🎓 Texas Tech 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: ~67% (CDS 2024–25)
Middle 50% ACT: 21–27
Middle 50% SAT: 1070–1260
Average HS GPA: 3.65

Source: Texas Tech Common Data Set 2024–25 and Undergraduate Admissions.

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

📌

Texas Tech at a Glance

Average Net Price

$17,345

Average after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025)

Automatic Merit

$1,000–$8,000/yr (Presidential & Provost Awards)

Awarded automatically based on GPA and test scores; renewable up to 4 years

Typical Qualifiers

Weighted GPA 3.7+ • ACT 26+ • SAT 1230+

Automatic merit increases with GPA/test strength

Testing Policy

Test-optional through 2025–26

Scores can boost automatic and competitive scholarship amounts

Key Deadlines

Scholarship: Dec 1, 2025 • Application: May 1, 2026

FAFSA priority: March 15, 2026

Honors College

GPA 3.8+ • ACT 29+ typical

Small classes, research funding, priority registration, and honors housing

Full-Tuition / Full-Ride

Presidential Merit ($9,000/yr) + Competitive Waiver

Out-of-state students receiving $1,000+ merit pay in-state tuition

Residency & Waivers

Competitive Scholarship Waiver (≥$1,000/yr → in-state rate)

Automatic for qualifying nonresidents with merit aid

Verified from Texas Tech Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–26).
Last verified: October 14, 2025

Texas Tech University (TTU) combines large-university opportunities with strong automatic merit for both in-state and out-of-state students. Families often see the biggest savings through the competitive scholarship waiver, which lets nonresidents pay in-state rates with as little as $1,000 in annual merit aid.

This guide covers TTU’s automatic merit tiers, competitive programs like Presidential and Terry Scholarships, and how to combine them with state and departmental funding to minimize total cost.

FAQ

Is Texas Tech test-optional? Yes — test-optional through Fall 2026, but scores can increase automatic merit amounts.

What’s the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 21–27; SAT 1070–1260 (CDS 2024–25).

What’s the average net price? $17,345 (College Scorecard 2025).

Can out-of-state students get in-state tuition? Yes — through the Competitive Scholarship Waiver, awarded automatically with $1,000+ in TTU merit scholarships.

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incfreshman.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/value/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/irim/CommonDataSets/TTU_CDS_2024-2025-04-15-25.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?229115-Texas-Tech-University
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/229115/texas-tech-university/tuition/

💰 Cost of Attendance at Texas Tech University (2025–2026)

Below are the direct costs billed by Texas Tech — tuition, fees, and on-campus housing & meals — for a typical full-time undergraduate student. These estimates reflect projected 2025–2026 rates.

	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees	$11,852	$24,122
Housing & Meals (on-campus)	$10,960	$10,960
Estimated Annual Total (before aid)	$22,812	$35,082

Note: This table includes only direct, billed costs — what you’ll actually pay to Texas Tech. Indirect expenses such as books/supplies (~$1,200) and personal/transportation (~$5,000) vary by student.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid)

According to the latest federal data, the average net price at Texas Tech is approximately $17,314 per year after scholarships and grants. This represents what families typically pay out of pocket (before loans). For a personalized estimate, use Texas Tech’s Net Price Calculator or explore our Net Price & SAI Guide.

🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Reduction (Nonresident Waivers & ACM)

Nonresident Tuition Waiver: Earning at least $1,000 in academic scholarships from Texas Tech qualifies students for a nonresident waiver, bringing costs down to the in-state rate.
Bordering County Waiver: Residents of certain New Mexico and Oklahoma counties may pay in-state tuition through reciprocal state agreements.
Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): Texas Tech participates in the Academic Common Market for graduate programs only. Undergraduate ACM participation is not available in Texas.

Savings Example: Out-of-state tuition & fees are about $24,000 vs. $11,000 in-state — a potential savings of roughly $13,000 per year when a waiver is applied.

📝 Waivers apply automatically once eligibility is confirmed (no separate form), but documentation and GPA maintenance are required. Texas does not participate in WUE or other undergraduate reciprocity programs.

💡 Don’t Miss State Aid: Texas residents can combine need-based programs like the TEXAS Grant and Top 10% Scholarship with university merit awards to significantly lower costs.

👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships

FAQ — Understanding Texas Tech Costs

What’s included in the totals?
Only direct, billed costs: tuition, required fees, and on-campus housing & meals. Books, travel, and personal expenses vary and aren’t billed by Tech.

