Individual Institutions
FIRST, check the institutions to which you are applying for admission. The bulk of finanical aid and scholarship opportunity can often come directly from the colleges you're applying to. Each College/University often has their own financial aid and scholarship process and that can vary from instituion to instiution, so it is always best to ask questions of the Financial Aid Offices at your prospective schools.
Many institutions may recommend or require students to complete the FAFSA or the CCS Profile to help institutions determine financial aid options. See below for more details.
Investing time in researching scholarships can open doors to valuable financial support for college and reduce future student debt. By carefully reviewing eligibility requirements and application details, you can submit stronger applications and maximize your chances of earning free money for your education. See below for more details about ways to access more scholarship opportunities.
We encourage seniors and their parents to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can begin filling out this application when it opens in October of the year prior to starting college to determine financial aid eligibility and often it is a requirement for institutional merit-based scholarships. Each school will have their own priority deadline, however financial aid is first-come, first-served. Filing the FAFSA is easier than ever since it will be relying on prior prior year income and tax information and will automatically link to your tax information.
FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid // video overview
All colleges will require the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid (grants, loans, work-study)
The FAFSA application opens each year on October 1 and must be completed annually
The Federal Student Aid Estimator can be used to estimate your eligibility for federal student aid using past tax information. For more information about financial aid, check out FinAid.
Students and Parents may also reach out to the Texas Financial Aid Information Center for help with filling out the form at home by calling 1-888-311-8881.
Some private institutions may require the FAFSA and CSS Profile
The CSS Profile opens each year on October 1 and must be completed annually
Scholarships are a form of financial aid, but are considered merit-based (and may have a need-based component)
Scholarships (video)
NAVIANCE: Under the Colleges tab, there is a section devoted specifically for scholarships. You will need to sift through the many opportunities, but there are many right at your fingertips.
Networking: Parents, reach out to your work corporations and see if there are any scholarship opportunities that they may provide.
See below for specific scholarship oppotunities that have come our way
Understanding the Costs of College (video)
Check this page frequently for updated scholarship opportunities
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS:
Deadline: March 25, 2026 - LISD Council of PTAs Scholarship: The Council of PTAs wishes to recognize the outstanding efforts and personal achievements of our student PTSA members and their commitment to backing the future with PTA. Information and Application
Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Vandegrift High Schoool PTSA Senior Scholarship: Three outstanding students will receive up to $1000 to support their post-secondary plans. Applicants must have been a PTSA member as of December 1, 2025. Information and Application
Deadline: April 27, 2026 - The Graylan Spring Memorial Scholarship: Graylan Spring graduated from Vandegrift High School in 2022. Tragically, on January 21, 2023—just 8 months after graduation—Graylan lost his life in an auto accident. In his honor, his family has established this scholarship for dedicated Senior athletes who show drive and desire to make an impact both on the field and off. Information and Application
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS:
Deadlines Vary- Horatio Alger Scholarship Association - Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students in various stages of their academic careers to achieve their educational goals and realize their potential. Information and Application
Deadline: March 15, 2026 - UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program - UCB will award 30 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 3 scholarships of up to $10,000 to people living with epilepsy, their family members, and caregivers pursuing higher education. Information & Application
Deadline: March 27, 2026 - Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Scholarship - Leander Area Republican Women has created the Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock Scholarship to encourage young people in our community to read and explore the United States (U.S.) Constitution. By learning about this important document, students can better understand its impact on our country and their own lives, becoming more informed and engaged citizens. Information and Application
Deadline: March 31, 2026 - SOAR College Scholarships - Available to outstanding women pursuing college degrees - Information and Application
Deadline: March 31, 2026 - SOAR Trades Skills Scholarships - Available to students of all genders pursuing skilled trades, technical certifications, apprenticeships, and applied career training. Information and Application
