The University Co-operative Society (Co-op) has further reinforced its commitment to affordability and student success at The University of Texas at Austin by expanding its University Co-op Course Materials Scholarship funding.
Established in 2021 to reduce the cost of course materials for low- and middle-income students, the University Co-op Course Materials Scholarship provides $1.25 million per year in savings for students. During the FY2024-25 academic year, 7,700 undergraduate students received a $250 Course Materials Scholarship, which reflects a value of nearly $1.1 million in savings for students. This value also reflects an increase from the Co-op’s original 2021 financial commitment of $750,000 to Course Material Scholarships, resulting in an estimated 2,000 additional students receiving support annually.
“At the University Co-op, we believe every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Cheryl Phifer, University Co-op president and CEO. “Extending our commitment to the Course Materials Scholarship through 2032 reflects our deep pride in supporting UT students and our dedication to making education more affordable and equitable. We’re honored to help lighten the financial burden and empower the next generation of Longhorns.”
In addition to the expanded Course Materials Scholarship support, the University Co-op Board also voted to extend its annual pledge commitment of $250,000 to the UT Co-op Undergraduate Scholarship through 2032. The decision by the board of the University Co-op — UT’s independent, not-for-profit college bookstore since 1896 — reaffirms the Co-op’s role as a trusted partner in Longhorns’ academic journeys.
Established in 2019 as part of the Texas Challenge, a dollar-for-dollar scholarship gift-matching program made possible by the UT System Board of Regents that expands the Texas Advance Commitment, the UT Co-op Undergraduate Scholarship supports the tuition expenses of 15 students on average each year and will continue to grow over time.
Both the University Co-op Course Materials Scholarship and the UT Co-op Undergraduate Scholarship are key components of UT’s broader affordability initiatives, which include the Texas Advance Commitment, UT for Me — Powered by Dell Scholars, and the Longhorn Textbook Access (LTA) program. LTA provides students with discounted digital textbooks on or before the first day of class, and when combined with the Co-op scholarship, students can often cover the full cost of their required materials. To date, LTA has saved students nearly $5 million since its inception, and as more faculty members add their courses to the program (1,238 total courses were enrolled during 2024-25), the savings will continue to grow for students.
“This scholarship has made a tremendous impact on my academic journey,” said Shrikar Thangavel, an electrical and computer engineering senior. “In the past, affording textbooks was a real burden — often leaving me questioning whether I could justify the cost. Thanks to this scholarship, I’ve been able to get the resources I need without that financial stress, and I’m truly grateful for the support.”
In alignment with the University’s expanded Texas Advance Commitment, the Co-op has broadened eligibility for its $250 annual Course Materials Scholarship. Now, students from families earning up to $150,000 annually may qualify — an increase from the previous threshold of $65,000.
Updated Timeline of Co-op Support
- 2019: UT Co-op Undergraduate Scholarship is established as part of the Texas Challenge, a dollar-for-dollar scholarship gift-matching program made possible by the UT System Board of Regents that expands the Texas Advance Commitment.
- 2020: The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the University launch UT for Me; UT for Me students begin receiving annual textbook credits for up to four years. The textbook credit is facilitated by the Co-op.
- 2021: Longhorn Textbook Access is established. The initiative, in partnership with the University Co-op, reduces the cost of digital textbooks and other digital course materials.
- 2022: The University Co-op Course Materials Scholarship launches with a $10 million commitment.
- 2023: The University Co-op Course Materials Scholarship expands to $12 million and applies to all students who qualify for the Texas Advance Commitment; $250 annual award is introduced.
- 2025: The University Co-op expands its support to fund the Course Materials Scholarship and extends its annual pledge to the endowed University Co-op Undergraduate Scholarship through 2032, bringing its annual financial commitment to support UT students to approximately $1.5 million a year, including the Texas Challenge match, and its 11-year commitment to $15.5 million.
The University Co-op is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit and is operated by a board of directors comprising students, faculty members and staff at The University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about how every penny spent and donated at the Co-op impacts UT Students.
