University of Tulsa Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 7, 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: ~70%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1260
- Average GPA: 3.7
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This becomes a reach — not just for admission, but for meaningful merit. You can still get in, but expect smaller awards unless something else stands out.
- In the typical ranges: This is where Tulsa really works. You’re in range for strong automatic merit ($14K–$33K), so focus on getting your application in early and clean to lock that in.
- Well above the ranges: This is your shot at the Presidential Scholarship (full tuition), but treat it as highly competitive — not a guarantee. Still, even without it, you’ll likely land near the top automatic tier.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Tulsa at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (National Merit Semifinalist Package & Presidential Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$25,687/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$20,000–$26,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
11 opportunities
4 automatic · 3 competitive · 3 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.25+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
National Merit Semifinalist Package & Presidential Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at University of Tulsa (Read This First)
- The Presidential Scholarship (full tuition) requires a separate application and is extremely competitive — most students will not receive it.
- Deadlines matter: top scholarships require earlier applications (Dec 1 for Presidential), so waiting until regular deadlines can cost your student real money.
- Test-optional for admission, but submitting strong scores can significantly boost merit — skipping scores can leave money on the table.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Tulsa is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1260.
Average net price? About $25,687/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Tulsa 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) |
$50,760 |
$50,760 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,700 |
$16,700 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$67,460 |
$67,460 |
Average Federal Net Price: $25,687 — 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.
State Aid for Oklahoma Residents: Because TU is a private university, tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. However, Oklahoma residents may receive need-based aid through OTAG and OTEG (typically $2,000–$3,000 per year) if they qualify via the FAFSA.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Do all students pay the same tuition?
Yes. TU is private, so there’s no in-state or out-of-state tuition difference.
Why are indirect costs excluded from the table?
Because they vary by student and aren’t paid directly to TU, they are estimated separately for financial-aid calculations.
How do Oklahoma state grants work here?
Programs like OTAG and OTEG are automatically awarded to eligible Oklahoma residents based on FAFSA data — no separate application needed.
Sources:
University of Tulsa Student Financial Services – https://utulsa.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/
Housing & Dining Rates – https://utulsa.edu/student-life/housing-dining/
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?207971-University-of-Tulsa
IPEDS/NCES – https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=207971
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OTAG/OTEG) – https://okhighered.org/otag/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Every student who applies for admission to TU is automatically considered for academic scholarships. Awards vary by GPA, test scores (if submitted), and overall rigor. No separate application is needed.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling transfer admission — submit your application, official transcripts, and PTK membership certificate to be automatically considered for the PTK transfer scholarship at the time of admission review.
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies only to tuition for full-time, first-degree-seeking transfers. Stacks with outside private scholarships, state grants, and federal need-based aid up to a ceiling equal to tuition plus direct costs. Does not generally stack with other UTulsa-funded merit awards — Student Financial Services will model the best combo for your file.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's mid-tier automatic transfer scholarship for community college students who earned Phi Theta Kappa membership. Awarded as a per-year amount with half applied to fall and half to spring tuition, renewable annually with continued full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students who joined Phi Theta Kappa at their community college and bring a 3.50 GPA or higher with at least 30 earned credits. The PTK certificate of membership is the trigger — make sure to upload it alongside your transfer application materials so admissions can package the award.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
TCC Honors Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling transfer admission — submit your application and official transcripts showing TCC Honors Scholar designation to be automatically considered at the time of admission review.
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies only to tuition for full-time, first-degree-seeking transfers. Stacks with outside private scholarships, state grants, and federal need-based aid up to a ceiling equal to tuition plus direct costs. Generally does not combine with other UTulsa-funded merit awards — Student Financial Services will package the cleanest combination for your file.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's top automatic transfer scholarship for community college graduates who completed their Associate's degree through an Honors Scholar track. Awarded as a per-year amount with half applied to fall and half to spring tuition, renewable annually with continued full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Tulsa Community College graduates who earned their Associate's degree as a TCC Honors Scholar with a 3.50 GPA or higher. The Honors Scholar designation has to appear on the awarded Associate's degree — that credential is what triggers UTulsa's highest transfer award.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Tulsa Achieves Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling transfer admission — submit your application and official TCC transcripts to be automatically considered for the Tulsa Achieves transfer scholarship at the time of admission review.
