University of North Texas Scholarships | Costs, Aid & Merit Awards

University of North Texas Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on March 31, 2026
What This Page Covers:
  • 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: ~72%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 19-27
  • Middle 50% SAT: 990-1220
  • Average GPA: 3.5

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌 University of North Texas at a Glance

🏆 Full tuition available (President’s Elite Scholarship & Terry Transfer Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$14,675/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$12,000/yr
No separate application.
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Mar 1 • FAFSA: Jan 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
President’s Elite Scholarship & Terry Transfer Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
competitive_scholarship_waiver
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of North Texas (Read This First)

  • The March 1 priority deadline is key for the UNT Excellence Scholarship — apply later and your merit options shrink quickly.
  • Out-of-state savings depend on earning at least a $1,000 UNT scholarship to trigger the in-state tuition waiver — miss that threshold and costs jump significantly.
  • It’s test-optional for admission, but submitting SAT/ACT scores can improve your chances for higher scholarship tiers.

FAQ

Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of North Texas is test-optional.

What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19-27; SAT: 990-1220.

Average net price? About $14,675/yearyear after aid.

Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in competitive_scholarship_waiver.

Sources:
UNT Excellence Scholarships: https://financialaid.unt.edu/unt-excellence-scholarships.html
UNT Honors Research: https://honors.unt.edu/research/scholars-day/full-research-paper.html
UNT Terry Scholars: https://honors.unt.edu/terryscholars/application.html
UNT Donor Scholarships: https://unt.academicworks.com
UNT Alumni Association: https://untalumni.com/students/scholarships/
UNT Academic Achievement: https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/funding/awards-academic-achievement-scholarship.html
UNT College of Music: https://music.unt.edu/admissions/scholarships.html
UNT Honors Scholarships: https://cos.unt.edu/advising/deans-list/index.html
UNT Departmental Scholarships: https://class.unt.edu/scholarships/index.html
UNT Emerald Eagle Scholars: https://emeraldeagles.unt.edu/about-program.html
UNT Honors Scholarships: https://honors.unt.edu/scholarships/index.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of North Texas 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) $12,092 $24,392
Housing & Meals (typical) $11,531 $11,531
Total (Direct Costs) $23,623 $35,923

Average Federal Net Price: $14,675 — 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.

💡 Non-Resident Tuition Waivers & ACM
  • Competitive Scholarship Waiver: Nonresidents who receive a $1,000+ competitive scholarship from UNT qualify for the in-state tuition rate, saving roughly $12,000 per year.
  • Academic Common Market (Graduate Only): UNT participates in the Academic Common Market for certain graduate programs. Undergraduate ACM is not available in Texas.
  • Other Waivers: UNT also honors military and veteran tuition exemptions (Hazlewood Act, GI Bill), the Border Nations waiver for Mexican citizens, and state-specific tuition programs such as the Texas Tomorrow Fund.
💡 Don’t Miss State Aid: Texas residents can stack UNT scholarships with TEXAS Grant, Top 10% Scholarship, and other state-based aid programs to further lower costs.

👉 Texas State Grants & Scholarships
Sources:
https://financialaid.unt.edu/undergraduate.html
https://studentaccounting.unt.edu/tuition-and-fees.html
https://studentaccounting.unt.edu/sites/default/files/tuition-fee-manual-2025-2026.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?227216-University-of-North-Texas
https://housing.unt.edu/sites/default/files/images/2024-2025_housing_rates_r1.pdf
https://dining.unt.edu/plans/
https://financialaid.unt.edu/competitive-scholarship-waiver.html
https://studentaccounting.unt.edu/waivers-and-exemptions.html
Applying to Texas public universities?
Before you assume how merit works, read the Texas Merit Scholarship Guidelines. We break down GPA recalculation, rank rules, “as funds permit,” renewal credit hours, and out-of-state waiver mechanics.

