The University of Tampa 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: ~41%
- Middle 50% ACT: 26
- Middle 50% SAT: 1225
- Average GPA: 3.55
- Below the typical ranges: This becomes a reach. Focus on GPA, course rigor, and a clean application—UT is more selective than many families expect.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in range, but not guaranteed. Apply by the priority deadline to stay in the best position for merit consideration.
- Well above the ranges: Admission odds are strong, and you’re positioned for the higher end of merit—but don’t expect a full discount. This is still a high-cost private school.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 The University of Tampa at a Glance
- Automatic merit exists, but even at the top end ($18K/year), it usually doesn’t close the gap to the full cost of attendance.
- Priority deadlines matter—students who apply later can miss out on stronger merit consideration.
- Test-optional doesn’t always mean test-neutral—strong scores can still help increase merit awards, especially since UT superscores.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — The University of Tampa is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 26; SAT: 1225.
Average net price? About $35,634/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
University scholarship page: https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/freshman-merit-scholarships
University scholarship page: https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants
University catalog: https://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/undergraduate-catalog/financial-aid/types-of-assistance-available/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships-and-non-need-based-assistance-for-first-time-freshmen/
Departmental scholarship page: https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/departmental-scholarships/music-scholarships
University transfer scholarship page: https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/transfer-merit-scholarships
University leadership program page: https://www.ut.edu/campus-life/leadership-engage/presidents-leadership-fellows
University catalog: https://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2022-2023/catalog/financial-aid/types-of-assistance-available/scholarships-and-grants/other-scholarship-opportunities/rotc-scholarships
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at The University of Tampa 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) | $35,744 | $35,744 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,944 | $14,944 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $50,688 | $50,688 |
Average Federal Net Price: $35,634 — 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.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
Because The University of Tampa is a private Florida college, Florida residents may be able to combine UT merit awards with certain state-funded programs that also apply to eligible private schools. This doesn’t “solve” the sticker price by itself — but it can be a meaningful layer when you’re building the full cost plan.
- EASE Grant (Florida): UT notes the EASE Grant at $3,500 (amounts can change by state policy and year).
- Bright Futures: Bright Futures can be used at eligible Florida private colleges, but it’s typically applied as a per-credit-hour value (not the same “covers full tuition” math families see at Florida public universities).
Parent move: Ask UT’s financial aid office to show you how EASE and Bright Futures would appear in your student’s package — and whether anything changes if your student also receives UT merit or outside scholarships.
- Single tuition rate: UT does not charge different in-state vs out-of-state tuition.
- Merit scholarships drive savings: Most tuition discounts come from automatic merit awards based on GPA, academic rigor, and (if submitted) test scores.
- No regional exchanges: UT does not participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or other interstate tuition programs.
- External aid can stack: ROTC scholarships, private awards, and UT need-based grants may further reduce costs, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
Bottom line: At UT, cost differences come from aid and scholarships, not residency status.
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at The University of Tampa
Why doesn’t UT list in-state vs out-of-state tuition?
The University of Tampa is a private institution, so all undergraduates pay the same published tuition and housing rates regardless of residency.
If there’s no in-state discount, how do students lower the cost?
Most students reduce costs through automatic merit scholarships, UT need-based grants, federal aid, and external scholarships.
Is the $50,000+ sticker price what families actually pay?
Usually not. The average net price is in the mid-$30,000s, and students with strong academics or financial need often pay less than the published cost.
Do UT merit scholarships replace need-based aid?
No. Merit and need-based aid are awarded separately, though total aid is capped at the cost of attendance.
Does UT offer tuition waivers or regional exchange discounts?
No. UT does not participate in WUE, ACM, MSEP, or other public tuition exchange programs.
How do ROTC scholarships affect cost?
ROTC scholarships are external military awards that can cover tuition and fees and may be supplemented by UT housing grants, subject to coordination with other aid.
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/tuition-and-costs
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/the-university-of-tampa/tuition-and-costs
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at The University of Tampa (2026–2027)
The University of Tampa awards most merit scholarships automatically at admission. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards, and eligibility is based primarily on high school GPA, course rigor, and (if submitted) test scores.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $15,000–$18,000 per year | Strong unweighted GPA and rigorous coursework; test scores considered if submitted | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Typically ~3.8+ GPA*, ACT ~28–32 / SAT ~1300–1450* | Nov 15 priority / Jan 15 final |
| Dean’s Scholarship | $12,000–$14,000 per year | Strong academic profile; GPA and rigor emphasized | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Typically ~3.6–3.8 GPA*, ACT ~26–29 / SAT ~1220–1350* | Nov 15 priority / Jan 15 final |
| Minaret Scholarship | $9,000–$11,000 per year | Solid GPA and college-prep coursework | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Typically ~3.4–3.6 GPA*, ACT ~24–27 / SAT ~1150–1250* | Jan 15 |
| Spartan Scholarship | $6,000–$8,000 per year | Meets baseline GPA expectations for UT admission | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Typically ~3.2–3.4 GPA*, ACT ~22–25 / SAT ~1080–1180* | Jan 15 |
| Achievement Award | $4,000 per year | Admission-eligible students meeting UT’s minimum academic standards | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Typically ~3.0–3.2 GPA*, ACT ~20–23 / SAT ~1000–1100* | Jan 15 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship | $1,000 per year | Completed IB Diploma with score of 30+; usually stacks with other merit | No | Yes — up to 4 years | IB diploma recipients meeting UT admission standards | Jan 15 |
*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.
