Prairie View A&M University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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: ~76% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 17–22
- Middle 50% SAT: 920–1090
- Average HS GPA: 3.4 (weighted)
Source: Prairie View A&M Common Data Set 2024–25 and Texas A&M University System data.
PVAMU at a Glance
Last verified: October 5, 2025
Prairie View A&M University is one of Texas’s premier HBCUs, known for combining affordability with opportunity. Families often find that between institutional merit, need-based aid, and state programs like TEXAS Grant, PVAMU can be one of the best-value choices in the region.
This guide breaks down PVAMU’s real costs, automatic merit criteria, and key competitive scholarships—plus a look at the Honors College and ways students can stack state and university aid for maximum savings.
FAQ
Is PVAMU test-optional? Yes — Prairie View A&M is test-optional through Fall 2026, though scores help with scholarship awards.
What’s the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 17–22; SAT 920–1090 (CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $14,516 (College Scorecard 2025).
Does PVAMU offer border-state waivers? Limited programs exist; check with Admissions for current agreements.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Prairie View A&M University (2025–2026)
The table below shows direct, billed costs — what families actually pay PVAMU — for a full-time undergraduate living on campus. These estimates are based on the university’s official 2025–2026 rates for tuition, required fees, housing, and meal plans.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $11,299 | $26,874 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,930 | $11,930 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $23,229 | $38,804 |
Why only these items? These are the direct costs billed by PVAMU — tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Other indirect expenses (books/supplies ~$1,200, transportation ~$2,000, personal ~$3,600) vary per student and are not billed by the university.
📉 Average Net Price (after aid)
According to federal data, the average net price at Prairie View A&M is about $14,065 per year after scholarships and grants. This reflects what families typically pay out of pocket — not including loans.
Prairie View A&M participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM), allowing eligible students from participating SREB states to pay in-state tuition for approved majors not offered in their home state. PVAMU also grants several nonresident tuition waivers:
- Competitive Scholarship Waivers — for students earning $1,000+ in qualifying institutional awards.
- Graduate Assistant Waivers — for teaching or research assistants.
- Good Neighbor Waivers — for students from eligible Western Hemisphere countries.
- Military & Veteran Waivers — for qualifying active-duty service members, veterans, and dependents.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition runs about $26,800 vs. $11,300 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $15,000 per year for students using ACM or a qualifying waiver.
👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships — Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University automatically considers all admitted freshmen for academic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores — no separate application required. These awards are renewable for up to four years as long as students maintain full-time enrollment and the required cumulative GPA.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship | Full Tuition + Fees (up to 4 years) | 3.50+ GPA and 27 ACT / 1260 SAT minimum | No | Yes | Top academic admits with strong leadership and service records | April 1 |
| Presidential Academic Scholarship | Up to $10,000 per year | 3.25+ GPA and 24 ACT / 1190 SAT minimum | No | Yes | High-performing students in the upper quartile of applicants | April 1 |
| Distinguished Achievement Scholarship | Up to $5,000 per year | 3.00+ GPA and 21 ACT / 1060 SAT minimum | No | Yes | Solid academic admits who apply early and meet published cutoffs | April 1 |
Note: Scholarship eligibility is based on official high school GPA and standardized test scores received by PVAMU before the published deadline. Award amounts may vary depending on available funding and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs — Prairie View A&M University
Does PVAMU offer automatic scholarships?
Yes. All admitted first-time freshmen who meet GPA and test score thresholds are automatically considered for University Merit Scholarships — no extra application needed.
Do I need to submit test scores?
Yes, if you wish to qualify for merit-based awards. While PVAMU is test-optional for admission, ACT or SAT scores are required for scholarship consideration.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes. Most awards are renewable for up to four years if you maintain full-time enrollment and a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher.
What’s the deadline?
The General Scholarship Application closes April 1 for Fall admission.
Some scholarships may reopen for late applicants if funds remain.
