Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Scholarships (2025–2026 Guide)

Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Scholarships (2025–2026)

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Last Updated on February 1, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~89%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
  • Middle 50% SAT: 970–1190
  • Average GPA (HS): ~3.4

Source: TAMU–CC Common Data Set/Admissions & BigFuture (latest available). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.

💡 CRP Strategy Tip (Fast Read):
TAMU–CC is test-optional, but scholarship tiers can still be competitive. If your student is close to a higher award band, submitting a strong SAT/ACT can help — just make sure it’s clearly above the campus middle-50% range you list in the Admissions Snapshot.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

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TAMU–Corpus Christi at a Glance

🏆 Freshman scholarships: New Islanders who submit the university scholarship application by March 1 are considered for institutional awards; amounts vary and are renewable based on criteria.
Average Net Price
$14,991
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit (OOS)
Institutional awards (amounts vary)
Non-resident tuition waiver may apply with ≥$1,000 competitive scholarship (limited)
Typical Qualifiers
Test-optional • GPA-based review; ACT 19–25 / SAT 970–1190 if submitted
Higher tiers go to stronger academic profiles*
Superscore Policy
ACT: YES • SAT: YES
Scores are optional; highest results considered if sent
Key Deadlines
Scholarship priority: Mar 1 • FAFSA priority: Jan 15
Apply early to maximize merit & state aid
Honors Program
Yes • Competitive • Separate application
Perks: priority registration, housing, research
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive: Partial only
Top merit may stack with state & federal aid
Residency & Waivers
Competitive Scholarship Non-Resident Waiver
Non-residents with ≥$1,000 in university competitive scholarships may be considered for in-state rate (limited)
* Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on award text + past recipient data + student profile stats. Numbers can shift with applicant pool and funding.

Intro FAQs

Does TAMU–Corpus Christi automatically award scholarships with admission?
New freshmen who complete the institutional scholarship application by March 1 are considered for university scholarships; awards vary by academics and funding.

Do out-of-state students get a tuition waiver?
Possibly. Non-resident students awarded ≥$1,000 in competitive TAMU-CC scholarships may be considered for the Non-Resident Tuition Waiver (limited availability).

What GPA and test scores typically qualify for top merit awards?
Awards are GPA-focused at this test-optional campus. If submitted, scores in about the ACT 19–25 / SAT 970–1190 range align with recent admitted-student profiles.

Does TAMU–CC superscore test results?
A formal superscore policy isn’t published. Scores are optional; if you send them, the university reviews your highest results.

When should I apply for scholarships and financial aid?
Submit the scholarship application by March 1 for priority consideration and file the FAFSA by January 15 for financial aid priority.

Is there an Honors Program and how do you apply?
Yes. The Honors Program requires a separate application after admission and offers benefits such as priority registration, specialized courses, and research opportunities.

If your student is B+/A- and staying test-optional…

Treat FAFSA timing as the priority move (especially if you’re chasing need-based programs like the Islander Guarantee), then layer merit + departmental awards on top.

If your student has strong test scores…

Submit scores if they’re a clear strength — it can help in competitive scholarship review and may improve your overall merit positioning even on a test-optional campus.

Sources:
University Admissions — https://www.tamucc.edu/admissions/
Scholarships & Financial Aid — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.php
Incoming Freshman Scholarships — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman.php
Honors Program — https://www.tamucc.edu/honors/
Cost of Attendance — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.php
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?224147-Texas-A-M-University-Corpus-Christi
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/texas-am-university-corpus-christi
CollegeData — https://www.collegedata.com/college/Texas-A-M-University–Corpus-Christi
PrepScholar — https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/Texas-AandM—Corpus-Christi-sat-scores-GPA

💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi

Expense Texas Resident Non-Resident
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) $9,748 $20,794
Housing & Meals (average on-campus plan) $12,308 $12,308
Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) ≈ $22,056 ≈ $33,102

Note: Figures exclude indirect costs such as books & supplies, transportation and personal expenses because those are not billed directly by the university.

🏠 Parent Note on Housing:
Because this is a coastal “island” campus, housing can feel more like a premium market than a typical inland university. If on-campus options fill, off-campus rentals may shift your monthly costs — and commuting can add time + transportation expenses.
Average Net Price: $14,991 (most recent public data) — this is what families actually paid on average after grants/scholarships, excluding loans.
Non-Resident Tuition Waiver: Out-of-state students who earn a competitive university scholarship may qualify for the in-state tuition rate of $9,748.

