Investing in talented rural students and developing leaders of consequence at Texas Tech.

The Thoma Scholarship is awarded to talented high school seniors from rural communities in select counties who have demonstrated academic excellence, exceptional character, and meaningful leadership in their schools and communities. We invest in students eager to meet the demands of a rigorous university education, develop as leaders of consequence, and distinguish themselves through sustained achievement and contribution.

Financial support up to the full cost of attendance is the starting point, not the goal. By reducing the financial pressures that can limit students’ participation in college life, the program gives Scholars greater freedom to pursue campus involvement, internships, research, study abroad, and the relationships and experiences that shape meaningful careers and lives.

What the scholarship supports

• Tuition and required fees
• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Other approved educational expenses
• Support for international study

In addition to covering up to the full cost of attendance, the Thoma Scholars Program provides Scholars with dedicated support throughout their undergraduate experience—including one-on-one mentoring, leadership development programming, career-aspirations coaching, cohort experiences, and opportunities to engage fully in campus life.

Application Opens: August 1, 2026
Students interested in becoming Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech must apply for admission to Texas Tech University and complete the university’s Thoma Scholarship application.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

Apply

Eligibility Criteria

The Thoma Scholars Program at Texas Tech is designed for outstanding high school seniors from eligible counties in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico who are prepared to pursue a rigorous university education, contribute actively to campus and community life, and continue developing as leaders.

Eligibility

To be eligible, a student must:

• Be a graduating high school senior
• Reside in and attend high school in an eligible county
• Apply for admission to Texas Tech University
• Complete the Texas Tech Thoma Scholarship application by January 15, 2027
• Complete the FAFSA by the application deadline

Competitive applicants demonstrate a combination of:

• Strong academic preparation
• Meaningful leadership and initiative
• Service or contribution to school, family, work, or community
• Strong character, perseverance, and follow-through
• Demonstrated financial need

Eligible 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, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods, and Woodward.

Selection process

Thoma Scholars are selected through a competitive, holistic review process that considers academic preparation, financial need, leadership and initiative, character, service, and the student’s readiness to participate fully in the Thoma Scholar experience. A written application and two letters of recommendation are required. Interviews are offered to select applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to be themselves throughout the written application and interviews and to answer in ways that reflect their own experiences, perspectives, and goals.

Application timeline

• Application opens: August 1, 2026
• Application deadline: January 15, 2027
• Select applicants may be invited to participate in interviews or additional selection steps

Apply

Begin by applying for admission to Texas Tech University and completing the Texas Tech Thoma Scholarship application. Applicants must complete the FAFSA by the application deadline.

The Texas Tech Thoma Scholar experience

Thoma Scholars-Learning Community
Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech live in Murray Hall during their first year. Living together helps Scholars build community, form friendships, and begin college with a shared sense of connection and support. Many Scholars choose to continue living with other Scholars after their first year.

Learn more about student housing 

Honors College
Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech are encouraged to apply to the Texas Tech Honors College. Honors College membership is not automatic or required, but many Scholars find that small Honors courses, additional advising, and unique enrichment opportunities align with their goals.

Apply to the Honors College 

Scholar expectations

Program expectations

Thoma Scholars are expected to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the scholarship and to remain actively engaged in the university and Scholar community.

While participating in the Thoma Scholars Program, students must:

• Remain enrolled full time and make timely progress toward degree completion
• Meet academic and scholarship-renewal requirements established by Texas Tech and the Thoma Foundation
• Participate in Thoma Scholar events throughout the year
• Meet regularly with Thoma Scholars staff to discuss progress, goals, and use of support resources
• Engage meaningfully with campus and community life
• Continue developing as leaders through involvement, service, mentoring, work, research, internships, or other forms of contribution

Virtual Info Sessions

Join us virtually to learn more about this scholarship opportunity. Learn about deadlines, requirements and more.

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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.

 

Contact

David Reyes
Admissions Counselor for Thoma Scholars
david.a.reyes@ttu.edu
806.834.5444

Financial Aid & Scholarships
finaid.advisor@ttu.edu