Automatic Merit Scholarships — University of North Texas

UNT awards fixed-tier Excellence Scholarships to first-time freshmen based on unweighted GPA and class rank. Test scores (if submitted by the time of admission) are considered only if they help a student qualify for a higher tier. Non-Texas residents who receive an Excellence Scholarship qualify for the state’s competitive scholarship waiver to pay in-state tuition.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
President’s Elite $12,000/yr (4 yrs) Top unweighted GPA + class rank; test scores considered only if they improve eligibility. No Yes — maintain 3.25 UNT GPA & 24 hrs/yr Highest-achieving admits; competitive and funding-limited. March 1 (Priority)
President’s Honors $10,000/yr (4 yrs) Unweighted GPA + class rank drive tier; test scores used only if they help eligibility. No Yes — same renewal rules Very strong academics; early admits favored. March 1
Dean’s Scholarship $8,000/yr (4 yrs) Strong unweighted GPA/rank; scores optional but can help. No Yes — same renewal rules High achievers just below President’s tiers. March 1
North Texas Scholarship $6,000/yr (4 yrs) Unweighted GPA + rank; test scores optional. No Yes — same renewal rules Above-average students who apply early. March 1
Eagle Scholarship $4,000/yr (4 yrs) Meets core GPA/rank bar; test optional. No Yes — same renewal rules Common award for solid academic profiles. March 1
Scrappy Scholarship $1,000/yr (4 yrs) Meets UNT minimums; awarded as funds allow. No Yes — same renewal rules Baseline tier; funding varies by year. March 1

Tip: UNT does not superscore. Submitting multiple ACT or SAT attempts can still help if one composite is higher. For maximum award consideration, apply for admission by March 1 and send all test results before that date.

Note: Criteria reflect UNT’s published 2026–2027 award ranges. Renewal typically requires a 3.25 UNT GPA, 24 completed credit hours per academic year, and continuous enrollment. Nonresidents who earn any Excellence Scholarship qualify for the Texas competitive scholarship tuition waiver (in-state rate).

Automatic Merit FAQs — University of North Texas

Which GPA does UNT use?
UNT evaluates the unweighted high school GPA and class rank for scholarship decisions. Weighted GPAs are not used for award tiers.

Are awards automatic with admission?
Yes. If you’re admitted by the March 1 priority deadline and meet the published GPA/rank requirements, you’ll automatically be considered for the highest eligible tier.

Do test scores matter if UNT is test-optional?
Scores are optional, but if submitted by the time of admission, UNT uses them only if they help your student reach a higher scholarship tier.

Can out-of-state students qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes. Nonresident students who earn any level of the Excellence Scholarship automatically receive the Texas Competitive Scholarship Waiver, lowering tuition to the in-state rate.

Sources:
https://financialaid.unt.edu/unt-excellence-scholarships.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/competitive-scholarship-waiver.html
https://www.unt.edu/admissions/freshman/admission-requirements.html
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/125055/understanding-unt-merit-scholarships-what-are-the-requirements
https://unt.academicworks.com
https://financialaid.unt.edu/priority-dates-and-deadlines.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/scholarships.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/undergraduate.html
https://unt.my.site.com/KB/s/article/Am-I-eligible-for-the-UNT-Excellence-Scholarship

Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)

These awards require UNT’s General Scholarship Application. One application automatically places students in the running for dozens of academic, leadership, need-based, and donor-funded awards.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
President’s Elite Scholarship Full tuition + mandatory fees Top 10% of class, GPA 3.8+, ACT 32+ / SAT 1450+ Yes Yes (4 years) Top-tier students with exceptional test scores and leadership/service experience March 1 (priority)
UNT Excellence Scholarship $1,000–$6,000 per year GPA 3.4+ and ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+; strong academic record No (auto with admission) Yes (4 years) High-achieving applicants who apply early; larger awards for top 5% of admits Dec 1 (early consideration)
UNT Foundation & Donor Scholarships $500–$5,000 Varies by donor intent; GPA 3.0+ typical; may consider need or major Yes (via general app) Some renewable Students matching donor preferences—STEM, teaching, first-gen, or identity-based awards March 1

Note: GPA and score ranges are based on UNT’s published data and historical award patterns. Actual thresholds and funding levels may vary annually depending on budgets and applicant strength.

