Texas A & M University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~58%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25-31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1170-1390
- Average GPA: 3.7
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Texas A & M University at a Glance
- No true automatic merit scholarships. Unlike many large public schools, Texas A&M does not offer GPA/test score–based automatic awards—everything is competitive.
- Out-of-state discounts are possible—but not guaranteed. A $4,000+ competitive scholarship can trigger in-state tuition, but those awards are limited.
- Admission strategy matters here. Top 10% auto-admit helps—but major choice (especially engineering) can still be highly competitive.
- Big awards are extremely selective. Programs like Brockman Scholars (full cost of attendance) go to a very small group of top-tier applicants.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Texas A & M University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25-31; SAT: 1170-1390.
Average net price? About $21,880/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in competitive_scholarship_waiver.
TAMU Corps Scholarships: https://corps.tamu.edu/corps-scholarships/
Aggie Moms Club and Houston Aggies: https://www.houstonags.org/scholarships/
Texas A&M Century Scholars Program: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/century-scholars-program
Texas A&M Brown Foundation Scholarships: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/brown-foundation-scholarships
TAMU Scholarships and Veterans Services: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships
TAMU Foundation Excellence Award details: https://www.txamfoundation.com/News/Education-for-Everyone.aspx
Texas A&M academic and Honors scholarships: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/academic-scholarships
Lechner and McFadden Scholarship listing: https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/lechner-and-mcfadden-scholarship/5569/
TAMU tuition waiver policy: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarship-non-resident-tuition-waiver
Texas A&M President's Endowed Scholarship program: https://aggiewomen.org/presidents-endowed-scholarship-program/
Texas A&M Regents' Scholars Program: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/regents-scholars-program
Texas A&M Terry Foundation Scholars: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/terry-foundation-scholars
Texas A&M Texas Leadership Scholars: https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/texas-leadership-scholars
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas A & M University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $13,204 | $41,104 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $11,750 | $11,750 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $24,954 | $52,854 |
Average Federal Net Price: $21,880 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
👉 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.
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
Before you assume how merit works, read the Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines. We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.
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.
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)
| 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.
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
📎 Official Links
- Texas A&M University Homepage
- Texas A&M Honors Program
- Texas A&M Scholarships
- Texas A&M Financial Aid