Scholarships
We’re Here to Help
Need help paying for college? We award over $10 million in scholarships each year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, volunteer services, employment and financial need.
New Undergraduate Scholarships
Our institutional scholarships are awarded to new incoming college students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree in a traditional campus-based program. Students enrolled in a 100% online program and/or pursuing a competency-based education (CBE/TAB) degree are not eligible for East Texas A&M scholarships.
Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is offered to students who rank in the top 10% of their graduating high school class on or before February 1:
- Awards will be based on calculated rank submitted via school transcript and postmarked to East Texas A&M University by the February 15 priority deadline.
- Transcripts submitted on or before February 1 without ranking will have a rank calculated based on the median ranking of the applicant pool at the time of admission.
- Transcripts submitted/resubmitted/updated that are postmarked after February 15 will not be considered for a change in tier, due to not meeting the February 15 priority deadline.
Recipients of the Presidential Scholarship must meet all the following criteria, without exception:
- Be admitted to the university and enter East Texas A&M in the calendar year of graduation from high school.
- Be enrolled in and complete at least 15 credit hours of East Texas A&M coursework during each fall or spring semester as an undergraduate student working towards first undergraduate degree.
| Presidential Scholarship | ACADEMIC INDEX | AWARD | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time new freshman and may be combined with Honors College or donor-funded scholarships | Class rank in the TOP 10% | $4,000 | Up to 8 long semesters or graduation (whichever comes first). Four-year scholarship valued at $16,000 |
Blue and Gold Scholarships
Blue and Gold Freshman Scholarships are offered to students who have achieved the following combination of rank and cumulative GPA in their graduating high school class on or before February 1:
- Awards will be based on calculated rank submitted via school transcript and postmarked to East Texas A&M University by the February 15 priority deadline.
Recipients of the Blue and Gold Scholarship must meet all the following criteria, without exception:
- Be admitted to the university and enter East Texas A&M in the calendar year of graduation from high school.
- Be enrolled in and complete at least 15 credit hours of East Texas A&M coursework during each long semester as an undergraduate student working towards first undergraduate degree.
| Blue and Gold Freshman Scholarships | ACADEMIC INDEX | AWARD | DURATION |
| First-time new freshmen and may be combined with donor-funded scholarships | TIER 1 (around 3.8 GPA and rank near top 20%) | $2,000 | Up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Four-year scholarship valued at $8,000 |
| TIER 2 (around 3.5 GPA and rank near top 30%) | $1,000 | Up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Four-year scholarship valued at $4,000 | |
| TIER 3 (around 3.0 GPA and rank near top 50%) | $500 | Up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Four-year scholarship valued at $2,000 |
The Blue and Gold Transfer Scholarship is offered to students who have achieved the following college transfer cumulative GPA on or before February 1:
Recipients of the Blue and Gold Transfer Scholarship must meet all the following criteria, without exception:
- Be admitted to the university and enter East Texas A&M in the calendar year of graduation from a two-year school with an earned associate degree or 45 credit hours without gaps in enrollment.
- Be enrolled in and complete at least 15 credit hours of East Texas A&M coursework during each fall or spring semester as an undergraduate student working towards first undergraduate degree.
| Blue and Gold Transfer Scholarships | ACADEMIC INDEX | AWARD | DURATION |
| First-time transfer students from a two-year college with an Associate’s Degree or who earned 45 credit hours may be combined with donor-funded scholarships | TIER 1 (3.8 college transfer cumulative GPA) | $2,500 | Up to 4 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Two-year scholarship valued at $5,000 |
| TIER 2 (3.5 college transfer cumulative GPA) | $2,000 | Up to 4 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Two-year scholarship valued at $4,000 | |
| TIER 3 (3.0 college transfer cumulative GPA) | $1,000 | Up to 4 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first. Two-year scholarship valued at $2,000 |
Transfer Promise Scholarship – Spring 2025 Only
| Transfer Promise Scholarship | AWARD | DURATION |
| First-time new transfer students with a filed FAFSA demonstrating need, Texas resident, from a two-year college and may be combined with donor-funded scholarships. Be enrolled full-time during the spring 2025 and fall 2025 long semesters, working towards their first undergraduate degree at East Texas A&M University within a specified major. Eligible majors will be automatically offered and presented with the complete terms and conditions. | Full tuition and fees | Up to two long semesters (spring 2025 and fall 2025 only) First-time new transfer students with a filed FAFSA demonstrating need, Texas resident, from a two-year college and may be combined with donor-funded scholarships. |
The President’s Promise Scholarship is offered to students who meet the specified criteria as well as students who are eligible for the Dallas County Promise or Independent School District Pledge.
