Texas is home to some amazing colleges and universities – and state grants, loans, and other financial aid programs for students. Many students don’t even realize their home state can help them afford college! Here are some Texas college grants you need to be aware of.
State Grants for Students in Texas
1. Toward EXcellance, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant
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The Toward EXcellance, Access, and Success Grant, or TEXAS Grant, is available to students who are attending college at most public universities or health-related institutions in the state. For the 2023-24 academic year, students could receive a maximum of $5,387 per semester. This particular grant is also renewable and is granted through the student’s college.
To apply, students must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll in ¾ time or more
- Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree
2. Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TOEG)
Another need-based grant in this state is the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TOEG), but this one is only for students attending one of Texas’s public two year colleges. The award amount depends on the type of school the student is attending; in 2023-24, the funding amounts were capped at (per semester):
- Public community college: $1,786
- Public state college: $1,685
- Public technical college: $3,940
Eligibility requirements include:
- Complete the FAFSA or TASFA
- Be enrolled at least half-time (though enrolling ¾ or full time can make the student eligible for more funds)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Not have more than (or attempted more than) 30 semester credit hours
- Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
3. Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG)
TEG, or the Tuition Equalization Grant Program, is for students attending private colleges and universities in Texas. Eligible students received up to $5,810 in the 2023-24 academic year, with more going towards those who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
Students interested in applying need to:
- Complete the FAFSA or TASFA
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be earning their first associate, bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree
- Be attending school at least ¾ time
- Not be already receiving an academic scholarship
4. And More
Other Texas state grants and financial aid program students should be aware of include
- Texas Transfer Grant Pilot Program
- Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Grant
- Emergency Educational Grant
- Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan
- College Access Loan (CAL) Program
- B-ON-TIME (BOT) Loan
- Texas Public Educational Grant Program (TPEG)
Where Can You Find More Information on Texas State Grants?
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has several PDFs and informational sheets on these programs, eligibility requirements, and more. The site also contains some great data on higher education in the state.
Another fantastic resource that lays out all the information you need to know about these financial aid programs is the College For All Texas website. They break down every single program within the state and also contain valuable information on applying to colleges, universities, and other institutions in Texas.
Not a Texas resident? Find grants for college in the state you reside.
Even with these Texas college student grants, however, earning a degree can be expensive. Scholarships can help you close the gap. With our Scholarship Search tool you can access an extensive database of awards you might qualify for. Check it out for free right here.
