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10 Game-Changing Scholarships for Aggies

For the thousands of students who attend Texas A&M University thanks to the support of donors, the old saying is true: every bit counts.

By Anna Cairns

January 20, 2022

While some may believe that only the wealthiest can afford to fund a scholarship, the truth is that most people can give in some way, big or small. There are many ways to give the gift of an Aggie education, ranging from one-time pass-through gifts to endowing a scholarship that will support students in perpetuity.  

The minimum amount to establish an endowed scholarship is $25,000, but there are many creative ways to meet this goal, such as matching gifts, pledge payments (a gift paid over five years) or pooled funds (where many individuals, like friends or family, contribute collectively toward an endowment).  

More than half of all students at Texas A&M University receive scholarships, and private donations play a large role in making an Aggie education accessible to qualified students. For the thousands of students that attend Texas A&M thanks to the support of donors, the old saying is true: every bit counts. 

Check out 10 game-changing scholarships for Aggies below: 

1. Aggie Veteran Scholarships

As a university that began as a senior military college, appreciation and respect for our nation’s current, former and future service members runs deep in Aggieland. You can support Texas A&M’s proud military history by establishing scholarships for Aggie student veterans or their spouses. Most student veterans are unable to finish their degree within the 36-month GI Bill limitation, and while Hazelwood benefits help fill the gap, these non-traditional students still struggle financially. There are three levels of veteran scholarship support, ranging from endowments of $25,000 to $100,000, that provide annual stipends to students ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. 
 

2. Corps of Cadets Scholarships 

The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is the largest, oldest and most visible student organization and leadership training program at Texas A&M University. The Corps develops well-educated leaders of character who embody the values of honor, courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service. Cadets are academically successful, highly sought-after and prepared for global leadership challenges of the future. There are four levels of Corps scholarship support that provide annual stipends to students ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. These include: Keepers of the Spirit Scholarships, Corps 21 Scholarships, General Rudder Corps Scholarships and Sul Ross Scholarships.
 

  • Focus on Education

    “One of my biggest fears coming into college was the financial burden that it would place on me and my family. My scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education and my duties as a cadet without having to worry about money.”

    - Hajin Seo ’21, recipient of a scholarship from the late William “Bill” Warner ’45

3. Endowed Opportunity Awards  

Endowed Opportunity Awards are for incoming freshmen who have exhibited a high degree of character, extracurricular involvement, leadership ability and, in most cases, evidence of financial need. A $25,000 gift will permanently endow an award to provide one student an annual stipend for four years.  

4. Foundation Excellence Awards 

Since 1999, Foundation Excellence Award scholarships have helped recruit and retain outstanding students from historically underserved groups and those from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. 

You can create a non-endowed FEA with a $10,000 gift, payable immediately or at $2,500 for four years. Alternatively, through a $50,000 gift, you can endow an FEA that will support Aggies for generations.

Your FEA can support a student of your choice, such as from a specific geographic region or pursuing a specific major, at the College Station or Galveston campuses. 

  • The Right Choice

    “This scholarship, along with other opportunities being an Aggie has presented me, proves I made the right choice in attending Texas A&M.”

    - Bailey Coombes '22, Robert C. and Martha (Weiblen) Lee Endowed Opportunity Award recipient

5. Global Study Scholarships 

Global study scholarships allow students in our increasingly interdependent world to acquire firsthand understanding of different cultures. Students who have studied abroad gain an advantage in the business and academic worlds, and they enjoy unforgettable experiences. Study abroad opportunities are available for all Texas A&M students, freshmen through Ph.D. candidates. Students can be in a large group or study in an individual program, and programs vary in length. A $25,000 gift provides a student with a one-year award. Every year, a new student will benefit from the scholarship.  

6. Graduate Fellowships 

The State of Texas contributes limited amounts to Texas A&M’s graduate programs, so private support is essential. Whether they leave with master’s or doctoral degrees, Aggie graduate students take their values with them to their workplaces and their new communities. Those who become professors share their Aggie work ethic and leadership skills with thousands more. When you fund a graduate fellowship, you support a graduate student with yearly stipends. A $25,000 gift can endow a graduate fellowship, but the amount of the yearly award depends on the amount of your donation.  

  • It Speaks Volumes

    “When individuals like my FEA donor create scholarships, it speaks volumes to the trust and belief Aggies have toward each other. The commitment that donors and former students express for Texas A&M and its students is exactly what makes our university stand out.”

    - John-Beloved Osho ’22, G. Philip Huey ’52 Foundation Excellence Award recipient

7. Southerland Aggie Leader Scholarships 

The Southerland Aggie Leader Scholarship program was created to recognize and reward student involvement and leadership at Texas A&M University. Student leaders are dedicated to Texas A&M and are an important element in the success of our campus. This scholarship reflects Texas A&M University’s commitment to learning, leadership and service both in and out of the classroom. A $25,000 gift provides a student with a one-year award. Every year, a new student will benefit from the scholarship.  
 

8. Regents’ Scholarships 

The Regents’ Scholars Program supports first-generation undergraduates whose total family income is less than $40,000 per year. Recipients must live on campus during their freshman year and participate in one of Texas A&M’s learning communities. A $100,000 gift will permanently endow an award to provide one student an annual stipend for four years.  
 

  • Benevolent Spirit

    “Receiving the President’s Endowed Scholarship has enabled me to take full advantage of all Texas A&M has to offer. I am so inspired by the benevolent spirit my donors displayed through investing in me and believing in my potential to succeed.”

    - Hannah An ’22 ’23, Texas A&M Women Former Students’ Network President’s Endowed Scholarship recipient

9. President’s Endowed Scholarships 

Since 1968, the merit-based President’s Endowed Scholarship (PES) program has been inspiring high-achieving high school seniors to make Texas A&M University their school of choice. The PES rewards incoming Texas A&M freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements in high school. Financial information is not considered. A $100,000 gift will permanently endow a PES to provide one student an annual stipend for four years.  

10. Customized Scholarship (Create Your Own) 

You can also create a general scholarship of your own design rather than giving through one of our existing programs. These general scholarships are often established through the university’s various colleges and are major-specific. Just like scholarships given through one of our existing programs, you can name your general scholarship in memory or honor of a person, class or organization of your choice, and you can direct it to support a student of any classification in a particular major, field of study, or from a specific geographic region. Endowed general scholarships begin at $25,000.  

Not quite ready to create your own endowment? That’s okay! There are two general endowed scholarship funds at the Foundation that you can contribute to online with gifts of $25 or more. Because these funds are endowed, your gift to either one will help grow its value and, in turn, support more students over time. Check them out below.
 

Need-Based Scholarship

This pooled account supports scholarships for students based on their financial need, while academic achievements are also considered.

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Academic Merit Scholarship

This pooled account supports scholarships for students based solely on their academic achievements.

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A few of our scholarship programs have specific development officer contacts, indicated above. For inquiries about any of the other scholarship programs, please contact our Assistant Vice President for Discovery Programs Steve Blomstedt ’83.  

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Contact

  • Steve Blomstedt '83

  • Assistant Vice President for Discovery Programs
  • Discovery
  • Call: 979.599.9623

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