Why are housing & meals the same for both columns?
Room & board are priced the same regardless of residency. The in-state vs. out-of-state difference comes from tuition and mandatory fees.

Can nonresidents pay the in-state rate?
Often, yes. A qualifying Texas Tech competitive scholarship of ≥ $1,000/year typically triggers the state’s nonresident tuition waiver so you pay in-state rates.

Do New Mexico/Oklahoma students get special pricing?
Some bordering county waivers exist via reciprocal agreements. Check eligibility by county and submit proof of residency by census date.

Are first-year students required to live on campus or buy a meal plan?
On-campus residents select a meal plan; most first-years live on campus. Housing/meal choices (hall type, plan level) can move your total up or down.

How close are these numbers to my student’s bill?
They’re representative. Premium halls, higher meal plans, lab/program fees, or excess credit loads can increase what you owe.

Where do I see my family’s “real” cost?
Use Tech’s Net Price Calculator and compare your aid offer. Your net price depends on grants/scholarships and any tuition waiver you receive.

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/costtoattend.php
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/texas-tech-university-3644/paying
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/229115/texas-tech-university/tuition/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/texas-tech-university/tuition-and-costs
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hospitality/dining_plans.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentbusinessservices/payingbill/waiver.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/OutofState/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/calculator/

Automatic Merit Scholarships — Texas Tech University

If your student meets the GPA and test score ranges below, these scholarships are automatic with admission (no separate application). Awarding begins in the fall and continues on a funds-available basis.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Presidential Merit — Top Tier	$6,000/yr	3.5+ unweighted GPA and ACT 32+ / SAT 1420+	No	Yes (up to 4 yrs; GPA/credit reqs)	High-achieving admits; relatively rare	Dec 1 Priority
Presidential Merit — Mid Tier	$4,000/yr	3.5+ unweighted GPA and ACT 29–31 / SAT 1330–1410	No	Yes (up to 4 yrs; GPA/credit reqs)	Strong academics + strong scores	Dec 1 Priority
Presidential Merit — Base Tier	$1,000/yr	3.5+ unweighted GPA and ACT 26–28 / SAT 1200–1320	No	Yes (up to 4 yrs; GPA/credit reqs)	Most common award; also unlocks OOS tuition waiver	Dec 1 Priority

Nonresident Tuition Waiver: A qualifying Texas Tech competitive scholarship of $1,000 or more for the year typically triggers the state’s competitive scholarship waiver so nonresidents pay the in-state tuition rate. Check your award letter for waiver designation.

Superscore Policy: Texas Tech will use the highest section scores from multiple ACT/SAT attempts to maximize scholarship eligibility (superscoring). If a later score or superscore improves your tier, upgrades are accepted until April 1 prior to fall enrollment.

Note: Exact tiers/amounts can change each year based on TTU’s published grid and funding. Renewal typically requires full-time enrollment and specific GPA/credit completion each year.

FAQ — Automatic Merit (Presidential)

Are these awards truly automatic?
Yes—if your final admitted record meets the published GPA/test ranges by the priority date, Tech auto-awards on a funds-available basis.

Does Texas Tech superscore?
Yes. Tech uses the highest section scores across test dates. If a later score or superscore moves you up a tier, upgrades are considered through April 1 before fall entry.

Test-optional applicants: can we qualify without scores?
Strong GPA/rigor can earn awards, but ACT/SAT may boost your tier. If you’re borderline, submit scores.

Do these awards trigger the nonresident waiver?
If your Tech competitive scholarship total is ≥ $1,000/year, the state waiver typically applies and you pay in-state tuition.

What keeps the scholarship each year?
Staying full-time and meeting Tech’s renewal standards (GPA and annual earned credits). Falling short can reduce or pause renewal.

Can automatic merit stack with other aid?
Usually yes, up to your cost of attendance. Need-based aid may adjust after new scholarships post.

