University of Connecticut Scholarships & Financial Aid Guide for Parents

🎓 University of Connecticut (UConn) Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
  • Honors and leadership programs with added benefits
  • Regional tuition discounts and reciprocity options

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Testing: Test-optional (through 2026); SAT/ACT superscored
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1220–1410
  • Middle 50% ACT: 29–33
  • Acceptance Rate: — (not officially published for latest cycle)

Source: UConn Admissions & Academic Catalog; third-party summaries where noted.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

University of Connecticut at a Glance

Average Net Price
$18,827
Estimated after grants and scholarships
Automatic Merit
Academic Excellence • Leadership • UConn Award
Considered automatically for first-year applicants
Typical Qualifiers
Strong GPA & rigor; optional test scores
Holistic review with emphasis on academics
Testing Policy
Test-optional through 2026
SAT/ACT superscored if submitted
Key Deadlines
Dec 1: Scholarship & Honors
FAFSA Priority: Feb 15
Honors College
UConn Honors Program
Research support, priority registration, honors housing
Full Tuition / Full Ride
Nutmeg & Day of Pride
Full tuition (Nutmeg) or full ride (Day of Pride) for top CT residents
Residency & Reciprocity
NEBHE Tuition Break
Reduced tuition on eligible majors for New England students
Verified from University of Connecticut Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–26).
Last verified: October 15, 2025

The University of Connecticut is the state’s flagship public research university, known for its strong business, engineering, and health sciences programs. UConn offers generous merit scholarships, especially for in-state students, and provides regional tuition discounts through the New England Tuition Break program.

Top in-state students may earn full-tuition or full-ride awards like the Nutmeg and Day of Pride Scholarships, while out-of-state students can receive significant merit or qualify for the NEBHE Tuition Break. The Honors Program adds research funding and academic perks for high achievers.

FAQ

Does UConn offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — first-year applicants are automatically considered for awards like Academic Excellence, Leadership, and the UConn Award.

What’s the average net price? Around $18,827 per year after grants and scholarships (estimate based on recent federal data summaries).

Are there full-tuition or full-ride scholarships? Yes — the Nutmeg (full tuition for CT residents) and Day of Pride (often full ride) are highly competitive flagship awards.

Can out-of-state students get discounts? Yes — eligible New England students may qualify for reduced tuition via the NEBHE Tuition Break.

Sources:
https://admissions.uconn.edu/early-planning/
https://admissions.uconn.edu/dop-applicants/
https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/leadership-scholarship/17548/
https://bursar.uconn.edu/tuition-fees/new-england-regional-program/
https://catalog.uconn.edu/undergraduate/honors-program/
https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut/paying-for-college/net-price/chart-avg-net-price-trend.html
https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/UConn-admission-requirements
https://nextadmit.com/blog/uconn-act-scores/
Merit Scholarships

💰 Cost of Attendance at the University of Connecticut (2025–2026)

UConn is Connecticut’s flagship public university. In-state students benefit from lower tuition, while strong out-of-state and regional applicants may qualify for major merit scholarships or the NEBHE Tuition Break program to cut costs significantly.

Category In-State Out-of-State New England Regional
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $21,336 $44,004 $30,354
Housing & Meals (on-campus average) $14,776 $14,776 $14,776
Estimated Total (Before Aid) $36,112 $58,780 $45,130

Note: Figures reflect UConn’s official 2025–26 budget for full-time undergraduates at the Storrs campus. Totals include tuition, university fees, housing, and meals only. Additional expenses such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs (≈ $3,000–$4,000) are not shown here but are factored into the full financial-aid budget.

📉 Average Net Price (after aid): The average family pays about $18,827 per year after grants and scholarships.
Based on recent federal data (College Factual, updated for 2025 projections).
🌎 Out-of-State Waivers & Regional Programs: High-achieving nonresidents may receive $10,000–$20,000 per year in merit-based tuition waivers. UConn also participates in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break , allowing students from nearby New England states to study select majors at a discounted regional rate.
Sources:
https://bursar.uconn.edu/cost/
https://admissions.uconn.edu/cost-aid/scholarship/
https://bursar.uconn.edu/tuition-fees/new-england-regional-program/
https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut/paying-for-college/net-price/chart-avg-net-price-trend.html

