Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success Grant Program (TEXAS Grant)

Program Purpose

Provide grant aid to students with financial need who are attending a Texas public university or health-related institution.

Note: Funding is limited. Each year institutions try to award funds to as many eligible students as possible. However, all eligible students may not receive funding.

NOTE: This webpage is intended to provide basic information for the public by highlighting requirements that appear in the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC). 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

To be eligible for a TEXAS Grant award, a student must:

  • Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident.
  • Be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
  • Have financial need, as determined by the institution.
  • Be enrolled at least 3/4 time.
  • Not have earned a baccalaureate degree.
  • Not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.

To receive an initial award, a student must enroll in a baccalaureate program in an eligible institution via one of the following four ways:

  • High School Graduation Pathway: Graduation from an accredited public or private high school in Texas (homeschool graduates are not eligible) and enrollment at an approved institution prior to the end of the 16th month after high school graduation. The student must not have attempted more than 30 semester credit hours (excluding credits for dual enrollment or by examination).
  • Associate Degree Pathway: Enrollment in an eligible institution before the end of the 12th month after the calendar month in which the student earned an associate degree from a public or private nonprofit Texas institution of higher education.
  • Honorable Military Discharge Pathway: Enrollment in an eligible institution of higher education within 12 months after being honorably discharged from military service. Enlistment in the military must have occurred within 12 months after graduation from an accredited public or private high school in Texas on May 1, 2013, or later. The student must not have attempted more than 30 semester credit hours (excluding credits for dual enrollment or by examination).
  • Transfer Pathway: Completion of at least 24 semester credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA after receiving a Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) in fall 2014 or later and transferring to an eligible institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Initial award priority consideration is given to high school graduation pathway and military pathway recipients who meet at least one high school graduation requirement in at least two of the following four areas:

AREA

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Advanced Academic Program
  • Complete 12 hours of college credit (dual credit or AP courses)
  • Complete the equivalent of the Recommended or Advanced High School Program
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

TSI Readiness

Meet the Texas Success Initiatives (TSI) assessment thresholds or qualify for an exemption

Class Standing
  • Graduate in the top 1/3 of the high school graduating class
  • Graduate with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale or the equivalent

Advanced Math
  • Complete at least one math course beyond Algebra II
  • Complete at least one advanced career and technical or technical applications course, as determined by the Texas Education Agency

To continue receiving a TEXAS Grant award, an eligible student must:

  • Meet all eligibility requirements.
  • Meet yearly academic program requirements. Check with your institution for details.

Eligible Institutions

Texas public universities, including health-related institutions as defined in TEC Section 61.003(3), may participate. (Lamar State College Orange and Lamar State College Port Arthur are not eligible.)

Award Amount

For information on the current TEXAS Grant amount available at eligible public institutions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at the institution where you are enrolled or plan to enroll.

Application Process

  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may submit the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). These applications are available October 1 each year.
  • Priority may be given to students who apply by the January 15 priority deadline. Check with your institution on specific submission requirements.
  • The financial aid office at your institution will determine your eligibility for this program and notify you if you are eligible.
  • Note: Funds may not be immediately available to recipients at the beginning of the semester. Contact your institution’s financial aid office if you have questions about eligibility and availability of funds.

Additional Information