Texas State University's Bobcat Promise is expanding for the fall 2027 freshman class. First-time freshmen who graduate in the top 25% of their high school class with family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less will get free tuition and mandatory fees, Texas State announced on September 1, 2026. Students from families earning $50,000 or less remain eligible regardless of class rank.
Bobcat Promise, fall 2027
| Family AGI | Class rank | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Any | Yes |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | Top 25% of high school class | Yes (new for fall 2027) |
| $50,001 to $100,000 | Below top 25% | No |
The program covers full tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters). Texas State expects the expansion to benefit about 3,400 incoming freshmen.
Who's eligible
Per Texas State, a student must:
- be a Texas resident who graduated from a Texas high school;
- meet the applicable family income requirement (and class-rank requirement above $50,000);
- enter as a first-time freshman;
- enroll full-time and complete at least 15 credit hours each fall and spring semester at the San Marcos or Round Rock campus.
Why class rank now matters
For families between $50,000 and $100,000, the new rule makes the top 25% the line -- the same threshold Texas now uses to require TEXAS Grant offers to eligible high-need students. Texas State was also one of the most popular destinations for Texas's 2024 high school graduates, enrolling at least 5,362 -- see where Texas graduates go to college.
What this means for you
- Seniors applying for fall 2027: check your class rank. Top 25% plus AGI of $100,000 or less means free tuition and mandatory fees.
- Plan on 15 credits a semester -- more than the 12-hour full-time minimum many programs use.
- File the 2027-28 FAFSA or TASFA early and watch Texas State's deadlines.
- Compare it with other Texas programs in free tuition at Texas public universities.