Every figure is for a student starting in fall 2027. We work each one out again whenever we update the site.

Paying for college in Texas

What the state and its colleges give families, who gets it, and how to apply. See every Texas college priced for your income

From the state

Public Education Grant TEXAS Grant Tuition Equalization Grant Hazlewood Act Transfer Grant College Work-Study

Pay less for college

A SmartTuition plan shows what to pay from where, each semester.

In our Texas scenarios, with good parent credit, a SmartTuition plan saves a median of about $6,700 over four years. How we worked this out ↓

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From the state

Texas's programs. Most come through the FAFSA or the state's own aid application; a few have their own.

Texas Public Education Grant

A grant from limited state money for students with exceptional financial need. Each Texas public college awards it and sets the amount, and not every student who qualifies gets one. The FAFSA, or the state's own application, is the application.

Source: Lamar University Financial Aid

“This grant provides limited state funds for undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Funding is limited, so not all students who are eligible receive TPEG.”

“How To Apply Complete a FAFSA or TASFA”

“Annual award amounts differ based on student's need and enrollment”

— Lamar University Financial Aid, checked 2026-10-26

TEXAS Grant

A need-based grant for Texas residents who are in their first bachelor's degree at a public university. The state sets a semester maximum of $5,399, and each university decides the award up to it. The FAFSA, or the state's own application, is the only application.

Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

“Be a Resident of Texas (see Determination of Resident Status).”

“Have financial need.”

“Not have earned a baccalaureate degree.”

“Have applied for any available financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid, as applicable.”

“Public Universities, HRIs $5,399 $16,197 $2,500 $7,500”

“Proration is not required for TEXAS Grant, but institutions have discretion in determining the grant amount, up to the semester maximum.”

“Target TEXAS Grant amounts are still encouraged ($2,500 per semester = up to $7,500).”

— Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, checked 2026-10

Tuition Equalization Grant

A need-based grant for Texas residents at private colleges in Texas that take part. It pays up to $4,270 a year, or $6,405 for a student with exceptional need. It never pays more than the extra tuition a private college charges over a comparable public one.

Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

“Be a Resident of Texas (see Determination of Resident Status).”

“Have financial need.”

“Private/Independent $4,270 $6,405”

“Be required to pay more tuition than is required at a comparable public college or university”

“Any private or independent institution of higher education”

— Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, checked 2026-10

Hazlewood Act

A tuition exemption at Texas public colleges for Texas veterans, and for their children and spouses under the program's rules. It covers up to 150 hours of tuition and most fees, and not housing, food or books. A child must be 25 or younger.

Source: Texas Veterans Commission

“an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.”

“may share unused hours of exemption with a qualifying child.”

“Be 25 years old or younger on the first day of the semester or term for which the exemption is claimed”

“The Hazlewood Act may be used only at Texas public colleges and universities.”

— Texas Veterans Commission, checked 2026-10

Texas Transfer Grant

A need-based grant for Texas residents who finish an associate degree at a Texas public two-year college with at least a 2.5 GPA. The student starts a bachelor's degree full time within a year. It depends on available funding.

Source: Lamar University Financial Aid

“Texas Transfer Grant Program is to provide need-based grants to enable eligible students to transfer from two-year institutions of higher education to four-year institutions of higher education in Texas.”

“Awards will always depend on available funding.”

“Have been awarded an associate degree by a public junior college, public state college, or public technical institution.”

“Have complete the associate degree with at least a 2.5 GPA.”

“Texas resident Registered with Selective Service or be exempt Show financial need Enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student (12 or more hours)”

“no later than the 12th month after the calendar month the student ceased being enrolled in a public junior college, public technical institution, or public state college”

— Lamar University Financial Aid, checked 2026-10-26

Texas College Work-Study

Part-time jobs for Texas residents with financial need who are enrolled at least half time, at public and private colleges that take part.

Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

“Have financial need. Be enrolled at least half-time and be seeking a degree or certificate.”

“Any institution of higher education or private or independent institution of education, as defined in TEC Section 61.003, can participate in TCWS, WSMP, or both.”

— Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, checked 2026-10

Texas also has programs for community college students, future teachers and other careers. See the Coordinating Board's guidelines.

From the colleges

What each college gives for grades, what it promises on aid, and its full price.

