When it comes to pursuing graduate study in the United States, Texas is a prime destination. The state boasts world-class research institutions, diverse communities, and a lower cost of living compared to many coastal states. For ambitious students, one of the most important considerations is funding. Fortunately, many Texas universities offer fully funded opportunities for PhD students, and a growing number of Master’s programs provide substantial funding through teaching or research assistantships.

This guide highlights 20 universities in Texas that offer full tuition coverage, stipends, and health insurance for PhD students—and in many cases, assistantship pathways for Master’s students as well.

1) Rice University (Houston)

PhD students at Rice typically receive full tuition coverage and a multi-year stipend. Some thesis-based Master’s programs also provide funding through fellowships or assistantships.

2) University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin funds many graduate students through teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and tuition reduction benefits. Master’s students in assistantship roles often qualify for in-state tuition.

3) Texas A&M University, College Station

Graduate assistantships at Texas A&M provide stipends, health insurance, and in-state tuition waivers. Both PhD and Master’s students in research-based tracks benefit from these opportunities.

4) University of Houston

Funding options include assistantships, scholarships, and Graduate Tuition Fellowships (GTFs), which cover tuition for many PhD students. Some Master’s programs also offer assistantships with tuition support.

5) University of North Texas (Denton)

Assistantships at UNT often provide tuition coverage and stipends, available to both PhD and Master’s students. Competitive fellowships add additional support.

6) Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Doctoral students frequently receive assistantships that waive tuition and fees. Distinguished Graduate Student Assistantships can provide $25,000 per year plus full waivers. Master’s students may also secure assistantships.

7) Baylor University (Waco)

Nearly all PhD students at Baylor receive full tuition remission, stipends, and health insurance subsidies. Select Master’s programs also offer tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships.

8) Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

SMU provides PhD students with Mustang Fellowships that include tuition coverage, stipends, and health insurance. Certain Master’s programs also offer funded assistantship roles.

9) Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

Graduate assistantships and fellowships provide tuition awards and stipends for eligible Master’s and PhD students.

10) University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson)

PhD students are often fully funded through teaching or research assistantships. Master’s students with assistantship roles can receive tuition waivers and stipends.

11) University of Texas at Arlington

Competitive packages cover 75–100% of tuition for graduate assistants. Both Master’s and PhD students may receive full tuition remission through teaching or research roles.

12) University of Texas at San Antonio

Doctoral students are guaranteed a minimum stipend, tuition, and health insurance when fully funded. Master’s students in assistantship positions also benefit from tuition coverage.

13) University of Texas at El Paso

Many doctoral programs, such as Sociology, offer teaching assistantships with tuition remission. Some Master’s students may also access these opportunities.

14) UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)

PhD students in Basic Sciences receive full tuition, fees, health insurance, and stipends around $40,000 per year. Certain MS research tracks may also offer funding.

15) MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School

PhD students are supported with stipends, tuition remission, and health insurance. MS students may also receive Graduate Research Assistant funding.

16) Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)

PhD students receive full tuition, health insurance, and stipends of around $40,000. Research-based Master’s students may qualify for assistantship funding.

17) University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth)

Biomedical Sciences and Public Health Sciences PhD students are offered fully funded packages that include stipends, tuition, and insurance.

18) Prairie View A&M University

Doctoral students can access the Doctoral Tuition and Fee Waiver Program, which covers tuition and fees. Graduate assistantships are also available.

19) Texas Woman’s University (Denton)

Both Master’s and PhD students can compete for graduate assistantships and tuition waivers, making advanced study more affordable.

20) Sam Houston State University (Huntsville)

Assistantships for Master’s and PhD students provide stipends and in-state tuition rates. Many departments list opportunities for funded roles.

How to Secure Funding
• Focus on research fit: Strong alignment with faculty increases your chances.
• Apply early: Funding decisions are often tied to admission deadlines.
• Target assistantships: Master’s funding is usually limited to students who secure TA or RA positions.
• Ask directly: Email program coordinators to confirm funding specifics for your field.