El Paso students access millions of dollars in financial aid every year. Local foundations provide these funds to reduce the cost of tuition, books, and housing. You can find these opportunities through the El Paso Community Foundation, local school districts, and specific university departments.
Students must prepare specific documents to compete for these awards. Most committees require a high school transcript, a completed FAFSA form, and a personal statement. These documents prove your academic success and your financial need to the selection board.
Winning a local scholarship helps you avoid student loan debt. Many El Paso organizations prioritize residents who plan to stay and work in the Borderplex region. You increase your chances of success by applying to multiple programs and meeting every deadline.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Vocational
- Location: El Paso, Texas
- Institution(s): The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso Community College (EPCC), and Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso
- Program Period: 1 to 4 years
- Course offered: All academic majors, including nursing, engineering, and education
- Deadline: January 15 to May 1, 2026
Scholarship Types
There are three main categories of financial aid for students in El Paso. Merit-based scholarships reward students for high grades, test scores, and leadership roles. Need-based scholarships provide money to students who demonstrate financial hardship through their FAFSA data. Community-specific scholarships support residents of specific neighborhoods, such as the Lower Valley, Northeast, or Westside.
Scholarship Coverage
El Paso scholarships cover three primary educational expenses. Most awards pay for tuition and mandatory fees directly through the school billing office. Some programs provide stipends for educational supplies, such as laptops, textbooks, and lab equipment. High-value awards, like the Terry Foundation Scholarship, include funds for room and board at on-campus dormitories.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet four specific requirements to qualify for most El Paso awards. Applicants must maintain legal residency in El Paso County or Hudspeth County. Students must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.5, depending on the specific program. Most committees require full-time enrollment in at least 12 credit hours per semester. You must submit a FAFSA Submission Summary, if you are applying for need-based aid.
Application Process
To secure funding, you must complete a multi-step digital application. First, create an account on the El Paso Community Foundation scholarship portal to access the common application. This single form allows you to apply for 60 different local awards simultaneously. Upload your official academic records, such as high school transcripts, SAT scores, and ACT results.
Write a personal statement that describes your career goals, community service, and personal challenges. You must request three letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or community leaders at least 30 days before the deadline. Submit the final application through the online portal and save the confirmation email for your records. You may need to attend an in-person interview, if you are a finalist for a major award.
Start application process to Texas Medical Scholarships (Medical Scholarships in Texas).
Deadline
The primary deadline for the El Paso Community Foundation is May 1, 2026. University-specific awards at UTEP often close earlier, with many applications due on February 15, 2026. You should check individual organization websites for specific dates, as some smaller neighborhood grants close in late March.
