💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas State University 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$12,220 |
$24,520 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$13,000 |
$13,000 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$25,220 |
$37,520 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,361 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-State Tuition Waivers & Exceptions at Texas State
Texas State participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) at the graduate level only—undergraduates are not eligible for ACM anywhere in Texas.
Other options for reducing nonresident costs include:
- Border County Waiver: Residents of eligible New Mexico counties adjacent to Texas may qualify for in-state tuition (proof of permanent address required by census day).
- 100-Mile Bordering States Waiver: Students from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or New Mexico who live within 100 miles of the Texas border may qualify if a reciprocal agreement exists in their home state.
- Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Out-of-state students receiving a qualifying Texas State scholarship (≥ $1,000) may have nonresident tuition waived and pay the in-state rate.
Note: Waivers must be submitted by the 12th class day (the official census deadline). Confirm current details with
Student Business Services.
💡 Don’t Miss State Aid:
Texas residents can combine state programs like the
TEXAS Grant and institutional merit awards to reduce costs even further.
👉
Texas State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding Texas State Costs
What’s actually included in these totals?
Only the direct costs billed by Texas State—tuition, required fees, and on-campus housing and meals. Books, transportation, and personal expenses are separate and vary by student.
Why is there such a gap between in-state and out-of-state totals?
Nonresidents pay a higher base tuition rate. However, qualifying for a Border County Waiver or a Competitive Scholarship Waiver can reduce costs to the in-state level.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Yes. Nonresidents who earn at least $1,000 in qualifying scholarships per year or who live within 100 miles of the Texas border may be eligible for in-state tuition through an approved waiver.
Does Texas State participate in the Academic Common Market?
Only for graduate programs. No undergraduate ACM participation is available in Texas.
How accurate are these housing and meal numbers?
They’re based on standard double-occupancy housing with a mid-tier meal plan. Students selecting premium halls or expanded dining plans will pay more.
What does the average net price mean?
It’s the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, not including loans. At Texas State, that’s about $15,361 per year, but individual totals vary by income and aid package.
When are tuition waivers applied?
Waiver documentation must be submitted before the 12th class day (census date) each semester for it to take effect that term.
Sources:
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance/undergraduate-coa.html
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/pay-for-college/cost-of-attendance.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.sbs.txst.edu/students/waivers-exemptions.html
https://www.sbs.txst.edu/billing/fee-definitions.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance/tuition-rates.html
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/65677/texas-state-room-and-board
https://www.hhloans.com/types-of-financial-aid/competitive-scholarship-waiver/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/competitive-scholarship-waiver-fact-sheet/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/100-mile-alternate-nonresident-tuition-program-fact-sheet/
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/general-information/admissions/residency-tuition/
https://www.reslife.txst.edu/get-started/options.html
Automatic Merit Scholarships — Texas State University
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the
Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines.
We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
Texas State offers guaranteed merit scholarships to incoming freshmen based on high-school GPA and standardized test scores.
If your student meets the published criteria and applies for admission by the priority deadline, they’re automatically considered—no separate scholarship application required.
Superscoring Policy: Texas State does not superscore both the ACT and SAT.
GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale and based on core academic courses only.
Automatic
Texas State Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$6,000–$8,000/yr
✔ Stackable
✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1160 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other institutional and outside aid up to cost of attendance. The one exclusion to mark: this scholarship cannot be combined with the Texas State Merit Scholarship (the test-optional one) or the Transfer Assured Scholarship. Nonresidents receiving an Achievement award may also qualify for in-state tuition rates while the award is active.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is a multi-tier grid worth knowing cold. The top tier is $8,000 per year ($32,000 total) for SAT 1260–1410 or ACT 27–31 plus top 25 percent, OR SAT 1160–1250 / ACT 24–26 plus top 5 percent (or IB/AP Capstone). Below that, no-test bands pay $7,000 per year ($28,000 total) for top 6–15 percent and $6,000 per year ($24,000 total) for top 16–25 percent. Award amounts are effective for students admitted summer 2025 and forward.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong-but-not-tippy-top freshman applicants with SAT 1160–1410 or ACT 24–31 plus the right class-rank band (top 5 percent at the lower test floors, top 25 percent at the higher ones), or no-test applicants in the top 6–25 percent of their class who apply early.
