A Partnership with Dallas County Promise
An education at a nationally recognized, private university is more affordable than you think.
The Promise Scholarship is awarded in partnership with the Dallas County Promise program to provide a college education to students graduating from eligible high schools in Dallas County. The SMU partnership specifically seeks to identify future leaders of Dallas County and provide them an opportunity to earn an SMU degree.
SMU will select up to five (5) high school seniors to receive a two-year Promise Scholarship. This is a last-dollar scholarship (combined with other grants and scholarships) to provide full tuition and fees. It is available exclusively to students who meet the requirements below, have fulfilled the requirements for the Dallas County Promise program, and plan to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from Dallas College prior to attending SMU. Learn more at Dallas County Promise.
Selection is through a holistic review based on academic and extra-curricular achievement, financial need, and leadership potential as demonstrated throughout high school and in the application process.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Apply to SMU as a first-year student by January 15
- Students must be graduating from a participating Dallas County Promise high school located in Dallas County (Texas)
- Texas residency
- Verified Pell Grant eligibility as defined by the FAFSA or the equivalent demonstrated need as defined by the TASFA
- Priority given to students with a cumulative “A” average (3.5 GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale) in grades 9-12
- Students must complete the requirements for the Dallas County Promise Path
- Students must complete their Associate degree after graduating from high school (Students graduating high school with an Associate degree are not eligible.)
Scholarship Conditions:
- Graduate from a Dallas County Promise eligible high school
- Complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree within two years of graduating from high school while earning a 3.500 cumulative GPA from a Dallas College school (Note: Associate of Applied Arts, Teaching (AT), and Associate of Applied Science degrees do not meet this requirement.)
- Maintain a satisfactory disciplinary and criminal record
- Maintain a 2.500 cumulative SMU GPA, successfully complete 75% of courses attempted, and maintain full-time student status
- This scholarship is good for five consecutive semesters or until you complete your bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first
Timeline:
- January 15: Submit completed SMU application with all documents, as well as FAFSA/TASFA and CSS Profile
- February 1: Complete Dallas Promise Path
- Mid-March: Students will be notified if they are selected for the scholarship in their admission letter
For more information about applying for admission, scholarships or financial aid as well as fee waivers, contact Rod Jackson, Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, at 214-768-2058 or rodrickj@smu.edu. For Dallas County Promise Scholarship recipients currently attending Dallas College, please contact Lissette Zavala, Transfer Admission Counselor, at 214-768-8724 or lzavala@smu.edu.