Texas Southern 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: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 15-19
- Middle 50% SAT: 810-990
- Average GPA: 3.0
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Texas Southern University at a Glance
- Automatic merit exists—but it’s modest. Most awards fall in the $1K–$5K range, so you’ll likely need to stack with state aid or other scholarships to make a big impact.
- Out-of-state students can unlock in-state tuition. A qualifying scholarship (typically $1,000+) can trigger a waiver that drops tuition significantly.
- Big awards are limited and selective. Leadership-based scholarships exist, but they are not widely available full rides.
- State aid is key for affordability. Programs like TEXAS Grant often do more to lower cost than institutional scholarships alone.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Texas Southern University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 15-19; SAT: 810-990.
Average net price? About $15,021/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in competitive_scholarship_waiver.
Bennie Creswell Music Alumni application: https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/colabs/music/pdf/b-creswell-scholarship.pdf
Boren Scholarship FAQ: https://www.borenawards.org/boren-scholarship-faq-0
TSU Department Scholarships: https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/department-scholarships.php
TSU Undergraduate Scholarships: https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/index.php
Gilman Scholarship Info: https://programsabroad.utk.edu/gilman-scholarship-program/
TSU H-LSAMP STEM Award: https://www.tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/pdfs/lsamp-award-marketing-sheet---updated-january-24-2021-.pdf
TSU Honors Scholarships: https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/honors-scholarships/index.php
TSU School of Business Lawal/PLS: https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/jhj-school-of-business/pdf/2025-2026-scholarship-information-pkt-ug-040725.pdf
TSU JHJ School of Business: https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/jhj-school-of-business/apply-now.php
TSU Lawson Endowment: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-southern-university-announces-the-establishment-of-the-william-a-lawson-endowment-302479569.html
TSU Music/Marching Band Scholarships: https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/colabs/music/prospective-students/scholarship.php
TSU Tiger Promise: https://tsu.edu/tigerpromise/index.php
TSU National Alumni Scholarships: https://www.tsunaa.com/nationalscholarships
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas Southern 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) | $9,174 | $21,416 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $15,064 | $15,064 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $24,238 | $36,480 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,021 — 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.
- Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): Texas Southern participates in the Academic Common Market for graduate programs only; undergraduate students are not ACM-eligible in Texas.
- Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Nonresident students awarded a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 per year qualify for in-state tuition rates.
- Graduate Assistant Waiver: Teaching and research assistants employed half-time or more (and sometimes their dependents) qualify for in-state rates.
- Military & Veteran Benefits: Eligible active-duty personnel, veterans, and dependents may qualify for in-state rates or tuition exemptions under programs like the Hazlewood Act and GI Bill.
Savings example: Out-of-state tuition & fees (~$21,400) vs. in-state (~$9,200) = roughly $12,000 per year in potential savings for students who qualify for a waiver.
👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding TSU Costs
Why are these totals labeled “direct, billed”?
They include only what TSU bills you: tuition, required fees, and an on-campus housing + meal plan estimate. Books, transportation, and personal costs aren’t billed by TSU and aren’t in the totals.
Why is the out-of-state total higher?
The nonresident tuition charge drives most of the gap. In the table, the tuition & fees line rises from about $9.2k (resident) to about $21.4k (nonresident).
Can nonresidents pay the in-state rate without changing residency?
Often. A competitive scholarship of $1,000+ for the year typically qualifies nonresidents for an in-state tuition waiver for the covered term(s).
How much can housing and meals vary from the estimate?
Choice of residence hall and meal plan can move your total by hundreds (sometimes more) per year. Use TSU’s current housing and dining rate sheets for a personalized figure.
Does TSU require the CSS Profile?
No. TSU uses the FAFSA for federal and most institutional aid. Submit FAFSA as early as possible for priority consideration.
What does the “average net price” actually mean for my family?
It’s the typical amount families paid after grants and scholarships (loans excluded). Your net price depends on income, academics, and timing. Use TSU’s net price calculator to estimate your own number.
Are there TSU waivers besides the competitive scholarship waiver?
Yes. Graduate assistant, military/veteran, and certain state-authorized waivers may provide in-state rates if you qualify. Only one in-state classification pathway applies at a time.
Can I spread out payments over the term?
TSU typically offers an installment/payment plan through Student Business Services. Plans have enrollment deadlines and fees—check the latest terms before billing opens.
