Texas State University is widening eligibility for its Bobcat Promise program for students entering in fall 2027, extending tuition support to more Texas families.

Under the expanded rules, first-time freshmen who finished in the top quarter of their Texas high school class and whose family adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less will qualify for full tuition and mandatory fees. Students from families with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less will continue to qualify regardless of class rank.

The university expects the revised program to benefit about 3,400 incoming freshmen. Texas State said the higher income threshold is double the existing cap.

What the guarantee covers

Eligible students can receive the tuition-and-fee guarantee for up to four years, covering eight consecutive semesters. The announcement applies to tuition and mandatory fees; it does not state that housing, meals, books or other living costs are included.

Students must be Texas residents and graduates of a Texas high school. They must apply to and be accepted by Texas State, demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and complete that process by March 15 before enrollment.

Recipients must study full time and complete at least 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters. The program is available to qualifying students attending either the San Marcos campus or the Round Rock campus.

When the change begins

The new eligibility rules begin with the fall 2027 entering class, rather than the current academic year. Families considering the program should therefore check that their student is applying for the correct intake and meets the admissions, income, residency and course-load conditions.

Texas State described the change as an expansion of a program that has supported students from lower-income families for nearly two decades. The university did not announce a separate application deadline for Bobcat Promise beyond the admission process and the March 15 financial-aid requirement.

Prospective students can read the full criteria and follow the university's financial-aid links in the official Texas State announcement.