Automatic
Texas State Distinguished Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
$4,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
✎ ~21 ACT✎ ~1060 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other institutional and outside awards up to cost of attendance. The one conflict to note: this cannot be combined with the Texas State Merit Scholarship (the test-optional one). Nonresidents receiving Distinguished may also qualify for in-state tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
Three Distinguished tiers to know: $5,000 per year ($20,000 total) for SAT 1160+ or ACT 24+ plus top 26–30 percent; $4,000 per year ($16,000 total) for SAT 1160+ or ACT 24+ plus top 31–35 percent; and $4,000 per year ($16,000 total) for SAT 1060–1150 or ACT 21–23 plus top 25 percent (or IB/AP Capstone). Effective for students admitted summer 2025 and forward.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Solid academic profiles in the middle of the rank distribution who still have meaningful test scores — SAT 1060–1150 / ACT 21–23 in the top 25 percent, OR SAT 1160+ / ACT 24+ in the top 26–35 percent.
Automatic
Texas State Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other scholarships and aid up to cost of attendance. The one important exclusion: the Merit Scholarship cannot be combined with the Freshman Assured Scholarships (President's Honor, Achievement, or Distinguished). If you submit test scores and qualify for an Assured tier, that tier replaces the Merit award — Merit is the test-optional path. Nonresident Merit recipients may also qualify for in-state tuition rates.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts vary by academic review and are subject to funding availability — TXST does not publish a fixed Merit dollar amount. The review weighs curriculum rigor, course level, rank/percentile, and grades earned together. Renewal requires 3.25 cumulative GPA and 28 passing TXST hours per year (fall and spring combined). This is the right tier to watch if your student is strong academically but didn't test well or chose not to test.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Test-optional applicants in the top 35 percent of their class (GED and equivalency diplomas are not eligible) or holders of an IB Diploma or AP Capstone Diploma — particularly those whose transcripts show strong curriculum rigor, AP/dual credit course load, and consistent grade performance.
Automatic
National Distinction Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 31
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with other scholarships and aid up to cost of attendance. Nonresident recipients also qualify to pay in-state tuition rates while the scholarship is active — a quiet bonus that often saves more than the scholarship itself in dollar terms for out-of-state families.
💡
Strategic Detail
The full-package award: $40,000 total over four years, paid as $10,000 per year split between fall and spring. Renewal requires a 3.5 cumulative TXST GPA and 28 passing hours per year (fall plus spring combined), undergraduate status, and continuous enrollment without having earned a bachelor's degree. The May 31 first-choice designation with NMSC is non-negotiable — miss it and the award is gone.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists (and Semi-finalists, as eligibility allows) who name Texas State as their first-choice school with NMSC and complete admission steps on time. This is a guaranteed award tied to a specific external designation — there is no committee selection at the TXST end.
Automatic
President's Honor Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1420 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Good news for stacking. This is an assured award, which means it sits comfortably alongside other Texas State scholarships and financial aid up to your published cost of attendance. If you are a nonresident receiving this scholarship, you may also qualify to pay the in-state tuition rate while the award is active — a quietly enormous tuition savings that often gets overlooked.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is Texas State's top assured tier: $48,000 total over four years, paid out as $12,000 per year split evenly across fall and spring. Award amounts are effective for students admitted summer 2025 and forward. The 'assured' label is the key: if you hit the published numbers and get admitted on time, the money is guaranteed — no committee vote, no essay, no nail-biting.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen with SAT 1420+ or ACT 32+ paired with a top 25 percent class rank (or an IB Diploma or AP Capstone Diploma) who finish their admission file early and pick Texas State.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: GPA/test-score cutoffs are based on the latest official grid. Superscoring is used, and awards are guaranteed for eligible students who apply by the deadline.
Out-of-state students receiving at least $1,000 in competitive scholarships may qualify for the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.
Automatic Merit FAQs — Texas State University
Do I need a separate application?
No. Once you apply for admission and meet the GPA/test criteria by Dec 1, you’re automatically considered for these awards.
Does Texas State superscore?
Yes. They use the highest sub-scores from all ACT/SAT attempts, which can raise the overall composite and boost eligibility.
Are these renewable each year?
Yes, for up to four consecutive years if you maintain full-time enrollment, complete 24 credits annually, and meet the scholarship GPA standard.
Can out-of-state students receive these awards?
Yes. OOS students meeting the same GPA/test benchmarks qualify for the same dollar amounts, and many will receive the in-state tuition waiver when combined with university scholarships.