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies only to tuition for full-time, first-degree-seeking transfers. Stacks with outside private scholarships, state grants like Oklahoma's Promise, and federal need-based aid up to a ceiling equal to tuition plus direct costs. Does not generally stack with other UTulsa-funded merit awards — Student Financial Services will package the best fit for your file.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's automatic transfer scholarship for students completing the Tulsa Community College Achieves Program. Awarded as a per-year amount with half applied to fall and half to spring tuition, and renewable annually with continued full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Tulsa Community College students who completed (or are actively enrolled in) at least 12 hours in the Tulsa Achieves Program and carry a 3.25 GPA or higher. UTulsa values this pathway deeply and has built the award to make the leap from community college to a private university financially realistic for local Tulsa-area students.
Automatic
University Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
UTulsa's university merit scholarships and grants apply only to tuition (not room, board, or fees), and they stack with outside private scholarships and state grants — up to a ceiling equal to tuition plus direct costs. If you also qualify for need-based grants or a competitive named award like Presidential or National Merit, UTulsa will package those together. The TU Grant and full-tuition music awards are the main things that don't combine with the regular university scholarship — Student Financial Services will model the cleanest combo for your specific file.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's published policy confirms automatic consideration for every admitted first-year domestic student — your admission application IS your scholarship application. Awards arrive in your offer letter and apply half to fall, half to spring tuition. UTulsa does not publish specific dollar tiers on its scholarship index page, so run the net price calculator early to model your actual cost before deposit day.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Pretty much every admitted first-year domestic student walks away with a merit award here — that's the beauty of UTulsa's automatic, holistic review. The strongest awards tend to land with students bringing A-range GPAs, a transcript loaded with AP, IB, or dual-credit rigor, and (when submitted) test scores in the upper end of UTulsa's admitted class. Since UTulsa is test-optional, weaker scores don't have to follow you — but strong scores can help nudge your award tier up.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Estimates are based on past recipient patterns and TU guidance. Exact cutoffs vary by year and applicant pool.
Note: TU offers one of the nation’s strongest National Merit Scholarship packages, often covering full tuition plus additional stipends for finalists who designate TU as their first choice.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No — all admitted students are automatically reviewed for TU merit awards.
Does TU superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. TU considers your highest section scores across test dates when evaluating for admission and scholarships.
What if I apply test-optional?
That’s fine. TU’s review is holistic, and you will still be considered for merit aid based on GPA and coursework if you don’t submit test scores.
Can automatic scholarships stack with state grants?
Yes. Oklahoma residents can combine TU merit with OTAG/OTEG awards, though total aid can’t exceed tuition and direct costs.
Sources:
TU Scholarships Overview — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/
TU Financial Aid & Scholarship FAQs — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/faq/
TU Applying for Aid — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards go beyond the automatic merit scholarships and usually require an extra application, interview, or significant achievement. They’re limited in number and highly selective.
Automatic
International Baccalaureate Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Submit IB diploma documentation with your admission file; the award is automatically triggered once IB diploma completion is verified and you enroll full-time at UTulsa.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
The IB Merit Scholarship is a partial-tuition award that combines cleanly with UTulsa's automatic university merit scholarship and outside private scholarships — up to a ceiling equal to your tuition and total cost of attendance. Student Financial Services will package the cleanest combo once your IB documentation is on file.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa rewards students who complete the full IB diploma with a $3,000-per-year merit scholarship — applied half to fall and half to spring tuition. Renewable for up to eight semesters (four years) of full-time enrollment or until your first undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. Only available to students entering UTulsa in Fall 2023 or later.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who complete the full IB diploma (not just IB courses or certificates) with at least a 3.0 high school GPA and enroll full-time at UTulsa. As long as you finish the diploma and stay enrolled full-time, this is essentially an automatic add to your aid package — no extra application or essay required.