College	Merit scholarships	Promise on aid	Full price a year
Abilene Christian University private	All admitted students are considered for academic scholarships of up to $23,000 a year, set by test score, core GPA and class rank. They renew with a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA, by award.	—	$64,270
Angelo State University public	Distinguished Scholarships are guaranteed to freshmen admitted by April 1: $2,000 to $10,000 a year by test score, GPA and class rank. Students in the Honors Program get $3,000 a year more.	Blue and Gold Guarantee: tuition and mandatory fees covered by gift aid for Texas students with family income of $85,000 or less	$25,250
Austin College private	General merit scholarships of up to $33,000 are decided by a holistic review of the application. They are not tied to financial need, and no separate scholarship application is needed.	—	$69,614
Baylor University private	Admitted freshmen are considered automatically for merit scholarships, which range from $1,000 to the full cost of attendance. Awards are final at admission and renew with a 3.0 Baylor GPA.	—	$90,304
Concordia University Texas private	In state: the Concordia Texas Promise covers the tuition left after other aid. It is competitive, with up to 25 awards a year. It is for students from Travis, Williamson and Hays counties with a 3.0 GPA and a Student Aid Index from -1500 to 3000. In 2026-2027, merit scholarships pay $3,350 at a 3.5 GPA and $1,650 at 2.75 to 3.499. The application to the university is the scholarship application, and they renew for up to four years.	—	$43,648
Dallas Baptist University private	Academic scholarships run from $8,000 to $14,000 a year, for tuition only, for students living on campus. Admitted students are considered automatically, and a typical Presidential Scholar has a 3.85 GPA and a 1230 SAT.	—	$60,058
East Texas A&M University public	Freshman scholarships by class rank and GPA: $5,000 a year in the top 10%, and Blue and Gold awards of $2,000, $1,500 or $1,000 a year by tier. They last up to eight semesters.	President's Promise Scholarship: tuition covered as funding allows for Texas students with family income of $85,000 or less (worth asking about)	$22,317
East Texas Baptist University private	For students starting in 2027-2028, academic scholarships pay $5,000 to $21,000 a year by recalculated GPA or test score; meeting one bar is enough. National Merit Finalists get full tuition.	—	$46,293
Hardin-Simmons University private	For new freshmen in fall 2026, academic scholarships of $14,000 to $25,000 a year are set during admission review by GPA and test score. The Opportunity Grant requires living on campus.	—	$50,969
Houston Christian University private	For 2027-28, every admitted freshman is considered for one merit award, worth at most $14,000 to $27,000 a year by high school GPA. Test scores can add $2,000 to $3,000 a year.	—	$59,174
Huston-Tillotson University private	Students apply for the general scholarship. The university says the United Negro College Fund supports over $250,000 in scholarships to its students.	—	$27,895
Lamar University public	Freshman scholarships need no application. They are worth $40,000 over four years at the top (a 4.25 GPA and top 10%, or a 1330 SAT). The lowest pays $8,000 (a 3.50 GPA and top 50%, or a 1010 SAT). Part goes toward on-campus housing.	Lamar Promise: fall and spring in-state tuition and fees covered for Texas students with household income of $40,000 or less	$23,860
LeTourneau University private	$13,000 to $20,000 a year, from a 3.0 GPA*	—	$56,967
Lubbock Christian University private	In state: the LCU Guarantee covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for entering Texas freshmen who are eligible for the full Pell Grant. The student enrolls full time and lives on campus. $7,000 to $11,000 a year*	—	$44,970
McMurry University private	$15,000 to $20,000 a year*	—	$46,725
Midwestern State University public	Admitted freshmen are considered automatically for merit scholarships of $1,500 to $3,500 a year. A 3.5 GPA earns $1,500, a 3.79 earns $2,000 and a 3.9 earns $2,500. A 1500 SAT or 34 ACT with the top 5% earns $3,500.	Mustangs Guarantee: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $85,000 or less	$24,252
Nelson University private	Academic scholarships of $5,500 to $12,000 a year are set by high school GPA and ACT or SAT score, and renew each year for full-time students who keep the required GPA.	—	$41,344
Prairie View A&M public	The Regents' Student Merit Scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meals and books ($600 a semester) at a 3.5 GPA and a 1260 SAT or 27 ACT. The Presidential Academic Scholarship pays $11,400 a year at a 3.25 GPA and a 1190 SAT or 24 ACT. Awards are limited.	Panther Promise: tuition and mandatory fees paid up to need for first-time freshmen with household income of $30,000 or less (worth asking about)	$26,681
Rice University private	All admitted freshmen are considered automatically for merit scholarships, with no separate application or interview. The Office of Admission tells the winners at the time of admission.	Says it covers 100% of what a family cannot pay Rice Investment: tuition, mandatory fees, room and board covered for families earning less than $100,000 Rice Investment: free tuition for families earning between $100,000 and $200,000	$97,972
Saint Edward's University private	All new freshmen admitted through regular admission are considered for merit scholarships of $14,000 to $32,000 a year. Awards weigh GPA, class rank and the strength of high school courses.	—	$73,492
Sam Houston State University public	Freshman scholarships are competitive, and a student applies through Scholarships4Kats by the November 1 priority date. The Honors Scholarship is worth up to $40,000 over four years.	Bearkat Promise: mandatory tuition and fees covered with grants for Texas students with family income up to $100,000	$26,320
Schreiner University private	Schreiner awards freshman scholarships of up to $100,000 over four years, judged on the whole application: grades, test scores and involvement. The application is the scholarship application.	Schreiner University Promise: last-dollar tuition for Alamo Colleges transfer students with family income of $70,000 or less	$55,850
Southern Methodist University private	The University, Second Century, Distinguished and Provost scholarships pay partial or full tuition for outstanding academic success. President's Scholarships, the most prestigious, pay full tuition and fees plus a study abroad term.	Access SMU: additional merit scholarships to meet full need for Pell-eligible Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less (worth asking about)	$97,401
