Best Texas Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Texas students miss out on up to $3 billion in financial aid just by failing to complete the FAFSA. Tap into the available aid through scholarships built for Texas students—Bold.org has already connected millions of students with exclusive, vetted scholarships that they can actually win. Join thousands of Texans who’ve already secured real financial aid and take the next step toward an affordable degree.

If you're looking for a way to make your scholarship search more efficient, you're in the right place. Bold.org has awarded over $30 million in direct financial aid by matching students with opportunities they're eligible to win.

If you think scholarships and financial aid are beyond your reach, reconsider. Eligible students can receive enough aid to significantly impact their tuition bills, even if it doesn't cover the full cost of their undergraduate degree.

Odds of Winning a Scholarship in Texas

Here's a data snapshot from the Education Data Initiative to show that financial aid may be closer than you think:

1. More than 1.8 million in private scholarship money is awarded annually.
2. 11% of college students will receive a scholarship.
3. Over $100 billion in federal and private scholarship money is awarded annually.
4. The average scholarship award for public 2-year institutions is worth $4,100.

Texas scholarships offer financial aid opportunities to support students pursuing higher education within the Lone Star State. These scholarships cater to a wide range of academic interests, talents, and financial needs, aiming to make college more accessible and affordable for Texas residents.

Here's what Bold.org offers in this guide:

This guide for Texas scholarships will provide you with:

1. Exclusive scholarships for Texans
2. Step-by-step guide on how to apply for Texas scholarships
3. Researched strategies on how to win scholarships
4. State funding awards and how to apply for them:
5. TEXAS Grant
6. TEOG Program

Whether you're a high school senior preparing for your freshman year or a current college student looking to ease the cost of your continued education, don't miss out on the free financial aid Texas students are entitled to. Win scholarships. Apply today.

Here at Bold.org, you can apply for exclusive scholarships that are just for you. Sign up for a free profile and apply today!

The Best Texas Scholarships

1. Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are for financially needy students enrolled in college or planning to attend college. With these grants and aid packages, high school students in Texas can afford college, and undergraduate students can build up a budget for graduate school.

2. Military Scholarships

For patriotic Texas students, these military scholarships can help fund your education. Requirements vary between scholarships, but students with ties to the military—for example, enrollment in ROTC programs—should take a look at these opportunities, whether high school or graduate students.

3. Texas State Presidential Scholarship

Available to incoming freshmen at Texas State, this prestigious scholarship awards $48,000 to students over the course of four years. Winners will be selected based on grades and academic record. High school seniors can look out for this scholarship when applying to Texas State.

4. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program

The TEOG program is aimed at students attending two-year community colleges, public technical colleges, or public state colleges. Students can submit the FAFSA to apply.

The above scholarship opportunities are a few of the many available to students in Texas. Find more scholarship opportunities by browsing more scholarship groups now!

Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors in Texas

1. Scholarships for High School Seniors

For Texas high school seniors eyeing scholarships, there's a variety of options aimed at easing the financial transition to higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward achievements in academics, leadership, and community engagement, offering support for the next educational step.

2. Scholarships for Female High School Students

Attention female high school seniors! These scholarships for women can help you pay for college. Depending on the requirements, you may need to demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, or participation in community service. Check the criteria of each scholarship before you apply.

Many scholarships are available to high school seniors, but there are tons of scholarships for all high school students. Explore these high school scholarships to find even more opportunities!

Scholarships for Texas College Students by Major

1. Nursing Scholarships

Nursing scholarships in Texas offer a wonderful opportunity for students pursuing a career in healthcare. These scholarships provide essential financial support, helping to cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of nursing education but also encourage the growth of skilled healthcare professionals within the state.

2. Healthcare Scholarships

Healthcare scholarships for Texas students provide a pathway to support those passionate about pursuing careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health fields. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare education and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve within the state.

3. Writing Scholarships

Writing scholarships for Texas students provide financial support for those with a flair for words to gain access to higher education. These scholarships celebrate creativity and skill in various forms of writing, from essays and poetry to fiction and journalism, empowering students to develop their talents further.

4. Music Scholarships

Music scholarships in Texas are designed for students with exceptional musical talents, offering financial aid to pursue studies in music education, performance, and composition within the state. These scholarships support Texas students in honing their musical skills and contributing to the rich culture of the region.

5. Science Scholarships

Science scholarships offer financial aid to Texas students who are passionate about exploring scientific processes, conducting research, and pursuing careers in scientific fields. These scholarships support aspiring scientists in achieving their educational goals, encouraging innovation and discovery across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

The above scholarship opportunities are just a few of the many available to Texas students. Browse more scholarships by using our scholarship search feature today!

