Texas College Grants Programs

Texas undergraduates combine federal aid (Pell Grant via FAFSA) with state programs administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including the TEXAS Grant and Texas Educational Opportunity Grant.

Quick answer

Texas undergraduates combine federal Pell Grants (via FAFSA) with state programs including the TEXAS Grant, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG), and Hazlewood Act tuition exemption for qualifying veterans and dependents. File FAFSA and state aid applications before enrollment deadlines.

How to apply

  1. Create an FSA ID and file FAFSA at StudentAid.gov — use Texas colleges on your list.
  2. For TEXAS Grant or TEOG, meet Texas residency and high school curriculum requirements.
  3. Veterans: apply separately for Hazlewood Act through campus veterans office if eligible.
  4. Check your college financial aid portal for additional institutional grants.
  5. Renew FAFSA every academic year before state priority deadlines.
  6. Meet with campus financial aid advisor to compare grant vs loan packages.

Documents you may need

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Texas residency documentation (driver license, tax records)
  • High school transcript showing Recommended or Distinguished curriculum (for TEXAS Grant)
  • DD-214 and proof of Texas residency at enlistment (for Hazlewood)
  • College acceptance or enrollment verification
  • Tax returns or income documentation if selected for verification

Important deadlines

FAFSA priority
File as early as October 1 for the upcoming academic year; many Texas schools set March 15 priority dates.
TEXAS Grant / TEOG
Funding is first-come, first-served after FAFSA — apply early in the award cycle.
Hazlewood Act
Apply each semester through campus veterans affairs office — campus deadlines vary.
State financial aid
THECB sets biennial award amounts; verify current limits at highered.texas.gov.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between TEXAS Grant and TEOG?

TEXAS Grant targets university students with financial need; TEOG focuses on community college students with need. Both require FAFSA and Texas residency.

Can veterans use Hazlewood and the GI Bill?

Yes, with rules. Hazlewood covers tuition at Texas public schools; GI Bill adds housing allowance and books. Coordinate with your campus veterans office.

Do undocumented Texas students qualify for state grants?

Some Texas institutions offer aid to eligible residents regardless of status — check college-specific policies and TASFA options.

How much is the federal Pell Grant in Texas?

Pell amounts are federal, not state-specific — up to ~$7,395 annually depending on FAFSA EFC and enrollment status.

Where do I get help completing FAFSA?

Texas high school counselors, college financial aid offices, and CollegeForAllTexans.com provide free FAFSA help.

What national guides cover college aid?

See our Pell Grant, federal student grants, and college grants national guides.

TEXAS Grant

Funding limited — not all eligible students receive award every year. Apply early for FAFSA.

What it provides: Need-based state grant for Texas residents attending public universities or health-related institutions.

Assistance: Covers portion of tuition and fees — stacks with Pell Grant at many schools.

Eligibility: Priority for high-need students; award amounts set biennially by Texas Legislature.

Who may qualify:

  • Texas resident
  • Financial need per FAFSA
  • Enrolled at least three-quarter time in first bachelor's degree program
  • Completed Recommended or Distinguished high school program (or equivalent)

Requirements:

  • File FAFSA or TASFA
  • Meet academic satisfactory progress
  • No excessive semester hours beyond degree plan

How to apply: Automatic consideration at participating Texas public universities after FAFSA submission.

Official source: THECB — TEXAS Grant

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

Good pathway for transfer students who later move to university TEXAS Grant eligibility.

What it provides: Need-based grant for Texas residents at public community, technical, or state colleges.

Assistance: Typically smaller than TEXAS Grant but vital for two-year college students.

Eligibility: Must not be TEXAS Grant eligible at university level in same award year.

Who may qualify:

  • Texas resident
  • FAFSA/TASFA financial need
  • No prior bachelor's degree

Requirements:

  • Enroll at least half-time
  • Maintain GPA requirements per institution

How to apply: File FAFSA; college financial aid office awards TEOG from state allocation.

Official source: THECB — TEOG

Federal Pell Grant (Texas Students)

Undocumented Texas residents may use TASFA for state aid at some institutions — check college policy.

What it provides: Largest federal need-based grant for undergraduates — available at eligible Texas colleges.

Assistance: Does not require repayment if enrollment and program rules met.

Eligibility: 2025–26 maximum award set annually by Congress; prorated for part-time enrollment.

Who may qualify:

  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Exceptional financial need per FAFSA
  • No prior bachelor's (generally)

Requirements:

  • FAFSA each academic year
  • Satisfactory academic progress

How to apply: Complete FAFSA at StudentAid.gov — use Texas college federal school codes.

Official source: Federal Student Aid — Pell Grant

Related national guides

More Texas guides

All Texas program guides