Southwestern University private	The application for admission is the scholarship application, and all admitted students are considered for general merit scholarships of $28,000 to $40,000 a year. The competitive Brown Scholarship is valued at $48,000 a year.	—	$80,182
St. Mary's University private	First-time freshmen who apply by February 1 and enroll full time are considered automatically for academic merit scholarships of $10,000 to $26,000 a year. The Transfer Promise covers full tuition for transfer students with a 3.5 GPA, a Pell Grant and at least 30 hours of transferable credit.	—	$57,314
Stephen F Austin State University public	The Academic Excellence Scholarship pays $2,500 to $6,000 a year by high school GPA and class rank. No application is needed if the student is admitted by June 30, and it renews for four years.	Purple Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$29,394
Tarleton State University public	The President's Guaranteed Scholarship Program guarantees $500 to $4,000 a year to freshmen in the top half of their class, by class rank and test score. A student completes the General Scholarships Application, and it renews for up to four years.	Tarleton State Promise: tuition, fees, meal plan and a book allowance for Texas freshmen with family income of $85,000 or less	$24,756
Texas A&M public	In state: the Regents' Scholarship gives first-generation Texas students with family income under $50,000 up to $6,000 a year for four years. The student lives on campus the first year and must keep showing financial need. In state: the Century Scholarship pays $5,000 a year for four years to students from designated Texas high schools. Texas A&M does not stack academic scholarships; a student gets the highest one.	Aggie Assurance: tuition and fees covered for Texas students with family income and assets of $100,000 or less	$25,864
Texas A&M Corpus Christi public	Institutional scholarships pay $1,500 to $4,000 a year by weighted GPA and class rank or test score, for up to eight semesters. The admission application is the scholarship application.	Islander Guarantee: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas freshmen with family income of $125,000 or less	$26,556
Texas A&M International public	Automatic freshman scholarships worth $10K to $30K over four years go to students who meet one bar, class rank, SAT or ACT, and are admitted by the February 1 priority deadline. No application is needed.	Dusty Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered by gift aid for Texas students under the program's family income limit	$24,930
Texas A&M Kingsville public	The Presidential Scholarship pays $5,000 to $12,000 a year and the Academic Excellence Scholarship $1,000 to $4,000, by class rank and test score. They need no separate application if the student applies by the February 15 priority date.	Javelina Promise: tuition and fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$23,107
Texas A&M San Antonio public	Internal scholarships are decided on merit, need and special traits such as place of residence or intended major. Students apply by the January 15 priority deadline.	Jaguar Promise: tuition, fees and books covered for Texas graduates ranked 11 to 35% with family income of $70,000 or less Jaguar Promise: tuition, fees and books covered for Texas graduates in the top 10% of their high school class (worth asking about)	$22,246
Texas A&M Texarkana public	First-time scholarships last four years: Presidential $8,000 a year at a 3.75 GPA and a 28 ACT, Valedictorian or Salutatorian $7,000, and Soaring Eagle $6,000 at a 3.5 GPA. Funds are limited, so meeting the bar does not guarantee one.	Eagle Promise: 15 credit hours of tuition and mandatory fees covered for Pell-eligible Texas students with family income under $50,000	$26,125
Texas A&M Victoria public	The Presidential Scholarship gives up to ten $5,000 awards a year to entering freshmen with a 3.75 GPA who send an essay by May 1. It renews for four years with a 3.0 GPA.	Jag Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for eligible students with family incomes of $65,000 or less	$23,749
Texas Christian University private	For 2026-2027, competitive academic scholarships pay $12,000 to $32,000 a year for up to eight semesters, and the Chancellor's Scholarship pays full tuition and fees. The admission application is the scholarship application.	TCU for Texans: full tuition for Pell-eligible Texas first-year students with family income of $100,000 or less	$89,533
Texas Lutheran University private	For 2026–2027, academic scholarships of $18,000 to $28,000 a year are set by the recalculated GPA, on a 5.0 scale. The admission application is the scholarship application, and awards renew for four years in all.	—	$55,245
Texas Southern University public	In state: the Tiger Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees through gift aid for eligible Texas students, for up to four years for a freshman and two for a transfer student. The page does not say what makes a student eligible. General University Scholarships pay up to $1,000 to $14,000 by GPA, class rank and test score. They are not guaranteed and depend on funds, and the aid office may reduce other aid when one is awarded.	—	$25,892
Texas State University public	Scholarships guaranteed at admission to qualified freshmen by test score and class rank: $12,000 a year at the top, down to $4,000 a year. They renew with a 3.25 GPA and 28 passed hours a year.	Bobcat Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas first-time freshmen with family income of $50,000 or less Bobcat Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for top-25% Texas freshmen with family income of $100,000 or less	$27,151
Texas Tech University public	$1,000 to $9,000 a year, from a 3.0 GPA*	Red Raider Guarantee: tuition and fees covered up to $11,852 for Texas freshmen with family income of $80,000 or less	$25,804
Texas Wesleyan University private	In state: the Tuition Promise gives free tuition to first-time Texas students who qualify for the full Pell Grant. It covers what the grant leaves, renews for up to four years, and does not cover housing or books.	—	$58,790
Texas Woman's University public	In state: the Zero Tuition Guarantee pays the gap between tuition and mandatory fees and what the Pell Grant and other gift aid cover. It is for full-time Texas students in a first bachelor's degree who are Pell-eligible. Merit scholarships for first-time freshmen need no application: the Oakley pays $6,500 a year, and the Outstanding, Excellence and Pioneer scholarships $2,000 to $6,000. They renew for four years.	—	$25,432
