University of North Carolina Greensboro Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- Honors College and diversity-based award options
- Conditional test-optional admissions policy (based on GPA)
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~90%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1010–1220
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: University of North Carolina Greensboro Common Data Set 2024–25 and UNC System data. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNC Greensboro at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
The University of North Carolina Greensboro combines accessible admissions with strong merit aid, making it one of the UNC System’s most affordable and inclusive options. Automatic Blue & Gold merit awards and competitive full-support scholarships through Honors help high-achieving students dramatically reduce costs.
Students with a 2.8 GPA or higher qualify for test-optional admission, while those with slightly lower GPAs can still qualify by submitting test scores. Combined with in-state affordability and the Lloyd International Honors College, UNCG offers real value and flexibility for both in-state and out-of-state families.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Conditionally — students with a 2.8+ weighted GPA do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores; those between 2.5 and 2.79 must submit one. (UNC System Policy 700.1.1)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–25; SAT: 1010–1220 (for those who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $9,950/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? UNC Greensboro offers Blue & Gold Scholarships for strong out-of-state applicants; no regional reciprocity programs apply.
https://spartancentral.uncg.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/blue-gold-merit-scholarships/
https://www.uncg.edu/costs-aid-scholarships/
https://lighttheway.uncg.edu/news/__trashed/
https://magazine.uncg.edu/generosity/sloans-endow-merit-scholarships-with-2-million-commitment/
https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/index.php?pg=vs&id=s539
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199148-University-of-North-Carolina-at-Greensboro=
💰 Cost of Attendance at UNC Greensboro
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $7,731 | $24,705 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double + unlimited plan) | $11,365 | $11,365 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $19,096 | $36,070 |
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year for full-time undergraduates (12–18 credits per term). Housing and meal rates are based on a standard on-campus double room and an unlimited meal plan. Indirect costs like transportation, books, and personal expenses are excluded here because they vary by student and are not billed directly by the university.
COA FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Students who establish North Carolina residency through the state’s official Residency
Determination Service (RDS).
How much do families really pay?
On average, in-state families paid about $9,950 after grants and scholarships
in 2022–23, compared to the $19K sticker price before aid.
Do I need to apply separately for the tuition guarantee?
No — the UNC Fixed Tuition Guarantee is automatic for eligible in-state students once they
enroll full time.
University COA page — https://spartancentral.uncg.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fees — https://cashiers.uncg.edu/tuition-and-fees/
Housing & Meal Plan — https://hrl.uncg.edu/rates/
Fixed Tuition Guarantee — https://www.northcarolina.edu/fixed-tuition-guarantee/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199148-University-of-North-Carolina-at-Greensboro=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNC Greensboro offers automatic merit aid under the Blue & Gold Merit Scholarship umbrella. These awards are given directly through the admissions process when students apply by the priority deadline. The amounts are not tiered publicly, but UNCG does share clear rules on eligibility, deadlines, and renewability.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gold Merit Scholarships | Varies (past reports: ~$3,500–$5,000/yr) | First-year applicants admitted by Jan 15; based on GPA, rigor, and optional test scores | No | Yes (12 credits/semester & 3.0 GPA—some offers are one-year only) | Estimated: A-range GPAs (3.7+ weighted) with solid test scores = renewable; B+/A- students may get smaller one-year scholarships | Jan 15 (priority) |
Note: UNCG does not publish a GPA/test score cutoff. Award ranges above are from peer-reported results and public disclosures. Actual amounts vary year to year depending on the applicant pool and budget.
FAQs about Automatic Merit
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application? No. If you apply for admission by January 15, you’ll automatically be considered for Blue & Gold merit aid.
Are test scores required? No. UNCG is test-optional. Strong GPAs and course rigor are most important. Submitting good test scores can strengthen your case but is not required.
Does UNCG superscore test results? Yes. UNCG superscores both the SAT and ACT for admission and scholarship review—your best possible section scores from all test dates are considered.
Can Blue & Gold awards stack with other aid? Yes. These typically stack with need-based aid, grants, and outside scholarships, but not with tuition-only waivers (UNCG does not participate in WUE).
What amounts do students report? Award offers are not public, but students with GPAs above 3.8 have reported $3,500/year (renewable); actual offers may vary higher or lower.
admissions.uncg.edu/costs-aid/scholarships/
finaid.uncg.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike some universities that advertise large named competitive awards (like Presidential or Chancellor’s Scholarships), UNC Greensboro does not publish broad, university-wide competitive scholarships. Instead, most selective opportunities are tied to special programs such as the Sloan STEM Scholars or Minerva Scholars, which we cover in the Hidden Gems and Honors sections below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❌ UNCG does not offer broad, university-wide competitive scholarships. See Hidden Gems and Honors for selective awards. | ||||||
FAQs about Competitive Scholarships
Does UNCG offer big campus-wide competitive scholarships? No—selective awards are embedded in programs (STEM, Honors) rather than as stand-alone “Presidential” awards.
