STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Beginning with the Class of 2024, Fort Bend Independent School District seniors in the top 50 percent of their graduating class will earn automatic admission to Tarleton State University.

As part of its Distinguished High School Partners program, Tarleton State also will waive application fees for students who qualify.

Fort Bend ISD and Tarleton State leaders cemented the agreement in February.

“Partnering with Fort Bend ISD ensures that some of the brightest students in Texas have the opportunity for a high-quality university experience,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to be a first-choice institution for high school seniors in Texas.”

The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program assures first-time-in-college students graduating in the top half of their high school class between $500 and $4,000 in scholarships. Students graduating from one of Tarleton State’s Distinguished High School Partners will receive an additional $500 or $1,000. Admitted freshmen must submit a general scholarship application to determine eligibility.

“We look forward to our first cohort of graduates becoming Tarleton Texans,” said Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith. “Partnerships with state colleges and universities provide tremendous benefits for our students who need and deserve the resources and support to make their dreams of successful collegiate careers a reality.”

For more information about Distinguished High School Partners and the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship Program, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/dhsp and https://www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/guaranteedscholarship. To learn how to become a Tarleton Texan, visit www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/index.html.

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 approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 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.