🎓 Texas A&M University Scholarships & Aid Guide (2025–2026)

← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Texas state aid

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: ~58% (CDS 2024–25)
Middle 50% ACT: 25–31
Middle 50% SAT: 1170–1390
Average HS GPA: 3.7 (weighted)

Source: Texas A&M Common Data Set 2024–25 and Undergraduate Admissions.

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

📌

Texas A&M at a Glance

Average Net Price

$21,880

Federal average after grants & scholarships (IPEDS 2023–24)

Automatic Merit

None

Texas A&M does not currently offer traditional “automatic merit” scholarships based solely on GPA/test grids for freshmen

Typical Qualifiers

Weighted GPA 3.8+ • ACT 28+ • SAT 1300+

High achievers with leadership & service often earn top-tier awards

Testing Policy

Test-optional through Fall 2026

Submitting scores can strengthen competitive scholarship chances

Key Deadlines

Apply by Dec 1 • FAFSA priority Jan 15

Earlier is better for maximum scholarship and aid consideration

Honors Program

GPA 3.8+ • ACT 30+ typical

Offered through LAUNCH • priority registration + research funding + Honors housing

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

President’s Endowed & Brockman Scholars (full cost of attendance)

Extremely competitive; requires ApplyTexas + Scholarship Portal application

Residency & Waivers

Competitive Scholarship Waiver (≥ $4,000 / yr → in-state rate)

Nonresidents qualify for in-state tuition via merit award or graduate assistantship

Award details verified from Texas A&M Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–26).
Last verified: October 14, 2025

Texas A&M University (College Station) combines the prestige of a flagship with robust scholarship options—but finding and stacking them takes strategy. This guide breaks down what’s automatic, what’s competitive, and which awards can cut the cost for out-of-state students.

We’ll walk through automatic merit tiers, competitive scholarships, and key waiver opportunities—plus how Texas residents can pair Aggie aid with state grants like the TEXAS Grant for major savings.

FAQ

Is Texas A&M test-optional? Yes — through Fall 2026, though test scores help for scholarships and competitive admissions.

What’s the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 25–31; SAT 1170–1390 (CDS 2024–25).

What’s the average net price? About $21,880 per year after aid (federal average, IPEDS 2023–24).

Do out-of-state students get in-state tuition? Yes — with a $4,000+ competitive scholarship, nonresidents qualify for the in-state rate under Texas law.

Sources:
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
https://financialaid.tamu.edu/getmedia/81df5e16-52c0-40d5-8bfb-5dcdb1d31601/2024IPEDS_1.pdf
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/how-to-apply
https://honors.tamu.edu/about/honors-programs-directory.html
https://www.txamfoundation.com/scholarships/apply-for-scholarships.aspx
https://uwide/uwide.tamu.edu

💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas A&M University (2025–2026)

Below are the estimated direct, billed costs — tuition, required fees, housing, and meals — for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus in College Station. These figures come from Texas A&M’s 2025–2026 Cost of Attendance.

	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees	$13,204	$41,104
Housing & Meals	$11,750	$11,750
Total (Direct/Billed)	$24,954	$52,854

Note: These are direct costs billed by Texas A&M. Other estimated expenses like books (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,400), and personal items (~$2,500) are not included here because they vary by student.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid)

The federal average net price for Texas A&M students is about $21,880 per year after scholarships and grants (IPEDS 2023–24). This reflects what families typically pay out of pocket before loans. For personalized projections, use the Texas A&M Net Price Calculator or our Net Price & SAI Guide.

Out-of-State Tuition Waivers & Reductions

Texas A&M offers several programs that allow non-resident students to pay in-state tuition:

Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Awarded to non-resident students who earn at least $4,000 in competitive scholarships per academic year.
Military & Veteran Waivers: Includes the Hazlewood Act and federal GI Bill–related in-state tuition benefits.
Graduate Assistant Waiver: Graduate teaching and research assistants qualify for in-state tuition while employed half-time or more.
Academic Common Market (Graduate Level): Graduate students from SREB states may qualify for in-state rates if pursuing approved programs not offered in their home state.

Savings example: Out-of-state tuition is about $41,000 vs. $13,000 in-state — a difference of roughly $28,000 per year when qualifying for a waiver.

💡 Don’t Miss State Aid: Texas residents can stack TEXAS Grants, Tuition Equalization Grants, and institutional need-based aid with merit scholarships to reduce total cost.

👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships

FAQ — Understanding Texas A&M Costs

Why is the out-of-state total so much higher?
The nonresident line includes the additional nonresident tuition charge. The gap between resident and nonresident tuition in the table (~$28k) is the main driver of the difference.