Where should high-achieving students look? Check the Hidden Gems and Honors College sections for competitive scholarship info.
Are other scholarships available? Yes—students can use the UNCG scholarship portal to apply for donor, departmental, and program awards each year.
Can competitive scholarships stack with Blue & Gold merit? Often yes, but your full aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendance. Always verify with the financial aid office.
admissions.uncg.edu/costs-aid/scholarships/
finaid.uncg.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
collegereadyparent.org/college/unc-greensboro-scholarships/
🎖 Honors College
At UNC Greensboro, high-achieving students can take part in the Lloyd International Honors College (LIHC), which blends small seminar classes, global experiences, and intensive research opportunities. Admission is competitive, but the community and academic perks can make a big university feel personal and connected.
- Priority course registration
- Honors housing & small seminar access
- Honors Abroad experiences and faculty-mentored thesis opportunities
- Donor-funded scholarships including the Honors Scholars Program and named endowed awards
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Scholars Program | $4,000/yr – full cost of attendance (4 years) | Incoming Global Honors applicants with top academics/leadership | Yes—application/interview | Yes (≥3.3 GPA & Honors progress) | Nationwide-caliber students excelling both academically & in service | Jan 15 |
| Class of ’55 Scholarship | $8,000/yr + $2,500 abroad + $1,250 internship | Incoming Global Honors students w/leadership/engagement | Yes—Scholarship app | Yes | Elite Honors admits (academics & community/global) | Jan 15 |
| Betty McGowan Brady Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Honors students, Guilford County, academics, especially nursing | No—selected/nomination | Yes (if performance continues) | Top local Honors, especially in nursing | March 1 |
| Fran & Glenn Ross Honors Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Rising sophomore Global Honors students, academic merit | No—selected/nomination | Yes | Sophomores excelling/committed to Honors | March 1 |
| Joe M. & Jeannie D. Felts Endowed Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Honors, visual/studio arts, academic/creative excellence | No—selected/nomination | Yes | Arts-focused, top creative & academics | March 1 |
| Lena Anne Gordan Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr (max 3 awarded) | First-year Honors; pref. education, HHS, or arts | No—selected/nomination | Yes | First-year Honors, strong in ed/arts/performance | March 1 |
| Lichtin Family Honors Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Junior/senior Honors, outstanding performance | No—selected/nomination | Yes | Upper-division Honors, sustained achievement | March 1 |
| Nancye Baker Bryan ’66 Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | First-year Honors, majors: poli-sci, math, chem, bio | No—selected/nomination | Yes | First-year, STEM/poli-sci, strong records | March 1 |
| Nunn Family Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr | Honors in nursing, math, fine arts w/merit | No—selected/nomination | Yes | Nursing/STEM/arts, both dedication & grades | March 1 |
| Scurry Family Scholarship | Up to $1,000/yr (max 3 awarded) | Honors in bio/psych/nursing | No—selected/nomination | Yes | Honors in science majors excelling in coursework | March 1 |
FAQs about Honors
Is admission automatic? No—application and essays required. Admission is competitive and holistic.
Does Honors add time to your degree? No—Honors coursework satisfies gen ed/major requirements, supporting a four-year graduation.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships? Yes—the Honors Scholars and Class of ’55 programs offer multi-year scholarships, and many endowed awards are $1,000 (renewable).
Deadlines? Apply for Honors by Jan 15 (priority). Current students: March 1 for scholarship consideration.
lihc.uncg.edu/prospective-students/scholarships/
admissions.uncg.edu/honors-college/
finaid.uncg.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
⭐ College Specialty
If you’ve ever wondered why families and employers love UNC Greensboro, it’s because UNCG offers accessible, high-impact programs that deliver real opportunity — especially in health careers, teacher preparation, and online learning. As a growing R2 research university, UNCG blends student mobility initiatives with strong academic outcomes in the region.
- Social Mobility: UNCG is Ranked #1 in North Carolina and #15 nationally for social mobility of undergraduate students.
- Graduate Library & Information Studies: School Library Media specialty is Ranked #10 nationally, and the broader MLIS program is Top 100 — #4 in NC.
- Online Programs: Online Business is #1 in NC and
- Community Engagement: UNCG holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification — affirming its deep involvement with local and regional communities.
- Most Affordable & Student Experience: Wall Street Journal ranked UNCG #1 in NC for Student Experience (and 21st nationally); New York Times calls it “Most Affordable in North Carolina.”