STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University is extending the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship program to include all master’s students newly admitted in spring 2026 or later.
The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship program began in 2019 and was established by President Dr. James Hurley with the goal of reducing financial barriers by offering additional institutional aid for students who meet criteria and whose expenses are not fully covered by federal and state aid programs.
Through the Guaranteed Master’s Scholarship program, all students pursuing a master’s degree will be guaranteed to receive scholarship awards of at least $1,000 for semesters in which they enroll in a minimum of nine hours, at least $600 per semester if enrolled in a minimum of six hours and at least $250 per semester if enrolled in a minimum of three hours. Eligible students benefit from the guarantee for up to four long semesters plus two summer semesters if they remain in good academic standing and complete the degree within three years of initial admission. Students enrolled full-time in all three semesters of a calendar year are guaranteed a minimum of $3,000 in scholarship awards over that year.
To qualify for the guaranteed scholarship, students must complete the 2025-26 FAFSA, be newly admitted as a new master’s, second master’s or returning master’s student in spring 2026 or later and enroll in a minimum of three credit hours.
“In line with Tarleton State’s mission to be a national leader in innovative, accessible education — especially in graduate and professional programs — we’re proud to expand this scholarship opportunity,” said Dr. Hurley. “This is another step toward delivering life-changing, transformational experiences for every Texan.”
Dr. Tom Faulkenberry, Dean of Tarleton State’s College of Graduate Studies, said recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs requiring a master’s degree are projected to grow by more than 10% by 2034 and are the fastest-growing segment across all education levels. He emphasized the positive economic impact on holders of master’s degrees, who can, on average, earn about $16,000 more annually than those with a bachelor’s degree alone. Additionally, the unemployment rate is lower for master’s degree holders.
“For 55 years, students at Tarleton State have been able to further their education and improve their lifetime economic impact by earning a graduate degree,” said Dr. Faulkenberry. “Extending the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship to master’s students will empower our graduate students to earn the degrees they need to advance their careers without the need to take on extra debt. This signals an unprecedented level of commitment to the future of our students and the state we serve.”
To learn more, visit www.tarleton.edu/scholarships/guaranteed-awards/masters-guaranteed-scholarship.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.