Important: The President’s Elite Scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees only. Housing, meals, books, and personal expenses are not included. Students will still have remaining costs unless they combine this with need-based or outside aid.
Smart Strategy: Pair the President’s Elite Scholarship with Pell Grants, the TEXAS Grant, departmental awards, and private scholarships. Many high-achieving students come close to a full ride through this combination.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

Does UNT offer a true full ride?
Not by default. The President’s Elite covers tuition and fees, but not room, board, or personal expenses.

Can awards be stacked to cover everything?
Yes. Many students cover full cost by combining competitive scholarships with state, federal, and outside aid.

Do middle-income families qualify for merit?
Yes. UNT’s merit-based awards often benefit middle-income families who may not qualify for significant need-based aid.

Do out-of-state students qualify?
Yes. Most competitive and merit awards at UNT include an in-state tuition waiver for recipients.

Sources:
https://financialaid.unt.edu/unt-excellence-scholarships.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/scholarships.html
https://unt.academicworks.com
https://bold.org/scholarships/by-type/university-of-north-texas-scholarships/
https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/scholarships/unt-excellence-scholarships
https://www.collegevine.com/faq/125055/understanding-unt-merit-scholarships-what-are-the-requirements
https://financialaid.unt.edu/competitive-scholarship-waiver.html
https://unt.my.site.com/KB/s/article/Am-I-eligible-for-the-UNT-Excellence-Scholarship
https://english.unt.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-scholarships.html

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards don’t always make UNT’s front-page scholarship list, but they can make a big difference—especially when stacked with automatic merit aid. Most require a separate application or audition, but they’re realistic opportunities for the right students.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
College of Music Awards $500–$4,000 Audition required; open to majors and non-majors in ensembles Yes (audition + résumé) Yes Talented marching band or ensemble musicians; not limited to majors Auditions Jan–Mar
Departmental Scholarships $500–$2,500 Declared major in departments like Business, Education, or Biology Yes (via General App or department) Some renewable Students who apply early and maintain GPA ≥3.0 Mar–Apr
Emerald Eagle Scholars Up to $2,000 + mentoring support First-gen, Pell-eligible, and demonstrate financial need Yes (program application) Varies High-need students active in mentoring and coaching programs April 15
Terry Transfer Scholarship Full ride (tuition, fees, housing, meals) Transfer students with leadership & community service Yes (statewide process) Yes, 2 years Top community college transfers with outstanding records March 1
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship $1,000 (one-time) Top two graduates from a Texas high school Yes (school verification) No Texas students graduating #1 or #2 who enroll at UNT By July 15
Alumni Legacy Scholarship $1,000–$2,000 Children or grandchildren of UNT alumni Yes (proof required) Varies Legacy students who apply early via alumni office March–April

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. Most require a separate application, audition, or departmental form, but they’re very achievable with preparation.

Can my student stack these with merit aid?
Yes. These awards typically stack with UNT’s automatic scholarships and federal or state aid, helping lower net cost.

How do we apply for music or departmental scholarships?
Most are part of UNT’s General Scholarship Application. Music requires auditions; departments may have their own forms or portals.

When are these awarded?
Generally in the spring for the upcoming fall, though programs like band or Emerald Eagle may award on a rolling basis.

Sources:
https://music.unt.edu/admissions/scholarships.html
https://class.unt.edu/scholarships/index.html
https://emeraldeagles.unt.edu/about-program.html
https://emeraldeagles.unt.edu/current-scholars.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/how-apply-scholarships.html
https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/funding/awards-academic-achievement-scholarship.html
https://honors.unt.edu/terryscholars/application.html
https://untalumni.com/students/scholarships/
https://wemakescholars.com/scholarship/aa-legacy-scholarship-at-university-of-north-texas
https://givingday.unt.edu/giving-day/95329/department/95331

Honors College at the University of North Texas

The UNT Honors College is designed for students who want an academic experience that’s more personal, challenging, and connected. It offers smaller classes, faculty mentorship, early registration, and access to exclusive scholarships. Admission is selective but approachable — you don’t have to be perfect to be a good fit.

