University of New Orleans Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 26, 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: ~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
🏆 Full tuition available (Homer Hitt Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$11,147/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$5,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
15 opportunities
3 automatic · 1 competitive · 11 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.75+; ACT 20+ / SAT 1030+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 15 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Homer Hitt Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
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.
💰 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.
Sources:
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.
Automatic
Privateer Premier Award
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~30 ACT✎ ~1360 SAT👥 ~Limited number of awards each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
As UNO's top automatic tier, this award stacks with Louisiana TOPS for in-state students and with out-of-state regional waivers for non-residents — always subject to UNO's policy that total institutional and state aid cannot exceed your cost of attendance. For many Louisiana families, a President Scholarship plus TOPS Opportunity can come very close to covering full in-state tuition.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP maps this branded tier to UNO's official President Scholarship. Live UNO page (verified May 2026) confirms: 30 ACT/1360 SAT + 3.0 GPA, OR 3.90–4.00 non-weighted GPA only. Four-year value is $20,000, yielding a fixed $5,000/year. Prior DB row had inflated and incorrect amounts ($9,000–$10,000), incorrect GPA minimum of 3.70, and listed award_varies as true; all corrected to reflect the verified 2025-2026 UNO scholarship chart. Award is fixed, not variable.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a 3.90–4.00 non-weighted cumulative GPA can qualify on grades alone — no test score required. Students with at least a 3.0 GPA who also score 30 ACT or 1360 SAT earn this award via the combined path. This is realistically achievable for your student if they've maintained a strong, consistent record — and it's automatic, meaning no extra hoops to jump through.
Automatic
Honors & Excellence Award
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~26 ACT✎ ~1230 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks cleanly with Louisiana TOPS for in-state students and with UNO's out-of-state regional waivers for non-residents, subject to UNO's cost-of-attendance cap. For Louisiana families using TOPS, this $4,000/year award layers on top of TOPS Opportunity funds and can make UNO genuinely affordable.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP maps this branded tier to UNO's official Provost Scholarship. Live UNO page (verified May 2026) confirms criteria: 26 ACT/1230 SAT + 3.0 GPA, OR 3.60–3.89 non-weighted GPA only. Four-year value is $16,000, yielding $4,000/year. Prior DB row had incorrect amounts ($6,000–$8,000) and incorrect minimums (27 ACT/1280 SAT); all corrected per live 2025-2026 UNO scholarship chart. Award is fixed (not variable) at this tier.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a non-weighted cumulative GPA between 3.60–3.89 can qualify on GPA alone, no test score required. Students in the 3.0+ GPA range who also bring a 26 ACT or 1230 SAT qualify via the combined path. This tier rewards consistent academic performers — the student who showed up and did the work throughout high school.
Automatic
First-Time Freshman Merit Award
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
These entry-level merit awards can stack with Louisiana TOPS where applicable and, for out-of-state students, with UNO's regional waiver programs — as long as the combined total stays within your cost of attendance. Think of them as your base layer that other funding builds on top of.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP aggregates UNO's Academic and lower Dean tiers into this branded label. UNO's official scale runs from the Academic award (20 ACT/1030 SAT + 2.75 GPA or 3.00–3.29 GPA only, $4,000 four-year value) through the Dean award (24 ACT/1200 SAT + 2.75 GPA or 3.30–3.59 GPA only, $12,000 four-year value), yielding per-year amounts of $1,000–$3,000 depending on where the student lands. Award amounts updated from prior $2,000–$5,000 to reflect verified 2025-2026 UNO scholarship chart. Minimum test scores corrected to 20 ACT/1030 SAT per live UNO page.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Louisiana students with a high school GPA in the 3.0–3.29 range or who score a 20–23 on the ACT (1030–1130 SAT) land in this tier. It's genuinely accessible — UNO designed these awards so that solid, hardworking students who aren't perfect-score kids still walk away with meaningful annual aid.
* 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: 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.
Sources:
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.