Deadline: April 1, 2026 - The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence's Men's Scholarship - The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. Information and Application
Deadline: April 1, 2026 - Vinson & Elkins Scholarship - The Foundation will award $10,000 scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors in the greater Austin, Dallas, and Houston areas who are interested in pursuing a career in law. Scholarship recipients may also be eligible for a paid summer internship opportunity if the Firm hosts an intern program. Information & Application
Deadline: April 30, 2026 - Norton Moses Masonic Lodge Scholarship - Norton Moses Lodge No. 336 is proud to support the education of local students through our annual scholarship program. Information and Application
Deadline: May May 22, 2026 - TILF Scholarships for UIL Participants - Available to students who participated in any UIL event at the state level. Information and Application
Deadline: February 25, 2026 - Pedernales Electrical Co-Op Scholarship - Education powers the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why PEC is proud to support Central Texas through its youth programs, educational foundation giving, and scholarships. Each year, PEC awards $100,000 in scholarships to regional students who will attend the college, university, technical school, or trade school of their choice. Information and Application
Deadline: February 27, 2026 - Cancer Pathways Teen Writing Contest - Over the last 19 years, Cancer Pathways has asked teenagers to submit essays about their impact with a cancer diagnosis, either their own, or a loved one’s. Each year we receive honest, heartfelt, and unique stories from teens about the impact cancer has had on their lives. Students with winning essays receive $1,000 in cash prize for sharing their stories. Information and Application
Deadline: December 30, 2025 - The Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders - The Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for young Hispanic Leaders seeks to recognize Hispanic students who share Dr. Andrade’s lifelong commitment to servant leadership. Information and Application
Deadline: December 31, 2025 - AIAA Roger W. Kahn Scholarship -The Roger W. Kahn Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Roger Kahn (1907–1962) and his passion for aviation and entertainment. AIAA is awarding up to four $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who enroll in an engineering major at a college or university! Information and Application
Deadline: January 5, 2026 - Texas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship - For 2025-2026, the Travis Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) will award three (3) scholarships of $2500 each to high school seniors committed to pursuing a BS degree in an engineering program at an ABET-accredited (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) college or university. Information and Application
Deadline: January 7, 2026 - The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of students who aspire to attend college but to guide them through the process of higher education. Information and Application
Deadline: January 15, 2026 - Ava Crofford Community Service Award - The Soroptimist Ava Crofford Community Service Award is presented annually to recognize the exceptional contributions of young women to their homes, schools, communities, countries, and the world. Established in 2000 in memory of Ava Crofford, a beloved charter member of our club, this award honors her lasting impact on our club. Her legacy continues to inspire our efforts to empower women and girls. Information and Application
Deadline: December 15, 2025 - Science Ambassador Scholarship - Cards Against Humanity's annual scholarship for undergraduate women and non-binary students in science, technology, engineering, or math. Now offering five $20,000 tuition scholarships for the 2026 academic year! Information and Application
Deadline: November 30, 2025 - Rumba Meats Scholarship - Rumba Meats, part of the Cargill family of brands, helps the Hispanic community celebrate their culture and preserve their heritage through food. Through a partnership with United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, Rumba is awarding 25 post-secondary academic scholarships of $1,000 each and helping empower today’s Hispanic youth to become tomorrow’s leaders. Information and Application
Deadline: December 1, 2025 - Ron Brown Scholar Program - The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.
Deadline: December 1, 2025 - Hagan Scholarship Foundation - The Hagan Scholarship is a need-based merit scholarship for goal-driven students in the graduating high school class. Information and Application
Deadline: October 31, 2025 - VFW Voice of Democracy Competition - Submit an audio and written essay. Local winners advance through District and State levels, with national scholarships ranging from $100 to over $35,000. Information and Application
Deadline: November 2, 2025 - Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - Seeking exceptional students from the Class of 2026 who are ready to make their mark in higher education or launch community-focused initiatives. Our award categories include Community Service, Engineering, Green Sustainability, and Technology, with additional categories being added throughout the awards season. Information and Application