Highest Ranking High School Graduate

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to provide an award to students graduating top in their classes in high school.

NOTE: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code. When reviewing eligibility requirements this exemption program, you should always refer to the relevant statutes and rules. The information on this webpage is to be used solely as a resource and does not override the statute or rules for this exemption program. It is not intended as, and does not constitute, legal advice.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Texas residents, nonresidents, or foreign students
  • Graduate from an accredited high school in the State of Texas
  • Graduate with the highest ranking in their high school

New Requirements Fall 2014

Senate Bill 1210 (83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session) added a GPA requirement for persons to receive continuation awards through the program. The Bill also establishes a limit to the total number of hours, cumulative, that a student may take and continue to receive awards through this program. These changes went into effect in fall 2014. Contact your institution for more information.

Eligible Institutions

Available only for use at a Texas public college or university.

To access listings of Texas public colleges and universities, follow the links to Texas Public Institutions.

Award Amount

Tuition during both semesters of the first regular session immediately following the student’s high school graduation.* Fees are not covered. No funds may be used to pay tuition for continuing education classes for which the college receives no state tax support.

*This exemption may be granted for any one of the first four regular sessions following the individual’s graduation from high school when, in the opinion of the institution’s president, the circumstances of an individual case, including military service, merit the action.

Application Process

The document is issued by the high school. The student must provide to the registrar of the college they plan to attend a copy of the document received indicating they are the highest ranking high school graduate. High school administrators should email the Texas Education Agency to obtain the Highest Ranking Graduate Form. Forms are made available at the end of April.

Additional Information

  • Contact the high school counselor to acquire a copy of the certificate or contact the college you will attend for additional information.
  • To read more about this program check out: Texas Education Code Section 54.301.
  • Online Inquiries: Contact Us (select “Financial Aid Question” as the subject under Contact Reason)