Full RideApp Required
Homer Hitt Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Ride
comprehensive scholarship
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~32 ACT✎ ~1420 SAT👥 ~Approximately 15 awards per year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Homer Hitt is a comprehensive award covering tuition, room, board, and a book stipend — so the stacking conversation is mostly about what fills the gaps. It can be combined with TOPS and other state or federal aid, but UNO's policy is firm: total institutional and state aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, and university scholarships plus waivers plus state tuition-based programs cannot exceed full tuition and eligible fees. In practice, TOPS on top of Homer Hitt may be partially or fully displaced by COA limits — but it's still a remarkably complete package on its own.
📄
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for freshman admission and be accepted to UNO. Step 2: Complete the Homer Hitt supplemental application — this involves essays and supporting materials reviewed holistically. Step 3: Top candidates are invited to finalist interviews held March 1–10. The admissions acceptance final deadline is February 1 (with a secondary May 1 date); aim for the December 15 priority date to maximize your chances of being invited to the interview round.
Selection criteria: Initial screening uses published minimums (32 ACT/1420 SAT + 3.5 GPA). Finalist selection is holistic — evaluating academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, personal statement quality, and interview performance. Academic floor is necessary but not sufficient; the interview is the deciding round.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO's scholarship page confirms Homer Hitt criteria: 32 ACT/1420 SAT + 3.5 GPA + interview, with a four-year total value of $75,000 ($18,750/year). UNO's scholarship rules and regulations document describes Homer Hitt as a comprehensive scholarship covering tuition, residence hall room, board, and a $500 annual book stipend for up to eight semesters. Verified against live UNO page May 2026. No material changes needed to quantitative fields; narrative fields updated for brand voice and accuracy.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly 15 incoming freshmen each year who clear the 32 ACT/1420 SAT and 3.5 GPA bar and then shine in the finalist interview. The interview is the real differentiator — UNO is looking for students who are genuinely excited about building their future in New Orleans, not just students with the highest numbers. Leadership, purpose, and a compelling personal story matter here.
* 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: The Homer Hitt Scholarship is UNO’s flagship competitive award, designed to recognize exceptional applicants via a selective process.
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.
Sources:
UNO Scholarships – https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond automatic merit and flagship awards, the University of New Orleans has smaller programs and aid opportunities that can help reduce costs. These hidden gems include need-based state aid, ROTC pathways, and targeted donor awards that many families overlook.
App Required
UNO Alumni Association Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Around February 1; specific deadline may vary by year.
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Alumni-funded awards supplement existing aid and can be renewable when students continue to meet criteria.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the UNO Alumni Association scholarship application, including essays and activity information, by the posted deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes leadership, service, and overall contribution to school and community.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO Alumni Association reports awarding dozens of scholarships totaling more than $50,000 annually; typical individual awards fall in the $1,000–$2,500 range according to association materials and CRP estimates.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming freshmen and sometimes continuing students who demonstrate leadership, involvement, and alignment with Alumni Association priorities.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UNO Donor/Privateer Foundation Awards
📅 Deadline: Most UNO departmental and donor awards use a general portal deadline around May 12.
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Endowed and donor scholarships are layered on top of students’ existing aid packages, with some awards renewable and others one-time, all subject to UNO cost-of-attendance caps.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the UNO scholarship portal profile and submit any required essays or materials for individual donor scholarships listed there by the general campus scholarship deadline.
Selection criteria: Individual donor scholarship criteria guide selection, often considering GPA, need, major, and involvement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO points students to a centralized scholarship portal for hundreds of endowed and donor-funded awards; CRP captures typical annual amounts of $500–$3,000 per student but individual named funds vary.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: UNO undergraduates across class years who complete the scholarship portal early and match specific donor criteria such as major, class standing, financial need, or identity-based eligibility.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
English Department Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Most departmental English scholarships have March 15 deadlines.
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental funds can supplement existing merit and need-based aid, subject to UNO’s overall aid and cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the English department or UNO scholarship portal, providing major information, writing samples, or other materials as required by specific named awards.