Recipients of the President’s Promise Scholarship must meet all the following criteria, without exception:
- Be admitted to the university and enter East Texas A&M in the calendar year of graduation from high school, or from a two-year school with an earned associate degree or 45 credit hours without gaps in enrollment.
- Be enrolled in and complete at least 15 credit hours of East Texas A&M coursework during each fall or spring semester as an undergraduate student working towards a first undergraduate degree.
- Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or the equivalent demonstrated need as defined by TASFA and have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $85,000 or less.
- Be a Texas resident for tuition purposes.
- The deadline to complete FAFSA/TASFA is June 1.
The President’s Promise Scholarship covers all tuition not covered by other grants or scholarships and will meet 100% of the student’s tuition costs for up to eight semesters for new entering freshmen or up to four semesters for new entering transfers.
(Fees are not covered by the President’s Promise scholarship and will be billed to the student’s account separately).
| President’s Promise Scholarship | AWARD | DURATION |
| First-time new freshman students with a filed FAFSA, Pell-eligible and AGI $85K or less, Texas resident and may be combined with Honors College or donor-funded scholarships | Full tuition (fees are not covered by this scholarship and will be billed separately) | Up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first |
| First-time new transfer students with a filed FAFSA, Pell-eligible and AGI $85K or less, Texas resident, from a two-year college with an associate degree or earned 45 credit hours and may be combined with donor-funded scholarships | Full tuition (fees are not covered by this scholarship and will be billed separately) | up to 8 long semesters (fall and spring) or graduation, whichever comes first |
- Presidential and Blue and Gold: Maintain a minimum 2.75 semester GPA  and  institutional cumulative GPA
- President's Promise: Maintain a minimum 2.00 semester GPA  and institutional cumulative GPA
- Successfully enroll  and  complete a minimum of 15 East Texas A&M credit hours each fall/spring semester and 30 East Texas A&M credit hours each academic year
Donor-Funded and Departmental Scholarship Opportunities
Deadline: June 1, 2025
Admitted students can apply for donor-funded and departmental scholarship opportunities by completing matching questions and submitting applications. Students admitted to a CBE (Competency-Based Education) program or accepted under the PSA program are not eligible to apply for donor-funded scholarships.
The scholarship application cycle for donor-funded and departmental scholarships begins December 1. After applying, be sure to check the portal frequently for any new opportunities that may have opened up.Offer notifications will be sent via the student myLeo email address. Any offers need to be accepted by the acceptance deadlines. Any awards not accepted by the deadlines will be canceled and funds offered to other students. Canceled offers will not be reinstated.
Complete Matching Questions
Begin the scholarship application process by answering a set of matching questions in the Scholarship Portal. These questions are designed to identify scholarships you may qualify for based on your unique circumstances.
View Matched Scholarships
After every 10 questions, you will be shown a list of scholarships that match your answers so far. Review the list to explore your options.
Submit Applications
For each matched scholarship:
- Click to view the scholarship details.
- Complete the application form for that specific scholarship.
- Submit your application directly through the portal.
Note: If the application is the same for multiple scholarships, your answers will transfer automatically. However, you must still review and submit each application individually to ensure accuracy.
Save and Return
You can save your progress at any time by selecting the “Save and Keep Editing” option. This allows you to return later to complete your application process.
Need Help?
- Short Videos Coming Soon: We are currently creating helpful short videos to guide you through the application process. Check back soon!
- Questions?: Contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify applicants via their LeoMail account if a scholarship offer has been made.
June 1, 2025
As new scholarship opportunities are added regularly, please continue to log in to the Scholarship Portal for any new scholarship opportunities that may become available.
It is suggested that you ask a reference for permission to use them as a reference. Once you have applied, let them know to expect an email with instructions. This will assist with the timely completion of your reference.
If you have additional questions regarding the Scholarship Portal or the General Scholarship Application, please email [email protected].
Honors Program
The Honors College offers programs for incoming freshmen who apply in their senior year of high school and for current East Texas A&M and transfer students. As part of the Honors College, you will experience an interdisciplinary curriculum featuring unique and challenging courses. With small class sizes and personal faculty mentors, you will complete a capstone experience, such as working with a faculty member on a research project, engaging in an off-campus internship or a project of your own design! Honors College students are eligible to apply for Honors housing and for scholarships that can help offset tuition, fees, housing, meals and books.
For additional information, visit the Honors College website or email [email protected].
Outside Scholarships
Scholarships and awards from private outside and non-profit institutions and organizations are a great way to help finance your education.