Disclaimer: Award amounts, eligibility thresholds, and renewal criteria may change annually depending on funding and applicant pools. Merit awards may be adjusted if total aid exceeds the cost of attendance.
These are planning examples to help you sanity-check affordability. Actual awards vary by year, applicant pool, and financial need.
- Scenario A — Strong academics, some need: Student lands in a higher merit band + may see UT need-based grant layered on top after FAFSA. This is when UT becomes “possible” for more families.
- Scenario B — Solid academics, little/no need: Student receives a mid-tier merit award, but the family still pays close to sticker minus merit. This is where comparing UT against other private colleges (and Florida publics) matters most.
- Scenario C — Florida resident with state aid: Ask UT how EASE and Bright Futures are applied at UT (and whether anything changes if other outside scholarships are added).
CRP rule of thumb: If your “after-merit” number still feels uncomfortable, run UT’s Net Price Calculator and compare it to 2–3 other schools before you fall in love with the campus.
FAQ — Automatic Merit Scholarships at The University of Tampa
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. UT’s automatic merit scholarships are awarded at admission using your application materials.
Does applying early improve my scholarship chances?
Yes. Applying by the Nov 15 priority deadline gives students the best access to higher merit tiers while funding is strongest.
If UT is test-optional, should I still submit scores?
Often yes. Strong ACT or SAT scores—especially when superscored—can help boost merit awards even at test-optional schools.
Can merit scholarships increase after admission?
Sometimes. UT may reevaluate awards if updated grades or test scores are submitted before the final deadline.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, most automatic merit awards renew for up to four years as long as students meet GPA and enrollment requirements.
Do UT merit scholarships stack with other aid?
They can stack with need-based UT grants, federal aid, ROTC scholarships, and external awards, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/freshman-merit-scholarships
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/first-year-admissions
https://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/undergraduate-catalog/financial-aid/types-of-assistance-available/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships-and-non-need-based-assistance-for-first-time-freshmen/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at The University of Tampa (2026–2027)
Unlike many large public universities, The University of Tampa does not offer a single, high-dollar “flagship” full-tuition or full-ride academic scholarship. Most UT students receive merit aid through the automatic scholarship tiers awarded at admission.
UT does, however, offer a small number of competitive, cohort-based or situation-specific scholarships that can supplement automatic merit awards. These are limited in number and require additional steps beyond the general admission application.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Leadership Fellows (PLF) | $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) | Incoming first-year students with strong leadership involvement and academic standing | Yes — leadership application | Yes — up to 4 years (3.0 GPA + program participation) | A small cohort (about 25–30 students) selected for sustained leadership, service, and campus engagement | Feb 15 |
| Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship | $2,000 per year | Transfer students with verified Phi Theta Kappa (international honor society) membership | Yes — proof of PTK membership required | Yes — up to 4 years (with enrollment requirements) | High-performing community college transfers who already qualify for UT transfer merit | Varies by admission cycle |
Disclaimer: Competitive scholarships are limited in number and may change by year. Some awards may be coordinated with other institutional aid to remain within cost-of-attendance limits.
FAQ — Competitive Scholarships at The University of Tampa
Does UT have a flagship full-tuition or full-ride academic scholarship?
No. UT does not publicly offer a general full-tuition or full-ride academic scholarship for incoming freshmen.
Most students receive their largest awards through automatic merit at admission.
Is President’s Leadership Fellows a major tuition scholarship?
No. PLF is primarily a leadership development program with a modest annual scholarship that stacks with other merit awards.
Its value comes from the cohort experience, leadership training, and campus recognition—not from covering tuition.
Who should apply for President’s Leadership Fellows?
Students with consistent leadership roles, service involvement, and interest in long-term campus engagement.
This program is best for students who value leadership development, not those seeking large-dollar aid.
Do competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Sometimes. Smaller awards like PLF or PTK may stack with automatic merit, but UT coordinates all aid to ensure it does not exceed the total cost of attendance.
If UT doesn’t offer a flagship award, how do top students reduce cost?
