University of Cincinnati Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~79%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23–29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1130–1340
- Average GPA (HS): 3.6 (weighted)
Source: University of Cincinnati Office of Admissions (latest class profile). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Cincinnati at a Glance
University of Cincinnati Scholarship FAQ
Is UC test-optional?
Yes. UC is test-optional; if submitted, ACT/SAT are considered and superscored for admission and scholarships.
How do I get considered for Cincinnatus awards?
Apply for admission by December 1. Most tiers are automatic consideration; the top awards are highly competitive.
Does UC participate in MSEP?
Yes. Select majors offer reduced nonresident tuition (up to 150% of in-state) for students from participating Midwest states.
https://admissions.uc.edu/
https://admissions.uc.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships/cincinnatus.html
https://financialaid.uc.edu/cost-of-attendance.html
https://www.uc.edu/bursar/tuition-fees.html
https://msep.mhec.org/institution/university-of-cincinnati
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?202179-University-of-Cincinnati-Main-Campus
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Cincinnati (2025–2026)
Estimated annual costs for full-time undergraduates living on campus for the 2025–2026 academic year. Totals below reflect direct university-billed expenses only.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $13,976 | $29,310 |
| Housing & Meals (average) | $16,178 | $16,178 |
| Estimated Total (Direct Costs) | $30,154 | $45,488 |
Note: Indirect expenses such as books, transportation, and personal costs can add about $4,000–$5,000 per year depending on major, housing, and lifestyle. These are excluded from the table since they aren’t billed directly by the university.
- Who qualifies: Residents of participating Midwest states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin).
- How much: Students in approved programs pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition.
- Automatic? No — eligibility varies by program; students should confirm with UC’s Office of Admissions or Financial Aid.
Cost & Aid FAQs
Does the University of Cincinnati offer automatic merit aid?
Yes. All applicants are automatically considered for UC’s Cincinnatus Scholarship Program when they apply by the December 1 deadline.
Is UC part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)?
Yes. Select majors qualify for reduced tuition for students from participating Midwest states.
How can out-of-state students lower costs?
Apply early for merit awards and explore MSEP-eligible programs. High-achieving students may also qualify for Cincinnatus full-tuition or full-ride scholarships.
https://admissions.uc.edu/
https://financialaid.uc.edu/cost-of-attendance.html
https://www.uc.edu/bursar/tuition-fees.html
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-cincinnati/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?202179-University-of-Cincinnati-Main-Campus
https://msep.mhec.org/institution/university-of-cincinnati
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At the University of Cincinnati, students are automatically reviewed for several scholarships when they apply for admission—no separate forms are needed for most awards. These programs are designed to recognize strong academic performance and, in some cases, reduce the out-of-state tuition bill.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnatus Scholarship (Century/University) | $1,500–$6,000/year | All incoming first-years; strong high school GPA; admitted by Dec 1 | No | Yes — minimum 3.0 GPA + 30 hours of community service/year | Generally 3.5+ GPA, competitive coursework; numbers adjust each year | Dec 1 (apply/complete file) |
| Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship | $30,000/year (full ride; tuition + housing + fees + books) | Top 20 incoming first-years; near-perfect GPA and leadership | No | Yes — GPA + engagement/service requirements | Valedictorian-level applicants; 3.9+ GPA and exceptional leadership/service | Dec 1 (application complete) |
| National Outreach Award | $10,000/year tuition reduction | Non-Ohio residents (outside Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana); 3.75 weighted or 3.0 unweighted high school GPA at time of application; apply by Nov 1 | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA + annual community service | Competitive out-of-state freshmen; pairs with Cincinnatus, not with Cincinnatus Out-of-State | Nov 1 (application) |
| International Outreach Award | Reduces non-resident tuition surcharge | International students; academic performance; automatic with app | No | Yes (renew annual academic progress) | Competitive new international undergraduates; GPA and English proficiency matter | Dec 1 |
| Transfer Student Scholarship | Varies (typically $1,500–$3,000/year) | Community college transfers, 3.0+ college GPA; must apply by July 1 | No | Yes — for up to two years | Transfer students with strong academic records and timely applications | July 1 |
*Eligibility bands (e.g., 3.5 GPA+, test score ranges) are based on recent Cincinnati admit data and public sources[web:167][web:169][web:170][web:171][web:174][web:180]. Actual awards and cutoffs adjust annually with the applicant pool and available funds.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. All freshmen are automatically considered for Cincinnatus and Outreach awards with their admission application.
Is the ACT or SAT required?
UC is test-optional. Academic rigor and (if submitted) best single composite test scores are considered.
Does UC superscore?
UC does not superscore. The highest composite ACT/SAT score provided is considered but they may note strong subject subscores.
Can scholarships be stacked?
Most merit awards can stack with need-based grants, but not all can stack with large tuition-reduction awards. Your financial aid package will clarify if you have conflicts.
What’s the deadline?
