How TCU’s new financial aid packet compares to other Texas universities
For a lot of Texas families, college isn’t just about getting in, it’s about figuring out how to pay for it without drowning in debt.
That’s why TCU is getting so much attention. It recently announced a new program for qualifying students that will cover full tuition and will help pay for housing and food starting in fall 2026.
This new aid program, when compared with other Texas universities, is one of the most generous in the state. Other schools also have tuition-guarantee programs for low-income, in-state students, but what’s included and what’s not varies a lot.
Here’s how TCU’s program stacks up to others across the state.
TCU: TCU for Texans
The “TCU for Texans” program, announced August 4, is one of the most generous financial aid offers from a private university in Texas. It’s designed to remove financial barriers for Pell-eligible Texas residents from families making $70,000 or less.
What it covers: Full tuition, plus assistance for housing and meals.
What’s not covered: Fees, books and personal expenses.
Eligibility: First-year undergraduate students who are from a Texas family with an adjusted gross income (AGI) below $70,000, are Pell Grant-eligible and have a FAFSA/TASFA submitted by Nov 1, 2025 are eligible for this program. Eligibility will be reassessed every year based on a student’s need.
Baylor University: Baylor Benefit
Launched for Fall 2025, Baylor’s “Baylor Benefit” program offers full tuition to select incoming freshmen from Texas with the highest financial need.
What it covers: Full tuition.
What’s not covered: Housing, meals, fees, books or personal expenses.
Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who are Texas residents with an AGI of $50,000 or less. Students must submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile and complete a Baylor Benefit application. Must maintain financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA to renew for up to eight semesters.
Texas A&M at College Station: Aggie Assurance
Texas A&M’s Aggie Assurance program has been around since 2008 and is aimed at helping low-income Texas families afford college without loans. It focuses on covering tuition and fees after other aid has been applied.
What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees not already covered by other grants.
What’s not covered: Housing, meals, books, parking, or personal expenses.
Eligibility: Texas residents with a family income and assets of less than $60,0000. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit FAFSA/TASFA .
Texas A&M at San Antonio: Jaguar Promise
The newly-launched Jaguar Promise program is tailored for high-achieving, low-income students looking for an affordable option closer to home.
What it covers: Tuition, fees, and a $300 per semester book stipend (last-dollar after other aid).
What’s not covered: Housing or meal plans.
Eligibility: Texas residents in the top 10% of their high school class or who have earned at least 30 credits from an Early College High School; students in the top 35% of their high school class and have a family AGI of $70,000 or less; transfer students who have earned an Associate’s degree or at least 60 college credits have a family AGI of of $70,000 or less are eligible.
University of Texas System (UT Austin, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, etc.): Promise Plus
The UT System’s tuition guarantee programs began with UT Austin’s $167 million endowment in 2019. It now stretches across all UT campuses including UTA, UT Dallas, UTSA, and others. Each school sets its own AGI threshold, but the goal is the same: to make tuition-free education a reality for more Texans.
What it covers: Tuition and mandatory fees.
What’s not covered: Housing, meals, books.
Eligibility: Texas residents; AGI limits vary by campus (UT Austin covers up to $100,000); must be first-time undergrads enrolled full-time.
University of Houston: Cougar Promise
The Cougar Promise at UH is one of the more expansive programs when it comes to income flexibility. The program guarantees coverage of tuition and mandatory fees from grant assistance and other sources for eligible students with family incomes at or below $65,000. For those with family incomes between $65,001 $125,000, the Cougar Promise offers partial tuition support.
What it covers: Full tuition for AGI at or below $65,000
What’s not covered: Housing, meals, books.
Eligibility: Texas residents; first-time full-time undergrads with demonstrated need.
Texas Wesleyan University: Tuition Promise
Starting this fall, Texas Wesleyan will offer a free tuition program for first-time college students who qualify for the full Pell Grant. The program aims to make Texas Wesleyan’s campus more accessible to students from all over the state.
What it covers: Full tuition not already covered by the Pell Grant. Renewable for up to 4 years.
What’s not covered: Housing, meals, books, or personal expenses though additional scholarships may be available.
Eligibility: Must be a Texas resident, first-time college student, qualify for full Pell Grant eligibility, and submit the FAFSA. Full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress is required to renew.
Rice University: The Rice Investment
Rice was ahead of the curve in 2019 when it launched The Rice Investment, a tiered financial aid program based on family income. It remains one of the most generous need-based aid offers in the state, especially for students from families earning less than $130,000.
What it covers: Families making $75,000 or less get full tuition, fees, room and board. Those making up to $140,000 get full tuition.
What’s not covered: Books and personal expenses.
Eligibility: Students must demonstrate financial need and meet the income requirements.