Scholarships for Texas Students Considering Nearby States

1. New Mexico Scholarships

With top colleges like New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico, Texas, students may find themselves heading across the border for college. Students interested in leaving their home state but retaining the vibrant culture of Texas may want to consider New Mexico.

2. California Scholarships

A little more to the West, we have California, home to Silicon Valley, artsy Los Angeles, and top colleges like Stanford. West Texas students who want to be immersed in the tech or arts scene should consider moving over a few states and attending college in California.

Academic Achievement Scholarships for Texas Students

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit scholarships cater to Texas students with exceptional grades, recognizing academic excellence and effort. These opportunities ensure that financial support for higher education is accessible, encouraging students to pursue their academic and career goals with less financial burden.

2. Essay Scholarships

Essay scholarships present students with a unique chance to win over donors. You'll be asked to write about your ambitions, personal experiences, or other talents, allowing you to persuade donors and compete with other qualified applicants. Texas students pursuing higher education should consider meeting their financial needs through essay scholarships.

3. Academic Scholarships

Students who attend college often demonstrate an above-average drive to succeed. Exceptional students who have high GPAs, test scores, or other achievements that highlight their academic success should apply for these awards. There are several specific scholarship programs that fund students with outstanding academic performance.

Scholarships to Pay Off Student Loans in Texas

1. Grants to Pay Off Student Loans

Similarly, the out-of-state student aid packages may not be satisfactory. These grants exist to assist students who don't have the financial aid opportunities they need. Eligible students may receive sizable grants if their demonstrated financial need is significant.

2. Easy Scholarships

College students are often juggling coursework, part-time jobs, and social events all at the same time. That’s where easy scholarships come in. These applications are quick, simple, and perfect for current students at Penn State who want a shot at free money without adding even more stress to their plates.

How Scholarships Can Help Meet Financial Need

As higher education costs continue to rise, Texas students find it increasingly difficult to afford tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. While university-based scholarships are an excellent way to reduce financial burden, many students overlook the opportunity to apply for private and federal scholarships.

These additional funding sources can be game changers, potentially covering the full cost of education or significantly reducing student loan debt. Here's why Texas students should pursue every scholarship option available to them, including private and federal scholarships, in addition to university-based ones.

1. University Scholarships Often Have Limited Coverage

University scholarships, though invaluable, are not always sufficient to cover the total cost of attendance. While many universities in Texas, such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University, offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, these awards typically only cover a portion of the cost. The remainder of tuition, room and board, and other expenses often must be covered by student loans or family savings.

Additionally, university scholarships can be competitive, with a limited funding pool available. As a result, most students will need to pay for the majority of college costs on their own. Applying for private and federal scholarships helps fill this gap, potentially providing additional financial relief.

2. Private Scholarships Provide Flexibility and Diversity in Funding Sources

Private scholarships from corporations, non-profit organizations, community groups, and foundations can provide Texas students with a broad range of funding opportunities.

Unlike university scholarships, which may only be available to students attending a specific institution, private scholarships are often open to students attending any university or pursuing a variety of fields of study. Some private scholarships even cater to specific demographics, such as first-generation college students, students from rural areas, or students pursuing particular professions, like healthcare or engineering.

Plus, private scholarships are often less competitive than university scholarships, especially for niche scholarships. This means that Texas students who take the time to research and apply for a range of private scholarships can increase their chances of receiving significant financial support.

3. Scholarships Can Reduce the Need for Student Loans

One of the most significant reasons to apply for both private and federal scholarships is to reduce the need for student loans. While student loans are a common way to finance a college education, they can result in substantial debt that takes years, if not decades, to pay off.

According to the Education Data Initiative, in 2024, outstanding student loan debt in the United States reached over $1.7 trillion, and many graduates struggled to manage their debt load after completing their degrees.

By securing additional scholarships, Texas students can reduce or eliminate the need for loans, which not only saves them money in the long run but also minimizes financial stress during and after college. Scholarships can make the difference between graduating with minimal debt and graduating with a heavy financial burden that could limit career and personal choices in the future.

How to Find Scholarships in Texas

University Financial Aid

Any accredited college will offer some scholarships as part of the admission process. Texas scholarships are no different; students applying to Rice University will automatically qualify for certain Rice University scholarships, while students applying to the University of North Texas will have access to their own unique opportunities. These can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. Research each university's scholarship opportunities and understand their criteria and deadlines.

Private Scholarships

Private scholarships can come from companies, non-profit organizations, or community groups. They might be based on factors like community service, leadership roles, or unique talents. Cast a wide net and apply to as many as possible to increase your chances. An accredited school often provides awards for students who maintain a certain college GPA. These awards incentivise students to do well in their classes. High school students in their senior year may also qualify for merit scholarships as incoming freshmen.

