In 1996, the Smith-Hutson Scholarship was created with the aim of offering higher education prospects to students who may not have had the means to pursue a bachelor’s degree otherwise. Sam Houston State University is the home of this scholarship, and it continues to provide educational opportunities to deserving students who may face financial constraints.
Latest Update: The 2024-2025 Smith-Hutson Freshman and Transfer Scholarship Application is Open. Application Last Date is 02 February 2025.
Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program: Eligibility and Application Details
The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from eligible candidates. The program offers scholarships to two groups of students: incoming freshmen and transfer students. Incoming freshmen must be graduating from a Texas high school in May/June of 2025, irrespective of their earned university credits, and are seeking a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University. This scholarship is valid for a maximum of four years of undergraduate studies at SHSU. Transfer students from Texas community colleges who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree at SHSU are also eligible to apply. This scholarship is valid for a maximum of two years of undergraduate studies at SHSU.
Eligible applicants can apply by following the instructions listed in the application available via “Scholarships for Kats” from October 1, 2024. If you have any general inquiries, please contact Chris Garcia, Director of the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program at 936-294-3116 or via email at smith-hutson@shsu.edu.
The deadline for submitting an application is 02 February, 2025. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure funding for your undergraduate studies at SHSU!
Q. What is the annual amount awarded for the Smith-Hutson Scholarship?
A. The Smith-Hutson Scholarship is awarded to freshman and transfer students with a completer scholarship worth up to $19,500 per year. Freshman recipients can receive the scholarship for up to four years, while transfer recipients can receive it for up to two years.
Q. What is the completer scholarship included in the Smith-Hutson Scholarship?
A. The Smith-Hutson completer scholarship combines other scholarships awarded, except for the Pell Grant, up to the maximum scholarship amount. For instance, if a student receives a local scholarship of $5,000, the Smith-Hutson Scholarship would award up to $14,500, and if the student also receives a $3,000 Pell Grant, the total scholarship amount for the year would be $22,500.
Q. Is the Smith-Hutson Scholarship renewable every year?
A. Yes, the scholarship is renewable each year, provided the recipient fulfills all program requirements. Freshman recipients can renew the scholarship for up to eight semesters or until they earn a baccalaureate degree. Transfer recipients can renew the scholarship for up to four semesters or until they earn a baccalaureate degree.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for the Smith-Hutson Scholarship?
A. The Smith-Hutson Scholarship is awarded to individuals who have exhibited academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need. To maintain eligibility for renewal, scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours each year. All applicants must also apply for FAFSA.
Q. Is living on-campus mandatory for Smith-Hutson Scholars?
A. Freshman scholars are required to reside in the “Freshmen Learning Community” at San Jacinto Hall. Transfer or non-freshmen scholars are eligible for up to $19,500 per year, with the remaining amount refunded after tuition and fees are deducted. The refund can be used towards off-campus housing charges. If the rent is higher than the refund amount, the student is expected to pay the difference.