🎓 Texas State University Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know
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- 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
Texas State University in San Marcos is one of the state’s most popular public schools—and a great value for many families. But like most public universities, it doesn’t offer blanket full rides for out-of-state students. That’s why understanding the actual scholarship opportunities (and deadlines) is key—especially for first-gen or middle-income families trying to make the numbers work.
Texas State offers a mix of automatic scholarships, competitive awards, need-based aid, and a solid Honors College. This page breaks it down clearly—so you’ll know what your student might qualify for, what’s actually worth applying for, and how much aid to realistically expect.
If you’re a Texas resident, be sure to also check out our Texas state financial aid guide. Everyone else—especially out-of-state families—can use this guide to map out where Texas State might fit on your college list.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas State (2025–2026)
Texas State is already one of the more affordable public universities in the state—but the price can still add up fast if you’re coming from out of state or living on campus. Here’s what the estimated cost looks like for one year:
| Expense Type | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $12,050 | $24,090 |
| Housing & Meals | $10,710 | $10,710 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Personal & Transportation | $3,060 | $3,060 |
| Estimated Total | $27,020 | $39,060 |
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 (must show permanent address by census day).
- 100-Mile Waiver: Students from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or New Mexico attending 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 qualifying university scholarships (typically ≥ $1,000) may have nonresident tuition waived and pay the in-state rate.
❓ FAQ: Out-of-State Waivers at Texas State
Does Texas State automatically waive out-of-state tuition?
No — Texas State does not automatically waive out-of-state tuition for nonresident students. However, they do offer a few waiver and exemption programs for students who qualify based on geography or scholarship status.
Can I get in-state tuition if I live in a border state like Louisiana or Oklahoma?
Possibly. Texas State participates in a 100-Mile Bordering States Waiver, which may allow students from neighboring states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico) to pay in-state rates if they live within 100 miles of the Texas border — but it depends on reciprocal agreements. Documentation is required, and it must be submitted before the university’s census date.
What is the Border County Waiver?
This waiver applies to students from certain New Mexico counties that border Texas. If eligible, it allows those students to pay in-state tuition. Proof of permanent residence in the qualifying county is required.
How do I apply for one of these waivers?
Students must submit the proper waiver request and documentation to Texas State’s Student Business Services by the 12th class day (the official census date). Start by reviewing the waiver options listed on the Student Business Services website.
Can scholarships help me qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes — if your student receives a competitive scholarship of at least $1,000 from Texas State, they may be eligible for an out-of-state tuition waiver. Not all scholarships meet this threshold, so it’s best to ask the financial aid office for clarification once your student is awarded aid.
🎯 Automatic Scholarships at Texas State University
Texas State offers automatic merit scholarships to incoming freshmen based on high school GPA and standardized test scores. These awards are guaranteed for students who meet the eligibility criteria and apply for admission by the stated priority deadlines—no separate application is required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (GPA + Test Score) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Honor Scholarship | $16,000 total ($4,000/year) |
3.5 GPA + 30 ACT / 1360 SAT | No | Yes (4 years) | Top 10%, AP/dual credit students with strong scores |
| Texas State Achievement Scholarship | $8,000 total ($2,000/year) |
3.5 GPA + 27 ACT / 1220 SAT | No | Yes (4 years) | Above-average academics, usually with AP or honors coursework |
| Texas State Distinguished Scholarship | $6,000 total ($1,500/year) |
3.5 GPA + 26 ACT / 1200 SAT | No | Yes (4 years) | Solid GPA students with consistent academic record |
🏆 Competitive Scholarship at Texas State University
Unlike some larger universities, Texas State doesn’t offer a wide range of high-value competitive scholarships. However, it does participate in one major statewide program that can cover the full cost of attendance for a small number of outstanding in-state students: the Terry Foundation Scholarship.
This scholarship is awarded through a holistic selection process that considers financial need, academics, leadership, service, and life circumstances. It’s extremely competitive—and designed for students who not only show promise, but also face significant financial barriers to attending college.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Foundation Scholarship | Full cost of attendance (last-dollar aid) | Texas resident, demonstrated financial need, strong academics, leadership, service | ✅ | ✅ | Top Texas students with financial need and exceptional personal stories |
For the Terry Foundation, “strong academics” usually means:
- GPA above 3.8 (unweighted) or 4.0+ (weighted)
- Top 10–15% of your graduating class
- ACT score of 28+ or SAT around 1300–1450
- Challenging classes: AP, IB, dual enrollment, or honors
But grades aren’t everything—Terry looks for students with resilience, leadership, and a strong personal story. They want to know who you are beyond the numbers.
🤔 FAQ: Terry Foundation Scholarship
Do I have to be low-income to qualify for the Terry Foundation?
No—but financial need is a key part of the selection process. Most students who receive this scholarship come from households with limited income or financial barriers to college. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s still worth applying if your family struggles to afford college costs without significant aid.
What does “last-dollar” scholarship mean?
It means the scholarship covers whatever tuition, fees, and housing remain after other grants and aid (like Pell Grants or merit scholarships) are applied. It ensures your full cost of attendance is paid without duplicating other aid you’ve already earned.
How do I apply for the Terry Foundation Scholarship at Texas State?
You must first apply for admission to Texas State. Then, eligible students are invited to complete a separate Terry application that includes essays, financial documents, and an interview. The process is competitive, and deadlines are early—usually in the fall.
Is this scholarship only for in-state students?
Yes. Only Texas residents who graduate from a Texas high school and plan to attend a participating public university (like Texas State) are eligible for the Terry Foundation Scholarship.
What kind of student actually gets selected?
Students who’ve shown leadership, academic achievement, service, and resilience in the face of challenges. Most recipients have GPAs above 3.8, are involved in their community, and have a compelling personal story or sense of purpose.
⭐ 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.
🎓 Texas State Honors College
Texas State’s Honors College is open to students from all majors and backgrounds who are looking for a more personalized, intellectually engaging college experience. Unlike some flagship universities, there are no strict GPA or test score cutoffs—students apply through a short separate application, which includes a personal statement and resume.
Admission is competitive but holistic. The Honors College is looking for students who are curious, motivated, and eager to grow—not just those with perfect grades. Students with strong academic records, leadership, service, or unique perspectives are all encouraged to apply.
Once accepted, Honors students gain access to small seminar-style classes, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and priority registration. There are no strict course requirements—students build their own honors path with support from advisors.
⭐ Honors College Benefits at Texas State
- Priority Registration: Register for classes before the general student population
- Small Classes: Honors seminars with discussion-based learning and close faculty mentorship
- Research Opportunities: Early access to research, conference funding, and project support
- National Fellowship Advising: Personalized coaching for scholarships like Truman, Goldwater, or Fulbright
- Community: Join a cohort of intellectually curious students across all majors
💡 Good to know: The Honors College itself does not award large scholarships—but participating in the program can open doors to departmental funding, research grants, and fellowships that aren’t widely advertised.
✅ Final Thoughts
Last updated:Texas State University might not hand out massive merit scholarships like some bigger flagships—but it still offers a solid value for many families, especially in-state students or those eligible for state aid. If your student is driven, financially eligible, or looking for a supportive academic environment, don’t overlook options like the Terry Foundation, Honors College, or department-specific awards.
Even if Texas State isn’t your top choice right now, it’s worth running the numbers—especially once scholarships and aid are factored in. And remember: the right school for your student isn’t always the flashiest one. It’s the one where they can grow, thrive, and graduate without drowning in debt.
✅ Last updated: September 1, 2025