ACT Scores & Merit Aid in Texas: What an ACT 20, 24, or 28 Can Actually Unlock (2026–2027)

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Texas colleges still use ACT scores for merit scholarships — even in a test-optional world. The real question isn’t “Is a 24 good?” It’s: What does an ACT 20, 24, or 28 actually change financially?

At most Texas schools, merit is based on a combination of GPA, class rank, and test scores — scores rarely work alone.

ACT 20 in Texas: A Starting Point, Not a Jackpot

An ACT 20 is not a large-award score in Texas. But it’s not irrelevant either.

At many regional public universities, ACT 20–21 can qualify students for lower automatic merit tiers when paired with a solid GPA.

• University of Texas at El Paso
• Tarleton State University
• Lamar University
• University of Texas Permian Basin

These campuses often publish clearer GPA + test score charts than highly selective flagships.

ACT 24 in Texas: Where Merit Gets Noticeable

ACT 24 is where merit often shifts from “symbolic” to “meaningful.”

At many Texas schools, this score band moves students into mid-level automatic tiers — especially with a 3.5+ GPA or strong class rank.

• Texas State University
• University of North Texas
• Sam Houston State University
• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

Private universities such as:

• Baylor University
• Texas Christian University
• Abilene Christian University

often use ACT ranges to determine award size — even in test-optional years.

For a full statewide breakdown, see:
👉 Texas Automatic Merit Scholarships (2026–2027)

ACT 28 in Texas: Strong, But Not Magical

An ACT 28 places a student in upper merit tiers at many Texas schools.

• Texas Tech University
• University of Houston
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at Dallas

Where ACT Scores Matter Most in Texas

1. Regional publics – Best for predictable automatic merit using published charts.
2. Mid-level public flagships – Scores influence both admission and scholarship tiers, but awards are less guaranteed.
3. Private universities – Often use ACT ranges to determine scholarship size, even when test-optional.

To turn this into an actual list:

👉 Use the CRP Scholarship Search Tool

• Filter to Texas.
• Enter your student’s GPA and ACT (20, 24, or 28).
• Flag schools where automatic tiers clearly match your range.
• Add 2–3 “safety merit” schools with published awards.
• Add 1–2 competitive merit options.

Test-Optional in Texas: Do Scores Still Matter?

Short answer: often, yes.

Many Texas schools say “test-optional” for admission but still consider ACT/SAT scores for merit.

1. Check the school’s middle 50% ACT range. If your score is near or above the top of that range, submit.
2. Read the scholarship page separately from the admissions page — many list ACT-based merit tiers.
3. Run the net price calculator both with and without scores and compare screenshots.

Texas Merit Myths

• Myth: ACT 28 guarantees full tuition somewhere in Texas.
  Reality: It strengthens eligibility but does not guarantee large awards.
• Myth: Test-optional means scores never matter.
  Reality: Many schools still use ACT scores to increase scholarship size.
• Myth: Need-based aid replaces merit strategy.
  Reality: Need-based and merit-based aid often layer together.

FAQs

Is ACT 20 enough for merit in Texas?

At some regional publics, yes — typically in lower automatic tiers when GPA is solid.

Is ACT 24 a good scholarship score?

In Texas, ACT 24 is often where merit becomes more noticeable, especially with strong GPA and rank.

Does ACT 28 guarantee big scholarships?

No. It strengthens eligibility but does not guarantee specific award amounts.

Should we submit ACT scores if test-optional?

If your score strengthens your academic profile or qualifies for published merit tiers, submitting can increase scholarship potential.

Texas merit aid is not about chasing one perfect score. It’s about matching your student’s profile to schools that publish predictable tiers.

Start with:
👉 Texas Automatic Merit Scholarships (2026–2027)

Then build your real list using:
👉 CRP Scholarship Search Tool