Prairie View A&M University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- What families actually pay on average (net price)
- Automatic admission benchmarks vs. scholarship realities
- Competitive and “full-ride” options you should know
- Honors criteria and how waivers can cut out-of-state costs
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~75% (most recent DataUSA)
- Automatic Admission (2025–26): core + one of: top 50% class rank, GPA ≥ 2.8, SAT ≥ 1060, or ACT ≥ 21
- Policy update (for Fall 2026 admits): top 35% or GPA ≥ 3.2 (test thresholds unchanged)
PVAMU does not publish current “middle 50%” score bands; use the automatic benchmarks above as practical guides.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
PVAMU at a Glance
Prairie View A&M University is a public HBCU in the Texas A&M System that blends access with opportunity. If your student hits the automatic admission benchmarks (or close) and applies early, PVAMU can be a strong value—especially when you factor in competitive waivers and top-end awards like the Regents’ Scholarship.
Below, we break down PVAMU’s costs, admission benchmarks, and scholarship pathways—in plain English—so you can quickly see where your student fits and how to stack aid.
FAQ
Is PVAMU test-optional? Admissions materials reference test-optional, but the catalog still lists ACT/SAT as required for freshman applicants. Scores are required for some scholarships. Always follow the current Admissions page when you apply.
What’s the average net price? $14,041 (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
Does PVAMU have a full-ride? Yes—Regents’ Student Merit Scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing, meals, and books; highly competitive. Nonresidents who win it are eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver.
How do nonresidents cut costs without a full ride? The Competitive Scholarship Waiver can reduce nonresident tuition when you earn ≥ $1,000 in qualifying university scholarships (limited in number and not guaranteed).
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.pvamu.edu/admissions/freshman/
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/prairie-view-admissions-standards-20347296.php
https://www.pvamu.edu/honorsprogram/students/admission/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/general-scholarship-application-2/
https://pvamu.academicworks.com
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/prairie-view-am-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.thehundred-seven.org/waive_out-of-state_fees.html
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
https://www.pvamu.edu/ir/wp-content/uploads/sites/98/C.-First-Time-First-Year-Admission-1.pdf
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💰 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 $14,041 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
FAQ — Understanding PVAMU Costs
Why does out-of-state cost so much more?
Nonresident students pay nearly $15,000 more per year in tuition than Texas residents. However, out-of-state students often qualify for waivers or the Academic Common Market, which can lower their cost to the in-state rate.
What’s included in the $23,229 / $38,804 totals?
Those numbers cover tuition, required fees, housing, and meals—the only items billed directly by Prairie View A&M. Books, transportation, and personal expenses are not included because they vary by student.
How can out-of-state students reduce tuition?
PVAMU offers Competitive Scholarship Waivers to nonresidents who earn at least $1,000 in university scholarships. Eligible students can also use the ACM, Good Neighbor, or Military/Veteran waivers to pay in-state rates.
What’s the average cost families actually pay after aid?
The federal average net price is about $14,000 per year after scholarships and grants. Families with strong academic or financial aid eligibility may pay less.
Can state grants stack with PVAMU scholarships?
Yes. TEXAS Grants and TPEG awards can stack with merit scholarships or ACM waivers, helping Texas residents reduce their total billed costs even further.
Does PVAMU participate in the Academic Common Market?
Yes. Students from SREB states with approved majors not offered in their home state may qualify to pay in-state tuition at PVAMU through the ACM program.
Is the housing cost accurate for all students?
The $11,930 figure represents a standard double room with a full meal plan. Costs vary by residence hall and meal plan selection but remain within a few hundred dollars of that estimate.
https://www.pvamu.edu/fmsv/treasury-services/variable-and-guaranteed-rates/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/227526/prairie-view-a-and-m-university/tuition/
https://nse.org/exchange/campus-profile/230/
https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/prairie-view-a-and-m-university/
https://www.pvamu.edu/fmsv/treasury-services/payments/tuition-and-fee-description/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?227526-Prairie-View-A-M-University
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/prairie-view-am-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.pvamu.edu/fmsv/treasury-services/payments/exemptions-and-waivers/
https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/types-of-aid/exemptions-and-waiversaivers/
✅ 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,housing, and meal plan (full ride) | 3.50+ GPA and 26 ACT / 1260 SAT minimum | No | Yes | Top academic admits with strong leadership and service records | April 1 |
| Presidential Academic Scholarship | Up to $11,400 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.
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://pvamu.academicworks.com
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/general-scholarship-application-2/
https://www.pvamu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission/
https://www.pvamu.edu/enrollmentmanagement/annual-merit-scholarship-reception/
https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/102433-regents-student-merit-scholarship
https://collegeraptor.com/scholarships/Prairie-View-A-M-University-TX–227526/Regents%E2%80%99-Student-Merit-Scholarship–339261/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/faqs/
https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
🏆 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.
https://pvamu.academicworks.com
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/faqs/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/general-scholarship-application-2/
https://www.pvamu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission/
https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/
https://www.pvamu.edu/cojj/scholarships/
http://www.pvamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2013/08/Academic-Scholarship-Fyler.pdf
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.
https://www.pvamu.edu/honorsprogram/students/admission/
https://www.pvamu.edu/northwest/admissions/honors-admission/
https://catalog.pvamu.edu/honorsprogram/
https://www.pvamu.edu/honorsprogram/students/scholarships/
https://www.pvamu.edu/oss/types-of-scholarships/university-scholararships/
⭐ 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.