University of Oregon Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: N/A
- Middle 50% SAT: N/A
- Average GPA: 3.75
- Below the typical ranges: Oregon is still very attainable. Focus on GPA trend and a complete application—this is a school where access is real.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in a strong position for admission and automatic merit (Summit/Apex). This is where Oregon can become a solid value option.
- Well above the ranges: You’ll likely maximize automatic merit—and may be competitive for top awards like Stamps (full ride), though those remain highly selective.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Oregon at a Glance
- Test scores don’t help with scholarships: UO is test-blind for scholarship decisions—GPA and coursework matter most.
- No WUE participation: Many families expect a western discount, but UO does not offer WUE—nonresidents rely on merit to lower costs.
- Presidential ≠ full tuition: It’s a strong award, but not a full-tuition scholarship—only Stamps reaches full-ride level.
- Automatic merit has a ceiling: Summit/Apex help, but they won’t fully close the out-of-state price gap.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Oregon is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: N/A; SAT: N/A.
Average net price? About $19,000/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Oregon 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $16,755 | $46,077 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $17,244 | $17,244 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $33,999 | $63,321 |
Average Federal Net Price: $19,000 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
The University of Oregon does not participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or any other reciprocity program. Nonresident students pay the full nonresident rate unless they earn major merit awards such as the Summit Scholarship or Apex Scholarship.
🎓 Cost & Residency FAQ
Where does the housing number come from?
It’s the median rate ($17,244) of all 2026–2027 UO residence-hall + meal-plan options,
based on official rates from the UO Housing website.
Can nonresidents ever gain in-state tuition?
Rarely — students must live in Oregon for at least 12 months for non-educational reasons and prove financial independence.
How can families reduce out-of-state costs?
Focus on grades and deadlines — the Summit and Apex Scholarships
are automatic and can reduce nonresident tuition by thousands each year.
Cost of Attendance — UO Financial Aid: https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/cost
Tuition & Fees (official 2025–26 schedule): https://tuition.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/2025-26_tuition_and_fees.pdf
Housing & Meal Plan Costs — UO Housing: https://housing.uoregon.edu/costs
Net Price Calculator — UO Admissions: https://admissions.uoregon.edu/affordability/net-price-calculator
Automatic Scholarships
The University of Oregon offers two main automatic merit scholarships for out-of-state students: Summit and Apex. These are awarded based on high school GPA—no separate application is required. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission by the priority deadline.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Scholarship | $10,000/year (nonresident) | First-time freshmen; 3.90+ unweighted GPA; apply by Jan 15 | No | Yes, up to 4 years | Out-of-state admits in the top 10–15% academics | Jan 15 |
| Apex Scholarship | $7,500/year (nonresident) | First-time freshmen; 3.60–3.89 unweighted GPA; apply by Jan 15 | No | Yes, up to 4 years | Out-of-state admits with strong but not top-15% academics | Jan 15 |
These scholarships are only available to first-time freshmen and are applied automatically based on your child’s unweighted GPA at the time of admission. No separate scholarship form is needed—simply apply to Oregon by January 15 for automatic consideration.
FAQ: Summit and Apex Scholarships (2026–2027)
UO uses a standardized, unweighted GPA calculated by their admissions office—not always what’s listed on a high school transcript. Make sure your coursework and rigor are clear in the transcript submission.
No. UO is test-blind for Summit and Apex: only academic GPA and admission materials count. Strong test scores are still encouraged for competitive or national awards.
Summit and Apex do not stack with other UO merit awards, such as the Presidential or Diversity Excellence scholarships. They do stack with need-based money and most outside/private scholarships.
The typical recipient is a student from out of state with several semesters of A or B+ work in college prep courses. Summit is reserved for those with consistent academic “A” records in all core subjects; Apex can include students with a couple of A-/B grades in tough classes.
Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships require strong academics, leadership, or specific qualifications — and most need an extra application, nomination, or designation. If your child is aiming high, these are worth exploring early.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $9,000/year | Oregon residents; 3.90+ GPA, leadership, and academic achievement | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Top in-state applicants with community service or leadership | Jan 15 |
| Diversity Excellence Scholarship | $6,500/year (in-state) or $9,000/year (out-of-state) | Brings diversity to campus; strong academics & leadership; open to all UO admits | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Students showing contribution to diverse perspectives and service | Jan 15 |
| Stamps Scholarship | Full cost of attendance + enrichment funds | Highly selective; invited via UO Scholars application; national-level leadership/service | Yes (nomination required) | Yes (4 years) | Leaders with 4.0+ GPA and major state/national impact | Jan 15 (UO Scholars) |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Up to $2,000/year | National Merit Finalists; must select UO as first-choice | Yes (NMSC process) | Yes (4 years) | National Merit Finalists naming UO on NMSC paperwork | Feb (NMSC) |
Most competitive scholarships require strong leadership, service, and a demonstrated academic record—not just grades. Always check each award’s page for essay prompts, nominations, and exact due dates.
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UO
No—UO does not stack institutional merit awards. If you’re selected for a higher-value scholarship (Presidential, Diversity Excellence, or Stamps), it will replace Summit/Apex, not add on top.
UO is test-optional for admission and most scholarships. Stamps or national awards may still ask for strong scores, but most decisions are based on GPA, leadership, and impact.
The general admissions application must be submitted by January 15. The Stamps and Presidential Scholars programs require early action and/or nomination; make sure to apply for UO Scholars or through NMSC as needed.
Recipients typically have a 4.0 GPA (unweighted or weighted), top test scores (if submitted), service leadership, and often a significant extracurricular, research, or advocacy achievement at the regional or national level.
Clark Honors College at UO
The Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon is a small, highly selective academic program that offers small classes, priority registration, a tight-knit cohort, and close faculty mentoring—like a liberal arts college within a research university.
All students complete honors core classes and a senior thesis but can pursue any major across the university. Clark alumni include national scholarship winners and top grad school admits. Admission is highly competitive (typical admit: 3.90+ GPA, advanced courses, and strong essays).
How to Apply
- Deadline: January 15 (with UO application)
- Requirements: High GPA, strong essay, teacher rec; test scores optional
- Method: Select “Clark Honors College” when applying to UO and complete the short supplement
There is no guaranteed scholarship from Honors admission, but Clark students often win UO’s top merit awards or exclusive thesis/research grants once enrolled.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHC Thesis/Commencement Awards | $750–$2,000 | Clark Honors College seniors with exceptional thesis or service | No (selected by faculty) | No (one time) | Graduating seniors with top research, writing, or college service | May |
| Dr. George Streisinger Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 | Honors students, priority to STEM and middle-income/need | Yes | No | Active participants with FAFSA/ORSAA filed and science focus | Feb 15 |
| Robert Ousterhout Scholarship | $5,000 | Current Clark Honors student, preference for arts/humanities | Yes (FAFSA/ORSAA required) | No | Financial need and demonstrated engagement in the arts/humanities | Feb 15 |
| Williams Fellowship (Faculty Award) | $5,000 stipend (impact for students via improved pedagogy) | Clark Honors faculty (improves student opportunities) | No (internal selection) | No | Students benefit via class/research opportunities with Williams Fellows | Fall |
FAQ: Clark Honors College at UO
Yes—students are encouraged to live in the Global Scholars Hall for an “academic” environment and honors-focused events. Spaces fill early; request soon after admission.
Yes—but in ways most Honors students find engaging, not just in added work. Expect frequent seminar discussion, small-group teaching, and a research project.
Not directly, but many Presidential and Stamps Scholars are in Clark. Being in the College offers faculty contacts and research opportunities that help with competitive departmental, national, and graduate fellowships.
Yes. The Honors core replaces general education, so students major in anything UO offers—from architecture to journalism to biology.