Texas State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Texas aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 7, 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: 19-25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1000-1200
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Texas State University at a Glance
- Automatic merit is solid—but not life-changing on its own. Most students land in the $2K–$8K/year range, so stacking with state aid is key to lowering total cost.
- Deadlines matter for bigger awards. Missing the December scholarship application (BOSS) can limit access to competitive funding.
- Out-of-state students can unlock in-state tuition. A qualifying scholarship (typically $1,000+) can trigger a waiver that significantly reduces cost.
- Test scores can still move the needle. Even though TXST is test-optional, strong ACT/SAT scores can bump you into higher scholarship tiers.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Texas State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19-25; SAT: 1000-1200.
Average net price? About $15,361/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
TXST Freshman Scholarships: https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman.html
TXST Bands Scholarships: https://www.txst.edu/bands/scholarshipandperformance.html
TXST Bobcat Promise: https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/learn-more/icons/bobcatpromise.html
TXST AcademicWorks: https://txstate.academicworks.com
TXST Honors Scholarships & Funding: https://www.txst.edu/honors/opportunities/funding/honors-scholarships.html
Ingram Engineering Tech Scholarship: https://txstate.academicworks.com/opportunities/13159
TXST Ingram Engineering: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/ingram-engineering-scholarship/
TXST McCoy College Scholarships: https://www.mccoy.txst.edu/students/scholarships/scholarships-index.html
TXST Terry Foundation: https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/terry.html
TXST Undergraduate Research Fellowship: https://www.txst.edu/undergraduateresearch/undergraduate-research-fellowships.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas State 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) | $12,220 | $24,520 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $25,220 | $37,520 |
Average Federal Net Price: $15,361 — 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 State participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) at the graduate level only—undergraduates are not eligible for ACM anywhere in Texas. Other options for reducing nonresident costs include:
- Border County Waiver: Residents of eligible New Mexico counties adjacent to Texas may qualify for in-state tuition (proof of permanent address required by census day).
- 100-Mile Bordering States Waiver: Students from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or New Mexico who live within 100 miles of the Texas border may qualify if a reciprocal agreement exists in their home state.
- Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Out-of-state students receiving a qualifying Texas State scholarship (≥ $1,000) may have nonresident tuition waived and pay the in-state rate.
Note: Waivers must be submitted by the 12th class day (the official census deadline). Confirm current details with Student Business Services.
👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Understanding Texas State Costs
What’s actually included in these totals?
Only the direct costs billed by Texas State—tuition, required fees, and on-campus housing and meals. Books, transportation, and personal expenses are separate and vary by student.
Why is there such a gap between in-state and out-of-state totals?
Nonresidents pay a higher base tuition rate. However, qualifying for a Border County Waiver or a Competitive Scholarship Waiver can reduce costs to the in-state level.
Can out-of-state students get in-state rates?
Yes. Nonresidents who earn at least $1,000 in qualifying scholarships per year or who live within 100 miles of the Texas border may be eligible for in-state tuition through an approved waiver.
Does Texas State participate in the Academic Common Market?
Only for graduate programs. No undergraduate ACM participation is available in Texas.
How accurate are these housing and meal numbers?
They’re based on standard double-occupancy housing with a mid-tier meal plan. Students selecting premium halls or expanded dining plans will pay more.
What does the average net price mean?
It’s the average amount students pay after grants and scholarships, not including loans. At Texas State, that’s about $15,361 per year, but individual totals vary by income and aid package.
When are tuition waivers applied?
Waiver documentation must be submitted before the 12th class day (census date) each semester for it to take effect that term.
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance/undergraduate-coa.html
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/pay-for-college/cost-of-attendance.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.sbs.txst.edu/students/waivers-exemptions.html
https://www.sbs.txst.edu/billing/fee-definitions.html
https://onestop.txst.edu/cost-payments/cost-attendance/tuition-rates.html
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/65677/texas-state-room-and-board
https://www.hhloans.com/types-of-financial-aid/competitive-scholarship-waiver/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/competitive-scholarship-waiver-fact-sheet/
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/guidelines-manuals/100-mile-alternate-nonresident-tuition-program-fact-sheet/
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/general-information/admissions/residency-tuition/
https://www.reslife.txst.edu/get-started/options.html
Automatic Merit Scholarships — Texas State 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.
Texas State offers guaranteed merit scholarships to incoming freshmen based on high-school GPA and standardized test scores. If your student meets the published criteria and applies for admission by the priority deadline, they’re automatically considered—no separate scholarship application required.
Note: GPA/test-score cutoffs are based on the latest official grid. Superscoring is used, and awards are guaranteed for eligible students who apply by the deadline. Out-of-state students receiving at least $1,000 in competitive scholarships may qualify for the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver, reducing tuition to the in-state rate.
Automatic Merit FAQs — Texas State University
Do I need a separate application?
No. Once you apply for admission and meet the GPA/test criteria by Dec 1, you’re automatically considered for these awards.
Does Texas State superscore?
Yes. They use the highest sub-scores from all ACT/SAT attempts, which can raise the overall composite and boost eligibility.
Are these renewable each year?
Yes, for up to four consecutive years if you maintain full-time enrollment, complete 24 credits annually, and meet the scholarship GPA standard.
Can out-of-state students receive these awards?