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/college-costs.php
https://tsu.edu/about/administration/finance/departments/student-accounting/tuition-and-fees.php
https://tsu.edu/about/administration/finance/departments/student-accounting/pdf/fall-2025_spring-2026-undergraduate-fee-schedule.pdf
https://tsu.edu/about/administration/finance/departments/student-accounting/pdf/tsu-waivers.pdf
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/competitive-scholarship-waiver-fact-sheet/
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/index.php
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/college-costs.php
https://tsu.edu/about/administration/campus-services-and-operations/residential-life-and-housing/residential-communities.phpities.php
Automatic Merit Scholarships — Texas Southern 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.
TSU awards General University Scholarships from admission data (GPA, class rank, and—if submitted—SAT/ACT). Awards are subject to available funds and are not guaranteed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regents (First-Time Freshmen) | Up to $14,000 (maximum amount) | HS GPA 3.75–4.0 and Top 5% rank; SAT ≥ 1370 or ACT 30–36 (if submitted) | No (automatic with admission; funds-limited) | Yes — typically up to 4 years with GPA/credit progress | Students at the very top of their class with strong test scores (if provided) | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
| Presidents Transformation (First-Time Freshmen) | Up to $10,000 (maximum amount) | HS GPA 3.5–3.74 and Top 10% rank; SAT 1240–1369 or ACT 26–29 (if submitted) | No (automatic with admission; funds-limited) | Yes — see award letter | High-achieving students just below the Regents band | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
| Tiger Genesis (First-Time Freshmen) | Up to $7,000 (maximum amount) | HS GPA 3.0–3.49 and Top 20% rank; SAT 1050–1239 or ACT 19–25 (if submitted) | No (automatic with admission; funds-limited) | Yes — see award letter | Solid academics in the 3.0–3.49 GPA range | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
| Tiger P.A.W. (Providing A Way) — First-Time Freshmen | Up to $1,000 (maximum amount) | HS GPA 2.5–2.99; SAT 900–1049 or ACT 17–18 (if submitted) | No (automatic with admission; funds-limited) | Yes — must meet SAP and progress each year | Students near the minimum admission band who meet thresholds | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
| Presidents Transfer (Transfer Students) | Up to $10,000 per year (maximum) | Associate degree completed; college GPA ≥ 3.5 | No (automatic from admission data; funds-limited) | Yes — see award letter | Transfers with completed AA/AS and strong GPAs | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
| General University Transfer (Transfer Students) | Up to $4,000 per year (maximum) | 30+ transferable hours and GPA ≥ 3.0 | No (automatic from admission data; funds-limited) | Yes — see award letter | Solid transfer GPAs (3.0–3.49) with 30+ hours | Not published — funds-limited (apply early) |
Notes: TSU states scholarship offers are based on the high-school GPA provided and are subject to availability of funds; GPAs not on a 4.0 scale are converted using TSU’s tool. Freshman awards list “maximum award amount”; transfer awards specify “per year.” Awards may affect need-based aid due to stacking rules.
Automatic Merit FAQ — Texas Southern University
Is a separate application needed?
Not for the General University tiers above. TSU reviews your admission file (GPA, class rank, and—if submitted—SAT/ACT). Awards are not guaranteed and depend on funding availability.
What if my school doesn’t report rank or I didn’t submit test scores?
TSU indicates students without class rank can still be considered; the committee may use GPA and test scores if provided. Submit the strongest academics you have.
Are these renewable?
Generally up to four consecutive years with Satisfactory Academic Progress and the GPA/credit requirements specified in your award letter (e.g., complete ~15 credits/semester; verify your letter for the exact terms).
Can scholarships trigger in-state tuition for nonresidents?
Yes—if your award is designated as a qualifying competitive scholarship under Texas rules (typically ≥ $1,000 for the year), TSU may apply the Competitive Scholarship Waiver so you pay the resident tuition rate. Confirm on your specific award.
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/index.php
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/jhj-school-of-business/pdf/2025-2026-scholarship-information-pkt-ug-040725.pdf
https://dev.tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.tsu.edu/about/administration/finance/departments/student-accounting/pdf/tsu-waivers.pdf
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/competitive-scholarship-waiver-fact-sheetet/
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Texas Southern University does not run a standalone “full-ride” presidential competition. The selective, essay-based funding most families are looking for is offered through the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College and via departmental/alumni awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departmental & College Scholarships (various) | ~$500–$5,000 (varies by department/donor) | Criteria by major; may require portfolios, essays, interviews | Yes — apply per department | Varies | Students who connect early with departments and match donor intent | Varies by unit (rolling through spring) |
| TSU National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) Scholarships | Amounts vary by year/cohort | Enrolled TSU students; GPA, service, and essay often required | Yes — TSUNAA application | Varies | Students with clear service/leadership and timely applications | Typically spring window (e.g., Apr–Jun in 2024) |
| Select College Programs (e.g., JHJ Business Lawal + PLS match) | Example: $2,500 Lawal + $1,000 President’s Leadership Scholarship match (yr) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} | Business majors; separate college application; leadership focus | Yes — via college | Varies | High-involvement majors who fit program goals | Varies by college (often spring) |
Note: Honors scholarship amounts depend on funding and classification; they are part of the student’s total aid package. Always confirm current criteria, renewal rules, and stacking limits with TSU/Honors before relying on a figure.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ (TSU)
Does TSU have a separate full-ride competition?
