The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) awards up to $15,000 per year to Texas students attending a public or private nonprofit college. Eligibility requires a 3.0+ GPA, SAT 1070+/ACT 23+, top 1/3 class rank, or a Distinguished/IB diploma. Nomination by a legislator or governor required.
| Scholarship | Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program |
|---|
| Academic Requirements | 3.0+ GPA SAT 1070+ / ACT 23+ Top 1/3 class rank Distinguished/IB graduation program. |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to $15,000 per year (max $60,000 over four years). |
| Residency | Enroll in a Texas public or private (nonprofit) college or university. |
| Military Commitment | 4 Years of ROTC and four years of military service after graduation. |
| Who Can Apply? | Texas students nominated by a state legislator, the governor, or the lieutenant governor. |
| Award Duration | Renewable for up to four years (must graduate within six years). |
| Nomination Process | Nominated by a Texas senator, representative, governor, or lieutenant governor. |
| Application Steps | 1. Secure nomination → 2. Apply via THECB → 3. Sign promissory note → 4. Enroll in ROTC & maintain GPA. |
| Post-Graduation Service | Serve four years in the Texas National Guard, State Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, or U.S. Armed Forces as a commissioned officer. |
| Repayment Terms (if obligations not met) | Converts into a loan with 15-year repayment, $100 minimum monthly payments, and accruing interest. |
| Apply | http://www.hhloans.com/ |
Thinking about college and military service but worried about the cost? The Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) might be the golden ticket.
This state-funded scholarship offers up to $15,000 per academic year to students committed to higher education and serving in the military.
Eligibility Requirements
Not just anyone can grab this scholarship. You need to be nominated by a Texas state legislator, the governor, or the lieutenant governor—meaning you’ll want to reach out early and make your case.
To be eligible, you must meet at least two of these four academic requirements:
- High School Graduation Program: Graduated (or on track to graduate) with
- Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP)
- Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
- Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Test Scores:
- SAT: Minimum score of 1070
- ACT: Minimum score of 23
Class Rank: Be ranked in the top third of your high school graduating class.
Other Key Requirements
- Texas Residency: You must enroll in a Texas public or private (nonprofit) college or university.
- Military Commitment: Complete four years of ROTC training and commit to four years of military service after graduation.
- Selective Service Registration: If applicable, you must be registered with Selective Service.
- Good Academic Standing: Must stay in good standing with your college and ROTC program.
Scholarship Amount
Up to $15,000 per year
That’s $60,000 over four years for tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses.
Limited Appointments:
Each year:
- Texas state senators and representatives can each nominate one student.
- The governor and lieutenant governor may each nominate two students.
Award Duration: You can receive the scholarship for up to four years, but you must graduate within six years.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Get Nominated
You must be nominated by a state senator, state representative, the governor, or the lieutenant governor.
Find your legislator here: Who Represents Me?
Governor’s Office: (512) 463-1828
Lt. Governor’s Office: (512) 463-0001
Step 2: Apply via the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
Once nominated, complete the TASSP application and submit all required documents.
Step 3: Sign the TASSP Agreement
This isn’t just free money—you’re making a commitment.
- You’ll sign a promissory note acknowledging that if you fail to meet the program’s requirements, the scholarship converts into a loan (more on that below).
Step 4: Enroll in ROTC and Stay on Track
- You must stay in an approved ROTC program for four years.
- Maintain your GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per academic year.
Nomination Deadline for 2024-25: August 30, 2024 (but always check for updates!).
What Happens After Graduation?
You must serve at least four years in one of the following:
- Texas Army National Guard
- Texas Air National Guard
- Texas State Guard
- United States Coast Guard
- United States Merchant Marine
- Any branch of the U.S. Armed Services as a commissioned officer
You must also graduate within six years of starting college.
Wait… What If I Don’t Meet the Requirements? (Read This Carefully)
This is where it gets serious. If you fail to meet TASSP requirements, the scholarship turns into a loan.
- Fail to complete ROTC training? Loan.
- Don’t fulfill your four-year military commitment? Loan.
- Drop out of school? Loan.
Loan Details:
- 15-year repayment period
- Minimum monthly payment: $100
- Interest accrues from the date of conversion
Moral of the story: Don’t take this scholarship unless you’re 100% committed to ROTC and military service.
Is TASSP Right for You?
TASSP isn’t just another scholarship—it’s a pathway to leadership in the military and a way to graduate debt-free.
If you’re serious about ROTC and serving as a military officer, this is an incredible opportunity.
But—this isn’t for everyone.
- If you’re unsure about military service, think carefully before applying.
- If you’re ready to commit, reach out to your legislator ASAP and start preparing your application.