Trinity University private	The application for admission is also the application for merit scholarships, which are awarded for academic achievement and range from $12,000 to $35,000 a year.	—	$79,504
University of Dallas private	At admission, qualified freshmen get academic scholarships of $28,000 to $37,000 a year (for 2027-2028), set by the highest of the test score, weighted GPA or unweighted GPA. They renew, and the application is the scholarship application.	—	$78,770
University of Houston public	The Academic Excellence Scholarship gives competitive awards of various amounts to freshmen who apply by the priority date. It can be received for four years, and the class's profile changes each year.	Cougar Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $65,000 or less	$25,735
University of Houston-Clear Lake public	In state: the New Hawk Scholarship runs from $1,000 up to a full ride (tuition, fees, books and housing). It is competitive and needs an application with an essay by the February 1 priority deadline.	Hawk Promise: tuition and mandatory fees could be covered for Texas students with family income up to $100,000 (worth asking about)	$23,340
University of Houston-Downtown public	The Freshman Merit Scholarship pays up to $2,000 a year for four years, on top of tuition and fees depending on aid. It needs a 3.5 GPA, an essay by October 31, and is not guaranteed: about 25 are awarded each year.	—	$23,501
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor private	For 2027-2028, freshman academic scholarships pay $8,000 to $19,000 a year by test score or class rank. The amounts shown are for students living on campus, and a student living off campus gets $3,000 less.	—	$51,817
University of North Texas public	The UNT Excellence Scholarship pays $2,000 to $12,000 a year by class rank and unweighted GPA, and renews for up to four years. A freshman who misses it is reviewed for a $1,000 Achievement Scholarship.	North Texas Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas high school graduates with family income of $100,000 or less	$26,078
University of North Texas at Dallas public	Freshman merit scholarships pay $2,000 to $5,000 a year by high school GPA, for four years. Eligible students are reviewed automatically at admission, but the scholarships are not guaranteed.	Trailblazer Tuition Trust: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas high school graduates with family income of $100,000 or less	$21,465
University of St Thomas private	None published	St. Thomas Promise: full tuition and regular fees for Texas students with a 3.4 high school GPA and family income of $50,000 or less	$50,995
University of the Incarnate Word private	First-time freshmen are considered automatically for academic scholarships of $9,000 to $22,000 a year by high school GPA, starting in summer or fall 2027. They renew for up to four years.	—	$58,670
UT Arlington public	Maverick Academic Scholarships pay $1,000 to $8,000 a year for the fall, by the student's profile, and can renew for three more years. Every freshman gets a review, and meeting the bar does not guarantee an award.	Blaze Forward: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$26,984
UT Austin public	Every admitted freshman is considered for the university's general scholarships and college awards. A student fills in the Scholarship Interest Form by January 15, and there is no separate scholarship application.	Texas Advance Commitment: tuition covered for Texas residents with family income up to $100,000	$27,977
UT Dallas public	In state: the Top 10% Scholarship pays $2,500 a semester toward tuition and mandatory fees, for up to eight semesters. It goes to Texas high school students in the top 10% of their class who did not get the Academic Excellence Scholarship, while awards last. The Academic Excellence Scholarship, reviewed for freshmen who finish the application by the December 1 priority deadline. Amounts vary with each class, and no score or rank guarantees an award.	Comet Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$32,010
UT El Paso public	The UTEP Excellence Scholarship pays $8,000 to $32,000 over four years, chosen from an application due January 31 of senior year. Test scores are not considered.	Paydirt Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$20,497
UT Permian Basin public	$1,000 to $4,000 a year, from a 3.25 GPA* The Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition and designated fees for up to four years. It is highly competitive, usually for the top 5% of the class, and needs an application with an essay and a recommendation by December 1.	Falcon Free: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas residents with family income of $100,000 or less	$26,974
UT Rio Grande Valley public	UTRGV Scholars awards are valued at up to $20,000, $32,000 or, for students from outside the area, $42,000 with two years of housing. They are chosen without an application, first come, first served, and renew with a 3.0 GPA.	Tuition Advantage: tuition and mandatory fees for Texas students with family income of $125,000 or less, as funds allow (worth asking about)	$23,300
UT San Antonio public	The Distinguished Presidential Scholarship pays $500 to $6,000 a year by class rank and test score, for eight semesters. Qualified freshmen admitted by January 15 are considered automatically, while funding lasts.	Bold Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income up to $100,000	$29,703
UT Tyler public	The Academic Excellence Scholarship pays $2,000 for students in the top 25% of their class with a 3.0 GPA. No application is needed, and awards go first come, first served while funding lasts. The Honors Scholars Scholarship is a competitive $10,000 award. It needs a separate application by December 1, a 3.75 GPA or a 1350 SAT, and an interview, and not every applicant is selected.	Patriot Promise: tuition and mandatory fees covered for Texas students with family income of $100,000 or less	$27,205
Wayland Baptist University private	The Pioneer Scholarship pays full tuition at a 1450 SAT or 33 ACT, two-thirds at a 1330 SAT, and one-third at a 1200 SAT with a 3.25 GPA. It is given as the budget allows, in the order students are admitted.	—	$32,486
West Texas A&M public	Freshman scholarships pay $1,500 to $8,000 a year by class rank and test score. They are competitive, depend on funds, need an application by December 1 or February 1, and renew with a 3.0 GPA.	Buff Promise: fall and spring in-state tuition covered for Texas undergraduates with family income of $80,000 or less	$23,383

