FAQs
Terry Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
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
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.
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.
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
- 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
- Demonstrate 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
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.
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. (link opens in a new tab)
Yes. Terry Scholarships are not awarded without a satisfactory interview. Read more about the interview HERE.
Multiple interview committees work simultaneously in El Paso, Houston, and Dallas over a two-week period in March. In the week following the conclusion of all interviews, the final selections are announced and the new Terry Scholars are notified by email.
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.
The Terry Scholarship is renewable for up to 8 semesters of undergraduate funding contingent on meeting the following requirements:
- Complete full-time enrollment (at least 12 hours) each semester;
- Enroll each consecutive semester, except summers;
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 each semester;
- Earn at least a 2.0 semester grade point average each semester;
- Comply with your university’s code of conduct and the provisions of the Terry Scholar Handbook;
- Complete the FAFSA (including verification) and the Terry Outside Aid Review process annually;
- Attend the Foundation’s annual mandatory events (including Fall Orientation, Fall Banquet, and Spring Picnic);
- Live on-campus in designated Terry Scholar housing for the first year;
- Submit an annual Self-Evaluation Letter by June 1 each year; and
- Keep your contact information updated with the Foundation.
Scholars are awarded variable stipends based on the university’s official on-campus Cost of Attendance and other financial awards received by the Scholar for each academic year (including scholarships, grants, waivers, savings plans, etc.). The Terry Scholarship provides sufficient assistance to cover tuition, fees, books, and reasonable living expenses on campus. It is the Foundation’s intent that Scholars will not need to incur student loan debt.
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.
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.
Unlike some scholarship programs, selection as a Terry Scholar is not simply based on meeting a single criteria, such as financial need, test scores, or grade point average. Instead, Terry Scholars are chosen because they exhibit a well-rounded personality, possess a strong desire to succeed, and demonstrate leadership. The Terry Foundation program is more than a check in the mail; becoming a Terry Scholar is about building community and supporting fellow Scholars in the college journey. Scholars are expected to participate in the Terry Scholar Student Organizations and be involved on campus.
Terry Scholar Alumni maintain active ties to the Foundation after graduation and assist current Scholars in many capacities. Mr. and Mrs. Terry were very proud of the Terry Scholars’ collective accomplishments and cared very much about the Scholars as individuals. The Directors and staff are committed to continuing this legacy.
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.
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/
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/
No. The Terry Foundation Scholarship is intended to fund enrollment for face-to-face courses taught in-person and requires Scholars to physically attend class on their Terry-affiliated university campus. Students pursuing online degrees will not be considered for a Terry Foundation 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.