Top students typically focus on:
- Maximizing the Presidential or Dean’s Scholarship at admission
- Submitting strong ACT/SAT scores (UT superscores)
- Applying by priority deadlines
- Stacking external scholarships or ROTC (when applicable)
https://www.ut.edu/campus-life/leadership-engage/presidents-leadership-fellows
https://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/undergraduate-catalog/financial-aid/types-of-assistance-available/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships-and-non-need-based-assistance-for-first-time-freshmen/the-presidents-leadership-fellows
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/transfer-merit-scholarships
🎖 Honors Program at The University of Tampa (2026–2027)
The University of Tampa offers a selective Honors Program designed for high-achieving students seeking smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and enhanced academic opportunities. While the Honors Program is not a major source of guaranteed merit money, it can add meaningful academic and residential value for the right student.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Type | Competitive; students are identified as Honors Eligible at admission and must submit a separate Honors application |
| Typical Academic Profile* | ~3.7+ GPA with strong coursework; ACT/SAT scores typically above UT averages* |
| Class Experience | Smaller seminar-style Honors courses, priority registration, and faculty-led research opportunities |
| Housing Perks | Priority access to Honors housing in Morsani Hall (subject to availability) |
| Scholarship Impact | No guaranteed Honors scholarship; limited supplemental funding may be available on a case-by-case basis |
| Best Fit For | Students prioritizing academic rigor, faculty access, and cohort-style learning over large merit awards |
*Academic ranges are approximate and based on recent Honors cohorts; UT does not publish fixed Honors cutoffs.
- Inspiration Through Exploration: ~$2,500 travel award for select Honors students
- SURF Fellowship: ~$3,500 + housing for intensive summer research
- URI Research Grants: ~$1,000 + supplies for mentored research projects
- Morsani Hall: Priority access to Honors Living-Learning Community
- Priority Registration: Earlier course access (especially valuable for nursing/business)
These are competitive enrichment opportunities, not guaranteed scholarships, and are awarded to a limited number of Honors students.
FAQ — UT Honors Program
Does the Honors Program come with a full or partial scholarship?
No. UT’s Honors Program is primarily an academic enrichment program.
Any additional funding is limited and not guaranteed.
How is “Honors Eligible” different from being in Honors?
Many strong applicants are labeled Honors Eligible at admission.
To join the Honors Program, students must complete a separate Honors application after enrolling.
Is Honors housing guaranteed?
No. Honors students receive priority consideration for Morsani Hall, but housing is still assigned based on availability.
Does Honors help with scholarships later?
Indirectly. Honors students may have stronger access to research, faculty recommendations, and competitive campus opportunities,
but Honors status alone does not increase automatic merit awards.
Should cost-focused families prioritize Honors at UT?
Only if the academic experience is a strong fit. Families focused primarily on cost reduction should prioritize
automatic merit, FAFSA-based grants, and external scholarships.
https://www.ut.edu/academics/honors-program
https://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/undergraduate-catalog/academics/honors-program/
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Tampa is a private, mid-sized university in the heart of downtown Tampa, and its strongest programs tend to sit at the intersection of business, health, technology, and applied sciences. Families are often drawn to UT for its location and campus experience, but many students choose it for programs that lead directly to internships, certifications, and career-ready outcomes.
Business & Entrepreneurship — UT’s Sykes College of Business is widely known for programs in entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and finance. Its downtown Tampa location places students near major employers, startups, and professional networks, making internships and applied learning a core part of the experience.
- Nursing & Health Sciences: Highly structured, competitive programs with strong clinical placement in the Tampa Bay healthcare network. Nursing, exercise science, and allied health pathways are especially popular.
- Marine Science & Biology: Leveraging Florida’s coastal location, UT offers hands-on marine science programs with fieldwork, research opportunities, and access to Gulf Coast ecosystems.
- Cybersecurity & Computer Science: Growing emphasis on applied tech, cybersecurity, and data-driven programs designed for students targeting private-sector and government roles.
- Criminology & Criminal Justice: A well-established program attracting students interested in law enforcement, forensic pathways, public service, and graduate study.
- Sport Management: One of UT’s most visible programs, benefiting from proximity to professional sports organizations and major athletic events in Florida.
🔗 Official University of Tampa Links
Use The University of Tampa’s official resources below to verify admissions details, scholarship policies, costs, and academic programs. Always rely on these pages for final deadlines and award terms.
-
Undergraduate Admissions:
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/first-year-admissions -
Application Deadlines (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular):
https://www.ut.edu/apply -
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants -
Tuition, Fees & Cost of Attendance:
https://www.ut.edu/admissions/tuition-and-costs -
Net Price Calculator:
https://collegepricecalculator.com/UniversityofTampa -
Admitted Student Profile (Federal Data):
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-tampa
- Merit review: If my student’s GPA or test scores improve after applying, will UT re-review merit before the final deadline?
- Stacking rules: Are there any awards that replace UT merit or reduce UT grants if total aid gets too high?
- Florida aid: How will EASE and Bright Futures show up in the package at UT — and do amounts change year to year?
- Renewal: What GPA and credit-hour rules must be met to keep each scholarship (and what happens if a student has one rough semester)?
- ROTC nuance (if applicable): If my student earns an ROTC scholarship, how does UT handle previously awarded merit/grants and housing support?