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incfreshman.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/FreshmanPresidential.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/scholarships/firstyear-transfer.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/PDFs/FAS_Bifold.pdf
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://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/value/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/testoptional/

Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

Strategy tip: Texas Tech doesn’t have dozens of separate essay-based awards, but these two flagship programs—one tied to National Merit and one through the Chancellor’s Council—can significantly boost your student’s scholarship package.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Presidential Scholarship – National Merit Finalist	Covers full tuition,fees, housing and meals (full ride)	National Merit Finalist who lists Texas Tech as first choice with NMSC	No	Yes (4 years)	About 40–60 Finalists per class who designate Tech as first choice	By NMSC’s spring deadline
Chancellor’s Council Scholarships	$1,000–$5,000+	Top 5–10% of admitted students (3.8+ GPA, ACT 30+/SAT 1380+)	Yes	Varies	High-achieving students recognized by Tech’s scholarship committee	December 1 priority

These are the highest-impact competitive scholarships at Texas Tech. Both can be combined with automatic merit, often turning a solid financial package into a full-tuition or near-full-tuition offer—especially for out-of-state students benefiting from the tuition waiver.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

How important is listing Texas Tech as first choice for National Merit?
It’s essential. To receive Tech’s National Merit Presidential Scholarship, the student must list Texas Tech as their first-choice school with the National Merit Corporation by the official deadline. Missing that deadline forfeits the award.

Who earns the Chancellor’s Council Scholarships?
Typically students at the top of Tech’s admit pool—GPA 3.8+, ACT 30+/SAT 1380+, and demonstrated leadership or distinction. There’s no fixed cutoff, but recipients tend to look like Presidential-level admits with added community impact.

Can these scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Yes. Both the National Merit and Chancellor’s Council awards can stack with Texas Tech’s automatic merit scholarships, though total aid can’t exceed cost of attendance.

Is there a single application?
Not exactly. The National Merit award is automatic based on designation; the Chancellor’s Council requires students to apply through the general Texas Tech scholarship portal before the December 1 priority deadline.

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/nationalmerit/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/NationalMerit.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/incfreshman.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/OP32.21.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/research/award-ops/chancellors-council-award.php
https://www.texastech.edu/chancellor/awards.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/PDFs/FAS_Bifold.pdf
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/coe/dean/ChancellorsCouncilDistinguishedResearchAward.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/studyabroad/financial/scholarships/sacs.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/value/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/apply/status/first_freshmen/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/FreshmanPresidential.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/calculator/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/contact.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scholarships/answers/faq.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/

Hidden Gem Scholarships — Texas Tech University

These awards often live outside the main merit grid—band/arts, legacy, need-based guarantees, first-gen, and departmental funds. Many stack with Presidential Merit.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Goin’ Band Scholarships	$1,000–$2,000	Auditioned marching band membership; participation each season	Yes (audition)	Yes (active participation)	Committed performers who audition early and meet rehearsal/game schedules	Auditions spring–summer
Departmental Awards (Arts & Sciences, Engineering, etc.)	$500–$4,000+	Declared major; GPA/portfolio or faculty review; some for current students	Yes (college/department)	Varies	Students who complete the department/college form and follow up with advisors	Commonly Jan–Mar
Alumni Legacy Scholarships	$500–$1,500	Child/grandchild of a Tech alum; standing with Alumni Association	Yes (Alumni Association)	Often	Legacies who submit a clean, on-time application with activities/service	Spring cycle
First-Gen Transition / Champions Awards	$500–$2,000	Neither parent holds a 4-yr degree; engagement with First-Gen programs	Yes	Some	Active first-gen admits who attend workshops/bridge and stay involved	Opens fall; awards spring
Diversity & Access Awards	$500–$3,000	Contributions to equity/leadership; targeted outreach programs	Yes	Varies	Applicants who clearly document impact and leadership	Varies by program
Red Raider Guarantee	Full tuition & required fees (last-dollar)	Texas resident; Pell-eligible; family income under a set cap; 15+ credits/term	No (FAFSA required)	Yes (while eligible)	Low-income TX students who file FAFSA on time and enroll full-time	FAFSA priority (early spring)

Quick Notes

Band/departmental/legacy awards commonly stack with Presidential Merit; need-based awards may adjust.
Departmental funds often open after admission; some colleges award to incoming students—apply early.
Use TTU’s scholarship portal and contact your college’s office; many small awards go unclaimed each spring.

FAQ — Hidden Gems & Stackers

How do Goin’ Band awards work?
Awards are tied to successful audition and ongoing participation. Plan for spring/summer auditions and meet all rehearsal/game commitments.

Do departmental scholarships go to first-years or only continuing students?
Both. Many colleges award incoming students—apply early through your college and follow up with the department.

