Smith-Hutson Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Sam Houston State University

Think of the Smith-Hutson Scholars as a group that combines grit, high standards, and service. We value honesty, self-discipline, responsibility, and putting others first. Scholars lead by example, keep their commitments, and use their education to make a positive difference in the community.

About the scholarship
- Established at Sam Houston State University in 1996, the Smith-Hutson Scholarship exists to open the door to a four-year degree for Texas students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Who may apply
There are two eligible applicant groups:
1. Incoming freshmen
- High school students graduating from a Texas high school in May or June 2026 (this includes students who may already have college credit).
- The scholarship supports up to four years of undergraduate study at SHSU.
2. Transfer students
- Students transferring from a Texas community college who will pursue a bachelor’s degree at SHSU.
- The scholarship supports up to two years of undergraduate study at SHSU.
- Current SHSU students are not eligible to apply as transfers.

How to apply
- You must be admitted to Sam Houston State University before you can access the Scholarships4Kats application (available through your MySam account).
- The application opens October 1, 2025.
- Deadline: submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Award amounts and how they work
- Freshman award: up to $20,000 per year for up to four years.
- Transfer award: up to $20,000 per year for up to two years.
- The Smith-Hutson award is a “completer” scholarship. That means Smith-Hutson will supplement other institutional scholarships so the student receives up to the scholarship maximum. Federal Pell Grants are applied in addition to the Smith-Hutson amount.
- Example: If you receive a $5,000 local scholarship, Smith-Hutson would add $15,000 to reach the $20,000 maximum. If you also receive a $3,000 Pell Grant, your total for the year would be $23,000.

Renewal requirements
- The freshman scholarship automatically renews for up to eight semesters (or until a baccalaureate degree is earned), as long as the scholar continues to meet program requirements.
- The transfer scholarship automatically renews for up to four semesters (or until a baccalaureate degree is earned), provided the scholar maintains program requirements.

Eligibility and continuing requirements
- The program looks for students who demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential, and financial need.
- To remain eligible each year, scholars must:
- File the FAFSA,
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5,
- Complete a minimum of 30 semester credit hours per year.

Housing expectations
- Freshmen Smith-Hutson scholars participate in a Freshmen Learning Community and will be housed in San Jacinto Hall.
- Transfer and non-freshmen scholars do not have a housing requirement. They may use their scholarship refund (after tuition and fees) toward off-campus housing. If rent exceeds the refund, the student is responsible for the difference.

Quick checklist for applicants
- Apply and get accepted to SHSU.
- Create and use your MySam account to access Scholarships4Kats (application opens 10/1/2025).
- File the FAFSA.
- Prepare transcripts and documentation of leadership/community service as requested in the application.
- Submit the scholarship application by 11:59 p.m., February 1, 2026.

If you want, I can help you draft answers for the application, plan a timeline for documents, or explain exactly what to include for leadership and service examples.