Sources:
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman.html
https://www.finaid.txst.edu/scholarships/freshman/app.html
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/texas-state-university-achievement-scholarships
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com
https://www.hhloans.com/types-of-financial-aid/competitive-scholarship-waiver/
https://blog.collegevine.com/which-colleges-award-automatic-scholarships-based-on-sat-scores
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/general-information/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid-scholarships.pdf
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/txstate/comments/1czxooa/scholarship_appeal/
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Texas State University doesn’t run multiple full-ride competitions like some larger Texas universities. However, it is one of a handful of campuses that partners with the Terry Foundation — a statewide program offering a full cost-of-attendance award to outstanding Texas residents who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
Note: This is one of Texas’s most competitive scholarships. Each year, only a small group of students from across the state are selected. Recipients typically maintain GPAs above 3.8, rank in the top 10–15% of their class, and have exceptional leadership and service records.
Full RideApp Required
Terry Foundation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_ride_flagship
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Terry is built to cover the full cost of attendance after other grants and scholarships are layered in, so it absorbs and adjusts around other aid rather than stacking on top of it. Recipients also join the Terry Scholars Learning Community and live on campus in Cibolo Hall during their first year — that residency requirement is part of the scholarship structure, not a side perk.
📄
How to Apply
Three layers, in order. First, submit your Texas State admission application. Second, file the FAFSA (or TASFA) as early as possible — financial need must be documented. Third, submit the Freshman Scholarship Application through the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS) by December 15. If your application clears the initial Terry screen, you'll be invited to add the Terry Foundation Scholarship Application in BOSS (along with a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, counselor, or administrator). Finalists are invited to a personal interview, and the Terry Foundation makes the final selection at the end of the interview round.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
One of the most generous private scholarships in Texas. Terry has supported over 300 Texas State scholars with more than $19 million awarded since the program launched at TXST in 2004. Recipients receive up to eight semesters of funding covering tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other costs of attendance, and current Terry Scholars are active participants in the Honors College and the Terry Scholars Student Organization. For incoming summer/fall 2026, SAT and ACT scores are not required. Note that the Terry Foundation does not publish a numeric GPA floor or class-rank percentage — they evaluate the full academic and leadership picture, so don't self-eliminate on a number alone.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Texas-resident incoming freshmen with strong academic records, a real leadership and service track record, and documented financial need — students who present extremely well in interview and who would not be able to attend Texas State without major outside funding.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Texas State nominates candidates for the Terry Foundation based on early admission, FAFSA submission, and strength of application materials. Finalists are invited to interview in spring.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to be low-income to qualify?
Financial need is a major factor, but it’s not the only one. The Terry Foundation looks for students who’ve overcome challenges and show exceptional drive and leadership, even if their income isn’t the very lowest.
What does “last-dollar” scholarship mean?
It means the award fills any remaining gap in your cost of attendance after grants and other scholarships are applied — covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals in full.
When should my student apply?
Students must first apply for admission to Texas State and complete the FAFSA/TASFA. Eligible applicants are then invited to submit the Terry application, usually due in mid-November with interviews in early spring.
Is it only for Texas residents?
Yes. The Terry Foundation only considers Texas high school graduates attending participating public universities in the state.
How can we make the strongest impression?
Focus on a strong personal essay and recommendation letters. Use the Essay Toolkit and Reference Request Kit to help tell your student’s story clearly and authentically.
Sources:
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/terry.html
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/pay-for-college/terry.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com/opportunities/21535
https://terryfoundation.org/apply/
https://terryfoundation.org/news/2025-terry-scholars-selected/
https://terryfoundation.org/apply/traditional-scholarship-faqs/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/the-terry-foundation-scholarship-at-texas-state-university
Hidden Gems at Texas State University
These scholarships may not show up in the big marketing brochures, but many stack with other aid. Several live in TXST’s BOSS portal (college/department awards) or require auditions/interviews. Apply early and keep FAFSA on file.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: National boards (fall–winter)
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
rotc_plus_benefits
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers tuition/fees or up to $6,000 per semester for room/board, plus books and stipend; can stack within cost-of-attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Army ROTC program, meet all academic, medical, and fitness requirements, and participate in interview/selection process. Contract required for award disbursal.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards can be renewed if recipient maintains academic and program standards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Leadership-oriented students who meet all requirements and sign ROTC contract.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bobcat Basketball Band (B3)
📅 Deadline: Selections late fall for spring
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards are seasonal/annual and may stack with other institutional aid.