Can nonresidents pay the in-state rate without changing residency?
Yes. Earning at least $4,000 in competitive Texas A&M scholarships for the year typically triggers the Competitive Scholarship Waiver, which classifies you at the in-state tuition rate for the covered term(s).

What exactly is included in the totals shown?
Only direct, billed costs: tuition, required fees, and an on-campus housing + meal plan estimate. Books, travel, and personal expenses aren’t billed by A&M and are excluded.

Do majors change the tuition number?
Some colleges assess additional differential/college fees. Your bill can be a bit higher or lower than the campus-wide estimate depending on program.

How much wiggle room is there in the housing & meals figure?
Residence hall and meal plan choices can move the total by hundreds (sometimes a couple thousand) per year. First-year default plans are used for the estimate.

Do waivers stack?
In-state classification waivers (e.g., Competitive Scholarship Waiver, certain Corps/ROTC or military waivers) generally don’t stack—one in-state pathway applies at a time. Departmental or outside scholarships can still stack toward your net price.

Sources:
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/billing-and-payments/cost-and-tuition-rates/cost-of-attendance
https://financialaid.tamu.edu/getmedia/81df5e16-52c0-40d5-8bfb-5dcdb1d31601/2024IPEDS_1.pdf
https://catalog.tamu.edu/undergraduate/tuition-fees-financial-information/
https://reslife.tamu.edu/gettingstarted/rates/
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/dfr/2024/ReportHTML.aspx?unitId=228723

Automatic Merit Scholarships — Texas A&M University

No Automatic Merit Grid: Texas A&M does not offer guaranteed automatic scholarships based strictly on GPA or test scores. All freshman awards—such as the President’s Endowed, Lechner, McFadden, and Century Scholarships—are awarded through the competitive university scholarship application process.

For families, this means your student must complete the university scholarship application by the December 1 priority deadline to be considered. While strong academics matter, there is no published cutoff grid like you’ll see at many other public universities.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
No Automatic Awards Published	N/A	Texas A&M does not publish GPA/test-based automatic scholarship tiers.	Yes — University Scholarship Application required	Varies by award	High-achieving students who complete the full application early	Dec 1 Priority

Automatic Merit FAQs — Texas A&M University

Does Texas A&M have automatic scholarships?
No. All major scholarships are competitive through the university’s scholarship application system.

Do I have to apply separately?
Yes. Students must complete the General Scholarship Application by the December 1 priority deadline.

Are test scores required?
A&M is test-optional for admission, but strong ACT/SAT scores can still strengthen a student’s scholarship profile. Texas A&M does not superscore ACT or SAT for either admission or scholarship consideration. Only the highest composite ACT or SAT from a single test date is used

Can out-of-state students qualify?
Yes. Non-resident students who receive at least $4,000 per year in competitive scholarships are typically granted an out-of-state tuition waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.

What types of scholarships are available?
The largest and most competitive programs include the President’s Endowed Scholarship, Lechner Scholarship, McFadden Scholarship, and Century Scholars. Each requires academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in the full application.

Sources:
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/how-to-apply
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/additional-scholarships
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readinessness

Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These scholarships require more than good grades — they’re competitive, essay-based, and often include interviews or nominations. Deadlines typically fall on December 1 (priority) and February 1 (final).

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
President’s Endowed Scholarship (PES)	$3,000/yr + $1,000 enrichment	Top Texas students with strong academics, leadership, and service	Yes	Yes (4 yrs)	Roughly 300–400 each year across the freshman class	Dec 1
Terry Foundation Scholarship	Full ride + enrichment	Texas residents with financial need, leadership, and service	Yes	Yes (4 yrs)	Highly selective; ~50–60 TAMU students chosen annually	Dec 1
Regents’ Scholarship	$6,000/yr	First-generation and limited-income Texas students	Yes	Yes (4 yrs)	Several hundred awarded; designed for first-gen families	Feb 1
Craig & Galen Brown Foundation	Up to full cost of attendance	Top Texas high school seniors; interview required	Yes	Varies	~70–80 statewide across TAMU and partner schools	Dec 1
Century Scholars	$5,000/yr + study abroad support	Students from targeted Texas counties	Yes	Yes (4 yrs)	Dozens awarded yearly to increase geographic diversity	Feb 1
Texas Leadership Scholars	Full ride	Top Texas students with leadership and service record	Yes	Yes (4 yrs)	Small statewide cohort; nomination and interview required	Dec 1

Note: Award counts and GPA/test ranges are approximate, based on public reports and recent cycles. Always confirm details in Texas A&M’s official scholarship portal.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

When are Texas A&M’s flagship scholarship deadlines?
Apply by December 1 for priority and February 1 for final consideration. These dates apply to major scholarships like PES, Terry, and Regents.