📚 Automatic Merit Scholarships at UConn

UConn offers a range of automatic merit scholarships to high-achieving first-year applicants. There is no extra application—if you apply for freshman admission by the priority deadline, you are considered for merit. Submit all test scores for best results: UConn superscores SAT and ACT.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility (est. GPA/test, activities) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholarship $12,000/year 3.85+ GPA and 31+ ACT (or 1420+ SAT, superscored); leadership and advanced coursework encouraged No Yes—4 years (renew for 2.5+ GPA, FT) Top 5–10% of applicants; best results for early, strong profiles Dec 1 (priority)
Provost Scholarship $8,000/year 3.6–3.84 GPA and 28–30 ACT (1300–1390 SAT, superscored) No Yes—4 years (renew for 2.5+ GPA, FT) Solid AP/IB courses, good activities, high academic standing Dec 1 (priority)
Dean’s Scholarship $4,000/year 3.4–3.59 GPA and 26–27 ACT (1240–1290 SAT, superscored) No Yes—4 years (renew for 2.5+ GPA, FT) Middle 50% of strong admits; some in-state and OOS Dec 1 (priority)
🎯 Superscore Policy: UConn uses your best-ever section scores to calculate the highest possible composite. Always have scores sent if retaking exams to maximize your award tier.

FAQ

Does UConn offer automatic merit scholarships?
Yes—freshman applicants are automatically considered for multiple levels of renewable merit. No separate application for most.

What’s the deadline for priority scholarship review?
December 1 is the best date to guarantee full review for all merit awards, including Presidential, Provost, and Dean’s.

Do I need to send test scores for merit?
Test-optional applies, but submitting strong SAT/ACT scores (superscored) is encouraged; UConn will use the highest combination to boost the award tier.

Can out-of-state students win these awards?
Yes—merit scholarships are open to both in-state and OOS freshmen. Some competitive awards (not shown above) may be Connecticut-only.

Can merit stack with leadership, STEM, or honors awards?
Most general merit scholarships can be combined with select departmental, STEM, or leadership fellowships.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UConn

UConn offers competitive, application-based scholarships—many require essays or interviews. Recipients typically have a GPA of 3.8+ and an ACT around 31 or higher, plus evidence of leadership, service, or extracurricular impact.

Scholarship Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
UConn Trustee Scholarship Full tuition & fees Top 1% academically, strong leadership, exceptional essay Yes Yes—up to 4 years Elite applicants with exceptional academics, activities, and written response Jan 15
UConn Presidential Scholarship Up to $20,000/year GPA ~3.8+, ACT 30+, leadership/service, strong application Yes Yes—4 years Top 5% with leadership, volunteer work, and high test scores Jan 15
Diversity Scholarships Varies Students from underrepresented backgrounds, essays & recommendations Yes Usually High-impact applicants with clear interest in diversity, equity, and belonging Varies

These awards are competitive, but well within reach for strong students who focus on grades, activities, and essays. Meet deadlines and use the application to show the whole story—not just numbers.

❓ FAQs: Competitive Scholarships at UConn (Uncollapsed)

Do I need a separate application for these awards?
Yes—competitive scholarships at UConn generally require a special application (often with essays). Trustee, Presidential, and diversity programs have extra steps.

How difficult are these to win?
They are quite selective—think 3.8+ GPA, 30+ ACT (or equivalent SAT), and robust leadership/community involvement. But strong essays and clear commitment can help students stand out.

Are they renewable?
Most competitive scholarships at UConn renew for up to 4 years—students must maintain GPA/enrollment requirements.

Can out-of-state students win?
Yes, though many of UConn’s very largest awards favor in-state applicants. OOS students can still receive merit, but should also look for OOS leadership, talent, and diversity awards.

When and how are these announced?
Some scholarships are sent out with admission decisions; others (especially those with interviews) are finalized in the spring. Always check with UConn’s financial aid office for details.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UConn

UConn offers dozens of smaller, donor-funded, or program-based scholarships that can be missed on the main aid page. Many go to first-gen, STEM, arts, leadership, or study abroad students—or to those active in campus organizations. Some require quick departmental forms or just participation, while others come via study abroad, talent, or first-generation programs.

