I grew up in Texas. When I decided to go back to school, I spent three weeks Googling "grants for women in Texas" and getting the same vague list over and over again. "Apply for FAFSA. Check with your school." That is not a guide. That is a suggestion.
So I made the guide I wish I had. Every grant, every amount, every step. If you are a woman in Texas trying to fund your education, this is your roadmap.
Texas State Grants
Texas actually has some of the best state grant programs in the country. Here are the ones you should know about.
| Grant | Amount | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEXAS Grant | Up to $8,464/yr | TX resident, financial need, public university | File FAFSA (auto considered) |
| Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) | Varies by school | TX resident, financial need | File FAFSA (auto considered) |
| Texas Educational Opportunity Grant | Up to $2,814/yr | Community college students, financial need | File FAFSA (auto considered) |
| Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) | Up to $5,241/yr | TX resident at a private nonprofit school | File FAFSA (auto considered) |
The TEXAS Grant alone can cover most of your tuition at a public university. Stack it with a Pell Grant and you could have $15,000 or more per year in free money.
Federal Grants (Available in Every State)
Do not forget the federal options. These work the same in Texas as anywhere else, and they stack on top of state grants.
Stacking Grants in Texas: What Is Possible
Private Grants and Scholarships for Texas Women
Beyond government programs, there are organizations specifically funding Texas women.
- Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women's Foundation offers scholarships for women 25 and older pursuing education in Texas.
- Hispanic Women's Network of Texas provides scholarships for Latina women in Texas schools.
- Junior League scholarships are available through local chapters across Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and more).
- Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is available to women with primary financial responsibility for dependents, with several Texas clubs participating.
- Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards grants to women 35 and older with financial need.
Workforce Development Programs
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) runs programs that pay for training and certificates in high demand fields. If you qualify, they will cover tuition, books, and sometimes even childcare and transportation.
Call your local Workforce Solutions office and ask about WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding. It is specifically designed for adults who need training to get better jobs.
Want a Personalized List for Your Situation?
My free grant finder will match you with every grant you qualify for based on your income, your goals, and where you live in Texas. It takes about 2 minutes.
Find My GrantsYour Step by Step Plan
- Step 1: File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. This unlocks both federal and Texas state grants automatically.
- Step 2: Contact the financial aid office at your school (or the school you are considering). Ask specifically about institutional grants for adult learners or women returning to school.
- Step 3: Call your local Workforce Solutions office and ask about WIOA training funds.
- Step 4: Apply for at least two private scholarships from the list above.
- Step 5: Use my grant finder to make sure you have not missed anything.
Texas women have more funding options than most people realize. The money is there. You just need to know where to look and how to stack it. For a national view of all the options, check out grants for women going back to school. And if you are a single mom, I have a specific list of grants single moms actually qualify for.
Texas Grant Programs Comparison
| Program | Max Amount | Type | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEXAS Grant | $10,340/year | Need based | Texas resident, enrolled at public university, financial need |
| Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) | $5,340/year | Need based | Texas resident, enrolled at private nonprofit school |
| Hazlewood Act | Up to 150 credit hours free | Military benefit | Texas veteran or dependent, honorable discharge |
| Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) | Varies by school | Need based | Texas resident, enrolled at public institution |
| Federal Pell Grant | $7,395/year | Need based | U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, financial need |
Here is what makes Texas special. You can stack the TEXAS Grant on top of your Pell Grant. A Texas woman with financial need at a public university could receive up to $17,735 per year in just those two programs. Add institutional aid and private scholarships, and many students attend for free or close to it.
The Hazlewood Act: Texas's Best Kept Secret
If you or your spouse served in the military, the Hazlewood Act is one of the most generous education benefits in any state. It provides up to 150 credit hours of free tuition at any Texas public college or university. That is enough for a bachelor's degree and then some.
