Forty Acres Scholars Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Texas Exes

Overview
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the flagship, merit-based full-ride scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin. Run by the Texas Exes, the program supports a close-knit cohort of scholars by offering enriched academic, leadership, professional, and cultural experiences throughout their time at UT Austin.

Who is eligible
- Current high school seniors applying for freshman admission to The University of Texas at Austin
- Both Texas residents and non-residents
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident when submitting the application
- Students seeking admission to the McCombs School of Business should also submit an application to the Canfield Business Honors Program
- Transfer applicants and international students are not eligible for the Forty Acres Scholars Program but may apply for other scholarships administered by the Texas Exes

What the program looks for
The Forty Acres Scholars Program seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong academic achievement, and a commitment to using their talents for the public good. Ideal candidates typically show:
- Broad achievement and distinction across leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and community service
- A sustained record of academic excellence and curiosity
- Exceptional intellectual promise paired with a drive to enact positive change in society
- Commitment to good citizenship and servant leadership
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to engage comfortably with both peers and adults

Application process and deadlines
- You do not need a separate Forty Acres application. Submitting an application to UT Austin through the Common App or ApplyTexas automatically enters you for consideration.
- Only applicants chosen to advance in the selection process will be contacted directly by the Forty Acres Scholars Program; selected students who wish to remain under consideration will complete additional steps.
- Important dates for the 2026–27 admissions cycle:
- Early action (priority) deadline: October 15, 2025 — applicants who meet this date are likely to receive a decision by January 15, 2026.
- Final admissions deadline: December 1, 2025.
- All applications submitted by the December 1 deadline will be evaluated with equal consideration regardless of submission date. Applying by the October 15 priority deadline is encouraged for earlier notification but is not required to be considered for the program.