UTRGV Luminary Scholars
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Luminary Scholarship program offers the brightest incoming college freshmen from all disciplines a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in an unparalleled learning environment. By sharing unique skills and perspectives with the greater RGV community, each Luminary Scholar can enhance the experience of a fellow student or community member at any point along the academic journey. Luminary Scholars and their accomplishments will ultimately help elevate UTRGV’s status as a global leader in higher education and serve as ambassadors for the university wherever its light shines.
The UTRGV Luminary Scholarship program is a life-changing initiative that eliminates any financial burden by paying for education-related expenses associated with an undergraduate degree and or a graduate or professional degree like medical or podiatry school. The Luminary Scholarship program is unique to UTRGV and unparalleled at other institutions. While most full scholarships cover only the undergraduate years, this scholarship may also cover graduate or professional education years at UTRGV and thus allow students to complete their education debt-free.
Qualifications
Academic Achievement
Applicant must demonstrate strong academic ability, as evidenced by high school course rigor, class rank, GPA, and SAT/ACT score.
*Graduate and/or earn a high school diploma from an accredited high school or homeschool, and enroll as a UTRGV Freshman the fall immediately following high school graduation.
Leadership Experience
Applicant must demonstrate responsibility and leadership via extracurricular involvement, work, or volunteer participation while in high school.
Community Involvement
Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to community involvement while in high school.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident, or meet Texas residency requirements.
College Admission
Applicant must submit the ApplyTexas U.S. Freshman Admission Application, and be admitted to UTRGV by December 1.
On-Campus Residency
Applicant must complete the University Housing Application and commit to living on campus for the first two academic years. Second-year students will serve as mentors to first-year recipients.
Rio Grande Valley Employment Commitment
Selected scholars must pledge to work in the Rio Grande Valley for each year beyond their undergraduate education that is funded. For example, a three-year graduate or professional program would require a three-year commitment to working in the Rio Grande Valley post-graduation.
How to Become a Scholar?
Step 1 - Apply for Admission
Complete the Freshmen ApplyTexas admission application and be admitted by December 1 at goapplytexas.org
Step 2 - Apply for a Scholarship
Complete the Luminary Scholars Scholarship Application by December 1 at utrgv.edu/applyscholarships
- Submit two letters of recommendation (one must be from a high school teacher, counselor, or school administrator)
- Luminary Scholar Essay
- Resume (extracurricular activities, leadership positions, community service, work experience, etc.)
Step 3 - Participate in On-campus Interview
The UTRGV Luminary Scholars selection committee will review applicants and offer interviews to top candidates (not all applicants will be selected for an interview). This usually occurs in early February.
Step 5 - Luminary Scholars Announcement
The UTRGV Luminary selection committee will make final recommendations for scholarship recipients and announce finalists in mid/late Spring.
Step 6 - Apply for Housing and Dining
Students selected as Luminary Scholars are required to reside on campus. To learn more about Residence Life and submit a UTRGV Housing application at utrgv.edu/home.
Award Amounts
Luminary Undergraduate – Graduate Program Scholar
|
Tuition & Mandatory Fees |
Years 1 – 4 |
$10,000 x 4 |
$40,000 |
|
Room & Board |
Years 1 & 2 |
$8,500 x 2 |
$17,000 |
|
Graduate Tuition & Mandatory Fees |
Years 5 & 6 |
$9,000 x 2 |
$18,000 |
|
Total |
|
$75,000 |
|
Luminary Undergraduate – Professional School (School of Medicine or School of Podiatric Medicine)
|
Tuition & Mandatory Fees |
Years 1 – 4 |
$10,000 x 4 |
$40,000 |
|
Room & Board |
Years 1 & 2 |
$8,500 x 2 |
$17,000 |
|
School of Medicine |
Years 5 – 8 |
$20,000 x 4 |
$80,000 |
|
Total |
|
$137,000 |
|
Renewable Requirements
- Enroll in a minimum of 15* hours each fall and spring semester leading to the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours per academic year while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Maintain a 3.0** UTRGV Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
- Retain the scholarship for up to 4 years of undergraduate study or upon graduation, whichever occurs first.***
- Continue to receive the scholarship for an additional 2 consecutive years if pursuing a UTRGV graduate/professional degree or an additional 4 consecutive years if admitted to UTRGV’s School of Medicine.
Appeals Process
Scholarship recipients not meeting requirements 1, 2, or 3 may submit a scholarship appeal @ www.utrgv.edu/appeals to be considered for the award. The scholarship appeal must be submitted by the first tuition due date of the corresponding semester.
*Luminary Scholars must complete 12 of the 15 hours each term, still complete 30 hours per academic year, and maintain a 3.0 GPA while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
** The UTRGV GPA is based on all grades received in college-level courses, including courses taken via dual credit from UTRGV while in high school.
*** This scholarship terminates upon transfer to another institution or upon non-enrollment at UTRGV for any fall or spring semester.
Meet our Luminary Scholars
Fall 2023 Luminary Scholars
Major: Biology
Hometown: Mission
Major: Accountancy
Hometown: Edinburg
Major: Music
Hometown: Pharr
Major: Biomedical Sciences (Vaquero MD)
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: League City
Major: Biology (Vaquero MD)
Hometown: Edinburg
Major: Psychology
Hometown: San Benito
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Edinburg
Major: Biomedical Sciences (Vaquero MD)
Hometown: Mission
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Alice
Major: Biology
Hometown: Harlingen
Major: Biology (Vaquero MD)
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Biology
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Accountancy
Hometown: Mission
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Hidalgo
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Raymondville
Major: Early Care and Early Childhood
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Mission
Major: Integrated Health Sciences/Pre-Nursing
Hometown: San Benito
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Pharr
Major: Visual Communication Design
Hometown: San Antonio
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Elsa
Major: Integrated Health Sciences/Pre-Nursing
Hometown: Port Mansfield
Fall 2022 Luminary Scholars
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Rancho Viejo
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Palmhurst
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Biology
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Finance
Hometown: Raymondville
Major: Biology
Hometown: Edinburg
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Austin
Major: Biology
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Biology
Hometown: Weslaco
Major: Biology
Hometown: Mission
Major: Biology
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: El Paso
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Integrated Health Sciences
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Integrated Health Sciences
Hometown: Palmview
Major: Economics
Hometown: McAllen
Major: Integrated Health Sciences
Hometown: Mercedes
Major: Biology
Hometown: Brownsville
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: Harlingen
Major: Biology
Hometown: Rio Grande City
Major: Biology
Hometown: Port Arthur
Major: Biology
Hometown: Lasara
Major: Integrated Health Sciences
Hometown: Rio Grande City