📄
How to Apply
Audition and be selected for the basketball band ensemble; successful completion of season required for payment.
🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Variable awards—higher amounts for select section leaders or long-term participation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians who audition for and complete the basketball band season.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bobcat Marching Band (BMB) Awards
📅 Deadline: Auditions spring–summer
✓ Renews
$800–$1,200/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards are annual; can stack with academic and need-based aid. Additional bonuses for leadership and multi-year members.
📄
How to Apply
Audition and secure placement in the Bobcat Marching Band; leadership/Dedication bonuses earned through extra responsibility and service.
🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Expect $800 for base marching band, $200 leadership bonus, and $200 for third-year 'Dedication'; some awards may be higher for special roles.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Committed band members; strong auditions and leadership/service earn the highest amounts.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Bobcat Promise (Tuition & Fees Coverage)
📅 Deadline: FAFSA priority (mid-March)
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 8 yrs)
Full Tuition
need_full_tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ Need-based last-dollar program for Texas-resident freshmen with family AGI around 50k or less that covers tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 hours per term using combined grant aid
🏫 2.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers only tuition and mandatory fees; other awards can help with housing or extras. Most beneficial for full-time, Pell-eligible TX freshmen.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full in-state tuition/fees for up to 8 semesters if all renewal criteria are met. Not available to graduate students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Low-income TX students who apply early, enroll full-time, and keep GPA above 2.0.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
College/Departmental Scholarships via BOSS
📅 Deadline: Most close Jan–Feb
Non-Renewable
$500–$6,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Varies by college rules and BOSS portal setup.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through BOSS by department deadline; selection based on published criteria and total applicant pool.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Annual and variable, department may distribute multiple awards each cycle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who match published criteria and complete departmental/BOSS application steps on time.
App Required
Ingram Concrete Industry Management Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable; students must continue enrollment and academic progress to renew.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through BOSS and enroll in CIM; scholarship requires demonstration of academic achievement and may give preference to those with need.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $12,000 over four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students dedicated to Concrete Industry Management who apply on time and demonstrate achievement/need.
App Required
Ingram Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
✎ ~27 ACT✎ ~1260 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Eligible scholars may hold other merit-based or need-based scholarships as allowed by policy.
📄
How to Apply
Be accepted into engineering; apply via BOSS; meet top 15% rank plus SAT ≥1260 (M≥610) or ACT ≥27 (M≥26); financial need preferred but not required.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $32,000 over four years for qualifying students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top engineering admits who show strong academics and, preferably, financial need.
App Required
Ingram Engineering Technology Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with other awards as allowed.
📄
How to Apply
Be accepted/enrolled in a qualifying engineering technology major; apply through BOSS and submit all requested academic information.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $16,000 over four years; departmental rules apply.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong admits to engineering technology who complete all requirements.
App Required
Lone Star Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable as permitted by institutional rules up to COA.
📄
How to Apply
Top 10% of class; apply via BOSS and provide ranking documentation.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $10,000 over four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top academic admits who complete all requirements; nomination process may vary by department.
App Required
McCoy Scholarship of Distinction (Business)
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3.3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with other campus or donor scholarships but subject to COA policies.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through BOSS portal; be a business major; meet eligibility as National Merit, val/sal, or top 10% of class; submit supporting documents.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $24,000 over four years; application through BOSS.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving new business students who meet all academic and application details.
App Required
McCoy Scholarship of Excellence (Business)
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3.3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Eligible recipients can combine with department, college, or other campus awards as allowed by Cost of Attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through TXST BOSS; enroll as a business major; be a National Merit Finalist, class valedictorian/salutatorian, or in the top 5% of HS class.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $40,000 over four years; strong GPA and major progression required for renewal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top business admits with elite academics who complete all application requirements.
App Required
Patti Strickel Harrison Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may stack with other named and departmental scholarships for high achievers.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through BOSS; major in Math/Engineering/Science/CS/Musical Theatre/Dance/Music; meet top 10% class rank and need requirements.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $20,000 over four years. Must maintain eligibility and continuous enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving students in listed majors, especially those with financial need.