What is the Red Raider Guarantee?
A last-dollar program that can cover full tuition & required fees for eligible Texas residents (Pell, income cap, credit-hour requirements, on-time FAFSA).

Will these small awards actually matter?
Yes—stacking $500–$2,000 awards (band, department, alumni, first-gen) often closes the final gap after merit and need-based aid.

Any common mistake to avoid?
Missing unit-specific deadlines. Many departmental/club funds post spring awards from January–March—set reminders and apply early.

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/GoinBand/scholarships.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/music/GoinBand/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/art/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships.php
https://texastechalumni.academicworks.com
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/law/first-gen-match.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/financialaid/PDFs/FAS_Bifold.pdf
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/international/scholarships/continuing.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/value/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/op30.02.php
https://www.ttuhsc.edu/excellence-and-culture/scholarships.aspx
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/sds/scholarships.php
https://texastechsa.com/scholarships/

Honors College at Texas Tech University

The Honors College at Texas Tech offers a smaller, more personalized academic experience inside one of Texas’s largest public universities. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application that includes essays and high school records. Students gain access to smaller classes, early research opportunities, and exclusive scholarships.

Parent Tip: Honors isn’t just about small classes—it’s a way for high-achieving students to access additional scholarships, travel awards, and faculty mentorship that can make a big campus feel personal.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Honors College General Scholarships	$1,000–$4,000/year	Admitted to Honors; high GPA; early application	Yes	Yes	Most admitted Honors students who apply before priority deadlines	Feb 1
CH Foundation Honors Scholarship	$4,000+	Top Honors admits with leadership and service	No	Yes	A small pool of the strongest applicants—often top 5–10%	Feb 1
Honors Study Abroad Awards	Up to $2,500 (one-time)	Honors students participating in approved international programs	Yes	No	Honors students pursuing academic or service-based study abroad	Varies by term

Typical Honors Profile: GPA around 3.7+ (unweighted), ACT 28–32 or SAT 1300–1420, strong writing, and leadership in school or community. Most are in the top 10% of their class.

Honors College FAQs (Texas Tech)

Is my student automatically in Honors if they qualify for merit aid?
No. Honors requires a separate application with essays. Automatic merit aid does not guarantee Honors admission.

Is Honors worth it if my student already has scholarships?
Yes. Honors can add access to additional funding, early research, and small seminar classes that strengthen grad school or career preparation.

Are there Honors housing options?
Yes. Murray Hall serves as the Honors residence hall, offering a quieter, academically focused environment.

What are the biggest perks?
• Priority registration and smaller classes
• Access to exclusive scholarships and travel funds
• Early faculty mentorship and research opportunities
• Strong pre-health and pre-law advising support
• Community and leadership opportunities

Sources:
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/scholarships/current.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/scholarships/incomingfirstyear.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/scholarships/studyabroadscholarship.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/admissions/applyincomingfirstyear.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/honors/scholarships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/visual-performing-arts/admissions/financial-aid/fellowships/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/coe/undergraduate/honors.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/halls/murray.php
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/financial/
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/admissions/apply/status/first_freshmen/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/peder-g-christiansen-honors-college-scholarship

⭐ What Texas Tech Is Known For

Texas Tech is an R1 research university—and not just in name. It’s a place where top-tier scholars tackle real problems, and students get front-row seats. From wind science to financial planning to health-agriculture crossovers, this school quietly dominates several national scenes.

Flagship Program: Wind Science & Engineering (Ph.D.)
The world’s only doctoral program dedicated to wind science—housed in the National Wind Institute—giving Texas Tech global leadership in wind engineering and atmospheric research.

Personal Financial Planning (Ph.D.) – First CFP Board-registered doctoral program in the nation with repeated national wins in the Financial Planning Challenge.
Honors College – Ranked as the 17th best Honors Program in the U.S. and #2 among public universities in Texas.
Online Business & IT Programs – Top-100 rankings in multiple Online Master’s categories (e.g., Information Technology #65, Business #33, MBA #38).
Health Sciences (TTUHSC School of Medicine) – Ranked #5 nationally in Primary Care among Tier 1 medical schools.
Top Public University in Farming & Agricultural Sciences – Ranked #12 in the U.S. for Agricultural Sciences by Niche.
Best Colleges in Texas – Consistently placed among the top 3–7 public institutions statewide for programs like Education, Business, and Communications.

📎 Official Links

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