With tuition costs rising, the Financial Aid Office at Texas Christian University is offering assistance through its Horned Frog Scholar Search.
According to the Horned Frog Scholar Search website, the university awards more than $4 million in merit and need-based scholarships each academic year funded by alumni and private donors. After completing a general application, students can access numerous scholarship opportunities.
Some scholarships require additional steps, while many rely solely on the general application. Key details from the Horned Frog Scholar Search include:
Current students planning to return for the 2026-27 academic year for undergraduate or graduate study, as well as admitted incoming students for 2026-27.
Requirements are based on multiple factors, including donor-stipulated requirements, academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.
Amounts and deadlines vary.
Scholarships apply to tuition only, with limited exceptions, such as internship scholarships.
Students whose tuition is already fully covered by scholarships may not be eligible for additional tuition awards through the portal. Combined federal, state and institutional aid may not exceed full tuition.
Scholarships are one-time awards and are nonrenewable.
Recipients are notified between May and October.
Students may apply annually for the following academic year (for example, February 2025 for the 2026-27 academic year).
Nancy Cathey, a scholarship coordinator, said TCU’s program stands out for supporting students beyond their first year.
“While many universities award merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen, TCU offers additional scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled students in their sophomore and later years,” Cathey said. “These scholarships can be combined with a student’s initial academic scholarship, providing further support for their academic journey.”
She added that recipients are chosen based on various criteria, including financial need, academic achievement, leadership and geographical region.
Cathey said the scholarships have a significant impact on students’ ability to remain enrolled.
“Many have shared that without this support, they wouldn’t be able to continue their education at TCU,” she said. “Beyond the financial assistance, scholarships provide a meaningful connection between students and our generous donors.”
Each year, the university’s Donor Relations Office hosts a scholarship banquet where recipients meet donors and express their gratitude. Some scholarships also include mentorship opportunities, pairing students with professionals in their field.
Students can apply for 2026-27 scholarships by completing the two-step process at tcu.academicworks.com. Applicants for need-based scholarships must also submit the 2026-27 FAFSA or TASFA at the time of application.
Additional information is available on the Horned Frog Scholar website.