FAQs
Terry Scholarship Frequently asked questions
What is the Traditional Scholarship Program?
The Traditional Scholarship funds incoming freshmen who have graduated from a Texas high school and will attend one of these Terry-affiliated universities the fall semester immediately following graduation.
Traditional scholarships for incoming Scholars are currently offered at these Texas public universities:
- Texas A&M University at College Station
- The University of Texas at Austin
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- University of North Texas
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Woman’s University
- The University of Texas at El Paso
- The University of Texas at Arlington
Is there a Terry Scholarship for transfer students?
No. The Terry Foundation ended the Terry Transfer Scholarship Program in May 2020 and no longer offers scholarships to students transferring to a Terry-affiliated university from a Texas college or community college.
Is the Traditional Scholarship transferable?
In general, students receiving the scholarship (known as “Terry Scholars”) may use their scholarship at any of the Foundation’s Terry-affiliated universities. However, incoming Terry Scholars can only utilize the scholarship at the university that nominated them and for which they interview.
The scholarship then becomes portable following successful completion of one year at the nominating university.
What are the criteria for the selection of Terry Scholars?
Terry Scholars are selected based on three criteria, each of which is weighted equally:
- record of leadership and character
- strong academic abilities as evidenced by grades
- demonstrated financial need
What are the eligibility requirements for the Traditional (Freshman) Scholarship?
- Graduation from an accredited Texas high school or Texas homeschool
- Be a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident and meet Texas residency requirements
- Qualify for in-state tuition and for federal financial aid assistance
- Demonstrated financial need (as evidenced by the completion of the FAFSA)
- Apply and commit to residing on campus, in the Terry-designated residence hall, for the first year
What are the qualifications for Freshman Applicants?
In addition to meeting the Foundation’s three criteria and five eligibility requirements, Traditional Scholarship applicants must also
- Gain admission to a Terry-affiliated university as a full-time entering Freshman student for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation; and
- Be nominated by one of the eleven Terry-affiliated Texas public universities for an interview with the Terry Foundation.
Does the Terry Foundation accept applications directly from students?
No. The Foundation does not accept applications directly from students and instead authorizes our Terry campus partners to review applications and nominate candidates for interview by the Terry Foundation. Click
HERE for information on how to apply at a participating university.
Is the interview required in order to receive a Terry Scholarship?
Yes. Terry Scholarships are not awarded without a satisfactory interview. Read more about the interview
HERE.
How soon after the interviews are the new Terry Scholars announced?
Separate interview committees work simultaneously in several cities across the state. During the week following the interviews, the final selections are made and the new Terry Scholars are notified by email within approximately three weeks of the interview.
What period does the Traditional Scholarship cover?
A Traditional Scholarship covers up to eight full semesters of undergraduate education. The Traditional Scholarship is renewable annually at the discretion of the Directors, which is automatic unless the Scholar is notified to the contrary.
What are the criteria for retaining the Scholarship?
In order to keep the Terry Scholarship in effect, and in addition to any other requirements that the university may impose, a Scholar must (1) maintain at least a 2.0 term grade point average each semester, (2) maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, (3) write an acceptable annual self-evaluation letter, (4) attend the mandatory functions sponsored by The Terry Foundation, and (5) comply with the rules prescribed from time to time by the university and the Foundation’s Directors.
How is the amount of the Traditional Scholarship determined?
Taking into account other scholarships that the student may receive, the Foundation provides sufficient assistance to cover tuition, books, fees, and reasonable living expenses on campus. The actual specific amount of the stipend will vary for each Scholar, depending on the other scholarship awards and financial aid received. The Foundation encourages Scholars to apply for other scholarships or grants or any other financial assistance for which they may be qualified, so that the Foundation’s financial resources may be extended to help as many students as possible; however, it is the Foundation’s intent that Traditional Scholars will not need to incur student loan debt.
What about Pell Grants?
Pell Grants are federal grants of financial aid to college students whose family income falls below a certain level. Terry Scholar applicants are encouraged to apply for a Pell Grant if qualified. Receiving a Pell Grant does not disqualify an applicant from being awarded a Terry Scholarship.
Does the Terry Scholarship require that a Scholar live on campus?
Traditional Scholarship recipients are required to live on campus, in the Terry-designated residence hall, for their freshman year. After their first year, Traditional Scholarship recipients can live off campus if they wish to do so. However, living off campus can be substantially more expensive and the scholarship amount set by the Foundation is based on the estimated cost of living on campus.
What functions are Scholars required to attend?
The Foundation hosts three events each year:
- Orientation
- Banquet
- Picnic
Read More…
How does a Terry Scholarship differ from other scholarships?
Unlike many scholarship programs, the selection as a Terry Scholar is not simply based on financial need, test scores, or grade point average. Instead, Terry Scholars are chosen because they exhibit a well-rounded personality, grounded in a desire to succeed, and a demonstrated history of community leadership. The Terry Foundation program does not consist merely of issuing checks once a semester; it is a sense of family and community. Scholars are expected to participate in Student Organizations and to be involved on campus. Similarly, Alumni often remain active and are eager to assist in many capacities. The Foundation stays in close contact with Scholars and expects current Scholars and Alumni to assist each other whenever they are able to do so. Mr. and Mrs. Terry were very proud of the accomplishments of all of the scholarship recipients and cared very much about the Scholars as individuals. The Directors and staff are committed to continuing this legacy. Scholars can be confident that the Foundation will be there to help them to help themselves.
Are interested freshman candidates required to complete the FAFSA?
Yes, all candidates who apply for a Terry Foundation Traditional Scholarship are REQUIRED to complete and submit the FAFSA in accordance with the deadlines specified by the nominating university.
I was approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), am I eligible to apply for a Terry scholarship?
No, you are not eligible to apply. However, we do encourage you to seek assistance from programs or foundations that work directly with DACA or undocumented students. For example, TheDream.Us offers comprehensive awards nationally, including at some of our partner universities here in Texas. For more information, please visit
http://www.thedream.us/
Am I eligible to apply for a Terry scholarship if I qualify as a Resident of Texas under House Bill 1403/Senate Bill 1528?
No, you are not eligible to apply. However, we do encourage you to seek assistance from programs or foundations that work directly with DACA or undocumented students. For example, TheDream.Us offers comprehensive awards nationally, including at some of our partner universities here in Texas. For more information, please visit
http://www.thedream.us/
I’m planning to pursue a degree that is only offered on-line. Am I eligible for the Terry Scholarship?
No. Students applying for a Terry Scholarship must intend to physically attend classes on the Terry-affiliated university campus. Students pursuing “all on-line” degrees will not be considered for a Terry Foundation scholarship.
My degree requires me to take several on-line courses. Am I still eligible for the Terry Scholarship?
Yes. Keep in mind that to qualify for funding, a substantial portion (at least 6 semester credit hours) of any semester’s course load must be in physical attendance on the Terry-affiliated university campus. Funding is not available for a course load that is primarily online work.
