Terry Foundation Scholarship for Incoming Freshmen

The Terry Foundation is a Houston-based philanthropic organization that provides scholarships for outstanding Texas students to attend in-state public colleges and universities, including the University of Houston. Established in 1986 by Nancy and Howard Terry, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to thousands of freshmen and transfer students from all over the state. 

For freshman students, the Terry Foundation Traditional Scholarship amount is based on the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses), individually adjusted based on additional sources of financial support and renewable for eight semesters of undergraduate study. 

In addition, each Terry Scholar is eligible to receive a study abroad stipend in the amount of $5,000 to fund their study abroad experience. 

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants should demonstrate the following:

Freshman Applicant Qualifications:

• Financial need
• A record of leadership in school and community
• Strong academic abilities as evidenced by grades and SAT/ACT scores
  • Please note that test scores are not required for the Terry Foundation Scholarship application for the Fall 2026 cycle.
• Meet U.S. and Texas residency and citizenship requirements sufficient to qualify for in-state tuition and federal aid assistance
• Graduation from a Texas high school or homeschool
• Reside on campus for the first year
• Admission for Fall 2026 to the University of Houston as a full-time entering freshman student

How to Apply 

The Terry Foundation Scholarship at UH application opens August 2026 and closes on December 4, 2026 at noon (12 p.m.). For an application to be considered complete, Terry Scholarship Freshman applicants must:

1. Apply and be admitted to the University of Houston no later than December 4, 2026.
2. Submit a completed application by noon (12 p.m. CST) on December 4, 2026:
   • Complete the online application.
     • Click on the link above to be directed to the Honors Applications Page
     • Click on "Applicant Portal" button
     • Read instructions carefully to either create an account or log in to the Portal
     • Click on the Terry Scholarship Application link to start the application
   • Submit required essays and résumé (via online application). 
     • For BOTH of the topics below, submit a typed essay of 250 words (minimum). Your full name and UH ID must appear at the top of each page of your essays. The essay prompt must appear at the top of the first page of each essay. 
     • Essay 1: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
     • Essay 2: In approximately 500 words, describe an example of your leadership. Be sure to describe your actions and the actions of those around you and to explain what you accomplished.
   • One letter of recommendation, on official stationery, addressing your academic and leadership abilities. You will provide the name and email address of your recommender in this application. Once you submit the application, your recommender will automatically receive an email with instructions for submitting their letter.
     • Please note: All letters must be submitted via the online form by the deadline (December 4, 2026) with letterhead and a signature. If a submitted letter does not have letterhead or signature, our office will contact your letter writer directly and ask for a correct version to be submitted by deadline. You should plan to submit this application in a manner that would allow appropriate time for your recommender to submit your letter.
     • You and your letter writer should receive a confirmation email once your letter of recommendation has been submitted and can be checked in the portal. If you would like to confirm that your completed letter has been received, please do so before the December 4, 2026 letter deadline by calling 713-743-9010 or emailing terry@uh.edu
   • An official high school transcript. Official transcripts can be sent either electronically or via mail. Electronic transcript can be sent to terry@uh.edu by the application deadline of December 4, 2026. Mailed transcript must be signed, sealed, and mailed to the address below. Mailed transcripts must be postmarked by December 4, 2026.
     • Unofficial college transcript(s), if applicable. If you have more than 12 hours of college credits from a dual credit program, community college or university (excluding AP/IB credits), you must also submit your unofficial college transcript. You can submit this transcript via the online application.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 31, 2027.
4. (Strongly Recommended) Apply for on-campus housing once you have been admitted to UH. Freshman Terry Scholars are required to live on campus. On-campus housing for Terry Scholars is located in Honors housing in Cougar Village I

Questions? Contact us via email at terry@uh.edu or call 713.743.9010. Please do not contact the Terry Foundation directly with questions regarding your application status.