Smith-Hutson Scholarship

​​The Smith-Hutson Scholars embody resilience, achievement, and character. We lead with integrity, discipline, and a commitment to rise above excuses. Through service and community, we support and uplift others, striving to make a meaningful impact. We are driven by purpose, grounded in values, and committed to excellence in all we do. As leaders and scholars, we embrace challenges, stay true to our word, and inspire those around us. Together, we rise, united by these core values to grow, serve, and lead with distinction.​

About The Program

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship was established at Sam Houston State University in 1996, to provide post-secondary opportunity for students who may not have otherwise had a chance to earn a baccalaureate degree.

Application Information

Applying for the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program

The application will be available for eligible applicants via "Scholarships4Kats" on October 1, 2025 - You must apply and be accepted to SHSU to access Scholarships4Kats. It will be available through your MySam account.

There are two groups of students who are eligible to apply for a Smith-Hutson Scholarship.

Incoming Freshmen

Entering Freshmen (high school students graduating from a Texas high school in May/June of 2026, regardless of how many university hours have already been earned) seeking a bachelor's degree (any major) from Sam Houston State University. This scholarship is for a maximum of four years of undergraduate studies at SHSU. To apply, applicants will follow the instructions listed in the application.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from a Texas community college who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree from SHSU. This scholarship is for a maximum of two years of undergraduate studies at SHSU. If you are already an SHSU student, you are ineligible to apply. To apply, applicants will follow the instructions listed in the application.

DEADLINE: The deadline to submit an application is 11:59 pm Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Each Year?

The Smith-Hutson Freshman Scholarship is a completer scholarship with a recipient being awarded up to $20,000 a year, for four years.

The Smith-Hutson Transfer Scholarship is a completer scholarship with a recipient being awarded up to $20,000 a year, for two years.

What is a Completer Scholarship?

The Smith-Hutson completer scholarship includes other scholarships awarded, apart from the Pell Grant, up to the maximum amount of the scholarship.

Example: If awarded a local scholarship of $5,000, Smith-Hutson would award $15,000 to total it's maximum of $20,000 a year. If you also receive $3,000 from Pell Grant, the total amount you would receive for the year would be $23,000.

Does the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program Automatically Renew or do Applicants Need to Reapply Each Year?

The freshman scholarship will automatically renew for a maximum of eight semesters, or until the recipient has earned a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first, provided scholars maintain all other program requirements. The transfer scholarship will automatically renew for a maximum of four semesters, or until the recipient has earned a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first, provided scholars maintain all other program requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is targeted toward individuals who have demonstrated academic prowess, leadership potential, and financial need. To remain eligible for renewal, scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 30 semester credit hours each year. All applicants are required to file for FAFSA.

Are Smith-Hutson Scholars required to live on Campus?

The Smith-Hutson Scholarship has a "Freshmen Learning Community" in which all freshmen scholars will be housed in San Jacinto Hall.

Transfer or non-freshmen scholars receive up to $20,000 a year. The refund received, after tuition and fees are deducted, will be the remaining amount you can put toward rent charges for any off-campus living. If rent is more than your refund amount, you will be expected to make up the difference.