Bobcat Promise

Bobcat Logo with Bobcat Promise underneath

Helping guarantee all Texas children have access to a higher education, regardless of their family's financial resources.

To increase access to higher education, Texas State University offers the Bobcat Promise. This program guarantees free tuition and mandatory fees for 15 credit hours per semester to new entering freshmen with a FAFSA income that does not exceed $50,000. In addition, the program will cover the cost of the required US1100 course. The amount awarded under this program is equal to the tuition and fees reflected in the Texas resident cost of attendance, and any award or combination of awards cannot exceed one's demonstrated need.

Eligible students must apply and be accepted for admission, as well as submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), no later than March 15 prior to the upcoming academic year in order to receive the guaranteed funds. Students may qualify for the program for up to eight continuous long semesters (fall and spring). 

Under the Bobcat Promise, tuition and mandatory fees will be paid (up to a student’s demonstrated need) through a combination of federal, state and institutional funds. These funds include, but are not limited to, Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), TEXAS Grant, Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG), Texas State Tuition Grant (TSTG), institutional scholarships, college work–study, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Bobcat Promise, you must:

  • Be an entering first-time freshman (transfer students are not eligible)
  • Be a Texas resident
  • Have a FAFSA income of $50,000 or less
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours (excluding CLEP and AP courses) each fall and spring semester
  • Apply and be accepted for admission, as well as submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), no later than March 15 prior to the upcoming academic year
  • Have financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA

Disclaimer - In accordance with NCAA rules, current and prospective student-athletes will be awarded on an individual basis. In some cases, certain forms of financial assistance (such as those offered via the Bobcat Promise) may not be awarded to or accepted by a student-athlete.

Renewal Criteria

To continue being eligible for the Bobcat Promise after the first year, you must:

  • Maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 Texas State GPA (reviewed each May)
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours (excluding CLEP and AP courses) each fall and spring semester
  • Meet the institutional and program-specific (e.g., Texas Grant) Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
  • Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 prior to the upcoming academic year
  • Continue to have a FAFSA income of $50,000 or less
  • Have financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA

 Any combination of aid, including outside scholarships, will not exceed the cost of attendance.