Smith-Hutson Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Sam Houston State University

Dedicated to providing opportunities to students who otherwise may not have a chance to earn a baccalaureate degree, the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is targeted toward individuals who have demonstrated Academic Achievement, Leadership Potential, and may have financial limitations preventing access to higher education. The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities for Texas high school graduates pursuing a baccalaureate degree from Sam Houston State University. The number of Smith-Hutson scholarships varies year-to-year depending on the number of qualified applicants. This award is funded for 8 semesters, or until the student earns their baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first.

Note: High school graduates with dual or AP credits are still eligible for this scholarship regardless of college credits earned while in high school.

How much is the Smith-Hutson Scholarship each year?

The Smith-Hutson Freshman Scholarship is a completer scholarship with a recipient being awarded up to $20,000 a year, for four years.

The Smith-Hutson Transfer Scholarship is a completer scholarship with a recipient being awarded up to $20,000 a year, for two years.

What is a completer scholarship?

The Smith-Hutson completer scholarship includes other scholarships awarded, apart from the Pell Grant, up to the maximum amount of the scholarship.

Example: If awarded a local scholarship of $5,000, Smith-Hutson would award $15,000 to total it's maximum of $19,500 a year. If you also receive $3,000 from Pell Grant your total for the year would be $23,000.

Does the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program automatically renew or do applicants need to reapply each year?

The freshman scholarship will automatically renew for a maximum of eight semesters, or until the recipient has earned a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first, provided scholars maintain all other program requirements. The transfer scholarship will automatically renew for a maximum of four semesters, or until the recipient has earned a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first, provided scholars maintain all other program requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is targeted toward individuals who have demonstrated academic prowess, leadership potential, and financial need. To remain eligible for renewal, scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 30 semester credit hours each year.
• All applicants are required to file for FAFSA.
• Are Smith-Hutson Scholars required to live on-campus?
• The Smith-Hutson Scholarship has a "Freshmen Learning Community" in which all freshmen scholars will be housed in San Jacinto Hall.
• Transfer or non-freshmen scholars receive up to $20,000 a year. The refund received, after tuition and fees are deducted, will be the remaining amount you can put toward rent charges for any off-campus living. If rent is more than your refund amount, you will be expected to make up the difference.

Applying for the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program

APPLICATION POSTING DATE: The application will be available for eligible applicants via "Scholarships4Kats" on October 1, 2024 - You must apply and be accepted to SHSU to access Scholarships4Kats. It will be available through your MySam account.

There are two groups of students who are eligible to apply for a Smith-Hutson Scholarship.

1. Incoming Freshmen: Entering Freshmen (high school students graduating from a Texas high school in May/June of 2025, regardless of how many university hours have already been earned) seeking a bachelor's degree (any major) from Sam Houston State University. This scholarship is for a maximum of four years of undergraduate studies at SHSU. To apply, applicants will follow the instructions listed in the application. For 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.
2. Transfer Students: Students transferring from a Texas community college who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree from SHSU. This scholarship is for a maximum of two years of undergraduate studies at SHSU. If you are already an SHSU student, you are ineligible to apply. To apply, applicants will follow the instructions listed in the application. For 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.