Example: A non-resident’s tuition/fees drop from $20,794 to $9,748 — a potential savings of about $11,046.

Note: TAMU-CC does not participate in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for non-resident tuition discount.
💰 What the waiver can change (quick math):
Scenario Tuition & Fees Estimated Savings
Non-resident (no waiver) $20,794 —
Resident-rate waiver applied $9,748 ≈ $11,046

In plain English: Some Texas schools can award a resident-rate waiver when a non-resident wins a competitive scholarship meeting the minimum threshold (often discussed as “$1,000+”).

Reality check: these waivers are typically limited and may be awarded by committee based on funding and eligibility. Always verify the current waiver terms on the official TAMU–CC waiver page before counting on it.

Who qualifies?
Non-resident students awarded a university competitive scholarship (minimum amount as defined by the institution) may be eligible for the waiver to in-state rate.

How much can you save?
Roughly $11,000 per year if you qualify and pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the full non-resident rate.

Do you have to apply?
Yes — you must apply for scholarships and meet eligibility criteria; the waiver is applied once a scholarship is awarded rather than by a separate application for the waiver itself.

Sources:
University Cost of Attendance — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.php
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://www.tamucc.edu/business-affairs/financial-services/student-business-services/tuition-and-fees.php
Scholarships & Financial Aid — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/index.php
Incoming Freshman Scholarships — https://www.tamucc.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman.php
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/texas-am-university-corpus-christi/tuition-and-costs
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?224147-Texas-A-M-University-Corpus-Christi

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

These university-funded awards are based on your published GPA/rank and/or test scores. Your ApplyTexas admission application (by Feb 1) doubles as the scholarship application; submit the FAFSA by Mar 1 for disbursement. Renewal generally requires a 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment, and 30 TAMU–CC credits per year.

💡 CRP Strategy Tip:
If your student is close to the next scholarship tier, a strong SAT/ACT can still help — even at a test-optional school. Don’t submit scores unless they’re a clear strength; but if they are, it can be the difference between “good merit” and “best available merit.”
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholars $4,000/yr (up to $16,000 over 4 yrs) Weighted GPA 3.95–4.00 and Top 10%
or 3.95–4.00 and ACT ≥28/SAT ≥1300		 No — ApplyTexas by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1 Yes — 3.0 GPA, 30 credits/yr, full-time; up to 8 semesters Top decile or 3.95+ GPA/test Feb 1 (app), Mar 1 (FAFSA)
Achieve Scholars $3,000/yr (up to $12,000 over 4 yrs) GPA 3.75–3.94 and Top 25%
or ACT ≥26/SAT ≥1230		 No — ApplyTexas by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1 Yes — same renewal rules as above Upper quartile, solid rigor and/or 26+/1230+ testing Feb 1 (app), Mar 1 (FAFSA)
Islander Scholars $1,500/yr (up to $6,000 over 4 yrs) GPA 3.25–3.74 and Top 50%
or ACT ≥24/SAT ≥1160		 No — ApplyTexas by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1 Yes — same renewal rules as above Mid-to-upper half or 24+/1160+ testing Feb 1 (app), Mar 1 (FAFSA)

Notes: Non-residents with $1,000+ in competitive scholarships can qualify for the Texas in-state tuition waiver. Superscoring is used for test review; sending all scores can help boost your award tier.

Automatic Merit — FAQ

Do they superscore? Yes. The university reviews the highest section scores from each test administration to form a composite.

Is test-optional allowed? Test scores are not required for admission, but submitting them can improve your scholarship tier.

Can awards stack? Institutional merit generally stacks with outside/private scholarships; non-resident recipients of $1,000+ competitive scholarships may receive the state tuition waiver.

When are the deadlines? Priority is Oct 1; final is Feb 1 for admission. Submit FAFSA by Mar 1 for funding.

