Texas has scholarships advertised as comprehensive college support, but not every program is open to every student in the state. Dell Scholars and the Terry Foundation offer two concrete routes for high school graduates, and both require more than good grades: one depends on participating for two years in an approved readiness program; the other accepts applications only through affiliated public universities. Checking that difference before filling out forms can save weeks and prevent confusion between programs with similar-sounding names.
The 2027 Dell Scholars cycle opened October 1, 2026 and closes January 12, 2027. Applicants must graduate from a Texas high school, have participated in an approved program in grades 11 and 12, plan to attend an accredited four-year public college or university in Texas, be Pell Grant eligible and have a GPA of at least 2.4. The official list includes AVID, GEAR UP, Upward Bound, KIPP Forward and YES Prep, among others; check the current list by name. The program offers a flexible $20,000 scholarship and academic, career and wellness support throughout college.
The Terry Foundation describes its freshman scholarship as a last-dollar award that may cover up to eight semesters. It is limited to Texas high school graduates admitted full time to one of eleven affiliated public campuses. Applicants also need to demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA, show leadership, meet Texas residency requirements and live on campus during their first year. Applications are not sent to the foundation: each university has its own portal, coordinator and deadline, and must nominate the student. The foundation links to Texas A&M, UT Austin, the University of Houston, Texas State, UT Dallas, UT San Antonio, Texas Tech, UNT, Texas Woman’s, UT Arlington and UTEP.
To decide, make two checks today: ask your high school counselor whether your readiness program appears on Dell’s list, and open the scholarship portal of the Terry-affiliated campus you are considering. Complete the 2027–28 FAFSA and share its information only through official channels; both options use financial information to assess need. Eligibility is not the same as selection, and Terry deadlines vary by university. If you plan to start at a community college and transfer later, the Terry scholarship described here is not the right fit: the foundation says its former transfer program ended in 2020.
Compare the options and confirm eligibility and deadlines directly with the program before applying.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Programa nacional; solicitud estudiantil en línea
Dell Scholars, funded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, combines a scholarship with support for completing college and preparing for a career. For the 2027 cycle, living in Texas or having financial need is not enough: applicants must graduate from a Texas high school, have participated in an
$20,000 scholarship plus academic, career and wellness support for eligible Texas students
The Terry Foundation
3336 Richmond Avenue, Suite 450, Houston, TX 77098
The Terry Foundation is a Houston organization that funds scholarships for Texas students at selected public universities. Its Terry Traditional Scholarship, also called the Freshman Scholarship, is described as last-dollar aid: it is calculated after other resources and may cover up to eight semest
Last-dollar scholarship for Texas students admitted to affiliated public universities
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Terry Foundation ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Terry Foundation ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Terry Foundation ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Terry Foundation ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Dell Scholars Program — Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ↗
Primary source
Dell Scholars · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Terry Foundation ↗
Primary source
The Terry Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.