Discounts, free services, and free food for K-12, college, and grad students in East Texas
This page collects every student discount, free service, financial aid program, and free food resource we know about. Hand-curated from official sources, updated weekly.
66 hand-curated programs across 14 categories
· 47 national · 19 Texas-specific
· Last refreshed Jul 26, 2026 07:00 UTC-06:00
· Updated weekly
Going to college in Texas? Start with the FAFSA (free, 30 minutes, opens October 1). It's the key to Pell Grants, state grants, work-study, and federal loans.
Featured (the big ones)
These four alone can save most students $1,000+/year. Click through to apply — each takes 5-15 minutes.
GitHub Student Developer Pack
Free GitHub Pro + $1000+ in cloud credits for verified students
National
What it is: Free GitHub Pro while a student. Includes free domains (.me via Namecheap), $200 DigitalOcean credit, $100 AWS credit, free Heroku, free DataCamp, free JetBrains IDE, free Canva Pro, free Visual Studio Enterprise, free Sentry, and dozens more developer tools.
Eligibility: Have a school-issued email or prove student status via student ID/ISIC. Age 13+.
How to apply: Apply at education.github.com/pack. Verify with a school email or by uploading a photo of student ID. Benefits last 2 years, renewable.
What it is: Free download of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams) for students. Free 5TB OneDrive storage. Free Microsoft Teams for class/club use. Free Microsoft Designer. Free Power BI Desktop.
Eligibility: Age 13+ with a school-issued email address (.edu or equivalent).
How to apply: Go to microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office. Enter your school email. Microsoft verifies via the email domain.
Discounted Mac/iPad for college students + free AirPods promo
National
What it is: Apple offers ~$100-200 off Macs and iPads for college students. Often bundles free AirPods or Apple Pencil during back-to-school season. Education pricing on accessories too.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a degree-granting college or university. K-12 staff and parents who home-school also qualify.
How to apply: Shop at apple.com/us-edu/store. Verify student status through UNiDAYS (apple.com/us-edu/store has the verification flow built in).
What it is: Discounted music streaming: full Spotify Premium (no ads, offline, any song) for $5.99/month (vs $11.99). Includes Hulu (with ads) and SHOWTIME in some markets. Free for first month.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an accredited US college or university. Age 18+. Verify through SheerID.
How to apply: Go to spotify.com/student. Verify with your school credentials via SheerID. Discount applies for 12 months at a time, renewable while enrolled.
National and Texas-specific programs for K-12, college, and grad students. Streaming, software, food, money, test prep — it all stacks.
Apple Music Student
$5.99/month Apple Music (vs $10.99 regular)
National
What it is: Full Apple Music subscription for $5.99/month. Includes lossless audio, spatial audio, music videos, and the full catalog. Free 1-month trial.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a degree-granting college or university. Verify through UNiDAYS.
How to apply: Go to apple.com/apple-music/student. Sign in with your Apple ID, verify through UNiDAYS.
What it is: Full Prime benefits (free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Reading) for half the regular price. 6-month free trial for new users. 1-year student duration, renewable up to 4 years.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a degree-granting college or university. Verify through SheerID.
How to apply: Go to amazon.com/joinstudent. Verify with school email (.edu or international equivalent) or upload proof.
What it is: Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported streaming) for $2.50/month (vs $5.99). Includes Paramount+ originals, CBS, NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through SheerID.
How to apply: Go to paramountplus.com/student. Verify with school email or SheerID.
Free Coursera Plus for 1 year for college students
National
What it is: Free Coursera Plus annual subscription (normally $399/year). 10,000+ courses, certificates, and specializations from top universities. Includes Google Career Certificates, IBM certificates, etc.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through SheerID.
How to apply: Go to coursera.org/student. Verify with school email or SheerID.
What it is: Free LinkedIn Learning access with a Texas public library card. 16,000+ courses on business, software, creative skills. Adds LinkedIn certificates.
Eligibility: Texas resident with a library card. No income limit.
How to apply: Go to your library's website (e.g. Tyler Public Library, Longview Public Library) and look for the LinkedIn Learning link. Sign in with your library card number.
What it is: 70+ languages with Mango Languages free with a Texas public library card. Spanish, French, Mandarin, ASL, ESL for 21 languages. Available on web and mobile.
