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 the universities associated with the Traditional program the fall semester following graduation.
Traditional scholarships are available for the 2017-2018 academic year at these Texas public universities:
- Texas A&M University at College Station
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of North Texas
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Woman’s University
- Texas A&M University at Galveston
- Sam Houston State University
- University of Texas at El Paso
- University of Texas at Arlington
Is the Traditional Scholarship transferable?
In general, students receiving the scholarship (known as “Terry Scholars”) may use their scholarship at any of the participating institutions.
The Traditional Scholarship must be used during the freshman year at the university from which the candidate was nominated: it becomes portable after successful completion of one year at the nominating university. However, this rules does not apply to first year Traditional Scholars at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University at College Station — Traditional Scholarships at these two universities are portable at any time.
Can I use the Terry Scholarship to attend a satellite campus?
Satellite campuses are considered on a case by case basis. Attending a satellite campus is permitted only with prior approval from the Foundation. If a Scholar receives approval to attend another campus, (1) all mandatory functions will be held at the main campus location and attendance is required; and (2) cost of transportation to attend those mandatory functions is the responsibility of the Scholar and is not funded by the Foundation.
What are the criteria for the selection of Terry Scholars?
Terry Scholars are selected based on three criteria: (1) leadership potential and character; (2) scholastic record and ability; and (3) financial need. Each of these criteria is weighed equally and independently.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Traditional (Freshman) Scholarship?
- Demonstrated financial need (as evidenced by the completion of the FAFSA)
- 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
- Graduation from an accredited Texas high school or Texas homeschool
- Apply and commit to residing on campus, in the Terry-designated residence hall, for the first year
What are the qualifications for Freshman Applicants?
- Demonstrated financial need (as evidenced by the completion of the FAFSA)
- A record of leadership in school and community
- Strong academic abilities as evidenced by grades and SAT/ACT scores
- 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
- Graduation from an accredited Texas high school or homeschool
- Apply and commit to residing on campus for the first year
- Admission for Fall 2015 to a Terry-affiliated college or university as a full-time entering Freshman student
- Nomination by one of the thirteen Terry-affiliated Texas public universities
Does the Terry Foundation accept applications directly from students?
No. The Foundation considers only students who are nominated by the universities associated with the program. 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. The Foundation pays expenses incurred by candidates who are invited to 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 the ability of the Scholar’s family to contribute to the cost of college.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.
Terry Transfer Scholarship Frequently asked questions
What is the Transfer Scholarship Program?
The Transfer Scholarship Program funds students transferring completed college hours to one of the eleven universities associated with the Transfer program.
Transfer scholarships are available for the 2018-2019 academic year at these Texas public universities:
- Texas A&M University at College Station
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Houston
- Texas State University
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of North Texas
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Woman’s University
- Texas A&M University at Galveston
- Sam Houston State University
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at El Paso
If I have previously interviewed with the Foundation for a Traditional or Transfer Terry Scholarship, am I eligible to interview a second time?
No. A nominee may receive only one Terry Scholarship interview, regardless of whether the individual previously applied as a Traditional or a Transfer candidate.
If I am already attending a Terry-affiliated university, am I eligible to apply for the Terry Foundation Transfer Scholarship?
No. The Foundation will not accept nominations for candidates who are already attending one of our 13 Terry-affiliated universities.
Is the Transfer Scholarship transferable to another Terry school?
The Transfer Scholarship is portable at any time to any of the participating universities.
Can I use the Terry Scholarship to attend a satellite campus?
Satellite campuses are considered on a case by case basis. Attending a satellite campus is permitted only with prior approval from the Foundation. If a Scholar receives approval to attend another campus, (1) all mandatory functions will be held at the main campus location and attendance is required; and (2) cost of transportation to attend those mandatory functions is the responsibility of the Scholar and is not funded by the Foundation.
What are the criteria for the selection of Terry Scholars?
Terry Scholars are selected based on three criteria: (1) leadership potential and character; (2) scholastic record and ability; and (3) financial need. Each of these criteria is weighed equally and independently.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Transfer Scholarship?
To be nominated by a university for a Transfer Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident;
- Current (n.1) continuous (n.2) resident of the State of Texas for at least 3 years at the time of the application;
- Completed (n.3) at least 30 hours of transferable (n.4), post-high school (n.5) credit in residence (n.6) at a Texas college or university (n.7) at the time of application; and
- Be at least 20 years of age on May 1 of the year in which the application is submitted.
Notes:
- “Current” means a resident of the State of Texas at the time the application is submitted.
- Applicant can exclude time on active duty in uniformed service of the U.S. Such time outside State of Texas while on active duty does not count against continuous residence.
- The 30 hour requirement must be satisfied at the time of submitting the application.
- The 30 hours must be transferable. This is intended to exclude certain courses and credits that may not be complete at the time of application or that may not transfer.
- The 30 hours requirement may not include high school dual credit.
- The 30 hours requirement must be earned in residence. On-line courses from an accredited institution that results in transferable hours may count towards the 30 hours requirement if they are earned while in residence at a Texas college or university. That is, the on-line courses may be earned from one accredited institution while physically attending an institution located in the State of Texas.
- The requirement of a “Texas college or university” allows transfer from a four year university as well as a community college or junior college, though it must be physically located within the State of Texas. Transferable credits earned at a duty station while on active duty as a member of a uniformed service of the United States will count towards the 30 hour requirement; such credits earned need not be earned at a “Texas college or university.”
What are the qualifications for Transfer Applicants?
- Financial need (as evidenced by your Terry Scholarship application)
- A record of leadership in school and community
- Strong academic abilities (minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred)
- Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident and meet Texas residency requirements
- Qualify for in-state tuition and federal financial aid assistance
- Completed at least 30 hours of transferable, post-high school credit in residence at a Texas college or university at the time of application
- Be at least 20 years of age on May 1 of the year in which the application is submitted
- Current continuous resident of the State of Texas for at least 3 years prior to and immediately preceding submission of the application
- Admission for Summer 2016 or Fall 2017 to a Terry-affiliated college or university as a full-time Transfer student, for the purpose of completing your first baccalaureate degree
- Nomination by one of the eleven Terry-affiliated Texas public universities
Does the Terry Foundation accept applications directly from students?
No. The Foundation considers only students who are nominated by the universities associated with the program. 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. The Foundation pays expenses incurred by candidates who are invited to 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 Transfer Scholarship cover?
A Transfer Scholarship covers up to six full semesters or until graduation. The Transfer Scholarship is renewable annually for the six semesters 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.
What is the amount of the Transfer Scholarship?
The amount of the Terry Transfer Scholarship is 65% of the Scholar’s official cost of attendance for the current academic school year, with a minimum guaranteed annual stipend of $13,000 for the 2016-2017 academic year, funded evenly between the two semesters.
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.
What functions are Scholars required to attend?
The Foundation hosts three events each year:
- Orientation
- Banquet
- Picnic
Read More…
Does the Terry Scholarship require that a Transfer Scholar live on campus?
Transfer Scholarship recipients are not required to reside on campus as a condition of their Terry Scholarship.
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 transfer candidates required to complete the FAFSA
No. Although candidates who apply for a Terry Foundation Transfer Scholarship are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA, these candidates are not required to do so as part of the Terry Transfer Scholarship application.
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.