Texas First Scholarship
Texas First is a pathway for high-achieving students who graduate at least one semester ahead of their class and earn a Texas First Diploma. The program is designed to turn early graduation into funded college time within Texas. Students who graduate two or more semesters early may receive a two-term scholarship equivalent to the TEXAS Grant amount; those graduating one semester early may receive one term. The award applies at an eligible Texas public institution where the st
About Texas First Scholarship
Texas First is a pathway for high-achieving students who graduate at least one semester ahead of their class and earn a Texas First Diploma. The program is designed to turn early graduation into funded college time within Texas. Students who graduate two or more semesters early may receive a two-term scholarship equivalent to the TEXAS Grant amount; those graduating one semester early may receive one term. The award applies at an eligible Texas public institution where the student has been admitted.
Eligibility requires Texas residency, at least 22 high-school credits, and a final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher. The student must also reach the 80th percentile on one or more accepted assessments—ACT, SAT, PSAT, TSIA/TSIA2, or GED—or rank in the top 10 percent of the class, and satisfy mastery requirements. A district counselor verifies the diploma; the scholarship does not grant automatic college admission or replace institution applications.
One detail families can miss is the use window: the scholarship expires at the end of the first academic year after graduation. Students should coordinate college applications, admission, and Texas First documentation before finishing high school. Fiscal-year rules tie the award to the TEXAS Grant amount; do not assume a fixed dollar figure without checking the applicable guidelines and the institution’s certification.
The process starts with a school counselor or administrator verifying that requirements have been met and submitting the confirmation. The public college where the student enrolls then processes the benefit. Keep test results, the final transcript, graduation date, and diploma confirmation. Ask whether other aid can be combined and what remains for fees, housing, books, and transportation. The opportunity is most useful when compared against net cost and when the short eligibility window is not missed.
Ask financial aid for a term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Keep the award decision, any service or loan agreement, and renewal records. If your studies, residence, or employment change, contact the administrator before making a decision that could affect the aid.
College scholarship and financial-aid program