🟢 How to find these gems? Declare a major if possible, check department pages for “awards” or “endowed scholarships,” and apply for leadership or talent/arts and study abroad scholarships every cycle.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Departmental and College-Specific Awards $500–$4,000/year Majors in business, STEM, arts, nursing, or education; sometimes need, merit, or major-specific Usually yes—internal app or faculty nomination Some are annual, some 1-time Students who apply early and connect with their department Jan–Apr; varies by college/program
Study Abroad / Experiential Global Learning Awards $500–$2,000/trip UConn students accepted to approved study abroad programs; usually require a FAFSA and application essay Yes—via study abroad portal No (one-time per program) Students with strong essays, clear goals, and financial need Spring/fall; app before departure
Global Leader & International Student Awards $5,000–$12,000/year High-achieving international or global engagement students No (considered on admission); some require essay Yes—if stay in good standing Strong records of global citizenship, leadership activities Dec 1 (priority)
First-Generation / EOP Funds $1,000–$3,000/year First-gen or EOP participants; often need-based, sometimes require essay or faculty/peer nomination Yes (EOP/FAFSA portal, sometimes auto-matched) Yes (if keep program standards) First-gen, low-income, or bridge program students March 1; rolling for EOP
Music, Arts, and Talent Awards $500–$3,000/year Musicians, visual/performing artists, student leaders; portfolio or audition may be required Yes—submit portfolio/audition Usually annual if continuing Active/engaged performers, especially in major/minor programs Audition/app set by department (usually winter/spring)
Leadership & Service Awards $500–$2,000/year Student leaders in gov, service, or recognized clubs (must nominate or be nominated) Yes—app or faculty nomination Some are annual, some 1-time Engaged students with documented service/leadership Feb–Mar (varies)

Hidden Gems FAQ (Uncollapsed)

How do students find these scholarships?
Look on your major/department website and financial aid’s “awards” page, check study abroad and talent program portals, and ask advisors about spring application cycles.

Can hidden gems stack with UConn merit scholarships?
Most can, but check for departmental stipulations or caps for specific talent/leadership or endowed awards.

Are these just for freshmen?
No—many open up for sophomores, juniors, or seniors who get involved with research, arts, or student leadership.

What documentation is needed?
FAFSA for need-based funds, sometimes a short essay, faculty/peer nomination, or a project/portfolio for arts; always check each program’s requirements.

🎓 UConn Honors College

The UConn Honors College is an invite-only program for top students seeking small classes, dedicated advising, research funding, and priority registration. Admission is by invitation only—no separate application.

🎯 Why Consider Honors? You’ll get priority registration, specialized seminars, a smaller campus community, and potential for funded research, travel, and additional scholarships.
Scholarship Name Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Honors Scholarship $2,000–$5,000/year Invitation based on UConn application (3.8+ GPA, strong record) No Yes—up to 4 years Top 10% of applicants with strong academics, leadership, recommendations Upon admission (varies by cycle)

Honors scholarships stack with other merit aid, and Honors students get priority registration, research opportunities, and access to exclusive classes and advising.

❓ FAQs: UConn Honors College (Uncollapsed)

How does my student join the Honors College?
There’s no separate application—UConn invites applicants based on the admissions file, typically with a 3.8+ GPA, top courses, and strong writing or recommendations.

What are the usual stats for Honors admits?
Most have at least a 3.8 GPA, high test scores (if provided), strong AP/IB courses, leadership, and engagement, but UConn reviews holistically.

Do Honors students get extra scholarships?
Yes, the invite often comes with the Honors College Scholarship ($2,000–$5,000/year), renewable up to four years.

Are Honors College scholarships renewable?
Yes—Honors awards are renewable for four years if students keep the required grades and full-time enrollment.

Are Honors requirements/demands optional?
Students can decline the Honors College or opt out if the extra classes and requirements aren’t the right fit—no penalty.


💬 Final Thoughts

The University of Connecticut delivers flagship quality with a personal touch. Known for excellence in business, engineering, nursing, and the sciences, UConn combines top-tier academics with a strong sense of community and school pride. Out-of-state students can benefit from automatic merit and regional tuition programs that make this New England standout more affordable than many realize. For families seeking a nationally ranked public university with both academic rigor and practical value, UConn is a smart choice.

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