Colleges - Financial Aid in Texas

Is anyone aware of which colleges in Texas offer the most financial aid? I'm from Texas and planning to stay in state for college, but money is definitely a concern for me and my family.

Sure, I could help shed some light on this. Generally, a good place to start when looking into financial aid is at both public and private universities.

Rice University, a private institution, has a generous financial aid policy known as The Rice Investment. It offers full-tuition scholarships to families earning up to $130,000 per year and full-tuition plus mandatory fees and room and board to families earning up to $65,000.

In the public sector, The University of Texas at Austin has the Forty Acres Scholars Program, a highly competitive scholarship that covers full tuition, fees, a living stipend, and money for professional development like internships or study abroad. UT Austin also has the Texas Advance Commitment program which, starting in fall 2020, covers full tuition for students whose families make $65,000 or less annually. For families making $125,000 or less, they provide assured tuition support in varying amounts.

Texas A&M in College Station has the Regents' Scholarship, designated for first-generation college students that covers up to $5,000 per year for up to four years. A&M also offers various scholarships under their Aggie Assurance program that helps cover tuition for low-income students.

Keep in mind the information above includes merit aid and some income-based aid programs. It's important to fill out the FAFSA to see what, exactly, you qualify for in terms of federal, state and school-based aid.

Remember, too, to explore all avenues for scholarships including local community organizations or businesses, as they can provide additional funds to bridge any gaps. And using the school's net price calculator will help you gain a more personalized estimate of what you might receive from a particular institution. Good luck!