Education is the Foundation of Success
In today’s competitive job market, a higher education degree is more important than ever before. For students in Texas, the financial burden of college can be daunting, but the state offers a range of assured scholarships to make higher education more accessible for all Texans.
What are Texas State Assured Scholarships?
Texas State Assured Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to high-achieving students who meet specific eligibility requirements. These scholarships provide financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees at public colleges and universities in Texas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Texas State Assured Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Texas resident
- Graduate from an accredited Texas high school or receive a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) from Texas
- Have a high school grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Score at least 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT
Types of Texas State Assured Scholarships
There are three types of Texas State Assured Scholarships:
1. Top 10% Automatic Scholarship
- Awarded to students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class
- Covers the cost of tuition at any public college or university in Texas
2. Distinguished Level Scholarship
- Awarded to students who graduate in the top quartile of their high school class and score at least 1300 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT
- Covers the cost of tuition and fees at any public college or university in Texas
3. Performance-Based Scholarship
- Awarded to students who score at least 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT
- Covers the cost of tuition up to $2,000 per academic year
Benefits of Texas State Assured Scholarships
Texas State Assured Scholarships provide several benefits for students:
- Financial relief: Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college, allowing students to focus on their studies without excessive debt.
- Increased access to higher education: Scholarships make higher education more accessible for all Texans, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
- Recognition for academic achievement: Scholarships reward students for their hard work and dedication to their education.
How to Apply for Texas State Assured Scholarships
Students can apply for Texas State Assured Scholarships through the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). The TASFA is available online at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) website.
Deadlines for Applying
The deadline for applying for Texas State Assured Scholarships is May 1st of each year. Students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of being awarded a scholarship.
Additional Considerations
- Scholarships are awarded for one academic year and may be renewed for up to four years, provided students maintain eligibility requirements.
- Students may receive multiple scholarships, but the total amount of scholarship funding cannot exceed the cost of tuition and fees.
- Scholarships are not available to students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
Texas State Assured Scholarships play a vital role in making higher education more affordable and accessible for Texans. By providing financial assistance to high-achieving students, these scholarships help to ensure that all Texans have the opportunity to reach their full potential through education.