Sources:
https://www.tamucc.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/frequently-asked-questions.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/admissions/first-time-freshmen.php
https://www.highered.texas.gov/

🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Awards)

Unlike automatic merit, these flagship scholarships are highly competitive and reserved for the very top of the applicant pool. They typically require exceptional grades, test scores, and leadership or service signals, and only a small number of students are selected each year.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Morris L. Lichtenstein Jr. Endowed Scholarship $12,750/yr (up to $51,000 over 4 yrs) ACT ≥32 or SAT ≥1390 and top 7% of high school class No — considered automatically with ApplyTexas application Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA, 12 hrs/semester, 30 TAMU–CC credits/year; max 8 semesters Top 7–10% of class with 32+ ACT or 1390+ SAT, strong leadership/service signals Feb 1 (final), Oct 1 (priority)

Flagship Scholarship FAQ

Why are these awards so competitive? They offer one of the largest scholarship values at TAMU–CC and are reserved for top academic and leadership candidates.

Do you need a separate application? No. Students are automatically considered if they apply for admission by the published deadline.

How many students receive it? TAMU–CC does not publish exact numbers but the award pool is small, based on criteria and total value.

Can it stack with other awards? Yes. Recipients can combine this award with other institutional or private scholarships, including eligibility for the state in-state tuition waiver if you meet all requirements.

Sources:
https://www.tamucc.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen.php

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These aren’t the headline “automatic” or “flagship” awards, but they can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many are need-based, experience-based (research or study abroad), or linked to military service pathways.

🧠 The “Stacking Order” most parents miss:
  1. Federal/State grants (Pell/Texas Grant, etc.) usually apply first.
  2. Institutional merit (your freshman merit tiers) typically applies next.
  3. Departmental/Honors/experience awards (URCA, study abroad, program scholarships) layer on after.
  4. Programs like Islander Guarantee are best viewed as a gap-filler for eligible students — designed to reduce what’s left for tuition/fees after other gift aid, if you meet the program rules and deadlines.

Tip: If you might qualify for need-based programs, treat FAFSA timing as a “first move,” not an afterthought.

✅ A simple TAMU–CC scholarship playbook:
  1. Apply early so you’re eligible for the best institutional review windows.
  2. File FAFSA early if you might qualify for need-based programs (deadlines matter more than parents expect).
  3. Layer “hidden gems” (URCA, study abroad, Honors, departmental awards, ROTC) after your core merit/aid is in place.
Scholarship / Program Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Islander Guarantee Covers full in-state tuition & mandatory fees Texas resident; Pell-eligible or AGI ≤ $125,000; full-time; FAFSA by deadline No — FAFSA required Yes — re-qualify with annual FAFSA & academic progress Pell-eligible residents who file early and stay on track April 1 (FAFSA)
Army ROTC Scholarships Full tuition & fees or housing/meal option + $1,200/year books + monthly stipend U.S. citizen; meets academic, fitness, medical standards; agrees to service Yes — national or campus ROTC application Yes — maintain GPA/fitness and progress to commission Strong students, leadership/fitness, STEM often prioritized National Board: varies; Campus: rolling through senior year
Education Abroad Scholarships $500–$1,250 one-time Accepted to TAMU–CC study abroad; 2.5+ GPA; program criteria Yes — Education Abroad portal No — one-time award Students with a clear plan abroad + timely application Summer: Apr 1; Fall: Jun 1; Spring: Nov 1
Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (URCA) $250–$1,500 (supplies, travel, or project) With TAMU–CC faculty mentor; approved proposal Yes — URCA application Sometimes — new project each cycle Students who secure faculty support, strong project Cycles open Oct–Mar (check each term)
Leadership Corpus Christi Scholarship $500–$2,000 Nueces County seniors, GED grads, or college freshmen; GPA & need; leadership/service Yes — external application No — one-time award Local applicants with community service/leadership Spring cycle — check program site
Charles Butt Scholarship (Aspiring Teachers) Up to $8,000/year (renewable up to 4 yrs) Enrolled in College of Ed teacher certification; competitive application Yes — Charles Butt Foundation application Yes — annual eligibility review Future teachers in priority fields with strong commitment Mid-Feb annually

Disclaimer: Dollar ranges for URCA, Leadership Corpus Christi, and Charles Butt Scholars are based on recent cycles and may change year to year.

  • Department/Major-Specific Scholarships: Many donor-funded awards require the general scholarship portal or a department process.
  • Chorale Scholarships: Awarded for successful audition; dollar varies.
  • First-Generation/Need-Based: TAMU–CC and the Texas A&M System support targeted scholarships for first-gen, Pell-eligible, and transfer students. See main scholarship portal for current cycles.