Eligibility: Texas resident with a library card.
How to apply: Go to your library's website and find the Mango Languages link. Sign in with library card.
Free world-class education in math, science, CS, econ, reading
National
What it is: Free courses, practice exercises, and videos. K-12 through early college. Includes SAT prep, AP prep, financial literacy, computer programming, AI. Personalized learning dashboard.
Eligibility: Anyone. Free for all ages.
How to apply: Sign up at khanacademy.org. Free. No payment needed. (Optional donations accepted.)
Free SAT, free college applications, free CSS Profile
National
What it is: Free SAT and SAT Subject Tests (2 free SATs, 6 free Subject Tests), free college application fees (waived at most colleges, including 4-year and 2-year schools), free CSS Profile for financial aid. Helps qualify for NACAC fee waivers.
Eligibility: Annual family income on the free/reduced lunch program, or family income below the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines. See College Board for current thresholds.
How to apply: Talk to your high school counselor and ask for a College Board fee waiver. The counselor enters it in the College Board system; you then get a code to use on college applications.
Free ACT, free score sends, free college applications
National
What it is: Free ACT test (up to 4 times), free score sends to up to 20 colleges, free college application fees at participating colleges, free ACT prep materials.
Eligibility: Annual family income on free/reduced lunch, or income below ~$60,000 for a family of 4 (varies year to year), or in a state/federal assistance program (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, etc.).
How to apply: Talk to your high school counselor and ask for an ACT fee waiver. The counselor enters it in the ACT system; you get a code to use on test day and college applications.
Free Texas college applications (TX public universities)
Texas
What it is: Free ApplyTexas application fees at all Texas public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH, TxState, etc.) for income-eligible Texas high school seniors.
Eligibility: Family on SNAP/TANF/Medicaid, on free/reduced lunch, in foster care, homeless, or other financial hardship. See ApplyTexas site for current criteria.
How to apply: Talk to your high school counselor. They'll enter your fee waiver in the ApplyTexas system. Use the waiver code on each application.
Free Common App college applications (national, ~900 schools)
National
What it is: Free application fees at all Common App member colleges (most major US private and public universities). Up to 20 fee waivers per student.
Eligibility: Receive a College Board or ACT fee waiver. Indicate interest in the Common App fee waiver during the application.
How to apply: Mark 'I am eligible for an application fee waiver' on the Common App. Upload your College Board or ACT waiver code. Use the code at each member school.
Up to $7,395/year for college (free money, doesn't need to be paid back)
National
What it is: Federal grant for low-income undergraduates. Maximum $7,395 (2024-25) per year. Doesn't need to be paid back. Eligible at any US college that participates in federal financial aid.
Eligibility: US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Undergraduate. Income under ~$60,000/year (Single). Must file the FAFSA.
How to apply: File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov every year by June 30. Schools use it to determine your aid package. No separate Pell application.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
$100-$4,000/year for very low-income undergrads
National
What it is: Federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. $100-4,000 per year. Priority for Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFC.
Eligibility: Pell Grant recipient. Exceptional financial need (zero EFC). Undergraduate. Filed FAFSA.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. Schools with limited FSEOG funds award on a first-come, first-served basis — file early (October-December of senior year).
Up to $4,000/year for future teachers in high-need fields
National
What it is: Federal grant for students who plan to become teachers in high-need fields (math, science, special ed, ESL, etc.) at a low-income school. Up to $4,000/year. Converts to a loan if you don't fulfill the 4-year teaching requirement.
Eligibility: Enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program. Maintain a 3.25 GPA. Score above the 75th percentile on admissions tests OR be a current teacher.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. Complete TEACH Grant counseling and Agreement to Serve at studentaid.gov.
Up to $5,000/year for Texas students at private TX colleges
Texas
What it is: Texas state grant for students at private Texas colleges. Helps bridge the gap between public and private tuition. Up to ~$5,000/year depending on school and need.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Enrolled at least 3/4 time at a participating private Texas college. Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA). Not pursuing a religious degree.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. The school automatically considers you for TEG based on your FAFSA data. Contact your school's financial aid office.
