Has your student considered early graduation? If so, there is a new program in Texas to support them! In an effort to retain some of the brightest minds in Texas, the state has created the Texas First Early High School Completion Program for students who are interested in early graduation. The program is designed to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school and earn a scholarship for one or two semesters at Texas public colleges and universities.
In order to take advantage of the program, students must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a Texas resident
- Complete the FAFSA/TAFSA
- Earn 22 high school credits
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale
- Perform at the 80th percentile or higher on a college readiness assessment or have a GPA in the top 10% of the class
- Pass the Algebra 1, Biology, and English I or II EOCs
- Demonstrate mastery in the core subject areas and a world language
Students who meet these requirements and graduate two or more semesters before their class receive a two-semester scholarship equivalent to the amount of the TEXAS grant to a participating university. 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 of these institutions. 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.
Be mindful that the Texas First Diploma does not guarantee automatic admission for students. Students still must meet the admissions requirements for the institution they wish to attend. Students 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. Students who graduate early with a Texas First Diploma may apply to any college or university they choose, but the scholarship opportunity will only apply toward attendance at one of the participating universities. It is recommended that interested students contact the admissions office of the university they plan to attend in order to clarify any institutional expectations for high school credits for early graduates.
Visit the Texas First Diploma and Scholarship website for more information. There you will find an informative slide deck and links to additional information. Your counselors will have to submit a verification confirmation form as part of the scholarship application process. You will want to let your counselor know as soon as you determine you are interested in graduating early so they can provide guidance and support.
Michelle Swain is the Director of Gifted and Advanced Academics at Round Rock ISD