Selection criteria: Departmental committees evaluate academic performance and writing or other criteria specific to each named scholarship.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO’s scholarship pages reference multiple departmental humanities scholarships; CRP consolidates typical award sizes of $500–$2,000 per year for English majors.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: UNO English majors, often juniors or seniors, with strong academic records and faculty support who apply through the department.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Frederick Hosch Scholarship (Computer Science)
📅 Deadline: Around March 15, aligned with CS departmental scholarship deadlines.
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award may be renewed contingent on continued enrollment in Computer Science and satisfactory academic progress; stacks with other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Computer Science department’s scholarship process, typically in spring, and document academic performance and background.
Selection criteria: Departmental selection emphasizing representation in CS, GPA, and involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO news highlights Hosch Scholarship awards of $6,000 total for selected CS students, funded by an alumnus; CRP summarizes the annualized range as roughly $1,000–$2,500 depending on structure and duration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Computer Science majors from underrepresented or historically excluded backgrounds, such as first-generation or minority students, who show strong academic promise.
Automatic
Jefferson Premier Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.5+ GPA✎ ~23 ACT✎ ~1130 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award that can stack with other UNO scholarships and Louisiana TOPS; total aid limited by cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
One-year scholarship award listed on official UNO scholarship page. Unlike renewable merit awards, this is a one-time $2,000 award for eligible freshmen. Non-weighted GPA required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time freshmen with 23 ACT/1130 SAT and minimum 2.5 non-weighted cumulative GPA who meet the Jefferson Premier threshold but fall below the higher automatic scholarship tiers.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
McNair Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Program deadlines are typically in late winter or early spring; UNO McNair materials reference February application cycles.
✓ Renews
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Research stipend is paid on top of existing aid; as a federal TRIO program, it does not typically reduce institutional scholarships but counts toward total aid for cost-of-attendance calculations.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a McNair Scholars Program application as an eligible UNO undergraduate, participate in interviews or information sessions if required, and commit to completing research, workshops, and graduate school preparation activities.
Selection criteria: TRIO selection criteria prioritize academic potential for Ph.D. study and first-generation/low-income or underrepresented status.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
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Strategic Detail
UNO’s McNair site states that scholars may earn up to $2,800 in research and scholarly activity stipends; benefits also include mentoring, GRE prep, and graduate school application support.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation, low-income, or underrepresented juniors and seniors with strong academic potential who intend to pursue doctoral study and engage seriously in research.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UNO Music Talent Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Most auditions and scholarship decisions occur by March 1; some ensemble-related awards are made each semester.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Music talent awards generally stack with academic merit and need-based aid, provided students continue participating in required ensembles and maintain departmental standards.
📄
How to Apply
Audition with the Department of Music, complete any departmental scholarship forms, and enroll in required ensembles or degree programs as specified by UNO Music.
Selection criteria: Faculty evaluation of musical talent, ensemble needs, and academic standing.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO Music lists a range of talent-based and named scholarships, some of which can approach the cost of attendance for outstanding students; CRP summarizes typical amounts of $500–$3,000 per year for many departmental awards and ensemble-based stipends.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Music majors and ensemble participants in jazz, classical, or choral areas who show strong performance ability at audition and remain active in the department.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable for up to two years (four semesters) for Phi Theta Kappa transfer students; can stack with other UNO transfer scholarships and institutional aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Phi Theta Kappa scholarship for transfer students listed on official UNO scholarship page. Requires active PTK membership and 3.0 transfer GPA. Fixed $2,000/year award renewable for two years with continued 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with a 3.0+ cumulative transfer GPA who enroll full-time at UNO.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UNO Scholarship for Women in Computer Science
📅 Deadline: Around March 15; specific Computer Science scholarship deadlines are set each spring.
✓ Renews
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental scholarships typically stack with institutional merit and state aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a departmental scholarship application through the UNO Computer Science department or scholarship portal, including information on major, GPA, and involvement.
Selection criteria: Departmental review of academic performance, major status, and sometimes leadership/service in CS.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO CS lists multiple departmental scholarships, including awards targeted toward women in computing; CRP summarizes a typical range of $1,000–$3,000 annually for these donor-funded awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Female Computer Science majors in good academic standing, often with departmental involvement or leadership.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
ACERS Scholarship (Computer Science)
📅 Deadline: Spring departmental deadline, typically around March 15.
