custodial officer who died or was disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Children of Prisoners of War or Persons Missing in Action
tuition and all fees except room, board, clothing and depositsTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at Texas public colleges for dependent children of Texas service members classified as POW or MIA.
- Who it's for: Dependent child of a Texas-domiciled U.S. service member classified as POW or MIA
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Children of Professional Nursing Program Faculty and Staff
tuition (not fees); prorated if parent is part-time (minimum 25%)Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition for Texas-resident undergraduates whose parent is nursing faculty/staff at the same Texas institution.
- Who it's for: Child of a full- or part-time faculty/staff member of a Texas professional nursing program at the same institution
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science Courses
tuition and laboratory fees for fire science coursesTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and lab fees for fire science courses at Texas public colleges for paid Texas firefighters and qualifying volunteer firefighters.
- Who it's for: Paid firefighter employed by a Texas political subdivision, or certified volunteer firefighter (1+ yr active)
- What it takes: membership
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For fire science, emergency medicine, emergency management students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Paramedics Enrolled in Emergency Medical Services Courses
tuition and laboratory fees for emergency medical services coursesTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and lab fees for emergency medical services curriculum courses at Texas public colleges for paramedics employed by a Texas political subdivision.
- Who it's for: Paramedic employed by a Texas political subdivision
- What it takes: membership
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For emergency medical services students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Peace Officers Enrolled in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Courses
tuition and laboratory fees for criminal justice / law enforcement coursesTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and lab fees for criminal justice or law enforcement courses for employed Texas peace officers in a related undergraduate program.
- Who it's for: Peace officer employed by Texas or a Texas political subdivision
- What it takes: membership
- For undergrads, adults going back to school
- For criminal justice, law enforcement students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Exemption for Peace Officers and Firefighters Disabled in the Line of Duty
tuition and fees, up to 12 undergraduate semesters, plus one master's and one doctoral degreeTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at Texas public colleges for Texas peace officers and firefighters permanently disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Texas peace officer or employed firefighter permanently disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Hazlewood Act Exemption
up to 150 semester credit hours of tuition and most feesTexas Veterans Commission
Apply any timeUp to 150 credit hours of tuition and most fees at Texas public colleges for qualifying Texas veterans, their spouses and children (incl. Legacy transfer to a child).
- Who it's for: Texas veterans (honorable discharge, 181+ days active duty); spouses and children of KIA/MIA/service-connected deceased or 100% disabled/IU veterans; Legacy children of eligible veterans
- What it takes: state application + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
State College Tuition and Fee Waiver for Foster and Adopted Youth
full tuition and fees for formula-funded courses at Texas public collegesTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at Texas public colleges for youth currently or formerly in DFPS foster care, and those adopted from DFPS -- including dual credit.
- Who it's for: Current or former foster youth in Texas DFPS conservatorship, or adopted from DFPS with an adoption assistance agreement
- What it takes: state application
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Exemption for Blind or Deaf Students
tuition and fees for each eligible courseTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Apply any timeFree tuition and fees at Texas public colleges for Texas residents certified as blind or deaf -- any degree level.
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: state application + recommendation + essay
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Educational Aide Exemption
total resident tuition and required fees (excluding lab and class fees) for each eligible termTexas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Check datesFree resident tuition and required fees (except lab/class fees) for Texas school-district aides and substitute teachers studying for teacher certification in a shortage area.
- Who it's for: Employed by a Texas public school district or open-enrollment charter school; former educational aide or substitute teacher
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + membership
- For undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- For education (teacher certification in a shortage area) students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: Must be lawfully present in the U.S.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.