* The finder and our college comparison show this scholarship when you enter your student's GPA.

Each college's page has a promise's conditions, in the college's own words. “Worth asking about” marks a program the college describes in words that stop short of a promise.

Full price: tuition and fees, housing and food, and books; in state at a public university. What your family would pay after grants depends on your income: the finder shows it.

4 more Texas colleges have no page here. For 1 of them, the federal data has no cost or no price by income. The rest mainly teach graduate students or run online programs. Show them

Sul Ross State University
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Our Lady of the Lake University

Guides to Texas's public universities

Each guide follows families at different incomes through one system, campus by campus.

Paying the rest

Your SmartTuition plan uses your savings, your 529, your loans and your award letter.

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How we worked these out

What a SmartTuition plan saves

The $6,700 in the “Pay less for college” box near the top of this page is the median saving over our Texas scenarios. Each scenario is a household in Texas at one of its colleges. Its income is one of 8 from $45,000 to $200,000, and its savings are none, $40,000 or $100,000 in a 529. We price each college at the aid it reports for the income.

Every scenario has parents with good credit and $500 a month toward college. A saving is the difference, over four years, between a SmartTuition plan and the standard approach: savings first, then loans for the rest. It counts loan interest and the federal tax credit. Credit matters: parents with fair credit borrow at a higher rate, which changes the saving.

A scenario where the parents would borrow more than $65,000 is left out, as is one at a college that reports no aid for the income. The figure is for a household that lives in Texas.

Costs: each college's own published price where it has one, otherwise the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, carried forward to fall 2027. Grants: each program’s own page. Scholarships: each college's own page, read by us and checked against it. SmartTuition.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any institution named here.