Hidden Gems — FAQ

Can these stack with merit scholarships? Often yes; need-based and experience scholarships usually stack with institutional merit and outside funds. Review your award letter for caps.

When are the deadlines? Islander Guarantee: FAFSA by April 1; Study Abroad: Nov 1/Apr 1/Jun 1; URCA: cycles open Oct–Mar; ROTC: check national/campus windows.

Does this affect non-resident waivers? University competitive scholarships trigger tuition waivers for non-residents at ≥$1,000. Federal ROTC and state/federal grants do not trigger the waiver directly.

Where do I find updates? Department, URCA, and Education Abroad publish cycles on university announcement boards; watch scholarship portal for new donor opportunities.

Sources:
https://www.tamucc.edu/funding-resources/islander-guarantee.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/scholarships/study-abroad.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/urca/
https://www.tamucc.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshmen.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/scholarships/current-undergraduates.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/scholarships/dates-and-deadlines.php

🎖️ Honors Program

The Honors Program at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi is designed for high-achieving students who want a smaller academic community within the university. Admission is by application and includes essays, a short video, and—if selected as a finalist—an interview. Students who join find a close-knit group with extra support and opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom.

What a Typical TAMU–CC Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.5+ (unweighted), rigorous coursework, strong communication skills, and leadership or service involvement. Test scores are not required but can strengthen the application.
Honors Perks that Matter:
  • Priority class registration
  • Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
  • Honors residence hall and community spaces
  • Faculty mentorship with research and creative projects
  • Dedicated Honors scholarships ($500 per semester while enrolled)
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Honors Program Scholarship $500 per semester (up to $4,000 over 4 yrs) Incoming freshmen admitted to the TAMU–CC Honors Program No — automatically awarded upon Honors admission Yes — up to 8 semesters with continued Honors standing All admitted Honors Program students in good standing Round 1: Jan 31
Round 2: May 2
Round 3: June 2
  • Research Grants: Competitive awards supporting approved Honors undergraduate research projects.
  • Travel Funds: Support for conference presentations, academic travel, or study abroad.
  • Stacking: Honors scholarships stack with merit (Presidential, Achieve, Islander) and external/private awards.

Honors Program FAQ

Is admission automatic? No. Students must apply directly and complete all required steps (essay, video, interview if invited).

Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors coursework is designed to fit degree plans, so students graduate on time.

When are the deadlines? Application rounds close late January, early May, and early June; applying early increases admission chances.

Is there extra funding? Yes. Honors students receive $500 per semester as long as they remain in good standing.

Sources:
https://www.tamucc.edu/academics/honors-program.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/apply-honors-program.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/cost-and-aid/scholarships/current-undergraduates.php
https://www.tamucc.edu/academics/honors-program/faq.php

⭐ College Specialty

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi has carved out a reputation as the “Island University,” using its unique Gulf Coast setting to deliver nationally recognized programs in marine and coastal science. While not an R1 research university, TAMU–CC is widely respected for applied research and workforce pipelines in ocean studies, aviation systems, and health programs that directly serve Texas communities.

🌊 Marine & Coastal Science: Powered by the Harte Research Institute, TAMU–CC is one of the nation’s few universities with a major research institute dedicated solely to the Gulf of Mexico. Students benefit from hands-on fieldwork, direct access to the Gulf, and partnerships with NOAA and state agencies.
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) / Autonomy Research: One of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites nationwide, elevated in 2024 to the Autonomy Research Institute. Offers students direct industry ties and national research relevance.
  • Nursing & Health: Nursing graduates consistently post strong NCLEX pass rates, reflecting statewide recognition for preparing workforce-ready healthcare professionals in the Coastal Bend region.
  • Business & Entrepreneurship: The College of Business is AACSB-accredited and integrates with regional economic development, giving students pathways to careers in South Texas and beyond.
  • Environmental Science & Coastal Engineering: Recognized for applied research in erosion, sea-level rise, and sustainability projects tied to Texas’s Gulf Coast communities.

Final Thoughts

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi offers more than just a beautiful coastal campus—it provides real opportunities for families to cut costs through automatic merit scholarships, flagship competitive awards, and hidden gems like the Islander Guarantee and ROTC benefits. For motivated students, the Honors Program adds another layer of community and funding, while nationally recognized programs in marine science and autonomy research create clear career pipelines. With the right planning, parents can feel confident that TAMU–CC makes an Islander education more affordable and accessible.

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