How selective are these awards?
PES awards go to about 300–400 freshmen each year; Terry and Brown Foundation scholarships are much rarer, often under 100 combined.

Can my student apply to multiple programs?
Yes, but they can only receive one major freshman academic scholarship. The university will automatically award the highest-value option.

Are essays and recommendations required?
Usually yes — especially for PES and Terry. A strong essay and recommendation letter (use our Brag Sheet Builder and Reference Request Kit) can make a big difference.

Are there any full-ride opportunities?
The Terry Foundation and Texas Leadership Scholars offer full-ride packages. Students should also check the Stamps Scholarship page for national-level awards open to top Texas students.

Sources:
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/regents-scholars-program
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/texas-leadership-scholars
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/brown-foundation-scholarships
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/century-scholars-program
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/terry-foundation-scholars
https://aggiewomen.org/presidents-endowed-scholarship-program/
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/important-dates
https://www.txamfoundation.com/news/it-truly-changed-my-life-witness-the-power-of-the-presidents-endowed-scholarship-program.aspx
https://brownwnfound.org

Hidden Gem Scholarships

These are the lesser-known awards and waivers that often stack with other aid. Many are activity-based (Corps, Aggie Band, ROTC), identity-focused, departmental, or tied to clubs and hometowns.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Corps of Cadets Scholarships	$1,000–$19,000/yr	Corps membership; merit and/or need reviewed	Yes	Yes	Cadets in good standing; awards broadly distributed	Varies (Spring)
Aggie Band Participation	Included in Corps range	Auditioned member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band	Yes (audition)	Yes	Marching band cadets who remain active and meet GPA	January–March
Army ROTC + Patriot	Full tuition + fees + R&B	Contracted Army ROTC cadets meeting fitness and academic standards	Yes	Yes	Top ROTC applicants; Patriot covers room and board	Nov–Jan
Air Force ROTC + Patriot / Murray	Tuition + R&B; Murray gives in-state	AFROTC cadets enrolled in Corps	Yes	Yes	Out-of-state cadets with strong fitness and grades	Nov–Feb
Navy/Marine ROTC + Patriot	NROTC covers tuition; Patriot adds R&B	Contracted NROTC students meeting standards	Yes	Yes	Midshipmen who apply early and commit to Corps participation	Nov–Feb
Foundation Excellence Award (FEA)	Multi-year stipend	First-generation or underrepresented students with financial need	Yes	Often	Need-based and diversity-focused applicants	Dec 1 Priority
Departmental Awards	≈ $1,000–$2,500/yr	Declared major with strong GPA or faculty recommendation	Yes	Varies	Active majors who complete department-specific forms	March 1
Aggie Moms & Hometown Clubs	≈ $500–$1,500/yr	Residency or local club affiliation; open to continuing students	Yes	Varies	Students from active club regions who apply early	Varies (Spring)
Education Abroad Scholarships	≈ $500–$2,000	Approved TAMU study abroad; minimum GPA and faculty reference	Yes	No (per trip)	Students who plan ahead with Global Education Office	Fall: Sept \| Spring: Feb
Veteran / Dependent Awards	≈ $500–$10,000/yr	Military-affiliated students (active duty, dependent, or veteran)	Yes	Varies	Veteran families who reapply yearly and verify documentation	Varies
Non-Resident Tuition Waiver for Cadets	Pays in-state rate	Out-of-state student enrolled in Corps of Cadets	No (status-based)	Yes	Out-of-state cadets maintaining Corps standing	Ongoing

Note: Award amounts and eligibility are approximate. Some vary by year, major, or available funding. Always confirm with Texas A&M before relying on specific figures.

FAQ — Making the Most of Hidden Gems

Who actually wins Corps of Cadets and Aggie Band funds?
Cadets in good standing who meet GPA and participation requirements. Band awards are within the broader Corps funding—audition and continued membership matter.

How do ROTC awards interact with Patriot/Murray support?
National ROTC scholarships can cover tuition; Patriot typically adds room & board support. The Murray program often provides an in-state tuition path for qualifying AFROTC cadets. Check your unit’s rules for exact packaging.

Can I use a nonresident tuition waiver for Cadets and the Competitive Scholarship Waiver at the same time?
No. Only one in-state classification applies. If you qualify for multiple, A&M will apply one path to the bill; other scholarships can still reduce remaining charges.

Do departmental awards make a real dent?
Yes—$1,000–$2,500 per year is common and can stack with university, Corps/ROTC, and outside scholarships. Many require a separate application or faculty referral.

