Area Go Texan Scholarship

Overview

The Area Go Texan Scholarship (AGTS) is a statewide financial aid program established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to help residents pursue postsecondary education. It is funded through a partnership between the Texas Legislature, private donors, and the Office of the Governor. The scholarship is designed to be flexible, supporting a broad range of studentsfrom highschool seniors to adult learnerswho are committed to completing a degree or certificate program at an eligible Texas institution.

Since its inception, AGTS has awarded more than $500million in assistance, contributing to higher graduation rates and a stronger Texas workforce. The program aligns with the states strategic goal of Go Texas, encouraging higher education participation and fostering economic growth.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Area Go Texan Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Must be a legal resident of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months prior to application.
• Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll fulltime (minimum 12 credit hours) at an eligible Texas public or private postsecondary institution.
• Academic Progress: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Some institutions set higher GPA thresholds for certain majors.
• Program of Study: Must be pursuing an associates degree, bachelors degree, graduate degree, or a recognized occupational certificate.
• Financial Need: While AGTS is not strictly needbased, applicants must not be receiving a conflicting Texas state scholarship that exceeds the AGTS award amount.
• Citizenship/Immigration Status: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens (e.g., DACAeligible) may apply.

Students who have previously received a Texas state scholarship for the same academic year must review the stacking rules to ensure they do not exceed the maximum allowable aid.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The AGTS provides several key benefits that can make a difference in a students educational journey:

• Financial Support: Up to $5,000 per academic year for undergraduate students and up to $7,500 for graduate students, payable directly to the institution.
• Renewability: Awards can be renewed annually for up to four years (undergraduate) or three years (graduate), provided the student maintains eligibility.
• Flexibility: The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other approved educational expenses.
• Career Opportunities: Recipients gain access to a network of AGTS alumni, mentorship programs, and internship pipelines with Texasbased employers.
• Recognition: Scholarship holders are highlighted on the official AGTS website and may be invited to statewide events.

How to Apply

Applying for the Area Go Texan Scholarship is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Create a MyTexasHigherEd Account: Visit mytexashighered.org and register using your Texas ID number.
2. Complete the FAFSA or Texas Application for State Aid (TASA): Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or TASA to establish eligibility for state programs.
3. Submit the AGTS Application: Once your FAFSA/TASA is processed, log in to your MyTexasHigherEd portal and select Area Go Texan Scholarship. Fill out the required fields, upload transcripts, and attach any supplemental documents (e.g., proof of residency).
4. Review and Sign: Verify all information for accuracy, sign the esignature agreement, and submit.
5. Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation within 510 business days. If additional information is needed, a counselor will reach out.

Tip: Keep a digital copy of your highschool transcript and any prior college coursework handy; incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.

Important Dates (20262027 Academic Year)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive the Area Go Texan Scholarship if I am already receiving a Texas tuition waiver?

Yes, but the combined total of all statefunded awards cannot exceed the maximum annual limit for the scholarship. You will need to coordinate with your institutions financial aid office to ensure compliance.

What if my GPA falls below 2.5 after my first semester?

Maintaining eligibility requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA each semester. If your GPA drops, you may lose the scholarship for the next award cycle, but you can reapply after improving your academic standing.

Is the scholarship renewable for graduate studies?

Graduate recipients may renew the award for up to three consecutive academic years, provided they continue to meet all eligibility criteria.

Do I need to be a Texas resident for the entire duration of the scholarship?

Yes. A change in residency status may affect eligibility and could result in prorated repayment of any unearned funds.

Can I transfer the scholarship to another Texas institution?

Transfer is possible if the new institution participates in the AGTS program and you submit a transfer request through MyTexasHigherEd within 30 days of enrollment.