University of New Orleans Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- 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: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1075
- Average GPA: 3.4
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of New Orleans at a Glance
The University of New Orleans is one of those schools that keeps things simple—and for a lot of families, that’s a good thing. The scholarships are mostly automatic, clearly tiered, and based on numbers you can actually plan around. On top of that, the Gulf State Promise can bring out-of-state tuition down to in-state levels, which is a big deal if you’re coming from nearby states like Mississippi or Texas.
The tradeoff is that UNO isn’t trying to compete with flashy full-ride offers—it’s about making college affordable through stacking smaller, predictable pieces. This is a strong option for students in that solid B to low-A range who want a straightforward path to a degree without chasing long-shot scholarships. Use this page to map out what your student qualifies for upfront, because here, the numbers are usually what they say they are.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of New Orleans is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1075.
Average net price? About $11,147/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in ACM.
UNO Scholarships and Awards page: https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/types/scholarships-and-awards
UNO Alumni Association scholarships page: https://unoalumni.org/awards-scholarships/scholarships/
UNO scholarships and awards listing: https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
UNO Computer Science scholarships page: https://www.uno.edu/academics/cos/computer-science/scholarships
UNO McNair Scholars Program page: https://www.uno.edu/trio/mcnair
UNO Department of Music scholarships page: https://www.uno.edu/academics/colaehd/la/music/scholarships-awards
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of New Orleans 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) | $9,829 | $14,665 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,270 | $13,270 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $23,099 | $27,935 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,147 — 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.
Out-of-State Savings: UNO’s Gulf State Promise offers in-state tuition to residents of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. UNO also participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) for select majors, allowing eligible students from SREB states to pay in-state tuition when their program isn’t offered in their home state.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for a non-resident tuition reduction?
Residents of TX, MS, AL, and FL may receive the in-state rate via the Gulf State Promise. Some specific majors participate in the Academic Common Market for students from SREB states.
How much does the Gulf State Promise save?
It reduces tuition from the non-resident rate ($14,665) to the resident rate ($9,829) for the year, a savings of about $4,800+.
Do I submit a separate application?
No separate application is typically required for Gulf State Promise; follow UNO’s admissions and scholarship timelines for best consideration.
https://www.uno.edu/bursar/tuition-fees
https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-education
https://www.uno.edu/housing/cost
https://www.uno.edu/gulf-state-promise
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?159939-University-of-New-Orleans=
https://www.sreb.org/AcademicCommonMarket
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At the University of New Orleans, automatic scholarships are awarded based on a student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores at the time of admission. These awards are tied directly to admission review—no separate application is needed. Non-resident students who qualify often receive the in-state tuition waiver in addition to a merit award.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Freshman Merit Award | $2,000–$5,000/yr | High school GPA ≥ 3.0 and ACT 23+ (or SAT equivalent). Louisiana TOPS-eligible students may receive UNO aid stacked on top. |
No | Yes — maintain 2.5 GPA, full-time enrollment | Most LA residents with a 3.0 GPA and ACT in mid-20s qualify; non-residents combine this with out-of-state waiver. | Dec. 15 (priority); June 1 (final) |
| Honors & Excellence Award (higher tier) | $6,000–$8,000/yr | High school GPA ≥ 3.5 and ACT 27+ (or SAT equivalent). Top quartile of graduating class strongly favored. | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment | Strong students with 3.5+ GPA and ACT close to 30 are competitive; many recipients join Honors Program. | Dec. 15 (priority); June 1 (final) |
| Privateer Premier Award (top tier) | $9,000–$10,000/yr | High school GPA ≥ 3.7 and ACT 30+ (or SAT equivalent). Limited number awarded. | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment | Top Louisiana and out-of-state students with high rigor and strong ACT/SAT scores. | Dec. 15 (priority); June 1 (final) |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate when not explicitly listed by the university. These bands are based on a mix of official descriptions, past award levels, and published student profiles. Actual thresholds can shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No, all admitted freshmen are automatically reviewed for UNO’s merit scholarships.
Does UNO superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes, UNO considers the highest subscores across test dates to maximize your eligibility.
Can I stack these awards with the out-of-state waiver?