What many people do not know is that unused Hazlewood benefits can be transferred to children. If you are a veteran who already has a degree, your kids may be able to use your remaining hours. The benefit also covers fees, not just tuition, which saves even more.
To qualify, you must be a Texas resident, have an honorable discharge, and have used all your federal veteran education benefits first (like the GI Bill). Apply through the school's financial aid or veteran affairs office.
Texas Specific Resources Most Women Miss
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) training programs. If you are unemployed or underemployed, TWC offers funded training programs through local Workforce Solutions offices. These can cover certificate programs, childcare during training, and even transportation costs. Visit workintexas.com to find your local office.
SNAP Employment and Training. If you receive SNAP benefits, you may qualify for free education and training programs. Texas participates in the SNAP E&T program, which can fund certificate programs, GED completion, and job training.
Childcare assistance through CCMS. Texas Child Care Management Services provides subsidized childcare for parents in school. Income limits are generous, and the program covers a large portion of childcare costs. This alone can save you thousands per year.
Community college partnerships. Texas community colleges like Lone Star College, Austin Community College, and Dallas College have specific programs for adult women returning to education. Many offer evening, weekend, and fully online options designed for working parents.
Your Texas Grant Action Plan
- File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. This is required for nearly every Texas grant program. File as early as possible. Texas operates on a first come, first served basis for many state grants.
- Complete the TASFA if needed. The Texas Application for State Financial Aid is for Texas residents who do not qualify for federal aid. It opens up state grant programs that the FAFSA does not cover.
- Apply to at least two Texas public schools. The TEXAS Grant and TPEG are only available at public institutions. Community colleges are the most affordable starting point.
- Visit your local Workforce Solutions office. Explain that you want to go back to school. Ask about funded training, childcare assistance, and any programs for women.
- Check the Hazlewood Act. If you or your spouse has any military service, even brief, check eligibility. The benefit is enormous.
- Apply for CCMS childcare early. Waitlists can be long in some areas. Apply before the semester starts so you have childcare locked in.
Common Questions About Texas Grants
Q: Do I need to be a Texas resident to get state grants?
Yes. Most Texas state grants require you to have been a Texas resident for at least 12 months. If you just moved to Texas, you may need to wait a year. Federal Pell Grants have no state residency requirement.
Q: Can I get the TEXAS Grant at a community college?
The TEXAS Grant is for public universities only. However, community college students can access the TPEG and Pell Grants. Many community colleges also have their own institutional grants.
Q: What if I am undocumented or have DACA?
You cannot file a FAFSA, but you can file a TASFA (Texas Application for State Financial Aid). This makes you eligible for state grants like the TEXAS Grant and TEG. Texas is one of the more accessible states for undocumented students.
Q: How much can I realistically get in total?
A Texas woman with financial need at a public university could realistically receive $7,395 (Pell) plus $10,340 (TEXAS Grant) plus institutional aid. Combined packages of $15,000 to $20,000 per year are not unusual. Use our grant finder to get a personalized estimate.
Take our benefits check to see your full picture. Texas has some of the best education support in the country. Do not leave it on the table.
A Texas Community Story
A woman named Maria in our community lives in San Antonio. She was 37, working as a cashier earning $12.50 an hour, and raising two kids on her own. She had always wanted to work in healthcare but assumed she could not afford school.
She filed her FAFSA on a Saturday night after her kids went to bed. Two weeks later, she found out she qualified for a $6,100 Pell Grant and a $4,800 TEXAS Grant. She also received $2,200 in institutional aid from her community college. Her total aid was $13,100 for a medical billing program that cost $7,400.
After covering tuition and books, she had over $5,000 left for childcare and living expenses. She finished her certificate in 10 months and now earns $21 an hour working remotely. She told me she still cannot believe all that money was just sitting there waiting for her to ask.
You got this,
Elera
Sources: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2023; Federal Student Aid, 2023; Texas Workforce Commission, 2023; College Board, Trends in Student Aid, 2023.
