Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for community college · The Woodlands, TX
How students pay for Lone Star College System
Sticker price $21,720 a year. After grants, the average student pays $15,874, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $14,345 to $20,477.
- 45,188undergraduates
- 19%graduate
- 25%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $9,390 a year versus $3,330 for Texas residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
25%grant from Lone Star College Systemavg $1,775
48%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,708
22%state grantavg $1,967
12%federal student loanavg $5,647
Scholarships from Lone Star College System
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- General LSC Scholarship
Admitted students with a high school diploma or GED, a 2.0+ GPA and at least 6 credit hours at one campus, meeting satisfactory academic progress.
- Honors College Chancellor's FellowsIn-district tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours a semester, up to $600 a semester for books, plus a $600 a semester allowance
Incoming first-year students who meet Honors College entry criteria and submit a writing sample, transcript, two recommendations, an interview and a FAFSA or TASFA.
- Honors College Merit Scholarships
Incoming or current students who will attend for less than two years or do not meet the Chancellor's Fellows requirements.
- Workforce Scholarships
Students training for high-skill, high-growth occupations.
- East Montgomery County Scholarship Foundation Scholarship$500
Students planning to continue their education, judged on academics, leadership, service and financial need.
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Texas
TEXAS Grant
Set each year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; your school's aid office shows the current amount
Who qualifies: Texas residents with financial need who enrol at a Texas public university within 16 months of graduating high school (or 12 months of an associate degree).
How: File the FAFSA or TASFA. Priority deadline: 15 January.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in The Woodlands
| Studio | $1,540/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,580/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $935/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 77381. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$7.25/hour minimum wage in Texas
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $3,262 before tax. That covers about 3 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: Texas follows the federal minimum wage. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$10,500median federal debt≈ $119/month over 10 years
$44,187median earnings10 years after enrolling
19%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for Lone Star College System
What scholarships does Lone Star College System offer?
General LSC Scholarship; Honors College Chancellor's Fellows (In-district tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours a semester, up to $600 a semester for books, plus a $600 a semester allowance); Honors College Merit Scholarships; Workforce Scholarships; East Montgomery County Scholarship Foundation Scholarship ($500). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does Lone Star College System really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $15,874 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $14,345 to $20,477. The full cost of attendance before aid is $21,720.
Does Lone Star College System give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 25% of first-year students received a grant from Lone Star College System itself, averaging $1,775. 48% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,708).
How much is rent near Lone Star College System?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (77381) is $1,580 a month for a one-bedroom and $1,870 for a two-bedroom, about $935 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at Lone Star College System?
Yes. The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $3,262 before tax.
How much debt do Lone Star College System graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $10,500, about $119 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $44,187.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with Lone Star College System. How these pages work.
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