The Terry Foundation Scholarship supports eligible Texas high school graduates entering a participating university as freshmen in the fall immediately after graduation. Apply through your university, which nominates candidates for a Foundation interview. There is no single Foundation application deadline for all campuses. The former Terry Transfer Scholarship ended in May 2020.
About the Terry Foundation Scholarship
The Houston-based Foundation offers a Traditional Scholarship for incoming freshmen. It considers leadership and character, academic ability and financial need. Its official application guidance describes the campus nomination process. A student must secure admission and scholarship consideration through a participating school; acceptance to the university alone is not an award.
| Study level | First-time undergraduate freshman |
|---|---|
| Award type | Variable, last-dollar support |
| Maximum period | Eight full semesters |
| Application route | Terry-affiliated university |
| Deadline | Set by each university |
What does the scholarship cover?
Funding is calculated from the university’s official on-campus cost of attendance and the student’s other financial awards. It is intended to cover tuition, fees, books and reasonable living costs. There is no universal fixed annual cheque for every scholar. Bring other scholarships and grants into the discussion with your financial aid office so that your offer accurately reflects the remaining cost.
This funding structure also makes housing relevant. Incoming scholars must live in the designated Terry residence hall during their first year. Before committing to a campus, consider the actual housing arrangement and the responsibilities attached to the award.
Freshman eligibility requirements
Applicants must graduate from an accredited Texas high school or Texas homeschool, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, meet Texas residency requirements, qualify for in-state tuition and federal financial aid, and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA. They must enter an affiliated university full time in the fall immediately following high school graduation and receive its nomination.
Read the Foundation’s current eligibility FAQs before applying. Students pursuing an online-only degree are not eligible. The current freshman route should not be confused with the discontinued transfer programme.
Which universities participate?
The current list includes UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Texas State, UT San Antonio, UT Dallas, University of North Texas, Texas Tech, Texas Woman’s University, UT El Paso and UT Arlington. Use the official affiliated university directory to reach each campus’s application information and scholarship coordinator.
For example, the directory directs UT Austin applicants to LASSO and its Scholarship Interest Form. Other campuses use their own processes. Do not assume that a form, deadline or supplemental requirement from one university applies to another.
How to apply and prepare your documents
- Choose an affiliated campus and confirm its freshman admission requirements.
- Open that campus’s Terry application page from the official directory.
- Record the admission, scholarship and FAFSA deadlines separately.
- Prepare the academic, financial, leadership and recommendation materials requested by the university.
- Submit the campus application and monitor your messages for nomination and interview instructions.
Keep a copy of your responses. For leadership examples, explain a decision you made, the people affected and what changed. Discuss financial circumstances accurately rather than guessing the amount a selection committee expects to see. A satisfactory Foundation interview is required for an award.
What happens after selection?
Funding can continue for up to eight semesters, subject to the Foundation’s conditions. These include full-time enrolment, academic progress, annual financial aid review, required events and conduct obligations. Review the current scholar requirements with your campus coordinator before signing an acceptance.
Related guides
Explore the Equitable Excellence Scholarship, Daniels Scholarship and Coca-Cola scholarship guide for other undergraduate options.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly to the Foundation?
No. A participating university reviews applications and nominates interview candidates.
Is the Terry Transfer Scholarship open?
No. That programme ended in May 2020.
Is admission enough to receive the award?
No. Scholarship selection is competitive and includes a required interview.