Yes. OOS students meeting the same GPA/test benchmarks qualify for the same dollar amounts, and many will receive the in-state tuition waiver when combined with university scholarships.
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman.html
https://www.finaid.txst.edu/scholarships/freshman/app.html
https://www.scholarships.com/scholarships/texas-state-university-achievement-scholarships
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com
https://www.hhloans.com/types-of-financial-aid/competitive-scholarship-waiver/
https://blog.collegevine.com/which-colleges-award-automatic-scholarships-based-on-sat-scores
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/general-information/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid-scholarships.pdf
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/transfer.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/txstate/comments/1czxooa/scholarship_appeal/
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Texas State University doesn’t run multiple full-ride competitions like some larger Texas universities. However, it is one of a handful of campuses that partners with the Terry Foundation — a statewide program offering a full cost-of-attendance award to outstanding Texas residents who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
Note: Texas State nominates candidates for the Terry Foundation based on early admission, FAFSA submission, and strength of application materials. Finalists are invited to interview in spring.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to be low-income to qualify?
Financial need is a major factor, but it’s not the only one. The Terry Foundation looks for students who’ve overcome challenges and show exceptional drive and leadership, even if their income isn’t the very lowest.
What does “last-dollar” scholarship mean?
It means the award fills any remaining gap in your cost of attendance after grants and other scholarships are applied — covering tuition, fees, housing, and meals in full.
When should my student apply?
Students must first apply for admission to Texas State and complete the FAFSA/TASFA. Eligible applicants are then invited to submit the Terry application, usually due in mid-November with interviews in early spring.
Is it only for Texas residents?
Yes. The Terry Foundation only considers Texas high school graduates attending participating public universities in the state.
How can we make the strongest impression?
Focus on a strong personal essay and recommendation letters. Use the Essay Toolkit and Reference Request Kit to help tell your student’s story clearly and authentically.
https://onestop.txst.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/terry.html
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/pay-for-college/terry.html
https://txstate.academicworks.com/opportunities/21535
https://terryfoundation.org/apply/
https://terryfoundation.org/news/2025-terry-scholars-selected/
https://terryfoundation.org/apply/traditional-scholarship-faqs/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/the-terry-foundation-scholarship-at-texas-state-university
Texas State University Honors College
The Honors College at Texas State University welcomes students from every major who want a smaller, more personal academic experience inside a large public university. Admission is holistic — there are no strict GPA or test cutoffs — and is based on curiosity, motivation, and potential. Students apply separately with a short personal statement and resume.
Honors College Highlights
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based seminars taught by top faculty
- Access to undergraduate research and conference travel funding
- Dedicated Honors advising and faculty mentorship
- National scholarship and fellowship advising (Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright)
- Community of engaged students across all majors
Honors Scholarships & Opportunities
Note: The Honors College itself doesn’t offer large merit scholarships, but participants often receive departmental and research-based awards thanks to faculty connections.
Honors College FAQ
Is there a GPA or test score cutoff?
No. The Honors College evaluates each student holistically, focusing on intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and writing quality.
Do Honors students get extra scholarships?
Not directly from Honors, but participation opens doors to internal grants, donor awards, and research stipends.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors courses count toward core or major requirements, and most students graduate on schedule.
When should I apply?
The application is open year-round, but students who apply before April 1 receive priority consideration for scholarships and research grants.
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply/admissions.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply.html
https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/honors-college/
https://www.txst.edu/undergraduateresearch/undergraduate-research-fellowships.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/opportunities/funding/honors-scholarships.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/apply/faq.html
https://signup.txstate.edu/topics/2191-undergraduate-research-fellowship-urf-info-session
https://www.admissions.txst.edu/explore/academics/honors-college.html
https://www.txst.edu/honors/seasonal-pages/new-student-information/preregistration-guidance.html
⭐ Specialty Programs
Texas State University brings the best of both worlds — a large, research-driven campus with a warm, supportive culture. While it’s currently classified as an R2 university, its “Run to R1” plan shows that national-class research is within reach by 2027. Beyond the labs, TXST shines for its standout programs that grab the spotlight—from Broadway stages to global sales rankings.
Named one of the best drama schools of 2025 by The Hollywood Reporter, Texas State’s tuition-free undergraduate track in musical theater is highly selective (just 14 students/year) — but it delivers affordability, professional training, and real-world success in a league of its own. Adoption of this program offers one of the few truly elite performing-arts experiences in the state.
Other areas where Texas State stands out statewide or nationally:
- Sales Program (Business): #1 in the world per University Sales Center Alliance — a global recognition of TXST’s sales education leadership.
- Family Business Research: Ranked #4 in U.S. — TXST ranks among national leaders in that academic niche.
- Global MBA (CEO Magazine): Tier 1 — ranking among the top MBA programs globally from a respected business publication.
- Criminology (Graduate): #26 (tie), U.S. News — one of the most highly ranked grad programs TXST offers.
- Health Care Management (Graduate): #57 (tie), Nursing (Master’s): #92 (tie) — both programs achieve national recognition.
- “Very strong” STEM, Education, Chemistry/Biology/Human Health — TXST is notable for these fields in student impressions.
📎 Official Links
-
Texas State University Homepage
Official university website -
TXST Honors College
Learn about Honors courses, scholarships, and how to apply -
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