✓ Renews (2.5 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship is awarded per year and can be renewed while the student remains a CS major in good standing; funds stack with other institutional and external awards within aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the ACERS scholarship application through the UNO Computer Science department, documenting major status, GPA, and financial circumstances.
Selection criteria: Selection based on academic performance and demonstrated financial need within the CS department.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNO’s CS page describes ACERS scholarships of $500 per semester for undergraduates, awarded on a per-year basis; CRP uses an annual $500–$2,000 range to capture common award patterns.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Computer Science majors who maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need and academic commitment.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
UNO Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: December 15
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 2 yrs)
$1,000–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable for up to two years (four semesters) for transfer students; can stack with other institutional aid and TOPS where applicable, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Transfer scholarship listed on official UNO scholarship page. Award amount varies based on transfer GPA and credit hours. Renewable for up to two years with continued 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with 30+ transferable credit hours and a 3.0+ cumulative transfer GPA who are admitted to UNO and enroll full-time.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Air Force ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: AFROTC high school scholarship deadlines typically fall in January of senior year; in-college scholarship deadlines vary.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_and_stipend
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Air Force ROTC tuition scholarships work similarly to Army ROTC, often requiring adjustments to institutional tuition awards but allowing stipends and book allowances to stack up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for AFROTC scholarships through the Air Force ROTC program and participate in AFROTC at Tulane University while enrolled at UNO.
Selection criteria: Air Force ROTC selection emphasizes academics, leadership, and fitness as measured by AFROTC criteria.
🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP notes AFROTC access for UNO students via Tulane; national AFROTC scholarships typically provide full or partial tuition, a monthly stipend, and a book allowance in exchange for post-graduation service.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
UNO students who enroll in AFROTC at Tulane, maintain strong academics, meet physical and medical standards, and commit to Air Force service after graduation.
* 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 GPA/test requirements are based on the most recent publicly available information. Ranges are provided where exact amounts vary by year or donor funding.
- Black Student Union (BSU) or other student-run donor scholarships — check with student organizations directly.
- Need-based institutional grants awarded through the FAFSA.
- ScholarshipUniverse — UNO’s centralized matching platform that connects students with hundreds of additional niche scholarships once admitted.
- No publicly listed Marching Band scholarship found at UNO, though ensemble-based aid may be available via the Music Department.
Hidden Gem FAQ
Does UNO participate in QuestBridge?
No — UNO is not a QuestBridge partner school. See the full list of participating universities at QuestBridge National College Match if you’re seeking those types of partnerships.
Can I stack TOPS with UNO merit or flagship scholarships?
Yes. Louisiana residents can stack TOPS with UNO automatic and flagship awards, though stacking rules with donor awards may vary.
How do ROTC scholarships work at UNO?
UNO students enroll in the Army ROTC program hosted at Tulane University. Those selected can receive full tuition plus monthly stipends in exchange for service commitments after graduation.
When should we apply for UNO donor scholarships?
As early as possible—UNO’s scholarship portal typically opens in the fall, and many awards have priority deadlines before spring.
Sources:
UNO Departmental & Donor Scholarships – https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
UNO Music Scholarships – https://www.uno.edu/cola/music/scholarships
UNO Scholarship Portal/Awards – https://www.uno.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-awards
UNO Dates & Deadlines – https://www.uno.edu/admissions/dates
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical UNO Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Honors Perks that Matter:
- 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 |
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
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.
Best-Known Program: Jazz Studies (Department of Music)
UNO’s Jazz Studies program is recognized nationally, building on New Orleans’ deep cultural roots. Students study with world-class musicians and often perform at major jazz festivals and venues across the city.
- 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.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the University of New Orleans can feel like a lot—tuition, fee waivers, flagship scholarships, and hidden gems all layered together. The good news: families have multiple paths to real savings, from automatic merit and Louisiana’s TOPS program to UNO’s prestigious Homer Hitt Scholarship and even full tuition through ROTC. If your student is aiming high, stacking these options can make UNO surprisingly affordable while still offering standout programs in music, film, engineering, and more.
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