No. Selective merit is primarily through the Honors College; TSU also lists departmental and alumni scholarships separately.
What’s the application timing?
For Honors, plan around the cycle’s Early/Regular/Late dates (e.g., Dec 5 / Mar 20 / May 1 for first-time freshmen; transfers had an April window). Departmental and alumni deadlines vary, often in spring.
Who actually wins Honors funding?
Students near or above the Honors 3.5+ GPA guideline with strong essays/recommendations who are eager to complete the Honors curriculum (including thesis).
Where should families start?
Apply to TSU, then the Honors College, and browse department pages. Also file the FAFSA early to unlock need-based options that can stack with institutional awards.
Prep your materials with our Brag Sheet Builder, Reference Request Kit, and Essay Toolkit.
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/index.php
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/jhj-school-of-business/apply-now.php
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/index.php
https://tsu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/department-scholarships.php
https://www.tsunaa.com/nationalscholarships
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/jhj-school-of-business/pdf/kase-eileen-lawal-2023-2024-announcement.pdf
Thomas F. Freeman Honors College (Texas Southern University)
The Thomas F. Freeman Honors College is the selective academic home for TSU’s highest-achieving students. Admission is not automatic—it requires a separate application with essays and recommendations and a holistic review of academics, leadership, and service. While the scholarship dollars are modest, the value comes from small seminars, mentoring, research access, and an honors community.
- Priority registration and smaller, seminar-style courses
- Faculty mentoring, research, and thesis options
- Honors housing and community programming
- Access to donor-funded and Honors-administered awards
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarship — First-Time Freshmen | ≈$2,250–$3,500 per year (≈$9,000–$14,000 over 4 years) | Admit to TSU + Honors; strong GPA (Honors lists ~3.5+ minimum); essays and recommendations; maintain Honors standing | Yes — Honors app | Yes (meet GPA/credit rules) | Students with sustained leadership/service and polished writing who fit the Honors curriculum | Early Dec 5 • Regular Mar 20 • Late May 1 (check current cycle) |
| Honors College Scholarship — Transfer/Continuing | ≈$2,000–$6,000 per year | Current or incoming transfer admitted to Honors; solid TSU/college GPA; good standing and progress toward Honors requirements | Yes — Honors app | Yes (with standing) | Active Honors students with faculty engagement and campus involvement | Transfers Apr 17 (check current cycle) |
Notes: Amounts vary by funding year; renewal requires maintaining Honors GPA/credit benchmarks. Always confirm the latest deadlines on TSU’s Honors site.
Honors College — FAQs (Texas Southern)
Is admission automatic with a high GPA?
No. Admission is holistic and requires an Honors application with essays and recommendations.
Do Honors scholarships cover full tuition?
No. Awards are modest; the primary value of Honors is the community, faculty access, and academic perks.
Does Honors add time to graduation?
Typically no. Honors courses integrate with core/major requirements; planning with Honors advising keeps students on track.
Are test scores required?
Not required. Strong writing, leadership, and academic performance weigh heavily.
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/index.php
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/admissions/index.php
https://catalog.tsu.edu/undergraduate/schools-colleges/honors/
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/honors-scholarships/index.php
https://tsu.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/honors-college/honors-curriculum/index.php
⭐ College Specialty
TSU is one of the nation’s largest historically Black universities, and while it may not top traditional rankings, it has standout programs and important national recognitions worth noting.
- Ranked among U.S. News’ National Universities in the #392–434 band for 2025–26. Also ranked #323 for social mobility. }
- The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is placed in the 178–195 range nationally.
- TSU’s Professional Pilot (Aviation) bachelor’s program is ranked in the top 50 nationwide.
- On Niche: ranked #30 for Greek Life, #43 for Party Schools, and #104 for College Food nationally. }
- Jesse H. Jones School of Business (AACSB-accredited) — One of the few HBCU business schools with global accreditation and recognized among the best business schools.
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law — Important for diversity and social justice; consistently ranked among ABA law schools.
- STEM Research & NASA Partnership — Home to the Center for Bio-Nanotechnology and Environmental Research (C-BER), a NASA-supported research hub for underrepresented STEM students.
- Center for Justice Research — A think tank shaping criminal justice reform and policy, nationally recognized for its impact. }