Up to $5,000/year for low-income Texas college students
Texas
What it is: Texas state grant for low-income high school graduates. Renewable for up to 4 years at a Texas public or participating private college. Up to ~$5,000/year.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Graduated from a Texas high school with the recommended or distinguished achievement diploma. Family income under $60,000/year (Single) at initial application. Enrolled at least 3/4 time within 16 months of graduation. Filed FAFSA.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. The school auto-considerates you based on FAFSA. No separate TEXAS Grant application needed (sometimes school-specific deadlines apply).
Free money at Texas public colleges (non-need-based)
Texas
What it is: Texas state grant for Texas residents at Texas public colleges. Award amount varies by school and enrollment status (up to ~$3,000/semester at some schools).
Eligibility: Texas resident. Enrolled at least half-time at a Texas public college. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. The school auto-considerates you. Contact your school's financial aid office for school-specific criteria.
Towards Excellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant II
Up to $5,000/year for working Texas students
Texas
What it is: Texas state grant for working students. Different from TEXAS Grant — no income cap, but priority for students who are working or in a work-study program.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Enrolled at a participating Texas college. Working a part-time job (or work-study). No income cap but priority for lower-income.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. School auto-considerates you. Contact financial aid office for school-specific criteria.
What it is: Texas state work-study program: part-time jobs on campus (or with community-service non-profits) for Texas college students. Hourly wage is paid partly by the state, partly by the employer.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Enrolled at least half-time at a Texas college. Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA).
How to apply: File the FAFSA. Indicate interest in work-study on the FAFSA. School assigns you a position after enrollment.
Free/subsidized childcare for low-income TX student parents (already in ETXR)
Texas
What it is: Texas Workforce Commission program: free or subsidized childcare for low-income families while a parent works or attends school/training. (Already in the ETXR catalog as 11 county-level entries.)
Eligibility: Texas family. Child under 13 (or under 19 with special needs). Parent must be working, attending school, or in job training. Income limits vary by county and child age.
How to apply: Apply at your local Workforce Solutions office. ETX offices: Tyler (903-561-8131), Longview (903-237-2515), Lufkin (936-633-5300), etc.
$5,000-$10,000 for nursing students who serve rural TX
Texas
What it is: Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies program: scholarship for nursing students who commit to working in a rural Texas hospital or clinic after graduation. Up to $10,000 per academic year for up to 2 years.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Enrolled in an accredited nursing program (LVN, ADN, BSN, MSN). Commit to a 1-year rural service obligation per year of funding.
How to apply: Apply through your Texas nursing program. Schools nominate candidates. Contact the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies.
What it is: Texas Tuition Promise Fund (529 plan) lets families lock in today's tuition rates for future Texas public college enrollment. $25-$500/year contributions, $25K lifetime cap.
Eligibility: Anyone can open a 529 in any state. Texas residents get a state income tax deduction on contributions (up to $10,000/year Single / $20,000 joint).
How to apply: Open an account at texastomorrowfund.org. Choose the Texas Tuition Promise Fund (fixed tuition) or Texas Saving Plan (investment-based).
What it is: Goodwill Industries of East Texas runs career centers in Tyler, Longview, and Lufkin. Free for students: GED prep, soft skills training, financial coaching, job placement assistance. (Already in the ETXR catalog.)
Eligibility: Anyone in the service area, including current high school students needing extra support, GED students, and college students looking for work.
How to apply: Walk in or call: Tyler (903-581-7064), Longview (903-297-0113), Lufkin (936-634-8092).
What it is: Free adult education: GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), basic literacy. Encouraged to attend 12 hours of lab work. (Already in the ETXR catalog.)
Eligibility: Adults 18+ in Tyler area. Free for all.
How to apply: Sign up for an enrollment session at 1700 S. Southeast Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701. (903-533-0330)
Free ebooks, audiobooks, online courses, museum passes
Texas
What it is: Free with a Texas library card. Resources for students: free ebooks and audiobooks, online tutoring (Brainfuse at many Texas libraries), free online courses (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera via library), test prep (LearningExpress Library), museum passes (Tyler Public Library), language learning (Mango Languages).
Eligibility: Texas resident with photo ID and proof of address. Minors get their own card.