Admission Process: Most admitted Honors students have around a 3.5+ unweighted GPA and/or 26+ ACT (≈1240 SAT), but Honors uses a holistic review. Students not automatically invited can apply directly with a short essay after being admitted to UNT.

Housing Perk: Honors students can apply to live in Honors Hall—a suite-style residence with study lounges, mentoring programs, and a close academic community.

Honors Scholarships at UNT

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Honors College Scholarship $1,000–$2,000 New Honors admits; ~3.5+ HS GPA; essay required Yes Yes — 4 years (maintain GPA & participation) Students admitted to Honors who apply early and submit a strong essay Feb 15
Dean’s List Award $500–$1,000 Continuing Honors students with ~3.75+ UNT GPA Yes Yes — annual review Active Honors students maintaining high academic performance Varies by semester
Honors Day Research Scholarship Up to $1,500 Presenting research at Honors Day; faculty endorsement typical Yes No — one-time award Honors students engaged in mentored research or creative projects April 1

Note: Amounts and criteria are based on recent Honors College data and may vary by year and available funding.

Honors College FAQs (University of North Texas)

Will my student be invited automatically?
Some students meeting GPA/test benchmarks are invited directly, but many apply on their own after admission. The process is flexible and open year-round.

What are the main perks?
Smaller classes, early registration, mentorship, Honors Hall housing, and access to extra scholarships and research opportunities.

Do Honors classes add extra work?
No. Courses focus on discussion and depth, not additional homework. They replace regular core classes rather than adding more hours.

When should we apply?
Ideally right after admission to UNT. Early applicants have the best shot at scholarships and space in Honors Hall.

Sources:
https://honors.unt.edu/admissions/applynow.html
https://honors.unt.edu/scholarships/index.html
https://honors.unt.edu/research/scholars-day/full-research-paper.html
https://cos.unt.edu/advising/deans-list/index.html
https://offcampushousing.unt.edu/housing/unt-honors-hall/
https://housing.unt.edu/residence-halls/honors-hall.html
https://honors.unt.edu/student-life/honors-housing.html
https://honors.unt.edu/scholarships/summer-scholarships/hc_summer_research_agreement_2025.pdf
https://honors.unt.edu/admissions/honors-faq.html
https://financialaid.unt.edu/scholarships.html
https://cos.unt.edu/advising/2024-deans-list.html

Specialty Programs & National Strengths

UNT stands out in Texas (and beyond) not just for its size, but for its **Tier One R1 research status**, meaning it’s in the top tier of universities in research output. Parents should especially know about its deep strengths in music, data science, and public affairs—programs where UNT punches above its weight.

Nationally Recognized: UNT’s College of Music consistently ranks among the best for value and quality—listed among the top 10 music programs nationally, with jazz studies ranked 19th in the U.S., and music theory ranked 34th nationwide. It’s an R1 institution—one of only ~140 “Tier One” universities in the country.

  • Online Data Science & Analytics (MS): Ranked 17th in the nation among online master’s programs.
  • Undergraduate Mathematics (Value): UNT ranks 27th nationally for best value in undergraduate math.
  • Strong Online Bachelor’s Programs: Ranked 41st nationally—great for parents considering flexibility.
  • Physics & Engineering Research: Home to the Ion Beam Laboratory, a standout facility for materials science research.
  • Journalism Excellence: UNT’s journalism school—Mayborn School—boasts multiple Pulitzer Prize–winning alumni and long accreditation.

Final Thoughts

At the University of North Texas, the published sticker price rarely tells the real story. Automatic Eagle awards, competitive scholarships like the President’s Elite, and hidden gems such as Emerald Eagle and alumni legacy aid can bring costs down dramatically. Add in the Honors College experience, research opportunities, and strong programs in music, business, and the arts, and UNT delivers a big-university feel with plenty of value for families. For first-generation or budget-minded parents, the key is stacking aid early and aiming for that $1,000 scholarship trigger that unlocks in-state rates for out-of-state students. With some planning, UNT can be one of the most affordable major universities in Texas.

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