The Thoma Scholars Program encourages outstanding students from select counties in the Texas Panhandle, Northwest Oklahoma, and Eastern New Mexico to apply for this competitive financial award designed to substantially mitigate student debt incurred while pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing, food, books and supplies, an international study abroad experience, and other education-related expenses.
Thoma Scholars also receive comprehensive support from Texas Tech staff members devoted to the students. Recipients receive one-on-one mentorship and have access to unique opportunities, including leadership development programming and career-aspirations coaching.
Application Opens: August 1st, 2025
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Strong candidates should demonstrate a combination of academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and community involvement and must reside in and attend a high school in one of the following counties:
Texas
Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler
New Mexico
Union, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, and Lea
Oklahoma
Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Texas, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Woods, and Woodward.
Eligibility for students living in these counties will also be determined for the Thoma Scholars Program by the following:
Academic Achievement:
Based on GPA, class rank, test scores, and rigor of curriculum.
Leadership and Community Involvement:
Demonstrated through participation in student government, high school athletics, religious organizations, groups like FFA or 4H, volunteering, working to support their families, entrepreneurism, & more.
While in the Thoma Foundation Program, students must:
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- Be enrolled at least full-time (12 credit hours) per semester
- Participate in Thoma Scholar events throughout the year, including during the summer
- Meet with Thoma Scholars staff regularly to discuss their progress
- Maintain a certain GPA
- Be a leader in and engage with their community
Virtual Info Sessions
Join us virtually to learn more about this scholarship opportunity. Learn about deadlines, requirements and more.
Additional Resources
In addition to the continuing academic scholarship requirements, the successful Thoma Scholar will be prepared to be actively involved in campus activities.
Thoma Scholars live in Murray Hall during their first year. Living together helps create a strong community and form lasting friendships during their time in the residence hall. Many choose to continue living with other scholars on campus after their first year. Learn more here.
Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech may choose to apply to the TTU Honors College. TTU Honors College membership is not automatic or required, but students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the benefits that being a member of the TTU Honors College affords.Apply to the Honors College here.
Thoma Foundation
The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation recognizes that education and the arts enhance individuals’ lives and communities. Education is centered in the rural Southwest, primarily focusing on scholarships. In the arts, we make grants, lend and exhibit our art collection. We are strong believers in leadership, innovation, and equality of opportunity.
Carl and Marilynn trace their roots to the Panhandle region as early as 1888 and feel a strong affinity for its resilient people. Carl grew up in Union County, New Mexico, and Cimarron County, Oklahoma. Marilynn hails from Woodward County, Oklahoma.
- Carl and Marilynn Thoma
Contact
David Reyes
Admissions Counselor for Thoma Scholars
david.a.reyes@ttu.edu
806.834.5444
Financial Aid & Scholarships
finaid.advisor@ttu.edu
Scholarships
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Address
Texas Tech University Scholarships, West Hall Room 301, Box 45011 Lubbock, TX 79409-5011 -
Phone
806.742.3681 -
Fax
806.742.2901 -
Email
scholarships@ttu.edu