App Required
Rodeo Austin Scholarship (Business)
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable per COA. Must maintain major and academic progress.
📄
How to Apply
Business major; 3.0 GPA; need preferred; top 25% class rank; Texas HS graduate; leadership and Rodeo Austin involvement preferred. Apply via BOSS.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Total $16,000 over four years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Business students with strong academics, leadership, need, and Rodeo Austin eligibility/preference.
App Required
University Scholars (College-selected)
📅 Deadline: December
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be layered with BOSS and department-level awards, subject to overall cost-of-attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply via BOSS and be selected as a top 10% student; nomination by college required for this $22,000 total scholarship.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded at the college level from freshman BOSS pool. Renewal criteria apply.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top 10% admits nominated through college selection in BOSS.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ: Hidden Scholarships at Texas State
Do I need FAFSA? Yes. Bobcat Promise and many college awards require an early FAFSA, and merit awards often use it for packaging/stacking.
How do I apply for department/college awards? Use the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS). Many competitive awards (McCoy, Ingram, University Scholars) live there with fall/winter cycles.
Can ROTC stack with other aid? Often yes, but it can change need-based eligibility math. Coordinate with Financial Aid on stacking.
Does Texas State participate in Academic Common Market? No. Out-of-state students should look at competitive scholarship waivers and limited border-area options instead.
Sources:
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/learn-more/icons/bobcatpromise.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/comp.html
https://www.txst.edu/bands/scholarshipandperformance.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com/opportunities/13159
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/boss.html
https://www.mccoy.txst.edu/students/scholarships/scholarships-index.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.afrotc.txst.edu/new-cadets/opportunities.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/learn-more/icons/bobcatpromise.html
https://docs.gato.txst.edu/198988/Financial%20Aid%20Information.pdf
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com
https://www.lonestar.edu/scholarships
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/comp.html
Texas State University Honors College
The Honors College at Texas State University welcomes students from every major who want a smaller, more personal academic experience inside a large public university. Admission is holistic — there are no strict GPA or test cutoffs — and is based on curiosity, motivation, and potential. Students apply separately with a short personal statement and resume.
Parent Note: Texas State’s Honors College isn’t ultra-selective or scholarship-heavy, but that’s a strength. It gives driven, curious students a chance to thrive without the pressure of perfection — and to access smaller classes, faculty support, and meaningful research.
Honors College Highlights
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based seminars taught by top faculty
- Access to undergraduate research and conference travel funding
- Dedicated Honors advising and faculty mentorship
- National scholarship and fellowship advising (Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright)
- Community of engaged students across all majors
Honors Scholarships & Opportunities
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental / Donor Awards (Honors Priority)
📅 Deadline: February 1
Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Most departmental/donor awards stack cleanly with automatic merit scholarships and Honors funding. Total aid still cannot exceed your published cost of attendance, but these awards rarely conflict with anything else.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS), which auto-matches you to a pool of departmental and donor-funded awards based on your major, year, and profile. Some departments also run their own internal processes outside BOSS — worth checking your home college's scholarship page directly. Honors students typically receive priority consideration where Honors membership is named as a selection criterion.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Most departmental and donor awards are annual or semester-based and surface in BOSS as 'Recommended' opportunities once your General Application is on file. The dollar amounts skew modest individually, but stacking three or four of them is a common pattern for Honors students with active departmental involvement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active department majors with strong GPAs and visible involvement in their college — research assistantships, departmental clubs, undergraduate journals, the kind of resume that signals you're already part of the program's community. Honors students often have an edge where Honors priority is specified.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with automatic merit awards, departmental scholarships, and Honors/research funding up to cost of attendance. Because awards are made on an annual basis with re-application required each year, this functions more like a yearly competitive grant than a multi-year renewable scholarship.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the online Honors College Scholarship application through BOSS and submit two letters of recommendation from college-level instructors or mentors (high school teachers and counselors are strongly discouraged — letters should reflect your work as a college student). The scholarship committee reviews academic strength, active participation in the Honors community, and future academic promise.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amount varies and is announced with the offer. Funds are disbursed by academic year — half in fall, half in spring. Applicants must reapply every year and re-meet all eligibility requirements; the scholarship is not auto-renewed. Maintain a 3.25 semester GPA and at least 12 credit hours per semester to remain eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students who pair a strong GPA with visible engagement in the Honors community — Honors Council involvement, Honors capstone work in progress, Honors Coffee Forum participation, mentoring relationships with Honors faculty — and whose recommenders can speak to real academic promise.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF)
📅 Deadline: URF runs twice yearly with a spring deadline typically in early February. Check the Undergraduate Research Fellowships page for the current cycle's exact date.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~10–12 fellowships awarded per semester winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time project fellowship — it does not conflict with regular institutional scholarships or other research funding. Past URF recipients may apply for a second fellowship (lifetime cap of two), though first-time applicants generally get preference.