What about first-gen or need-focused options like FEA?
Foundation Excellence Awards target first-gen/underrepresented students with need and can be multi-year. They often pair well with other merit or waiver pathways.

Any timing tips?
Complete the university scholarship application early, watch Corps/ROTC unit windows (often late fall through winter), and look for club/hometown awards in spring. Missing an internal deadline is the most common reason students leave money on the table.

Sources:
https://corps.tamu.edu/corps-scholarships/
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/corps-of-cadets-scholarships
https://thebatt.com/news/am-to-begin-patriot-scholarship-for-cadets/
https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2021/11/11/texas-am-commits-50-million-to-full-rides-for-rotc-scholarship-recipients/
https://www.txamfoundation.com/News/Education-for-Everyone.aspx
https://corps.tamu.edu/news/2025/07/25/texas-armed-services-scholarship-program-allows-cadets-to-pursue-academic-and-professional-goals/
https://thebatt.com/news/new-scholarship-announced-for-out-of-state-cadets/
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
https://www.houstonags.org/scholarships/
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships

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Honors College at Texas A&M University

The University Honors Program at Texas A&M offers a close-knit academic experience within one of the nation’s largest research universities. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application. While strong GPA and test scores are important, essays, leadership, and service play a key role in selection.

Typical Honors Aggie Profile:

Unweighted GPA: 3.75–4.0
ACT: 28–33 or SAT: 1300–1450 (composite)
AP, IB, or dual-credit coursework preferred
Strong essays, leadership, and community engagement
First-generation and underrepresented students encouraged to apply

Perks of the Honors Program

Priority course registration
Honors housing options with strong academic community
Undergraduate research opportunities with faculty mentors
Special advising, leadership development, and enrichment seminars
Honors distinction on transcript and recognition at graduation

Honors Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Lechner Scholarship	$2,500/year	Honors admission; GPA ≥3.75; ACT 29+ or SAT 1350+	Yes	Yes (4 years)	~200 students annually, typically strong Honors admits just below PES level	Dec 1
McFadden Scholarship	$2,500/year	Honors admission; GPA 3.85+; ACT 31+ or SAT 1400+	Yes	Yes (4 years)	Top-tier Honors admits, often National Merit Finalists or PES scholars	Dec 1

Note: GPA and test score ranges are based on past recipients. Texas A&M does not publish exact cutoffs; selection depends on applicant pool and available funding.

Honors FAQ

Is admission automatic for top students?
No. Even with strong GPA and scores, students must submit a separate Honors application that includes essays and recommendations.

How competitive is it?
Highly selective — only a small portion of the freshman class is admitted each year. Essays, leadership, and demonstrated initiative are key differentiators.

Do Honors students receive extra scholarships?
Yes. Lechner and McFadden Scholarships are directly linked to Honors admission. Additional funding may be available for study abroad and undergraduate research.

Can Honors awards stack with PES or Terry Scholarships?
No. Students may hold only one flagship freshman scholarship and will receive the highest-value award for which they qualify.

Are there Honors housing options?
Yes. Honors students may live in designated Honors communities that provide a strong academic and social environment.

Sources:
https://honors.tamu.edu
https://honors.tamu.edu/about/honors-programs-directory.html
https://honors.tamu.edu/academics/index.html
https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/academic-scholarships
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/lechner-and-mcfadden-scholarship/5569/
https://www.compassprep.com/superscore-and-score-choice/
https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readinessdiness

⭐ What Texas A&M Is Known For

Texas A&M is a flagship R1 land-, sea-, and space-grant university—big-time in research, leadership, and hands-on learning with roots deeply woven into Texas’s industries and communities.

Top National Program:
The Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering is ranked No. 1 in the nation for undergraduate programs in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings. Texas A&M is also classified as an R1: Doctoral University — Very High Research Activity.

Engineering & Petroleum: Top-10 ranking for undergraduate engineering (#16) and undergrad management (#9); No. 2 in the nation for graduate Petroleum Engineering.
Ocean Engineering: #1 in the U.S. (College Factual, 2025).
Nutrition Science & Psychology (undergrad): Each holds a #1 national ranking (College Factual, 2025).
Veterinary Medicine (grad school): #10 nationally (U.S. News, 2024).
Online M.B.A. (Mays Business School): Ranked #1 nationally in U.S. News 2025 for online master’s business programs (including Veterans).
Public Affairs (Bush School): Top 10% of MPA programs; 6th in Homeland Security graduate ranking.
Law School Specialty Areas: Tied #22 overall U.S., with Top-3 rankings in dispute resolution and Top-6 in IP law.
NSF R&D Funding: Ranked 14th in governmental funding and 22nd overall in research & development.

Texas A&M Scholarships & Aid Guide