Apply for admission by December 1 (Nov 1 for National Outreach) to be considered for maximum merit aid.
https://admissions.uc.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships.html
https://admissions.uc.edu/tuition-aid/cincinnatus.html
https://admissions.uc.edu/tuition-aid/national-outreach.html
https://uc.edu/international/admissions/undergraduate/international-financing/scholarships-awards.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/articles/university-of-cincinnati-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While most Cincinnati merit aid is automatic, a handful of scholarships are especially competitive. These awards are limited in number and go to the very top applicants. Families should know that these opportunities are rare and highly selective, but they can cover significant costs if earned.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnatus Presidential Scholarship | $30,000/year (full tuition, fees, room, board, books) | Top ~20 incoming first-years selected from the entire applicant pool | No — considered with on-time admission | Yes — maintain GPA and service, per Cincinnatus renewal rules | Near-perfect GPA (3.9+*), rigorous curriculum, leadership/service, often national-level honors | Dec 1 (application complete) |
*Eligibility bands based on previous winners and UC’s published recipient data. Actual cutoffs/requirements can shift based on year-to-year pool size and strength.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How many Presidential awards are there?
Only 20 are available each year across all incoming Cincinnati freshmen.
Is a separate application required?
No — applying for admission by December 1 is all that’s needed for consideration.
What makes a candidate truly competitive?
Top academics (often 3.9+ GPA), AP/IB/Honors coursework, strong essays, and a record of leadership, community service, or recognition beyond the classroom are vital.
Can this be stacked with other Cincinnati merit?
No — this full-ride replaces other UC merit and cannot be combined with National or International Outreach awards.
https://admissions.uc.edu/tuition-aid/cincinnatus.html
https://collegereadyparent.org/articles/university-of-cincinnati-scholarships/
https://scholarshipunion.com/scholarships/university-of-cincinnati-cincinnatus-scholarship-2025-in-usa-20125
🎖️ Honors College
The University Honors Program (UHP) at UC gives high-achieving students the chance to personalize their college experience with small classes, priority registration, and a focus on hands-on projects. Admission is by invitation based on the admissions review, but students can also self-nominate if they feel their application shows the qualities UC looks for. Think of it as a way for motivated students to go deeper—not just in academics, but in leadership and community impact.
High school GPA in the 3.8+ range*, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/Honors), leadership in clubs or service, and a clear interest in engaging with campus and community beyond the classroom.
*Estimates based on past invitees; UC does not publish exact cutoffs.
- Priority course registration each semester
- Honors housing and learning community options
- Small, discussion-based Honors seminars and hands-on project learning
- Exclusive leadership and global engagement opportunities
- Faculty mentorship, individualized Honors advising, and career support
- Access to Honors-only grants for study abroad, research, and creative/service projects (up to ~$6,000 for select opportunities)
Sample Honors-Linked Scholarships & Funding
| Award | Amount | Eligibility & Notes | Separate App? | Typical Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UHP Honors Experience Grants | $800–$1,200 (study tours) up to $6,000 (summer research stipends) |
Honors students in good standing; must propose a faculty-mentored research, service, or study abroad project | Yes — separate app via UHP | Motivated scholars with clear project/research plans and advisor recommendations |
| Hoffman Honors Scholars | Full tuition, on- or off-campus room & board, book stipend, study abroad funding (up to 8 semesters) | Entry by UHP invitation plus supplemental application and interview; leadership, global engagement focus | Yes — by UHP invitation and competition | A handful of UHP’s top new admits each year; highly ambitious, service-driven, and academically superior |
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Most students are invited during the admissions review, but strong candidates can self-nominate after applying to UC.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No. Honors seminars and projects are integrated within your regular degree plan, so graduation on time is the goal.
Are there extra scholarships?
While UHP itself does not guarantee ongoing scholarships, selective awards and project funding (such as research, creative, and global programs) are available — often $800+ for study tours, $6,000+ for major summer research, and a handful of full-ride slots via the Hoffman Honors Scholars program.
When can I apply?
Most first-year Honors consideration is automatic with Early Action (Nov 1); self-nomination windows open each winter for additional review cycles.
https://honors.uc.edu
https://uc.edu/campus-life/honors.html
https://uc.edu/campus-life/honors/apply.html
https://uc.edu/campus-life/honors/uhp-grants.html
https://uc.edu/campus-life/honors/hoffman.html
https://research.uc.edu/funding/overview
⭐ College Specialty
What makes the University of Cincinnati stand out? Two big things parents notice: it’s a research powerhouse (R1) and the birthplace of co‑op—the “learn by doing” model that helps students graduate with real experience and real employer connections. If your student learns best by rolling up their sleeves, UC’s blend of rigorous academics and paid work terms can be a game‑changer.
UC pioneered co‑op and consistently ranks among the nation’s Top 5 for co‑ops & internships. Students can earn while they learn, build a resume before graduation, and tap an employer network that spans Fortune 500s to startups.
Research Status: UC is a public R1: Very High Research university.
- Design & Architecture (DAAP) — Nationally recognized programs with long‑running Top‑tier placements; UC’s graduate design has ranked among the best in the U.S., and DAAP is widely regarded by employers for producing job‑ready designers (multiple rankings over the past decade).
- Nursing — Graduate Nursing placed in the national Top 50 for DNP (2025), with online master’s programs ranked nationally and among the top in Ohio (2025).
- Criminal Justice — A perennial strength; UC’s School of Criminal Justice has held Top‑5/Top‑10 national recognition in various graduate and online categories (recent USNWR cycles).
- Business (Lindner) — Online MBA recognized nationally and #1 public in Ohio (recent rankings), plus strong analytics/co‑op integration for real‑world experience.
- Engineering Co‑op Pathways — While overall engineering rankings vary by department, UC’s paid co‑op structure in engineering is a differentiator for placement and early career earnings.