The Texas First Scholarship rewards Texas students who finish high school early: up to $10,798 for 2026-27 for graduating two or more semesters early, and $5,399 for graduating less than two semesters early, per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) FY2027 guidelines. It's tied to the Texas First Diploma, it isn't need-based, and it has to be used in the first year after graduation.
How much it's worth
THECB sets the amount as a share of the maximum annual (two-semester) TEXAS Grant:
| How early you graduate | 2026-27 Texas First Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Two or more semesters early | $10,798 -- a full annual maximum TEXAS Grant |
| Less than two semesters early | $5,399 -- half of that |
It's paid as a state credit that your college applies to your cost of attendance.
Who's eligible
Per THECB, you must:
- graduate early through the Texas First Early High School Completion Program with a Texas First Diploma, and meet the related high school graduation requirement;
- be a Texas resident and registered with Selective Service or exempt;
- enroll at an eligible Texas institution of higher education.
There's no FAFSA requirement and no income test; the state priority deadline doesn't apply.
How the process works
- Your high school counselor confirms you earned a Texas First Diploma and submits verification through Texas OnCourse.
- THECB issues a scholarship certificate and sends rosters to Texas public institutions.
- Your college checks your transcript for the Texas First Diploma -- the certificate alone isn't proof -- and applies the credit to your account when you enroll.
Use it or lose it
The credit expires at the end of the first academic year that begins after you graduate from high school. If you take a gap year, you lose it.
What this means for you
- Ask your counselor about the Texas First Diploma early in high school -- the scholarship only follows the diploma.
- Plan to enroll right away after graduating; the credit doesn't carry past that first year.
- It stacks with need-based aid. File the FAFSA or TASFA by the January 15 priority deadline for TEXAS Grant or TEOG too.