How to apply: Visit your local library with a photo ID and proof of address. ETX libraries: Tyler Public Library, Longview Public Library, Lufkin Angelina County Library, Rusk County Library, etc.
Apply for Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, work-study, state grants, federal loans
National
What it is: The single form to apply for all federal financial aid (Pell Grant, FSEOG, TEACH Grant, work-study) and most state and institutional aid. Required for most US college scholarships. Free to file.
Eligibility: US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Have a Social Security number. Registered with Selective Service (if male 18-25).
How to apply: File at fafsa.gov. Create an FSA ID first at fsaid.ed.gov. File by the school deadline (often Nov 1 for early admissions, June 30 for federal aid).
Low-interest federal student loans (no interest while in school)
National
What it is: Subsidized Direct Loan: the federal government pays the interest while you're in school, during grace period, and during deferment. Undergraduate only. Up to $3,500-$5,500/year depending on year in school.
Eligibility: US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Demonstrate financial need. Enrolled at least half-time at a participating school.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. School determines your award. Accept the loan in the school's financial aid portal. Sign the Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.
Low-interest federal student loans (everyone qualifies)
National
What it is: Unsubsidized Direct Loan: low-interest federal loan available regardless of income. Interest accrues from disbursement, but can be paid later. Up to $5,500-$20,500/year depending on year and undergraduate/graduate.
Eligibility: US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Enrolled at least half-time at a participating school. (No financial need required.)
How to apply: File the FAFSA. School determines your award. Accept the loan. Sign the Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.
What it is: Searchable database of $20B+ in private and institutional scholarships. Filter by GPA, major, demographics, hobbies, location. Free to use; no signup required for basic search.
Eligibility: Anyone seeking scholarships. Some scholarships have specific GPA/major/demographic criteria.
How to apply: Go to niche.com/colleges/scholarships. Set your filters. Apply directly to each scholarship (most link out to the application).
What it is: Free scholarship search engine. 1.5 million scholarships worth $3.4B+. Free to use. Create a profile to get matched. Also has internship and job search.
Eligibility: Anyone seeking scholarships. Some scholarships have specific criteria (major, demographic, sport, etc.).
How to apply: Sign up at fastweb.com. Create a profile (10 minutes). Get matched to scholarships automatically. Apply directly to each.
$40,000+ in random-draw scholarships for college-bound students
National
What it is: Monthly random-draw scholarship drawings for students who complete College BigFuture activities (college search, career quiz, college list, etc.). 8 drawings, $500-$40,000 each. Free to enter.
Eligibility: US students age 13+ in grades 9-12. Can be 13+ and in college too. Plan to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college.
How to apply: Create a BigFuture account at bigfuture.collegeboard.org. Complete at least 6 steps (each step = an entry). Drawings monthly.
What it is: Free DashPass for students (normally $9.99/month). $0 delivery fees on orders over $12 from restaurants and grocery. (DashPass normally costs $9.99/month or $96/year.)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through SheerID. 4-year duration.
How to apply: Go to doordash.com/student. Verify with school email.
$25/month for students on phone plans (vs $50-$80 regular)
National
What it is: Verizon's student discount: 5G Start / 5G Play / 5G Do More / 5G Get More plans with up to 50% off. Plus a streaming bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) included on Unlimited plans.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through SheerID. Age 18+.
How to apply: Go to verizon.com/student. Verify with school email or SheerID. Apply discount to your line.
Student discount on Magenta plans (TX coverage great)
National
What it is: T-Mobile's student discount: Magenta plan for $50/month (regularly $70). Magenta MAX for $70 (regularly $85). Plus a streaming bundle (Netflix Standard + Apple TV+) on Magenta MAX.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through SheerID.
How to apply: Go to t-mobile.com/student. Verify with school email or SheerID.
What it is: Costco's free student membership: full Gold Star or Business membership free while a student, valid for up to 4 years. (Regularly $65/year.)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a US college or university. Valid .edu email or student ID. Age 18+.
How to apply: Go to costco.com/student-membership. Verify with school email. Get a redemption code to bring to a Costco warehouse.
What it is: Single sign-on for verified students (and teachers, nurses, military, first responders). Once verified, get discounts at 200+ brands: Dell, Lenovo, AT&T, Brooks Running, Samsung, Adobe, etc.