📄
How to Apply
Prepare a research proposal (up to 750 words, or 1,250 for STEM combined with timeline), a project timeline, a budget narrative requesting up to $1,500, an academic CV or resume, and arrange a letter of recommendation from your faculty research sponsor. Submit everything through the URF electronic application. Strongly recommended: attend one of the Pre-Application Workshops the Honors College runs each semester before submitting.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards run up to $1,500 per project. The URF committee typically funds 10–12 students per semester. Funds can cover equipment, tools, supplies, services, and research-related travel — but not travel to present at external conferences (the Honors travel funding line covers that). Recipients must complete the project within one academic year and present their work to the Texas State community.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a clear research question, a faculty mentor who is genuinely engaged with the project, and a well-structured proposal. Sophomores and juniors working on Honors capstones or major-specific capstone projects make up the bulk of awardees, but applications are open to all undergraduates in all majors — Honors membership is not required.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: The Honors College itself doesn’t offer large merit scholarships, but participants often receive departmental and research-based awards thanks to faculty connections.
Honors College FAQ
Is there a GPA or test score cutoff?
No. The Honors College evaluates each student holistically, focusing on intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and writing quality.
Do Honors students get extra scholarships?
Not directly from Honors, but participation opens doors to internal grants, donor awards, and research stipends.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors courses count toward core or major requirements, and most students graduate on schedule.
When should I apply?
The application is open year-round, but students who apply before April 1 receive priority consideration for scholarships and research grants.
Sources:
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply/admissions.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply.html
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/honors-college/
https://www.txst.edu/undergraduateresearch/undergraduate-research-fellowships.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/opportunities/funding/honors-scholarships.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply/faq.html
https://signup.txstate.edu/topics/2191-undergraduate-research-fellowship-urf-info-session
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/explore/academics/honors-college.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/seasonal-pages/new-student-information/preregistration-guidance.html
⭐ Specialty Programs
Texas State University brings the best of both worlds — a large, research-driven campus with a warm, supportive culture. While it’s currently classified as an R2 university, its “Run to R1” plan shows that national-class research is within reach by 2027. Beyond the labs, TXST shines for its standout programs that grab the spotlight—from Broadway stages to global sales rankings.
Highlight Program: Musical Theater (Undergraduate)
Named one of the best drama schools of 2025 by The Hollywood Reporter, Texas State’s tuition-free undergraduate track in musical theater is highly selective (just 14 students/year) — but it delivers affordability, professional training, and real-world success in a league of its own. Adoption of this program offers one of the few truly elite performing-arts experiences in the state.
Other areas where Texas State stands out statewide or nationally:
- Sales Program (Business): #1 in the world per University Sales Center Alliance — a global recognition of TXST’s sales education leadership.
- Family Business Research: Ranked #4 in U.S. — TXST ranks among national leaders in that academic niche.
- Global MBA (CEO Magazine): Tier 1 — ranking among the top MBA programs globally from a respected business publication.
- Criminology (Graduate): #26 (tie), U.S. News — one of the most highly ranked grad programs TXST offers.
- Health Care Management (Graduate): #57 (tie), Nursing (Master’s): #92 (tie) — both programs achieve national recognition.
- “Very strong” STEM, Education, Chemistry/Biology/Human Health — TXST is notable for these fields in student impressions.
✅ Final Thoughts
Texas State University might not hand out massive merit scholarships like some bigger flagships—but it still offers a solid value for many families, especially in-state students or those eligible for state aid. If your student is driven, financially eligible, or looking for a supportive academic environment, don’t overlook options like the Terry Foundation, Honors College, or department-specific awards.
Even if Texas State isn’t your top choice right now, it’s worth running the numbers—especially once scholarships and aid are factored in. And remember: the right school for your student isn’t always the flashiest one. It’s the one where they can grow, thrive, and graduate without drowning in debt.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
