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

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

Looking at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi can feel exciting but also overwhelming—especially for parents seeing college costs up close for the first time. This guide breaks down what families in Texas (and beyond) really pay, the scholarships your student can automatically qualify for, and the hidden programs that make an Islander degree more affordable. If you’re in Texas, don’t forget to check our state aid guide alongside this page.

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

Category	Texas Resident	Non-Resident
Tuition & Fees	$9,748	$20,794
Housing	$7,964	$7,964
Meals	$5,716	$5,716
Books & Supplies	$1,296	$1,296
Transportation	$1,418	$1,418
Personal/Misc.	$2,194	$2,194
Total (Before Aid)	$28,336	$39,382

Average Net Price: $15,137 (2022–23 federal data). This is what families actually paid after scholarships and grants—loans not included.

Non-Resident Tuition Waiver: Out-of-state students who earn a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 may qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Example: A non-resident’s tuition/fees drop from $20,794 to $9,748—a savings of about $11,000.

Texas A&M–Corpus Christi does not currently participate in the Academic Common Market (ACM), so the competitive scholarship waiver is the main path for non-resident savings.

Who qualifies? Any non-resident student who is awarded a $1,000+ competitive scholarship from TAMU–CC.

How much can you save? Roughly $11,000 per year by paying in-state instead of out-of-state tuition rates.

Do you have to apply? No separate application—the waiver is applied automatically once you receive an eligible scholarship.

✅ 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.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholars	$4,000/yr (up to $16,000 over 4 yrs)	HS weighted GPA 3.95–4.00 and Top 10% or GPA 3.95–4.00 and ACT ≥28 / SAT ≥1300	No — admission app by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1	Yes — 3.0 cum GPA; full-time; 30 TAMU–CC credits/yr; up to 8 semesters	Top decile or 3.95+ GPA with strong test score
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 — admission app by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1	Yes — same renewal rules as above	Upper-quartile students with solid rigor and/or 26+/1230+ testing
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 — admission app by Feb 1; FAFSA by Mar 1	Yes — same renewal rules as above	Mid-to-upper half of class or 24+/1160+ testing with steady grades

Notes: Amounts/criteria are set by the university and may change with funding. Non-residents receiving $1,000+ in competitive scholarships typically qualify for the Texas non-resident tuition waiver (pay in-state rates); see the COA waiver box for details.

Automatic Merit — FAQ

Do they superscore? Yes. Admissions states they “super score” and review the highest section scores from each test administration to form a new composite. Sending all test attempts can help (especially for scholarship review).

Is test-optional allowed? Test scores are not required for admission, but they’re encouraged and can be used for scholarship eligibility and placement. Submitting strong scores can improve your award tier.

How do stacking and waivers work? Institutional merit generally stacks with outside/private scholarships. Non-residents who receive ≥$1,000 in competitive scholarships may receive the state waiver to pay in-state tuition (university processes the waiver after award).

Deadlines to know? Priority consideration by Oct 1; final by Feb 1 (admission application). File the FAFSA by Mar 1 to ensure disbursement.

🏆 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 (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
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 (Feb 1 deadline; Oct 1 priority)	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 profile

Flagship Scholarship FAQ

Why are these awards so competitive? They offer one of the largest scholarship values at TAMU–CC and are limited to a small number of students with top academic and leadership credentials.

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

How many students usually receive it? The university does not publish exact numbers, but based on award size and criteria, it is limited to a small group of incoming freshmen each year.

Can it stack with other awards? Yes. Recipients may still combine this award with other institutional or private scholarships, and non-resident recipients may also qualify for the state waiver that grants in-state tuition rates.

💎 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.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Islander Guarantee (Need-Based Tuition Program)	Covers full in-state tuition & mandatory fees	Texas resident; Pell-eligible or low-income; full-time enrollment; FAFSA filed by priority deadline	No — FAFSA required	Yes — must re-qualify each year with FAFSA & academic progress	Pell-eligible Texas students who file early and stay on track
Army ROTC Scholarships	Covers full tuition & fees or housing/meal option + $1,200/year books + monthly stipend	U.S. citizen; meet academic, fitness, and medical standards; agree to service commitment	Yes — national ROTC application or campus process	Yes — maintain GPA/fitness and progress toward commissioning	Strong students with leadership/fitness; STEM majors often prioritized
Education Abroad Scholarships	$500–$1,250 one-time	Accepted to a TAMU–CC study abroad program; GPA and program criteria apply	Yes — Education Abroad portal	No — one-time award	Students with a clear academic plan abroad and timely application
Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (URCA) Grants	$250–$1,500 for supplies or presentation travel	Work with TAMU–CC faculty mentor; approved proposal	Yes — URCA application	Sometimes — new project each term	Students who secure faculty support and submit a strong proposal
Leadership Corpus Christi Scholarship	Varies — typically $500–$2,000	Graduating high school seniors, GED recipients, or college freshmen from Nueces County; GPA requirement; financial need; leadership/service record	Yes — external application	No — one-time award	Local students with strong community service and leadership
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers	Up to $8,000/year (renewable up to 4 years)	Students in TAMU–CC’s College of Education pursuing teacher certification in approved fields; competitive application	Yes — Charles Butt Foundation application	Yes — continued enrollment and progress in teaching program	Future teachers in early childhood, elementary, or special education with strong commitment

Disclaimer: Dollar ranges for Leadership Corpus Christi and URCA are based on recent cycles and program examples. Amounts may shift slightly depending on funding and year.

Departmental and Major-Specific Scholarships: Donor-funded awards administered by individual colleges and departments. Applications go through the general scholarship portal and sometimes a department-level process.
Corpus Christi Chorale Scholarship: Awarded to students who successfully audition for the community chorale. Amount varies each year.
First-Generation and Need-Based Scholarships: As part of the Texas A&M System, TAMU–CC offers targeted support for first-gen students with financial need, similar to Regents’ Scholars at the flagship campus.

Notes: For ranges marked “typical,” amounts vary by term and available funding. Check current-year pages for exact cycles and caps.

Hidden Gems — FAQ

Can these stack with merit scholarships? Often, yes. Need-based programs (like Islander Guarantee) and experience-based funds (URCA or Education Abroad) commonly stack with university merit and private scholarships. Always verify your award letter for caps.

When are the deadlines? For Islander Guarantee, file the FAFSA by the university’s priority date (usually early spring). Education Abroad and URCA publish term-specific cycles; Army ROTC has national board windows (fall–spring of senior year) plus campus-based options.

Do these affect the non-resident tuition waiver? The Texas competitive scholarship waiver is triggered by university competitive scholarships totaling at least $1,000. Federal ROTC benefits and need-based aid don’t automatically trigger that waiver, but they can still reduce net price.

Where do I find more options? Watch campus announcements for new URCA calls, Education Abroad deadlines, and service/leadership awards. Departmental and Honors-specific awards are covered in their own sections on this page.

⭐ 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.

🎖️ 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 (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
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

Research Grants: Competitive awards that provide funding for approved Honors undergraduate research projects.
Travel Funds: Support for conference presentations, academic travel, or study abroad opportunities.
Stacking: Honors scholarships stack with Presidential, Achieve, Islander, and external/private awards, allowing students to combine multiple sources of aid.

Honors Program FAQ

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

Does it add time to a degree? No. Honors coursework is designed to be integrated into the degree plan so students can still graduate on time.

When are the deadlines? Application rounds typically close in late January, early May, and early June. Applying early increases your chance of securing a spot.

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

📎 Official Links

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.

✅ Last updated: September 25, 2025