Eligibility: Enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through ID.me.
How to apply: Go to id.me and create an account. Verify as a student. Browse the student shop for discounts.
What it is: Single sign-on for verified students. Discounts at Apple, Nike, Adidas, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and dozens more. Some require UNiDAYS verification, others are visible without.
Eligibility: Enrolled in a US college or university. Verify through UNiDAYS.
How to apply: Sign up at myunidays.com. Verify with school email. Browse the offers.
Hulu streaming for $1.99/month (vs $7.99). hulu.com/student.
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
The single form to apply for all federal financial aid (Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, work-study) and most state/institutional aid
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Low-interest federal loans for low-income undergrads. No interest while in school. Up to $3,500-$5,500/year. File the FA
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Up to 50% off Verizon 5G plans for students. Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle on Unlimited plans. verizon.com/discounts/student
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Up to $25/month off AT&T Unlimited plans. Free HBO Max on Elite. att.com/student/.
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
$40,000+ in monthly random-draw scholarships. Complete 6 BigFuture activities for 6 entries. Grades 9-12 + college. bigf
National
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Texas 529 plan: lock in today's tuition rates for future TX public college. $25-$500/year, $25K lifetime cap. TX residen
Texas
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Free LinkedIn Learning with a Texas public library card. 16,000+ courses on business, software, creative skills. Get a c
Texas
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
Free language learning (70+ languages) with a Texas public library card. ESL for 21 languages. mangolanguages.com.
Texas
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
TX state grant for working students, no income cap. Priority for students working or in work-study. File the FAFSA. hhlo
Texas
What it is: Texas state grant for low-income high school graduates. Renewable for up to 4 years at a Texas public or participating private college. Up to ~$5,000/year.
Eligibility: Texas resident. Graduated from a Texas high school with the recommended or distinguished achievement diploma. Family income under $60,000/year (Single) at initial application. Enrolled at least 3/4 time within 16 months of graduation. Filed FAFSA.
How to apply: File the FAFSA. The school auto-considerates you based on FAFSA. No separate TEXAS Grant application needed (sometimes school-specific deadlines apply).
Texas financial aid portal. fafsa.gov + Texas-specific programs. ApplyTexas.org/advapp.
Texas
What it is: Free or heavily discounted products and services for K-12, college, and graduate students. Includes streaming, software, food delivery, phone plans, scholarship databases, and exam fee waivers.
Eligibility: K-12 students need parental consent for most programs. College and grad students: typically need a school-issued .edu email, a Student ID, or verification through SheerID/UNiDAYS/ID.me. Most programs are free; some offer 50-90% discounts.
How to apply: Most programs verified at the brand's website (Spotify, Apple, GitHub, etc.) using a school email or student status. Verification usually takes 1-2 minutes. Discount auto-applies at checkout for 1-4 years.
If you only have time for one thing, file the FAFSA. For the rest, here's the short version.
FAFSA (the master form): File at fafsa.gov every year by June 30. Unlocks Pell ($7,395/yr max), FSEOG ($100-4,000/yr), TEACH Grant ($4,000/yr), work-study, federal loans, AND Texas state grants (TEXAS Grant, TEG, TPEG). Most schools use it for institutional aid too.
College application fee waivers: Get a College Board or ACT fee waiver from your high school counselor. That gives you free SAT/ACT, free Common App applications (~900 schools), free ApplyTexas applications (all TX public universities), and free CSS Profile for financial aid.
Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year for low-income undergrads. Free money, no repayment. File the FAFSA. School auto-calculates based on EFC.
TEXAS Grant: Up to $5,000/year for 4 years at a Texas public or participating private college. Need to be a TX high school grad with the recommended or distinguished diploma, family income under $60K at initial application. File the FAFSA.
Free SAT/ACT prep: Khan Academy (free SAT prep), official College Board practice tests (free), ACT Academy (free), and free prep at most public libraries via LearningExpress Library.
Childcare for student parents: Texas Workforce Solutions Child Care Services is free/subsidized for low-income TX families while a parent is in school. Apply at your local Workforce Solutions office. (In the catalog.)
This directory is a community effort. If you know an East Texas organization, discount, or service that should be here, tell us — we review every submission.