Scholarships for Current Students: Professors & Staff

Your high school advisor or school counselor can be a great resource for scholarship information. They can help you identify scholarships that match your profile and achievements and might even offer insights into crafting a winning application. Forging relationships with your educators for each academic year can result in professional connections, more scholarship opportunities, and even internship or job offers.

Online Scholarship Platforms

Scholarship databases can be a fantastic way for incoming students to find resources. Databases will have hundreds of scholarships, though these will also be more competitive. Students planning to apply for scholarships online should keep an eye on the minimum GPA, minimum ACT score, and minimum SAT scores of the awards they want to apply for to remain eligible for as many awards as possible.

Local Scholarships

These often have fewer applicants, which can increase your chances of winning. However, every local scholarship may have a separate scholarship application, as opposed to university or federal scholarships. Leverage extracurricular activities and local academic departments to find local scholarships.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Texas

Applying for scholarships in Texas is easy and rewarding. Scholarships provide financial assistance to financially needy students and are a great alternative to student loans. 

1. Check Eligibility Requirements (College & High School Students)

Before applying for Texas scholarships, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements so you don't spend valuable time on a scholarship you don't qualify for. Scholarships may require applicants to pursue a certain major or degree program, be of a certain race or ethnicity, be a certain gender, be low-income or first-generation, or meet other requirements.

The more eligibility requirements a scholarship has, the smaller the eligible applicant pool will be, giving you a better chance of winning due to the lower competition. Undergraduate students should apply for college-only scholarships, while graduating high school seniors have their own exclusive awards for them.

2. Upload Forms and Documents

Each scholarship will have requirements listed in the description as well as a place to upload application materials, such as an essay, file, video, or link. Different scholarship may ask you for different things.

Other documents you may need to provide include:

1. student resume
2. letters of recommendation
3. proof of residency
4. high school transcripts

Texas residents applying for state grants should check what documentation they'll need to submit. If you need a letter of recommendation, be sure to ask someone who knows your personality and academic capabilities well, perhaps a high school teacher or advisor.

Ask providers to prepare any documents, transcripts, or letters ahead of time to avoid late submissions. A professor from an accredited college could be a good contact to list on your student resume or to ask for a recommendation letter. Similarly, Texas high school seniors should ask their teachers to fill this role for them.

3. Write a Personal Statement

Most scholarships are essay-based, so follow the application prompts to create your essay. You can find essay-writing tips here to improve the quality and content of your essays.

Generally, try to stick to the prompt and answer the question directly. Include relevant, concrete examples of your ambitions or experiences. Remember that the essay is also a chance for the donor to get to know you as a person, so let some of your personal style shine through as well.

Consider your personal experiences when writing your personal statement. International students, female students, and anyone who's had a unique educational experience may have informative stories to tell.

If you're attending a specific type of school, like a technical school, explain to donors why you're pursuing that type of college degree and what you plan to do with it. Illustrating how providing you with financial assistance will overall benefit society is usually a good strategy in these essays.

Financial aid isn't always easy to come by, but with hard work and persistence, you can afford the college of your dreams. Graduating high school seniors often have the most resources allocated to them, but college students and graduate students also have funding. Don't give up!

Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Texas

While there's no way to guarantee you'll win a scholarship, the following methods can help students seeking tuition assistance. Whether you're headed for trade school or a four-year college, there are opportunities for you.

1. Start Early

The earlier you start your scholarship search, the better. This gives you ample time to gather all necessary documents, tailor each application, and meet varying deadlines. Starting early also means you can apply to a wider range of scholarships, increasing your chances of success.

2. Keep Track of Deadlines

Organize scholarship deadlines to ensure you never miss an opportunity. Use a planner, digital calendar, or dedicated app to keep track of dates and give yourself enough time to complete each application. If there are rolling deadlines or a priority deadline specified, apply accordingly.

3. Ace Your Application

Put significant effort into your scholarship applications, especially essays and letters of recommendation. Personalize each application to reflect how you meet the specific criteria of each scholarship, showcasing your unique strengths and experiences.

Additional Resources for Texas College Students

1. Texas Grant Program

The Texas Grant Program provides grant aid to students with financial needs who are enrolled in public two-year community colleges, public technical colleges, or public state colleges in Texas. Only students who have completed high school and have not yet earned an associate's or bachelor's degree are eligible to apply.

2. Texas College Work Study Program

This work-study program aims to match Texas college students with part-time jobs to enable them to afford tuition. Graduating high school seniors preparing to attend college may be especially interested in this program. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate financial need.

3. Texas Public Education Grant

This program helps fund scholarships distributed by individual Texas universities and colleges. Check with the Texas university you're enrolled in to see if they participate in the Texas Public Education Grant. Award amounts and other stipulations may be decided by individual universities.

For more information about college scholarships, tuition costs, and college degree programs, check out our Scholarship Blog!