Quinnipiac University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay (net price)
- Merit scholarship ranges & renewal criteria
- Special geographic / local awards (town, transfer)
- Stacking institutional + state/federal aid strategies
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% SAT (submitted): ~1080–1300
- Middle 50% ACT (submitted): ~22–28
- Average HS GPA: ~3.5–3.7
Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall; Quinnipiac is test-optional.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Quinnipiac at a Glance
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Quinnipiac awards renewable merit scholarships through Admissions, typically ranging from $23,000–$34,000 per year. Local “town” scholarships can offer up to 75% tuition for Hamden and North Haven residents, and transfer students may qualify for $26,000–$32,000 per year. While there isn’t a general full-ride, these awards—stacked with state and federal aid—can make QU’s net cost far lower than sticker.
Use this guide to map out realistic award bands, time your application and FAFSA, and compare QU’s net price with other options.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. SAT/ACT are optional; submit only if they help.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? SAT ~1080–1300; ACT ~22–28 among submitters (test-optional overall).
What’s the average net price? About $39,207 after grants & scholarships (varies by income).
Does QU offer full-tuition or full-ride scholarships? No broadly advertised full-ride; look to top merit tiers plus need-based aid.
Scholarships page (first-year amounts): https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/browse-financial-aid/scholarships-grants/first-year-student-academic-scholarships/
Transfer scholarships page: https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/browse-financial-aid/scholarships-grants/transfer-student-academic-scholarship/
Town scholarships (Hamden/North Haven): https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/undergraduate/types-of-aid/scholarships-and-grants/
Admissions requirements (SAT/ACT ranges; test-optional): https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admission-requirements/
Application deadlines (ED/EA/RD): https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/
FAFSA deadlines: https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/undergraduate/apply-for-financial-aid/fafsa-information/
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?130226-Quinnipiac-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Quinnipiac University
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $57,700 | $57,700 |
| Housing & Meals (standard double room + meal plan) | $17,900 | $17,900 |
| Total Direct Costs | $75,600 | $75,600 |
Note: Books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not included above because families do not pay these charges directly to Quinnipiac. These are indirect costs that vary by student and living situation. The university’s total published cost of attendance, including estimates for these items, is approximately $79,360 for 2025–2026.
Quick FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Everyone pays the same rate — Quinnipiac doesn’t have in-state vs. out-of-state pricing.
How much can reciprocity save?
None here. Reciprocity/WUE programs apply to certain public universities; Quinnipiac’s price is the same for all undergrads.
Do I need to apply for special discounts?
No regional tuition discounts apply. Focus on automatic merit and need-based aid instead.
University Cost of Attendance: https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/undergraduate/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fees breakdown: https://www.qu.edu/paying-for-college/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/
Housing & Dining: https://www.qu.edu/student-life/residential-life/housing-information/
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?130226-Quinnipiac-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Student Academic Scholarship | $23,000–$34,000 per year | Awarded automatically at admission based on GPA, rigor, and test scores if submitted. Larger awards typically go to students with ~3.5+ GPA and SAT 1160–1300 / ACT 24–29. Quinnipiac does not publish specific GPA/test cutoffs; bands above are parent-facing estimates from Common Data Set and recent trends. |
No | Yes — up to 4 years if full-time/meeting criteria listed in the acceptance letter (usually 2.5+ Quinnipiac GPA; minimum credits each year) | Top 40% of admitted students; those with strong HS records and/or higher test scores | Apply by admissions deadline (Nov 15 Early Action, Feb 1 Regular); FAFSA priority March 1 |
| Transfer Student Academic Scholarship | $26,000–$32,000 per year | Transfer admits with strong college transcripts and, if applicable, strong HS grades/test scores | No | Yes — up to 4 years, provided full-time academic standing and specific major requirements met | Transfers with 3.0+ college GPA typically receive top end; all reviewed automatically | Rolling; priority FAFSA March 1 |
Note: GPA/test bands are estimates; Quinnipiac does not publish official cutoffs, and amounts shift with admissions pool each year. Check your admission letter for renewal details and GPA/credit standards.
FAQ
Do I need a separate application for these scholarships?
No. All admitted first-year and transfer students are reviewed for academic merit awards automatically.
Does Quinnipiac superscore the SAT or ACT?
Yes. Highest section scores across test dates are considered if submitted. Test scores are optional but may improve merit chances.
Can automatic merit stack with other awards?
Merit combines with outside scholarships and grants. Athletic or ROTC packages may have NCAA/federal stacking limits.