Yes. Non-residents who qualify for both can combine the waiver with their automatic merit scholarship.
What’s the deadline?
Students should apply for admission by December 15 for priority scholarship consideration. Final deadline is June 1, but early action is strongly recommended due to funding caps.
UNO Scholarships – https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
UNO Admissions Dates – https://www.uno.edu/admissions/dates
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
UNO’s institutional scholarship system is largely automatic, but its Homer Hitt Scholarship is a standout competitive award requiring extra steps (interview, finalist review). Honors-only and departmental donor scholarships are excluded here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homer Hitt Scholarship | $75,000 over 4 years (≈ $18,750/yr) | Interview process and finalist review beyond automatic merit | Min 3.5 GPA and ACT 32 / SAT 1420 (or equivalent), first-time freshman | Yes — application + interview for finalists | Yes — full-time enrollment, 3.0+ GPA, and yearly credit progress | Dec. 15 (priority); Feb. 1 (final); finalist interviews early March |
Flagship / Competitive FAQ
Is Homer Hitt highly selective?
Yes — meeting the GPA/test thresholds does not guarantee selection. Only finalists are interviewed.
What does it cover?
It covers a significant portion of institutional tuition and fees over 4 years (approx. $18,750 annually).
Do I apply separately?
Yes — you must complete the competitive scholarship application and, if invited, participate in an interview.
Can it stack with other aid?
Yes — it may stack with state, federal, or external awards, as long as the total does not exceed cost of attendance.
UNO Scholarships – https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
🎖️ Honors College
The University of New Orleans Honors Program gives high-achieving students a smaller, more personalized academic experience within a larger urban university. Admission is competitive, but it offers strong perks like priority registration, small seminar-style classes, and faculty mentorship that can make a big difference in your student’s journey.
High school GPA 3.5+, ACT 26+ (or SAT equivalent), rigorous coursework, and involvement in leadership or service.
*Estimates based on UNO admissions guidance and prior cohort profiles.
- Priority class registration
- Dedicated Honors housing options
- Faculty-led seminars and interdisciplinary courses
- Research opportunities and senior thesis support
- Mentorship and advising tailored to graduate/professional pathways
| Eligibility Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Gets In? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACT 26+ or SAT 1170+; usually 3.5+ GPA and strong academic prep | Yes — UNO Honors application (after University admission) | Yes — continued GPA and academic progress required | Top ~10% of incoming class, often leaders with strong recommendations | Rolling; best by Jan. 15 for full perks |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No — students must apply separately to the UNO Honors Program after admission to the university. Minimum test scores and GPA are required but most students accepted present well above the minimums.
Does Honors add time to your degree?
No. Honors students graduate on time; requirements are built into the standard credit load.
When should my student apply?
It’s best to apply early in senior year or immediately after admission to UNO to secure priority housing and advising. Priority deadline is typically January 15, but applications may be considered on a rolling basis if seats remain.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors?
UNO does not advertise separate Honors-only scholarships. Instead, strong Honors applicants are often competitive for flagship and donor-funded awards already covered in other sections.
UNO Honors Program – https://www.uno.edu/honors-program/
UNO Honors Requirements – https://www.uno.edu/honors-program/requirements
UNO Admissions Dates – https://www.uno.edu/admissions/dates
⭐ College Specialty
The University of New Orleans is a public urban research university with a strong reputation in creative arts, technology, and regional leadership programs. For families looking at UNO, it’s not just about affordability—the school also has programs that open doors to careers in Louisiana’s cultural and economic hubs.
- Film & Theatre Arts: UNO’s School of the Arts is known statewide for film and theatre, with alumni working in Hollywood and Louisiana’s fast-growing film industry.
- Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering: UNO hosts one of the few accredited programs in the U.S. in this field, supporting Louisiana’s vital shipbuilding and maritime sectors.
- Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration: Recognized across the Gulf South as a leading program preparing students for management careers in Louisiana’s hospitality industry.
- Computer Science: Regionally respected for software engineering and cybersecurity research, with ties to Louisiana’s growing tech sector.
📎 Official Links
- University of New Orleans Homepage
- UNO Honors Program
- Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
- UNO Scholarships & Awards