East Texas A&M compiles a list of several outside scholarships. Students are also encouraged to search on their own. The scholarship directories below are a valuable resource for researching and finding many scholarships for which you may be eligible.
If you receive any award, typically scholarships or corporate sponsorships from a source other than East Texas A&M, you must report it to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships as soon as possible using the Outside Resource Form. An adjustment in your financial aid offer may be needed according to the guidelines of the aid programs currently offered. You may be required to repay the financial assistance you have received if you are no longer eligible for those aid programs.
You can find the Outside Resource Form on our Forms page. Fill it out and send it to [email protected].
If you receive any award, typically scholarships or corporate sponsorships from a source other than East Texas A&M, you must report it to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships as soon as possible using the Outside Resource Form. An adjustment in your financial aid offer may be needed according to the guidelines of the aid programs currently offered. You may be required to repay the financial assistance you have received if you are no longer eligible for those aid programs.
You can find the Outside Resource Form on our Forms page. Fill it out and send it to [email protected].
If you receive an outside scholarship or corporate sponsorship, please inform the donor to document the check or include a letter with the recipient’s name and the semester to which the funds apply. All scholarship/sponsorship/endowment money should be sent to:
Financial Aid and Scholarships
East Texas A&M University
P.O. Box 3011
Commerce, TX 75429
The links below are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement. Neither the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships nor East Texas A&M can guarantee the accuracy or the timeliness of the information on these sites.
Always be cautious and ensure that any scholarship found is legitimate and not a scam.
Homer Tate Initiative Scholarship
Homer Tate Initiative Scholarship
The Homer Tate Initiative Scholarship was established to assist students with funding in their last term before graduation. Scholarships are limited to only undergraduate and graduate students in their last remaining 3 credit hours.
To qualify for the Homer Tate Initiative Scholarship, a student must:
- Be a FAFSA or TASFA financial aid applicant in good standing with Financial Aid.
- Be enrolled in the last 3 credit hours required to complete the degree.
- Be graduating at the end of the semester for which the student is applying for the scholarship, and understand they must have a Graduation Application on file with the Registrar’s Office.
- Provide a complete application which includes information from their Academic Advisor as documentation of remaining course requirement to complete degree.
- Have a balance due after any offered financial aid is applied.
- Students pursuing Competency Based degrees, such as the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Organizational Leadership and Competency Based Criminal Justice (CBCJ), are not eligible to apply for East Texas A&M University scholarships.
- Complete the Application form for Homer Tate Scholarship.
- Applications must be submitted on or before the 12th class day of the fall or spring semester of the 4th class day of the summer semester.
- Scholarship applications are reviewed in the order received.
- Check your LeoMail for communication regarding the scholarship.
- Funding is limited, so apply today!
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an International Student. Am I eligible to apply?
Unfortunately, no. You must also be a financial aid applicant with a FAFSA or TASFA application on file.
What if I was offered financial aid, but declined it?
If the offered amount was sufficient to cover your balance, then you would not be eligible to apply for the scholarship. “Financial aid” includes scholarships, grants, and loans. Keep in mind that most federal and institution funds will not disburse for students in 3 credit hours.
What is a graduation application?
A graduation application is your application to graduate from the university and receive your diploma.
I applied. What happens now?
Please continue to monitor your LeoMail for communication regarding the scholarship.
What if I have additional questions not covered in this FAQ?
Will I increase my chances of being awarded the scholarship by providing a resume or academic records?
What if I graduate in a different term than the current one?
You would be eligible to apply for your very last semester.
If you choose to apply early, please understand that applications will be processed for the current term only, after the application deadline. For example – if you are graduating in Summer II, and it is currently the May Mini, your application will not be processed until after the census date of Summer II.
We will continue to open the scholarship application each semester, until funding is depleted.
What if I am on a payment plan?
If awarded the scholarship, it could still pay the amount you were billed for applicable tuition and applicable fees.
What if financial aid already paid my balance?
What if I already paid my balance out of pocket?
If awarded the scholarship, it would still pay the amount you were billed for tuition and applicable fees (unless you were offered sufficient financial aid to cover your balance, and declined it). Keep in mind that most federal and institution funds will not disburse for students in 3 credit hours.
What if I am transferring in coursework?
Please provide documentation of the outside coursework, and apply for Homer Tate for your last 3 hours at this institution. Homer Tate funds cannot be applied to outside coursework. You may be eligible to complete a Consortium Agreement. Eligibility for Homer Tate will be determined by the Scholarship Office.