Aldine ISD Class of 2026 Surpasses $1.35 Billion in Financial Aid and Scholarship Offers

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Preliminary data show the district has met its college-going goals, with scholarship and financial aid offers expected to continue increasing over the summer.

The Aldine ISD Class of 2026 is closing the school year with more than $1.35 billion in financial aid and scholarship offers, demonstrating what is possible when students, families, campuses, and college-readiness teams collaborate.​

According to preliminary district data shared by Aldine ISD’s College Readiness team, the Class of 2026 had received $1,354,163,186 in financial aid and scholarship offers as of May 22. This total, which includes both university-based and non-university-based scholarship offers, is expected to increase as additional offer letters are verified and processed over the summer.

The milestone reflects the district’s continued focus on postsecondary readiness and on helping students graduate with choices — whether they plan to attend a two-year college or four-year university, enter the workforce, pursue military service, or earn industry certifications.

This work is also aligned with Accelerate, Aldine ISD’s five-year strategic plan, which includes college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) initiatives designed to expand access, opportunity, and successful postsecondary outcomes for all students.

“This is about more than a number,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “It represents doors opening for Aldine ISD students and the futures they are building for themselves, their families, and our community. That is the #AldineStory”

As of May 22, Aldine ISD had met all of its districtwide college-going benchmark goals for the Class of 2026. Preliminary data shows:

Michael Minter, Aldine ISD director of college readiness, said the scholarship total includes offers connected to the district’s college-going efforts, including the EAB’s Appily Match program, as well as other university-based and non-university-based scholarship offers. He explained that, as campuses verify additional offer letters during the ongoing process, the Class of 2026 will continue trending within the typical annual range of approximately $45 million to $50 million in scholarships outside the Match program.

The district’s work around college access has included helping students complete college applications, submit FAFSA or TASFA, identify best-fit postsecondary options, and access scholarship opportunities.

For Aldine ISD leaders, the results represent the collective work of students, families, high school counselors, college readiness staff, campus leaders, and district teams who have continued to raise expectations and expand access to postsecondary opportunities.

“These numbers (on the $1B+ milestone) show that our students are not only applying to college, they are also receiving meaningful opportunities from institutions across the country,” Minter said. “Scholarship and financial aid offers are still being verified, so we expect the total to continue growing over the summer. What is most important is that students and families understand their options, compare award letters carefully, and make the decision that best supports each student’s goals.”

The Class of 2026 results also reflect Aldine ISD’s broader commitment to preparing students for life after graduation. In addition to college admissions and scholarship offers, students earned thousands of certifications connected to career and technical education pathways.

Those pathways are not mutually exclusive. Many students earn industry certifications while also applying to college, receiving scholarship or financial aid offers, and planning for a two-year or four-year degree. Together, those opportunities give students more choices as they prepare for life after high school.

Dr. Autumn Boyd, Aldine ISD senior executive director of postsecondary outcomes, noted that the district is tracking 4,395 certifications earned by students, including 3,837 certifications recognized by the Texas Education Agency.

“Postsecondary readiness is not one-size-fits-all,” Boyd said. “For some students, it is a college acceptance and a scholarship offer. For others, it is an industry certification, a career pathway, or a credential that helps them move directly into the workforce. Our goal is for every student to graduate with a plan, a purpose, and the preparation to take their next step.”

​These early numbers show that Aldine ISD students are earning certifications and receiving opportunities to help shape their futures.

​For the Class of 2026 and future graduates, the district’s efforts are focused on ensuring students graduate with confidence, options, and a clear plan for their next steps.​

“Every acceptance letter, scholarship offer, certification, and completed financial aid application represents a student taking ownership of their future,” Goffney said. “Our work in Aldine ISD is to ensure students graduate with choices and opportunities, and are empowered to pursue what comes next.”