Full RideAutomatic
National Merit Semifinalist Package
📅 Deadline: November 1 · 📢 Results: Notification follows UTulsa's confirmation of National Merit Semifinalist status.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition, housing, and fees
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
The NMSF Package cannot be combined with other UTulsa institutional scholarships — it stands alone as the university's full investment. Outside private scholarships may stack if the awarding organization permits. If you also receive the $750 university-sponsored National Merit Finalist Scholarship, that amount is applied to the room portion of your UTulsa package.
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's signature National Merit award — more than $240,000 in total value over four years (full tuition excluding summers plus Tier I housing), with the option to petition for a fifth year if needed to complete a degree. Despite the legacy database name, UTulsa explicitly awards this to National Merit Semifinalists who advance through the November 1 in-person interview and campus visit. Designating UTulsa as your first-choice school with NMSC is what seals the package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted National Merit Semifinalists who complete the full UTulsa NMSF gauntlet — all admission materials in by November 1, an official in-person campus visit, an on-campus interview, two letters of recommendation (academic and non-academic), and first-choice designation with the National Merit Corporation. UTulsa moves fast on this one, so plan to have everything teed up before Halloween of senior year.
Full TuitionApp Requiredpipeline
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: April 1
✓ Renews (5 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ TU’s top merit award; highly competitive scholarship that pays full tuition for up to five years but requires a separate application, resume, and strong academics—families still pay room and board
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~28 ACT✎ ~1300 SAT👥 ~Limited number of awards each year (roughly 10% of qualified applicants) winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Presidential Scholarship is a stand-alone, full-tuition award and generally replaces other UTulsa institutional merit scholarships rather than stacking with them. Total institutional aid can't exceed tuition costs, so families still budget for room, board, and fees — outside private scholarships and need-based federal aid can layer on top within standard limits.
📄
How to Apply
By February 1, complete five required pieces — submit your TU admission application, have your high school send an official transcript, submit official ACT or SAT scores, complete the separate Presidential Scholarship application (with one-page resume and short-answer responses), and complete an official in-person campus visit through TU's Office of Admission. Notification arrives no later than April 1, and selected recipients must accept by May 1.
Selection criteria: Holistic evaluation across UTulsa's four 'A' criteria — Academic achievements, Affinity for UTulsa, Activities and accomplishments, and Aspirations and ambitions.
✎ Essays🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
UTulsa's top merit scholarship — full tuition (excluding summers) for up to five years or until your undergraduate degree, whichever comes first. Recipients are expected to carry at least 15 credit hours per semester and engage with campus events. About 10% of qualified applicants are selected each cycle, so families should always run the net price calculator as a backup.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top-tier first-year applicants who hit the ACT 28 or SAT 1300 superscore floor AND clear one of three academic distinction tracks — top 5% class rank, College Board Recognition with top 10% rank, or a 4.0 weighted GPA. Roughly 10% of qualified applicants land the award each cycle, so even hitting the floor doesn't guarantee it. Selection committees weight the 'A's' — Academic achievement, Affinity for UTulsa, Activities and accomplishments, Aspirations. A strong on-campus visit and crisp short-answer responses on the scholarship application separate winners from the merely qualified.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Departmental awards and Honors College scholarships are covered in their own sections and are not listed here.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
What makes these scholarships different from automatic merit?
They require a separate application (Presidential), a national competition (National Merit), or a specific academic credential (IB diploma). They’re more selective and awarded to fewer students.
Are these awards stackable with automatic merit?
Typically no — full tuition awards like the Presidential or National Merit package replace automatic merit, since total institutional aid can’t exceed tuition.
How do I apply for the Presidential Scholarship?
You’ll need to submit a separate application, transcript/test scores, resume, and complete a campus visit by Feb 1. Deadlines are typically in the winter of senior year — see TU’s scholarship portal for exact dates.
