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.
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