See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 6, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in College Station, TX (2026)
College Station is a vibrant university city in Brazos County, home to Texas A&M University, with a median home price around $335,000. The City of College Station Down Payment Assistance Program is one of the most generous city-level programs in Texas, offering up to 30% of the sales price as a zero-interest deferred loan, capped at $50,000. Texas state programs including the TDHCA My First Texas Home Program and TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program provide additional down payment assistance of up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant or forgivable second lien. Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity also builds homes with zero-interest mortgages for families earning between 35% and 80% of the area median income. By combining the city and state programs, eligible College Station buyers can access substantial assistance to make homeownership significantly more affordable.
City Programs in College Station
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of College Station Down Payment Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Up to 30% of the sales price, capped at $50,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 30% of the sales price, capped at $50,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Texas
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program | Grant | Up to 5% of the total loan amount | No | View → |
| Homes for Texas Heroes Program | Grant | Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%) | No | View → |
| My First Texas Home | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount | Yes | View → |
| SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the total loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount (between 3% and 5%)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the first lien mortgage amount
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable home purchase with zero-interest mortgage
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of College Station DPA Program requires household income at or below 80% of the area median income, a minimum credit score of 600, and no more than $20,000 in liquid assets (excluding retirement accounts). You must be a first-time homebuyer with at least 6 months of employment history.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. You must receive housing counseling from a HUD-approved counselor and agency prior to closing. Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation has partnered with eHome America to offer certified homebuyer education online. Visit their website or contact them for details.
Step 3: Contact the City of College Station Community Services department. Reach out to learn about current funding availability and begin the application process. You will need to contribute a minimum of 1.5% of the total sales price at closing.
Step 4: Explore state programs. Ask your lender about the TDHCA My First Texas Home Program, the TSAHC Homes Sweet Texas Program, and the SETH 5 Star Texas Advantage Program. These provide additional down payment assistance that can be combined with the city program.
Step 5: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Work with a lender to determine your maximum purchase price and confirm which programs you qualify for. The city program requires the home price not to exceed 95% of the area median purchase price.
Step 6: Find a home within College Station city limits. The property must be a single-family home, townhouse, homeplex, or condo within city limits. Mobile homes, duplexes, and quadraplexes are not eligible.
Step 7: Submit your full application and close on your home. The city's deferred loan funds are applied at closing along with any state assistance coordinated through your lender.