What deadlines matter?
Submit admissions and FAFSA by priority deadlines (Nov 15 Early Action, Feb 1 Regular Decision, FAFSA by March 1 for best grant review).
Undergraduate Scholarships – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/undergraduate/
Academic Scholarship Policies – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/policies/
Transfer Scholarships – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/transfer/
PDF: Guide to Financial Aid – https://www.qu.edu/media/financial-aid-guide.pdf
College Data – https://www.collegedata.com/college/Quinnipiac-University/financial-aid/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive university awards)
These are the big, university-level competitive scholarships—often selective, limited in number, and requiring extra steps like essays or interviews. They’re different from automatic merit and from departmental or Honors awards (those appear in their own sections).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|
No university-wide flagship (competitive) scholarships are publicly listed for incoming first-year students at this time. If the university publishes a named competition for 2025–2026 (e.g., essay/interview-based “Presidential/Trustee” awards), we’ll add it here during the next pass.
FAQ
Why is this flagship/competitive table blank?
Quinnipiac publicly lists automatic academic merit for first-years but does not publish separate university-wide competitive scholarship competitions for incoming students. University monitors for updates and will add any official flagship competitions if they appear.
Where should competitive students look for additional funding?
Focus on maximizing automatic merit (strong GPA, rigorous coursework, and—if submitted—test scores) and explore external competitive scholarships you bring with you. Departmental and Honors opportunities (when available) are covered in their own sections on this page.
Can outside competitive scholarships stack with Quinnipiac aid?
In most cases, yes—outside awards can reduce out-of-pocket costs; however, total aid can’t exceed the cost of attendance, and some awards may adjust need-based aid. Always confirm stacking with the financial aid office.
Do testing policies affect competitive (flagship) awards?
If Quinnipiac launches a competitive program in a future cycle, check whether it requires test scores. For existing automatic merit, Quinnipiac considers submitted scores and superscores them; test-optional applicants are still considered based on academics and rigor.
Undergraduate Scholarships – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/undergraduate/
Academic Scholarship Policies – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/policies/
National Scholarships & Fellowship Programs – https://cas360.qu.edu/national-competitive-fellowships/
🎖️ Honors Program
Quinnipiac’s Honors Program is designed for students who want a deeper academic challenge without adding extra years to their degree. Admission is selective, and students benefit from close faculty mentorship, small seminars, and unique opportunities that set them apart for grad school or competitive jobs.
High school GPA usually 3.7+ (unweighted), multiple AP/IB/Honors classes, leadership/service record, and genuine interest in research or making an impact. Test scores, if submitted, fall in the upper end of Quinnipiac’s admitted profile.
- Priority registration for classes
- Dedicated Honors housing and small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and guidance for thesis/capstone projects
- Enhanced opportunities for research, internships, and leadership development
FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Admission is selective: most students are invited after admissions review, but motivated first-years may apply after one semester if GPA and program criteria are met.
Does being in Honors add extra time to graduate?
No. Honors seminars and projects count toward your degree, and scheduling flexes to keep you on track for a four-year graduation.
Are there Honors-specific scholarships?
No. Quinnipiac does not offer extra scholarships for Honors students. Merit aid is awarded separately at admission.
What deadlines matter?
Invitations typically arrive as part of the admissions process. Current students should apply by April 15 for fall cohort consideration (see official Honors webpage for up-to-date deadlines).
Honors Program – https://www.qu.edu/academics/honors-program/
Honors Program Catalog – https://catalog.qu.edu/academics/honors-program/
Admissions FAQ – https://www.qu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
⭐ College Specialty
Quinnipiac has built a reputation that stretches far beyond Connecticut. Families often know it for its health programs and nationally cited polling institute, but the university also offers standout experiences in communications and professional pathways. Here’s a closer look at what makes Quinnipiac distinctive.
- Health Sciences & Physician Assistant Studies: The 27-month PA program is one of the largest in the Northeast, offering integrated clinical placements alongside the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine (note: PA program currently accredited with probationary status, still admitting students).
- Quinnipiac University Poll: A nationally recognized public-opinion polling institute, regularly cited by The New York Times, CNN, and other major outlets.
- Communications & Media: The Ed McMahon Communications Center offers professional-grade facilities, including a 4K television studio, media innovation classroom, and collaborative editing suites—tools that prepare students for careers in broadcasting, journalism, and media production.
- Business & Entrepreneurship: The School of Business is AACSB-accredited and has been ranked among the top business programs in the Northeast by U.S. News & World Report (2024 edition).