Is the National Merit package automatic if I qualify?
Yes. If you’re a National Merit Finalist and designate TU as your first choice, the package is applied automatically after verification.
Sources:
TU Scholarships — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/
TU Presidential Scholarship — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/presidential-scholarship/
TU National Merit — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/national-merit-semifinalist-package/
TU IB Scholarship — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/scholarships/international-baccalaureate/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards don’t always make the headlines but can add real value for the right students — from research stipends to state-based need aid and ROTC opportunities.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Spirit Squad Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Around April 15 each year, aligned with spirit squad tryout dates
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited to available squad positions and funding winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Squad stipends can be combined with academic merit and other aid, subject to NCAA and institutional limits.
📄
How to Apply
Participate in TU Spirit Squad tryouts for cheer or dance; students who make the team are considered for squad scholarships.
Selection criteria: Selection based on tryout performance, skill level, and team fit.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table cites approximate awards of $2,500 per year for Spirit Squad members.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Cheer and dance students who successfully earn a spot on TU’s Spirit Squad and remain in good standing.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge (TURC)
📅 Deadline: February 15
Non-Renewable
$2,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of TURC fellows each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stipend is paid in addition to other scholarships and financial aid and does not replace TU merit awards.
📄
How to Apply
Develop a faculty-mentored research or community project, secure a TU faculty mentor, and submit the TURC application with project proposal and service component by the deadline.
Selection criteria: Evaluated on project quality, feasibility, faculty support, and potential for community impact.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes typical TURC stipends of $2,000–$3,000 for students completing research and associated community service.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with a well-planned, faculty-supported research or community project and a strong record of initiative.
App Required
YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~A small number of awards offered annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award is a partial-tuition institutional scholarship for international students and may coordinate with other TU international awards, subject to tuition and cost limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the TU admission application as an international undergraduate, then complete the #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship application with required essay or video by the posted deadline.
Selection criteria: Focuses on leadership, interest in promoting intercultural learning, and clarity of goals as expressed in the essay or video.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table notes that the award is partial tuition, renewable for international undergraduates who maintain status and academic performance.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Leadership-minded international undergraduates who articulate a strong commitment to intercultural understanding and campus engagement.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Award amounts and eligibility are based on current published data. Some deadlines (esp. for need-based grants) are “as soon as possible” — apply early for best chances.
- Institutional Need-Based Grants: TU offers general need-based aid and a Need-Based Housing Grant (via FAFSA). These do not have fixed published amounts.
- First-Gen Support: Gen1TU supports first-generation students and connects them to external awards and programs.
- Identity & Religious Awards: Opportunities include the Presbyterian Leadership Award and Cobell Scholarship (for Native students); amounts and deadlines may vary year to year.
Hidden Gem FAQ
Are these scholarships automatic?
No. Most “hidden gems” require a separate application (TURC, Spirit Squad, ROTC, #YAWH) or are need-based (OTAG/OTEG via FAFSA).
Can they stack with merit aid?
Yes. Most of these awards can be layered with university merit aid, but institutional/federal rules may cap total aid at billed costs.
Do out-of-state students qualify for OTAG/OTEG?
No. Only Oklahoma residents can receive these state grants.
How competitive is TURC?
It’s selective, but a strong faculty-mentored project and early planning boost the odds.
Sources:
TU TURC — https://utulsa.edu/research/turc/
Oklahoma OTAG/OTEG — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/grants-state-funding/
TU Spirit Squad — https://utulsa.edu/campus-life/spirit-squad/
TU AFROTC/OSU — https://afrotc.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/
#YouAreWelcomeHere — https://youarewelcomehereusa.org/colleges/university-of-tulsa/
TU Admissions — https://utulsa.edu/admission-aid/
🎖️ Honors College
The University of Tulsa’s Honors College gives motivated students the chance to join a tight-knit learning community built around great books, small seminars, and faculty mentoring. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application in addition to your TU admission file.
