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Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver Rules

Everything you need to know about qualifying for in-state tuition rates through the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver program

The Core Rule: $1,000 Minimum Scholarship

To qualify for the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver, you must receive a competitive scholarship worth at least $1,000 per academic year from a participating Texas public university.

Once you meet this threshold, the university can charge you in-state tuition rates instead of out-of-state rates—saving you $10,000-$25,000 per year depending on the school.

What Qualifies as a "Competitive" Scholarship?

Merit-Based Awards

Scholarships awarded based on academic achievement (GPA, SAT/ACT scores), talent, or leadership

Automatic Scholarships

Many Texas universities offer automatic scholarships based on test scores and GPA—no separate application required

Departmental Scholarships

Awards from specific colleges or departments (engineering, business, honors programs)

Need-Based Aid Does NOT Count

Financial aid based solely on financial need (FAFSA, grants) does not qualify for the waiver

The 5% Cap: University Participation Limits

Texas law allows each public university to grant the Competitive Scholarship Waiver to up to 5% of its out-of-state undergraduate enrollment.

What this means for you:

  • Universities have limited waiver slots available each year
  • Some schools may reach their 5% cap and stop offering waivers
  • Regional universities (Texas State, UNT, UTSA) typically have more availability than flagship schools
  • Apply early to maximize your chances

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Criteria

  • • GPA typically 3.5+ (varies by school)
  • • SAT 1200+ or ACT 25+ (common thresholds)
  • • Strong high school coursework
  • • Transfer students: 12-15 college credits

Residency Status

  • • Out-of-state US citizens
  • • International students (F-1, J-1 visas)
  • • DACA recipients (varies by school)
  • • Must not qualify for Texas residency

How to Qualify: Step-by-Step

1

Check Your Eligibility

Use our scholarship calculator to see which Texas universities you qualify for based on your GPA and test scores.

2

Apply for Admission

Submit your application to the Texas universities that offer automatic scholarships matching your credentials. Apply by priority deadlines (typically November-December).

3

Receive Scholarship Offer

If you meet the criteria, you'll receive an automatic scholarship offer (usually $1,000-$5,000/year) with your admission letter.

4

Waiver Applied Automatically

Once you accept the scholarship, the university's financial aid office will automatically apply the Competitive Scholarship Waiver to your tuition bill. You'll be charged in-state rates.

Important Notes

  • Renewal: You must maintain the scholarship (usually 3.0+ GPA) to keep the waiver each year
  • Stackable: You can combine multiple scholarships to reach the $1,000 threshold
  • Not Guaranteed: Each university decides whether to participate and how many waivers to grant
  • Apply Early: Waiver slots are limited—apply by priority deadlines to maximize your chances

Ready to Find Your Match?

Use our calculator to see which Texas universities will offer you scholarships and in-state tuition rates

Check Your Eligibility Now →