University of North Carolina Greensboro Scholarships (2025–2026)

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If you’re looking at UNC Greensboro, you’re probably wondering what the real price tag looks like—and what scholarships can help bring it down. As a North Carolina public university, UNCG offers a mix of automatic merit, competitive awards, and special programs that can make a big difference for families. We’ll also point you to our North Carolina state aid guide so you don’t miss out on state-level help.

💰 Cost of Attendance at UNC Greensboro

COA FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Students who meet North Carolina residency requirements through the state’s Residency Determination Service (RDS).

How much do families really pay?
On average, in-state families paid about $9,950 after grants and scholarships in 2022–23, compared to the $23K sticker price.

Do I need to apply separately for the tuition guarantee?
No. The UNC Fixed Tuition Guarantee is automatic for NC residents once they enroll full time as first-time degree seekers.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

UNC Greensboro offers automatic merit aid under the Blue & Gold Merit Scholarship umbrella. These awards are given directly through the admissions process when students apply by the priority deadline. The amounts are not tiered publicly, but UNCG does share clear rules on eligibility, deadlines, and renewability.

Note: UNCG does not publish GPA/test cutoff tables. Ranges above are estimates based on peer UNC campuses. Exact awards vary each year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.

FAQs about Automatic Merit

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. If you apply for admission by January 15, you’ll automatically be considered for Blue & Gold merit aid.

Are test scores required?
No. UNCG is test-optional. Strong GPAs and course rigor are most important. Submitting good test scores can strengthen your chances but isn’t required.

Does UNCG superscore test results?
Yes. UNCG superscores both the SAT and ACT. They take your highest section scores across test dates to create the best possible composite for both admission and scholarship review.

Can Blue & Gold awards stack with other aid?
Yes, they usually stack with need-based aid, state grants, and outside scholarships, but not with tuition-specific discounts like WUE (which UNCG doesn’t offer).

What do students actually report receiving?
UNCG doesn’t list amounts publicly, but one student (with a GPA above 3.8) reported getting $3,500 per year, renewable for 4 years. This gives families a ballpark, though actual awards can be higher or lower depending on academics and funding.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Unlike some universities that advertise large named competitive awards (like Presidential or Chancellor’s Scholarships), UNC Greensboro does not publish broad, university-wide competitive scholarships. Instead, most selective opportunities are tied to special programs such as the Sloan STEM Scholars or Minerva Scholars, which we cover in the Hidden Gems and Honors sections below.

FAQs about Competitive Scholarships

Does UNCG offer big campus-wide competitive scholarships?
No. UNCG’s most selective awards are embedded in programs like STEM cohorts or the Honors College rather than stand-alone “Presidential” awards.

Where should I look if my student is high-achieving?
Focus on the Hidden Gems and Honors College sections. That’s where you’ll find the truly competitive awards at UNCG.

Can I still apply for other scholarships?
Yes. UNCG uses a scholarship portal where students can apply for donor-funded awards, departmental scholarships, and program-specific opportunities each year.

Do competitive scholarships stack with Blue & Gold merit?
Often yes, but your total aid package cannot exceed the cost of attendance. Always confirm with the financial aid office when you receive your award letter.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Some of UNCG’s most impactful scholarships aren’t automatic or campus-wide competitive awards — they’re niche programs, need-based initiatives, or tied to special opportunities like STEM cohorts, ROTC, study abroad, band, or departmental awards. These can quietly save families thousands each year.

FAQs about Hidden Gem Scholarships

Are these scholarships automatic like Blue & Gold?
No. Most require either an application (like Sloan STEM, STAMPS 3.0, or departmental awards) or eligibility through need-based aid (like UNCG Guarantee or Next NC Scholarship).

Can they stack with Blue & Gold merit?
Yes. Many hidden gems can be combined with merit scholarships, though your total aid package can’t exceed the cost of attendance.

How do I apply for departmental scholarships?
Each department (like Languages, Literatures, and Cultures) has its own process, usually through faculty nomination or a small application form.

Do ROTC, band, or language scholarships cover a big portion of costs?
ROTC can cover full tuition and fees. Band and departmental awards are usually smaller stipends ($500–$2,000) but can stack with other aid to reduce costs.

⭐ College Specialty

If you’ve ever wondered why families and employers love UNC Greensboro, it’s because UNCG offers accessible, high-impact programs that deliver real opportunity — especially in health careers, teacher preparation, and online learning. As a growing R2 research university, UNCG blends student mobility initiatives with strong academic outcomes in the region.

• Social Mobility: UNCG is Ranked #1 in North Carolina and #15 nationally for social mobility of undergraduate students.
• Graduate Library & Information Studies: School Library Media specialty is Ranked #10 nationally, and the broader MLIS program is Top 100 — #4 in NC.
• Online Programs: Online Business is #1 in NC and ; Master’s in Nursing (online) is #12; Master’s in Special Education (online) is #14.
• Community Engagement: UNCG holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification — affirming its deep involvement with local and regional communities.
• Most Affordable & Student Experience: Wall Street Journal ranked UNCG #1 in NC for Student Experience (and 21st nationally); New York Times calls it “Most Affordable in North Carolina.”

🎖 Honors College

At UNC Greensboro, high-achieving students can take part in the Lloyd International Honors College (LIHC), which blends small seminar classes, global experiences, and intensive research opportunities. Admission is competitive, but the community and academic perks can make a big university feel personal and connected.

FAQs about Honors

Is admission automatic if I meet GPA requirements?
No. Admission is competitive and requires a separate Honors application with essays or interviews. Meeting academic benchmarks helps but doesn’t guarantee entry.

Does Honors add time to my degree?
No — Honors courses typically count as core or major credits, so most students graduate in four years.

Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Absolutely. Besides the Honors Scholars and Class of ’55 programs, most endowed awards range from $1,000/year and are renewable.

When should I apply?
Honor applicants must submit by early winter (interview by January / notification by February), and current Honors students apply in Scholarship Universe by March 1st.

🔗 Official Links

• 📎 UNC Greensboro Homepage
• 📎 Lloyd International Honors College
• 📎 Scholarships & Financial Aid

✨ Final Thoughts

Navigating the true cost of college can feel overwhelming, but UNC Greensboro makes it clear that opportunities exist for families at every income level. From automatic Blue & Gold merit to hidden gems like the UNCG Guarantee and departmental scholarships, there are real ways to bring the sticker price down. Add in the strong Honors College and nationally recognized programs, and UNCG can be a smart, affordable choice — especially for NC families. Remember, the key is to apply early, explore all the niches, and stack the scholarships that fit your student best.

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