🏆 Competitive & Flagship Scholarships — Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University automatically considers all admitted freshmen for merit-based awards, but also offers several competitive and donor-funded scholarships that require an additional application through the PVAMU Scholarship Portal. These awards often emphasize leadership, service, and community engagement beyond academics.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Academic Scholarship | Up to $11,400 per year | 3.25+ GPA and 24 ACT / 1190 SAT minimum; strong leadership preferred | No (automatic) | Yes (4 years) | High-performing freshmen in top 25% of class | April 1, 2025 |
| Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship | Full Tuition + Fees (up to 4 years) | 3.50+ GPA and 27 ACT / 1260 SAT minimum | No (automatic) | Yes | Top-tier academic admits and Honors-eligible students | April 1, 2025 |
| PVAMU General University Scholarships | $500–$3,000 (one year, non-renewable) | Admitted undergraduates; selection based on GPA, essays, or financial need | Yes — via Scholarship Portal | No | Students who complete the general application and meet donor criteria | April 1, 2025 |
| Named Donor & Alumni Scholarships | $500–$5,000+ | Criteria vary by donor (major, GPA, hometown, service, etc.) | Yes — via Scholarship Portal | Varies | Applicants who align with donor intent and apply early | April 1, 2025 |
Competitive Scholarship FAQs — Prairie View A&M University
What makes these scholarships “competitive”?
Competitive scholarships consider more than grades. Applicants are reviewed on leadership, service, financial need, and essays submitted through the PVAMU Scholarship Portal.
Do I need to apply separately?
Only for donor-funded and leadership scholarships. PVAMU’s main merit scholarships (Regents’, Presidential, Distinguished) are automatic upon admission.
Are General University Scholarships renewable?
No. Most General and Donor awards are one-year only, though students can reapply each cycle.
When should I apply?
Submit the PVAMU General Scholarship Application by April 1, 2025 for full consideration. Early applicants receive priority.
Does PVAMU superscore ACT/SAT?
No — the university uses the best composite score from a single test date.
Honors Program at Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University’s Honors Program is designed for high-achieving and motivated students who want smaller classes, personalized mentorship, and opportunities for leadership and research. Admission is selective and requires a separate application.
Students with a strong academic record (around 3.5+ GPA), rigorous high school or college coursework, leadership in clubs or service organizations, and a commitment to excellence. (Exact cutoffs are not published; criteria based on past cohorts and peer programs.)
- Priority registration for courses
- Exclusive Honors seminars and small-group learning
- Dedicated advising and mentorship from faculty
- Research, internship, and thesis opportunities
- Honors designation on transcript and diploma
- Networking and community service projects
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Admission Scholarship | Varies ($500–$2,000 typical) | Admitted Honors students with strong GPA/test scores | Yes | Yes | Incoming freshmen with GPA ≥3.5 and strong leadership/service profile | April 1 |
| Research & Donor Awards (Honors Priority) | $1,000–$5,000 (varies) | Honors students pursuing research or departmental projects | Yes — internal or donor-funded | Varies | Upper-level Honors students with faculty mentorship or project proposals | Varies by cycle |
Honors Program — FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately for the Honors Program after being admitted to PVAMU. Selection is based on GPA, essays, and leadership background.
Does being in Honors extend graduation?
Not typically. Honors seminars often replace standard courses, allowing students to graduate on time with enhanced academic experiences.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
PVAMU does not publish exclusive Honors scholarships, but Honors participants are prioritized for donor-funded and research-based awards through university channels.
When should students apply?
As early as possible — priority consideration is given to students who apply by April 1 for fall admission.
Is participation limited to specific majors?
No. The Honors Program welcomes students from all disciplines, from STEM and nursing to liberal arts and education.
⭐ College Specialty
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) is one of Texas’s most prominent HBCUs and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System. As a land-grant institution, PVAMU blends strong academic programs with a mission of service, leadership, and community advancement. It’s nationally recognized for its excellence in nursing, engineering, and architecture—fields where its graduates make a major impact.
Among the nation’s top producers of African American graduates in nursing, engineering, and architecture, according to national diversity and higher education data reports.
- #10 Best HBCUs in America (Niche 2026)
- #1 Best-Value HBCU in Texas (SmartAsset 2025)
- #185 Best Colleges for Engineering in America (Niche 2026)
- Consistently ranked among the top 10 producers of African American nurses nationwide (Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 2024)
- 91.3% NCLEX first-time pass rate for the College of Nursing (2024)
- Engineering: The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering is one of the largest producers of Black engineers in the U.S., emphasizing hands-on research and internships that connect students to major industry employers.
- Nursing: PVAMU’s College of Nursing—based in the Texas Medical Center in Houston—has a 91%+ NCLEX pass rate and prepares graduates for leadership roles in clinical and community care settings.
- Architecture: The School of Architecture is known for training diverse professionals in design, construction science, and community planning fields.
- Agriculture: As a land-grant university, PVAMU sustains robust agricultural research and cooperative extension programs serving all regions of Texas.