Texas first diploma

The Texas First Diploma recognizes high-achieving students. Eligible students can graduate early with the Distinguished Level of Achievement and receive a scholarship. 

The Texas First Diploma is designed to keep Texas’ best and brightest on a direct track to a postsecondary pathway here in our great state. Texas’ top students can accelerate their path to college and earn up to a year in scholarship dollars to attend select Texas institutions. 

Students who graduate early and earn a Texas First Diploma receive scholarships at participating institutions. 

Students who graduate two or more semesters before their class receive a two-semester scholarship to a participating university, equivalent to the amount of the TEXAS grant. Students who graduate one semester early receive a one-semester scholarship to a participating university. Students may also be eligible for additional financial aid at most institutions. 

The Texas First Diploma does not guarantee automatic admission for students. A student should consult their counselor for guidance on whether the student’s grade point average at graduation qualifies the student for automatic admission under the state’s top 10 percent law.

The scholarship offer will expire at the end of the first academic year following a student’s graduation, so students are encouraged to attend college directly after high school.  The scholarship is not based on financial need, but you do have to complete the FAFSA or TASFA. 

Students eligible must demonstrate the following:   

• Texas residency    

• FAFSA or TASFA completion    

• At least 22 high school credits and a final GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher   

• Additional academic requirements, including college readiness test scores, STAAR exam participation, and demonstration of mastery in various subjects.

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