Frequently Asked Questions

No. You do not need to be invited to apply. Applications can be found in your Orion portal in Galaxy once you have applied to UT Dallas. Log in to Galaxy, enter your NetID (three initials plus six digits) and password. Click on “Orion Student Center” under “My Menu” and “Orion Self-Service (Student)” in the middle of the page. Click on the tile Terry Scholarship to find the application. For more information, email terryscholars@utdallas.edu.

No. Scholarships are only awarded to students starting in the fall semester.

You will need completed federal tax information to complete the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but that does not have to be done prior to applying. FAFSA uses tax income from the year prior to the last year. For example, 2024 fall applicants will use 2022 tax information (filed in spring 2023).

Yes. The Terry Foundation® provides funding to 10 other Texas universities. Please check with each institution on specific application requirements, as they differ.

Applicants will be notified of their status in early March. Those selected to move forward for an interview will be contacted by the Terry Foundation. Those not moving forward will receive an email from the Terry Scholars® at UT Dallas program. Interviews usually conclude in mid-April, and notifications are sent by the Terry Foundation before the end of the month.

No. You can apply to as many universities as you wish but will only be allowed one interview. If you have several offers, you will be asked you to select one university where you wish to interview.

A panel comprised of current Terry Scholars, alumni and Terry Foundation staff will interview you for 30 minutes. You will discuss your achievements, high school career and future goals. You also will need to be able to discuss your financial situation with the interview panel, so be familiar with that information.

The Terry Foundation encourages students to apply for other scholarships and grants, including the Pell Grant, if qualified. Receiving other grants and scholarships does not disqualify scholars from being awarded the Terry Scholarship. The specific amount of the Terry Scholarship varies for each scholar, depending on other scholarship awards and financial aid received.

1. Attend three annual mandatory events hosted by the Terry Foundation (dates published well in advanced and available on the Terry Foundation website):
   • Orientation (August)
   • Fall Banquet (October)
   • Spring Picnic (early May)
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester.
3. Submit an acceptable annual self-evaluation letter to the Terry Foundation by the annual deadline.
4. Comply with UT Dallas Code of Conduct and Terry Foundation Scholar Handbook requirements.

The Terry Scholars Program at UT Dallas offers multiple student programming opportunities such as academic, service, cultural and social events, mentoring, as well as leadership opportunities. In addition, students can receive $5,000 to help cover expenses associated with a study abroad trip. The scholarship also considers a family’s income and their ability to pay for college. The net annual family income is approximately $110,000 but is subject to a case-by-case review. Please contact us directly to discuss your financial eligibility.

First-year scholars are required to live on campus.

The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance each year (up to eight semesters). This includes tuition/fees, meal plan, housing, textbooks and other educational expenses.

Scholars are required to attend UT Dallas for at least one year before transferring the scholarship to another Terry-affiliated university.