Exclusive Texas Scholarships to Apply For in 2025

Not much can compete with the unique culture of Texas: bordering Mexico, this state features an exceptional blend of American and Mexican cuisine that's beloved throughout the nation. From the legacy of cowboy culture to the state's tough-love attitude, many are proud to call Texas home.

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.

We've researched several financial aid opportunities, like the TEXAS grant, which is available through the Texas Comptroller's Office. These and similar scholarships from other Texas State organizations are included in our list of the best Texas scholarships.

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, Texas scholarships provide essential support, helping to cultivate a brighter future for Texas students and the communities they will go on to serve.

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 Scholarships for Texas Students

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 donors over. 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.

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

Before applying, 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.

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.

For any documents, transcripts, or letters, ask providers to prepare them ahead of time to avoid late submissions.

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.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Texas

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. Explore University Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships as part of the admission process. These can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents. Research each university's scholarship opportunities and understand their criteria and deadlines.

3. Seek 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.

4. Utilize Your High School Advisor

Your high school advisor 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.

5. Search Locally

Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, which can increase your chances of winning. Check with local businesses, community organizations, and civic groups for available scholarships.

6. Go Online

There are numerous online resources and databases dedicated to scholarship searches. Use them to find opportunities you might not have discovered otherwise, but be wary of scams and never pay for access to scholarship information.

7. 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.

8. 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 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!