10 Scholarships in Texas to Save You Thousands on College

Looking for scholarships in Texas? Niche scholarships can be particularly helpful, since they’re only awarded to students with certain qualities or demographics, meaning you’re competing against a smaller pool. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the top scholarships awarded solely to high school students in Texas.

10 Best Scholarships for Texas High School Students

1. Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship Contest

Amount: one $5,000, one $4,000, and one $3,000

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Eligibility: High school seniors

Application Requirements: 4 short answers, proof of project impact, school counselor info

In partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, this scholarship is awarded to Texas high school seniors who intend to study at a two- or four-year college or university next year. The scholarship recognizes students who have assumed a leadership position in preventing litter. Three scholarships of $5,000, $4,000, and $3,000 each (respectively) will be awarded.

2. Society of Professional Women in Petroleum Scholarship

Amount: varies

Deadline: March 13, 2020

Eligibility: Female high school seniors who don’t already have a full college scholarship

Application Requirements: Resume, transcript, SAT/ACT scores, 500-word essay; finalists must attend interview on April 25 in Houston

Any woman attending a high school in Texas may apply for the SPWP Scholarship, regardless of major. Applicants must have financial need and intend to study at a Texas university. According to the organization, SPWP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships already. 

3. Association of Texas Leaders for Education Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 15, 2020

Eligibility: High school seniors with 3.0 GPA and evidence of community service

Application Requirements: Essay, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation

Provided by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship is open to all Texas high school students planning to enroll at a Texas university. The award is meant to help cover tuition and related fees, such as books. The scholarship committee is looking for a student who is active in their school and broader community. The organization may also consider financial need.

4. Irma Gesche Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: College-bound Texas residents

Application Requirements: Essay, 3 reference letters, transcript

This award benefits Texas residents who are planning to attend any accredited two- or four-year college or university. The scholarship is granted based on factors like academic ability, community service, personal development, and financial need.

5. Sandy Schenker Capell Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: April 6, 2020

Eligibility: Houston-area high school seniors

Application Requirements: List of extracurricular activities and leadership roles, 500-word essay, transcript

Established by the Media Alliance of Houston, this scholarship was created in honor of Sandy Schenker Capell, who was dedicated to mentoring young people. It is awarded to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in media who shows qualities such as commitment, leadership, motivation, and determination.

6. Caleb Tripp Thornton Memorial Scholarship

Amount: Up to $2,600

Deadline: March 1, 2020

Eligibility: High school seniors with 3.0 GPA

Established in honor of Caleb Thornton, who passed away unexpectedly at age 21, this scholarship assists Texas students with their education. Two students will receive an award of up to $500, and one will receive an award of up to $2,600. The estimated application time for this scholarship is 50 minutes.

7. The Urban Scholarship Fund

Amount: Ranges from $700-$2,000

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: High school seniors and returning college students who are US citizens or permanent residents; must demonstrate financial need

Students who are attending or have graduated from high schools in the following cities are eligible for this award: 

Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Carrollton, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Irving, Killeen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio, Waco, and Wichita Falls

The scholarship is available to both seniors and returning college students who study or intend to study at an accredited two- or four-year institution. The amount varies depending on the type of institution the student attends. Students must provide proof of residency, financial need, and high school city.

8. Texas Big Game Awards

Amount: $3,000 (1 award) or $1,500 (8 awards)

Deadline: March 31, 2020

Eligibility: High school seniors and entering college freshmen, juniors, and seniors

Application Requirements: List of activities and achievements, 500-word essay

Open to agriculture and/or natural resource-related majors, nine scholarships in total are awarded. The top prize is given to one student, while eight smaller scholarships are also offered. Recipients must also attend their Regional TBGA Banquet, where they will receive their scholarships.

9. Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International Scholarship

Amount: Unspecified

Deadline: April 24, 2020

Eligibility: Graduating female high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA, Texas resident

Application Requirements: List of extracurricular activities 500-word personal statement, 1 letter of recommendation, transcript

Diamonds in the Rough Ministry seeks to expand educational opportunities for young women. The organization is a religious non-profit that awards 1-3 scholarships funded by donors each year.

10. George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $20,000 over 4 years

Deadline: February 16, 2020

Eligibility: Houston-area high school seniors and U.S. citizens with at least 1000 SAT/21 ACT

Students who live in these counties are eligible for this scholarship: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller.

Seventy scholarships are awarded to students planning to attend any four-year United States college or university. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic performance.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships

Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, but when you receive your awards, it will be well worth it. To maximize your chances of success, follow these tips.

• Research each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements and understand the instructions.
• Apply to numerous scholarships for which you qualify, including niche scholarships geared toward different demographics, such as Texas residents.
• Be thorough with your applications, and have someone else read them before you submit them.
• Create a spreadsheet with deadlines, required materials, and other information.

What are your chances of getting into college? How can you up the odds? Check out our free College Admissions Calculator to find out. You’ll learn what your current chances of acceptance are, see how you stack up against other applicants, and get advice for improving your profile.