State Programs
State Scholarships and Exemptions provide financial aid that does not require repayment. Each program has its eligibility requirements. UTRGV participates in the following state scholarships and exemptions offered by the Texas Higher Coordinating Board. For more information on THECB programs available, please visit www.collegeforalltexas.com.
Scholarships
Texas Leadership Scholars Program
The Texas Leadership Scholars program is a state-wide, premier leadership program aimed at keeping high achieving, low-income Texas graduates in the state to pursue their higher education. The THECB Texas Leadership Scholars Program will support high-achieving, low-income students in their postsecondary aspirations. The program consists of on-campus housing for 2 years, progressive mentoring throughout the college experience, career and leadership development, and undergraduate research opportunities. Students will be invited to apply for this program during their senior year of high school.
To learn more visit texasleadershipscholars.org.
Highest Ranking High School Graduate
Valedictorians, the highest-ranking graduate from Texas high schools accredited by the Texas Education Agency are entitled to a tuition exemption at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley during both semesters (Fall and Spring) of the first regular session immediately following the student’s high school graduation. The program is described in Texas Education Code §54.301.
Award Amount
- Tuition amount not to exceed unmet need
- Fees are not covered
Eligibility
To receive this award:
- The student must be certified as the valedictorian from their high school.
Application
No formal application is required. The student needs to:
- Request a hard copy of the Highest Ranking Graduate Form from their high school.
- Email the document to scholarships@utrgv.edu or submit it to U Central before the 12th class day of the fall semester to receive the exemption for both the fall and spring.
- Ensure an official final high school transcript indicating #1 ranking is on file with UTRGV Admissions.
Continued Eligibility
The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree to receive the exemption during their second long semester.
An exception can be granted to award the exemption during the third and fourth regular session instead of the first two sessions when in the opinion of the UTRGV’s president the circumstances of an individual case, including military service, merit the action.
Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program
The Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship helps promote the professional and educational needs of the state; increase the number of highly trained and educated professional accountants available to serve the residents of this state; improve the state's business environment and encourage economic development and financial stability; and identify, recognize and support outstanding scholars who plan to pursue careers in accounting. The program is described in College for All Texans website.
Award Amount
- Students may receive a scholarship for up to $5,000.
Application
For the application deadline and process please contact the School of Accountancy.
Eligibility
- Are classified as residents of Texas;
- Are enrolled at participating public or private, non-profit colleges and universities in Texas (including specified community colleges);
- Are enrolled at least half-time;
- Will have completed at least 120 hours of college course work (including at least 15 semester credit hours (SCH's) of accounting) at the beginning of the term in which the award is being made;
- Are making satisfactory academic progress;
- Have not already taken the CPA exam, but plan to take the CPA examination in the State of Texas and have submitted an Application of Intent to take the CPA Examination to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for the purpose of being granted a certificate of "Certified Public Accountant;"
- Register for the Selective Service or be exempt from this requirement; and
- Demonstrate financial need.
License Plate Scholarship
To address the needs of a growing population in the state, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched the sale of the College for all Texans specialty license plate, an official State of Texas automobile license plate.
Learn more on how to purchase a UTRGV license plate here.
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program
The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program encourages students to complete a baccalaureate degree and become a member of one of these organizations:
- Texas Army National Guard
- Texas Air National Guard
- Texas State Guard United States
- Coast Guard United States Merchant Marine
- Become a commissioned officer in any branch of the armed services of the United States
Each year the governor and the lieutenant governor may each appoint two students, and each state senator and each state representative may appoint one student to receive an initial conditional scholarship award.
For additional information please visit the HHLoans website.
Submit the TASSP award notification to financial aid at finaid@utrgv.edu.
Good Neighbor Program
The Good Neighbor Program is designed to encourage academically talented students from the countries of the Western (American) hemisphere (other than Cuba and the U.S.) to pursue higher education in the State of Texas. Thus, establishing a beneficial link between the State of Texas and the home country of the students. The program is described in Texas Education Code §54.331.
Award Amount
- Tuition amount for the academic year awarded.
- Fees are not included.
Application
For the application deadline and process please contact International Admissions and Student Services.
Continued Eligibility
The student must meet the satisfactory academic progress GPA requirement and have not reached excess credit hours.
Exemptions
The Texas Education Coordinating Board administers various tuition assistance programs including programs for teachers and vocational nursing students. For more information, please visit www.collegeforalltexans.com.
The following programs are managed by the Office of Financial Aid. For additional information please email finaid@utrgv.edu.
- Adopted Students Formerly in Foster or Other Residential Care
- Adopted Students Formerly under the Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- Children of U.S. Military who are Missing in Action or Prisoner of War (MIA/POWs)
- Exemption for Blind and Deaf Students
- Exemption for Children of Disabled or Deceased Firemen, Peace Officers, Game Wardens, and Employees of Correctional Institutions
- Exemption for Firefighters Taking Fire Science Courses
- Exemption for Peace Officers Enrolled in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Courses
- Exemption for the Surviving Spouse and Minor Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants (Employees)
- Exemption Program for Children of Professional Nursing Program Faculty and Staff
- Senior Citizen Exemption
- Texas Hazlewood Act Exemption
- Texas Hazlewood Exemption for Eligible Dependents (Spouses and Children)
- Texas Hazlewood-Legacy Program (Transfer of Hazlewood Benefits)
- Tuition and Fee Exemption for Members of State Military Forces
- Tuition Exemption for Current or Former Foster Care Students under the Conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)