What a Typical TU Honors Student Looks Like:
A high school GPA in the A-range, rigorous coursework (AP/IB/honors), strong writing ability, and evidence of leadership or intellectual curiosity. TU does not publish exact test score cutoffs, but successful applicants usually show a record of pushing themselves academically.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority class registration
- Specialized housing options with fellow Honors students
- Small, discussion-driven seminars built around classic texts
- Faculty mentoring for research, fellowships, and graduate school prep
- Dedicated funding for academic enrichment and leadership development
App Required
Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: February 1 · 📢 Results: March 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of UTulsa's automatic university merit scholarship and other compatible aid — total institutional aid can't exceed tuition costs. As long as you remain in good standing within the Honors College, the award renews each year alongside your other UTulsa-funded merit aid.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to The University of Tulsa as a first-year applicant, then submit the separate Honors College application between October 1 and February 1 (Honors essays required). Decisions are released by March 15 — admitted Honors students are automatically considered for the Honors College Scholarship as they enroll and participate in Honors community life.
Selection criteria: Honors admission is holistic, weighing academic achievement, rigor of coursework, and strength of Honors application essays; the scholarship follows successful Honors admission.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
Awarded to first-year students admitted to UTulsa's Honors College who actively participate in the Honors community. The award is widely reported as approximately $2,000 per year through outside college aid databases and shared student aid letters, but UTulsa's official Honors College pages do not currently publish the exact dollar amount — confirm your specific figure in your UTulsa aid offer letter or directly with the Honors College office. Renewable each year you remain in good standing in the Honors College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year applicants admitted to UTulsa's Honors College who actively participate in Honors community life. The Honors College uses holistic review with benchmark averages around a 3.8 weighted GPA, ACT 28, SAT 1340, or CLT 90 — these are competitive averages, not strict minimums, so a strong Honors essay and clear alignment with Honors values matters as much as the test score.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to TU?
No. You must complete a separate Honors College application with essays by Feb 1 for priority consideration.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is designed to integrate with your chosen major so you can graduate on time.
Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Yes. Honors students automatically receive the $2,000 per year Honors College Scholarship if admitted, and it renews as long as you remain in the program.
When should I apply?
Priority consideration runs from October through February of senior year. Apply early to maximize your chances.
Sources:
TU Honors College — https://utulsa.edu/honors-college/
TU Honors College Scholarships — https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-tulsa-scholarships/
TU Honors Application — https://utulsa.edu/honors-college/apply/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Tulsa has built its reputation on a blend of high-level professional training and strong research, while still keeping the feel of a smaller private campus. Families who want career pipelines in energy, cybersecurity, or engineering will find TU stands out nationally, even though it’s not one of the giant state flagships.
Top Program Spotlight — Cybersecurity: TU’s School of Cyber Studies is one of the longest-running federally designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Cyber Operations, with NSA and Department of Homeland Security recognition extending through 2029. Graduates feed directly into national security, defense, and Fortune 500 roles.
- Petroleum Engineering: Consistently ranked among the nation’s leading petroleum engineering programs (U.S. News has listed TU in the top tier of petroleum schools); graduates have direct industry connections across Oklahoma and Texas energy firms.
- Energy Business: TU’s Collins College of Business offers specialized training in oil & gas management and energy transition, backed by one of the most active finance/energy alumni networks in the region.
- Law: The University of Tulsa College of Law is nationally recognized for energy and natural resources law, giving students a direct path to industry and regulatory careers.
Note: TU is classified as an R2 research university (high research activity), not R1. Its research strengths are concentrated in applied engineering, energy, and cybersecurity fields.
Final Thoughts
For families looking at private options, the University of Tulsa shows that sticker price isn’t the whole story. With strong automatic merit, high-value National Merit awards, hidden gems like TURC research stipends, and Oklahoma’s own state grants, TU can end up being far more affordable than its $78,000 cost of attendance suggests. If your student is motivated by small classes, hands-on learning, and clear career pipelines in fields like cybersecurity or energy, TU is worth keeping on the list.
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